The Best of Japan Escorted Tour, Japan

Tokyo

Day 1 . Upon reaching your destination, you will seamlessly transition to the superb four-star superior New Otani hotel, where you will be accommodated for three nights, inclusive of breakfast. Situated perfectly in the heart of Tokyo and in close proximity to the Japanese parliament, the hotel's convenient location places you just a brief stroll away from the nearest metro stop. This strategic positioning allows for effortless exploration, with all station names conveniently provided in English.

Day 2 Embark on a captivating morning of exploration in Japan's bustling capital, Tokyo. While its initial appearance may echo the vibrancy of other Asian metropolises like Singapore or Shanghai, a closer look reveals unique distinctions. Tokyo's streets are surprisingly serene and impeccably clean, a reflection of the city's ingrained politeness—here, you won't encounter the usual honking of horns.

Your journey kicks off with a visit to the renowned Shinto Meiji Shrine, nestled in lush parkland and dedicated to a revered past emperor. This working religious site might offer you a glimpse into a typical Japanese marriage ceremony. Continuing the exploration, you'll delve into Tokyo's distinguished quarters, starting with the upscale Omotesando Street, often likened to Tokyo’s ‘Rodeo Drive,’ featuring a collection of luxury brand shops.

The adventure unfolds in the Harajuku area, where fashion-forward teenagers boldly express themselves in the latest, often outrageous trends. Following this, your exploration leads to Akihabara, the famed electronic town, home to one of the pioneering stores exclusively dedicated to personal robots. A delightful experience awaits during your included lunch, featuring the diverse and exquisite flavors of Japanese cuisine.

Day 3 .This morning unfolds with a visit to Tokyo’s Asakusa district, a captivating glimpse into the city's past with its array of traditional small houses and shops, reminiscent of Tokyo from a century ago. Following this, a boat transfer down the Sumida River awaits, leading to Ginza, acclaimed globally as one of the most opulent shopping destinations. The district pulsates with ultra-modern department stores, chic boutiques, enticing restaurants, and charming coffee houses.

As the afternoon unveils, you have the freedom to delve into a world of shopping, exploration, or the joy of intriguing people-watching. Alternatively, consider a visit to the Tokyo National Museum, just a few metro stops away. Here, you'll encounter the world’s most extensive collection of Japanese art, spanning pottery, painting, prints, textiles, fashion, and oriental antiquities.

Mount Fuji & Hakone

Day 4 Saying farewell to Tokyo, the journey unfolds towards the iconic Mount Fuji, arguably Japan's most instantly recognizable sight. Surrounded by dense forests and embraced by a crescent-shaped ring of glistening lakes, this leg of the trip unveils one of the world's most spectacular views.

Visiting two of these beautiful lakes is part of the itinerary, strategically chosen to offer the best perspectives and a chance to relish the breathtaking panorama from different angles. The first stop is Lake Kawaguchi, a gem well-known to the Japanese but still awaiting discovery by many foreign visitors.

Next on the itinerary is Hakone, situated to the south, inviting exploration of this captivating mountain resort. Descending to the serene, dark blue waters of Lake Ashi, a cruise aboard a uniquely Japanese version of an early 19th-century pirate ship awaits. The views of Mount Fuji from this vantage point, especially on a clear day, unfold as one of the world's greatest panoramas.

Upon reaching the four-star Hakone Hotel, settle in for a night, inclusive of breakfast and dinner. The entire area is geothermally active, providing a unique opportunity to partake in one of Japan’s must-try experiences – bathing in an 'onsen,' a hot spring located right at the hotel.

Bullet Train

Day 5 This morning, you embark on a journey to Hiroshima on Japan’s iconic gleaming white bullet train. The experience is incomparable, featuring reclining seats, ample legroom, and air-conditioned comfort, all while reaching impressive speeds of up to 189 mph. Arriving at lunchtime, you set out to explore one of the country’s most distinctive views on the nearby small island of Miyajima.

A massive red 'Torii' gate stands just offshore, widely celebrated for its mesmerizing appearance of floating between the sea and sky during high tide. Miyajima, a popular and easily navigable island, exudes a relaxed holiday atmosphere, offering interesting shops and a covered market to explore on foot. Upon returning to Hiroshima, your stay for two nights is at the four-star RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima, with breakfast included.

Day 6 This morning holds a poignant moment as you visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum, where remnants of the only building to withstand the atomic bomb blast of August 1945 are displayed. Despite the city's complete rebuilding, there are no visible traces of the devastation from that fateful day. However, a small digital counter serves as a subtle reminder, indicating the number of days since the last atomic test—a surprisingly recent occurrence.

The afternoon unfolds with leisure time for you to immerse yourself in the charm of this city, which proudly hosts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Genbaku, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the serene Itsukushima Shrine.

Kyoto

Day 7 Leaving Hiroshima by coach, you'll be heading towards the old imperial capital of Kyoto. An exciting stop en route is the superb Korakuen garden at Okayama, a gem built in 1700 and renowned as one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens. It boasts lush lawns, serene lakes, picturesque wooden bridges, and adorned with shrines and teahouses, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. With plenty of time allocated for exploration, your stay for the next four nights in Kyoto is at the Century Hotel, complete with breakfast.

Day 8 This morning marks one of the tour's genuine highlights as you delve into the overwhelming treasures of Japan's most revered city.

Begin with the awe-inspiring Golden Pavilion, a testament to classical Muromachi-age Japanese temple design. Its upper floors, adorned with gold leaf, radiate an almost blinding intensity in the morning light, perfectly overlooking the surrounding lake and garden.

Next, visit the Ryoan-ji temple, also known as the Temple of the Dragon at Peace, housing Japan’s most famous Zen garden. Here, fifteen rocks rest amidst carefully raked white gravel, tended to daily by monks.

A complete change of scenery awaits at the mesmerizing Arashiyama bamboo forest, where the tall green columns create an otherworldly atmosphere as sunlight streams through. Moving on, explore the iconic Nijo Castle, a 17th-century marvel famous for its ingeniously designed wooden floors that creak like a nightingale’s song, alerting occupants to any stealthy intruders.

Conclude the day with a walking tour through Kyoto’s Gion district. Witness the classic image of Japan with its wooden houses, the distinct sound of wooden sandals resonating on the pavements, silk-clad geishas, cherry trees, and traditional restaurants. Immerse yourself in the quintessential Japanese experience with a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.