Days 1-2 (30/6-1/7) - Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo, the nation’s capital! Did you know that with over 9 million residents, Tokyo is classified as the largest city in the world? And that's not even counting the neighboring cities in the Greater Tokyo region, bringing the number to a whopping 36 million! A private car will collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodations for the next few days. We will not schedule too much for your first two days to allow you to rest after a long flight and settle into your new home for the next few days!
Day 3 (2/7) - Tokyo
Before diving headfirst into the exciting world of anime, you'll start the day slowly (and get close to royalty) with a meander through the beautiful expanse that is the Imperial Palace Gardens. Drink in the sun, sweet smelling fruit and sheer beauty of these gardens as you also learn a bit about the imperial family history. Right in the center of the city, the architecture in the surrounding area is also absolutely amazing. After a relaxing morning, get ready to delve into the anime, manga and electronic mecca that is Akihabara with a guided tour. Packed with gaming arcades, comic book and anime stores, virtual reality experiences and dozens of 'otaku' (die hard anime fans) roaming the streets it's a definite eye opening experience into a rather quirky side of Japanese culture. Akihabara is also a great place to stock up on any electronics you may need with every corner boasting some kind of new or used electronics store. Lunch at a maid cafe is an experience you will not be forgetting any time soon! Meals: Breakfast Guided Tour: Yes
Day 4 (3/7) - Tokyo
Today you’ll start the morning with a visit to the Studio Ghibli Museum where you’ll learn all about the mastermind behind some of Japan’s best anime films. You’ll then head to the trendy fashion hub of Harajuku. As you walk down Takeshita Street, be sure to stop by the rainbow cotton candy and crepe stands, as well as the fascinating costume galleries and character cafes. You could also opt to visit the famous Kawaii Monster Cafe to get a glimpse of Japan's 'kawaii' culture. The brightly colored food, live performances from waitresses dressed like cartoon characters, and vibrant decor make it a memorable experience. For a brief respite from the neon and busyness, duck into Meiji Jingu Shrine, one of Tokyo's most spiritually significant religious structures. Take a leisurely stroll through its forested grounds for a bit of peace in the middle of the city. You’ll then make your way to Shibuya, home to the iconic Shibuya Crossing which has featured in a number of movies. This will be a great place to get dinner for the evening! Meals: Breakfast Guided Tour: No
Day 5 (4/7) - Tokyo
One of Tokyo's most unique and special attributes is its ability to combine technology with innovation to provide the most amazing experiences. One example is an interactive and sensory art exhibition called Teamlab Planets. With rooms full of color, LED rain and waterfalls of light; it truly gives new meaning to the term 'modern art' and is an experience you're likely to remember for a long time! The man made island of Odaiba could be called Tokyo's innovation capital. All of Japan’s major corporations have their concept technology housed around here and it's an area brimming with innovation and futuristic experiences. One of these is the Toyota City Showcase. Car enthusiasts won't want to miss this. Check out the latest innovations in the technology zone, reminisce about the old days as you wander through the vintage car collection rooms in the history garage, or test drive your favorite car on their private track (an international driving license is necessary). The nearby Miraikan museum could also be the perfect stop for the more scientifically inclined in the family. Meals: Breakfast Guided Tour: No
Day 6 (5/7) - Hakone
No trip to Japan would be complete without seeing one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks the majestic Mt Fuji ,and one of the best places to see it is in the mountainous region of Hakone. A beautiful cruise across the lake followed by a ropeway right to the top of Mt Owakudani will reveal stunning views of the surrounding forest, and of course Mt Fuji. The evening can be spent relaxing in your ryokan’s onsen hotsprings and enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner. Hakone has so many other options, and its backdrop encourages you to experience the outdoors. The mystical Hakone Shrine and Old Tokaido Road, which dates back to the Edo era, are among the popular stops to make while in town. The town also boasts an onsen the me park which offers guests the opportunity to experience more than 20 different types of hot springs, including baths which allow you to bathe in liquids like wine, coffee, green tea, and sake! Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Guided Tour: No
Day 7 (6/7) - Kyoto
Today you bid farewell to the beautiful mountain and hop on the bullet train to Kyoto. This former capital of Japan is absolutely bursting with history. Whereas Tokyo is typically busy and modern, Kyoto moves at a slower pace and has a tighter hold on tradition. First, you’ll visit what is arguably the most famous shrine in Japan, Fushimi Inari. Featured in the movie 'Memoirs of a Geisha', this shrine has over 10 000 picturesque red 'torii' gates donated by people and various businesses from all over Japan as a sign of appreciation to the god Inari for blessings received. It is also special as it is one of the few shrines in Japan that is open 24 hours. Your next activity is a traditional Japanese arts show. As well as offering a chance to see a performance by a maiko (trainee geisha), this 60 minute theatrical experience also introduces you to other various skilled artists such as ikebana flower arrangers, puppeteers, Japanese harp players, and court musicians. Meals: Breakfast Guided Tour: No
Day 8 (7/7) - Kyoto
Just outside Kyoto is the tranquil area of Arashiyama , where you'll start your day by travelling down the Hozugawa River on a traditional Japanese boat and take in the stunning natural scenery from a slightly different view . After disembarking, you’ll explore the area with a guide, starting with its centerpiece the sprawling Tenryuji Temple which is a World Heritage Site. You’ll also take in its picturesque and ancient landscape gardens. A nearby gorgeous and otherworldly bamboo grove is the star attraction of Arashiyama, and it's easy to lose yourself in its beauty. In the evening, take a walk through the bustling streets of Pontocho, an area along the Kamogawa River that’s packed with restaurants and beautiful at night. Meals: Breakfast Guided Tour: Yes
Day 9 (8/7) - Kyoto
You will start your day with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Learn the art of preparing and serving matcha tea, as well as the meaning behind certain words and actions. Not only an art, but a spiritual discipline, this time old tradition provides a great insight into some important aspects of Japanese culture. The afternoon will be free for you to relax or continue exploring the city of Kyoto at your own pace. Meals: Breakfast Guided Tour: No
Day 10 (9/7) - Himeji/Osaka day-trip
Today you will head to what is likely the most spectacular castle ever constructed in Japan. Known as the White Heron Castle (because of how its shape looks like a heron in mid flight), it is a special place to visit for so many reasons. Not only is it the largest castle in Japan, it is one of the few castles that stands as it was originally designed as most of the castles in Japan have been destroyed in war, earthquakes or other natural disasters except this one! A guide will accompany you here. Spend the rest of the day in nearby Osaka. This vibrant city could be described as Tokyo's younger and cooler brother. The trendy Dotonbori area is full of fantastic street foods where you can get a taste of the region's specialty dishes, takoyaki and okonomiyaki amongst other things. This area is also filled with great karaoke booth s if you're looking to experience this popular Japanese pastime. You'll then take an evening train back to Tokyo where you'll spend your final night before heading home tomorrow. Meals: Breakfast Guided Tour: Yes
Day 11 (10/7) - Tokyo
Bid farewell to Japan today as you reflect on all the fantastic new memories you’ve made and board your flight back home! Meals: Breakfast Guided Tour: No
