Gems of Japan – Sample Itinerary

5 Nights/6 Days  — Ask for pricing details

Arrive Tokyo – Days 1 and 2
Upon your arrival at Narita Airport you will be met and assisted to your bus transport to journey to the city and your accommodations at SHIBA PARK HOTEL or similar. Get ready for the exciting days ahead discovering Japan, “Land of the Rising Sun.”  On your second day, set out with your expert guide to explore the bustling capital of Tokyo. Browse the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market.   Continue to Imperial Palace – Nijubashi Bridge, visit Sensoji Temple, and end your morning with a stroll down Nakamise Shopping Street.  Your afternoon will be free for personal pursuits.

Mt. Fuji – Hakone – Kyoto – Day 3 
Travel to iconic 12,388’ high Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park on the shores of Lake Ashi. Enjoy a scenic cruise of the lake and take the cable ride up neighboring Mt. Komagatake for more spectacular views of “Fuji-san” and the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Stop along the way for a Japanese-style lunch.  Continue by the famed bullet train to Kyoto and transfer to your accommodations at KARASUMA KYOTO HOTEL or similar.

Kyoto/Nara – Days 4 and 5
Explore the former imperial capital city of Kyoto, the center of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it rivals Kanazawa as one of the best preserved cities in Japan with more than 200 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Visit the striking golden Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Imperial Palace.  Enjoy a Japanese or Western Buffet lunch and then join the tour to ancient Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan over 1300 years ago. Visit the enormous bronze Buddha at Todai-Ji Temple, and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its red-painted corridors and Torii gates. You’ll be smitten with the free-roaming deer that make Nara Park their home. Enjoy a day of leisure for personal pursuits on your last full day in Kyoto.  You may wish to visit the Handicrafts Center, or participate in a Tea Ceremony.  Ask for suggestions.

Depart for Home – Day 6
Bid farewell to Kyoto as you are assisted in your transport to Kansai International Airport for your return flight home.