Duration: 7 Days
Journey through Japan on this fascinating Independent tour. A “prefecture” and capital of Japan, Tokyo is the world’s most populous metro area and home to unlimited choices—shopping, dining, entertainment, historic temples and sites, peaceful gardens, and excellent museums. Your full day private guided sightseeing tour includes Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument built within a man-made forest, and a visit to one of the city’s most dazzling temples, the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Browse the bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade and then visit the Samurai & Ninja Museum, where you can learn about Japanese history and see authentic swords and armor. You’ll also ascend the Tokyo Skytree for spectacular views over the city. During your free day you may choose a trip to Mount Fuji. A highlight of your holiday is the shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Kyoto. Reaching nearly 200-miles-per-hour, this is by far the most entertaining way to travel between cities. The “cradle” of Japan’s cultural heritage, Kyoto, was the country’s capital and residence of the emperor from the 8th until the 19th centuries. Your private guided sightseeing tour includes visits to Sanjusangendo Temple, the Samurai Museum, where you can learn about Japanese history and see authentic swords and armor, and the beautiful Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Built on a lake and surrounded by a thick forest, the image of the temple’s reflection in the water is a can’t-miss photo opportunity and memorable scenic view. You’ll also walk through Gion and explore the thousands of Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Take some I-time for a visit nearby Nara or to explore Nishiki Market.
Traveller Notes
- Transportation: Private guided sightseeing using public transportation; high-speed train from Tokyo to Kyoto; transfers to/from train stations.
- Guides: Local Hosts in each city
Welcome to Japan! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Today, hop on Tokyo's subway system for a private guided sightseeing tour of the city. Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest.
At Tokyo Skytree ascend to Sorakara Point on floor 450 at some 450 metres/1500 feet, the highest point visitors can explore. Here you'll have stunning panoramic views over the city and and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.
Lastly, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo. (B,L)
Enjoy a full day at your leisure.
Today's I-Time Tips
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Utilize your included Tokyo Metro Pass to explore more of Tokyo's unique neighbourhoods, take a day trip to Mount Fuji, or visit the street-food markets for local specialties. (B)
Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to historic Kyoto, former capital of Japan. (B)
Your private guided sightseeing tour uses efficient public transportation to take you around the city. Start at stunning Kinkakuji, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered with shimmering gold leaf.
Tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum for a hands-on history lesson of Japan's famous warriors, including the armour, weapons, and swords from the Medieval era.
Next, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district, which is also known for its high concentration of machiya-style merchant houses.
Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms said to have the power to save 25 worlds.
Finish with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly coloured Torii Gate. (B,L)
Enjoy a full day at your leisure.
Today's I-Time Tips
Take an excursion to nearby Nara or explore more of Kyotos historic temples and shrines using your included subway and bus pass. (B)
Your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
