Icons of Japan-8 Days/7 nights

Enjoy a leisurely morning, or opt for an enriching half-day excursion to Nara (distance Osaka, 35 km , approximately 45 min ride), including a traditional Japanese meal (USD $89 per person).

Guests not participating in the optional excursion will meet the driver at the designated time and location around noon to begin the day’s program.

The afternoon starts with a visit to Osaka Castle, an iconic landmark that played a pivotal role in Japan’s unification during the 16th century. Explore the castle grounds while taking in panoramic views and gaining insight into its historical significance. Continue to the vibrant Dotonbori District, the heart of Osaka’s renowned culinary scene. Take in the dazzling neon lights, sample local specialties such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and experience the dynamic atmosphere of this lively entertainment quarter.

Optional Half-Day Excursion to Nara with Traditional Meal (Not included- USD $89 per person):
Travel to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Todai-ji Temple, one of the country’s most significant and historic temples, dating back to the 8th century. Stroll through Nara Park, home to over 1,200 freely roaming sika deer, a symbol of the city. The optional excursion also includes a traditional Japanese meal before returning to Osaka.

Meal Included: Breakfast

Spend the day at leisure in Osaka, or join the optional Kansai Culture Tour with lunch (USD $179 per person; minimum 10 guests).

Optional Kansai Culture Tour:
Begin with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a captivating landscape of towering bamboo stalks. Stroll along the famous “Bamboo Alley,” one of Kyoto’s most photographed and iconic settings. Continue with a traditional Japanese lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the revered Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind through the forested hillside, offering some of the most picturesque views in Kyoto. Enjoy time to explore and capture memorable photos along the historic pathways.

The experience concludes with a traditional tea ceremony accompanied by wagashi (Japanese sweets), where skilled tea masters introduce the art and etiquette of tea preparation in a serene setting. Afterwards, return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Meal Included: Breakfast.  Lunch included for guests joining the optional tour.

This morning, travel to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital from 794 to 1868 (distance 60 km, approximately 1.15 hour), renowned for its extraordinary collection of temples, shrines, and historically significant landmarks.

Begin with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site celebrated for its striking gold-leaf façade set against a tranquil pond garden. Admire the pavilion’s refined architecture, which harmoniously incorporates elements of Shinden, Samurai, and Zen design.

 Continue to Higashi Hongan-ji, an important temple complex of Pure Land (Jodo Shinshu) Buddhism, distinguished by its monumental scale and one of the largest wooden roof structures in the world. Proceed to Kyoto Station, where you can take a picture of the Kyoto Tower.

In the afternoon, experience one of Japan’s most advanced engineering achievements with a journey aboard the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto to Nagoya (distance 140 Km, by train, approximately 40 min).

Upon arrival, visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, where exhibits trace the company’s evolution from textile machinery manufacturing to a global leader in automotive innovation and robotics.

Continue onward to Hamamatsu for an overnight stay (distance 140 Km, approximately 1.40 hours).

Meal Included: Breakfast

Today’s program showcases the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Mount Fuji region.

Begin with a visit to Gotemba Peace Park (distance 130 Km, approx. 2.15 hours), offering one of the most picturesque vantage points of Japan’s iconic peak.

Continue to Oshino Hakkai (distance 22 Km, approx. 35 min), a collection of eight crystal-clear ponds fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji, filtered through layers of volcanic rock. These sacred springs are revered for their purity and tranquil setting.

Proceed to Sengen Jinja Shrine (distance 10 Km, approx 15 min), a historic site closely associated with the worship of Mount Fuji.

Later, enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Kawaguchi (distance 10 Km, approx 15 min), a crater lake renowned for its panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.

Conclude the day with a relaxing stay at a hot spring resort in the area, where you will enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner in a serene setting.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart to Tokyo (Distance 120 Km, approx. 2 hrs).

Visit to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set within a serene forested sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo. 

Continue to a Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck for panoramic views over the city’s vast skyline.

Proceed to Asakusa to explore Senso-ji (Asakusa Kannon Temple), one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and historic temples.

Stroll along the 820-foot Nakamise shopping street, lined with traditional stalls offering local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.

Participants may also opt for a kimono rental experience (USD $55 per person), providing an opportunity to explore the area and capture memorable photos in traditional Japanese attire.

This evening, an optional Teppanyaki dinner is available (USD $108 per person). Enjoy an engaging dining experience as skilled chefs prepare premium ingredients tableside with precision and flair, offering both culinary excellence and entertainment.

Meal Included: Breakfast

Spend the day at leisure to further explore Tokyo at your own pace. Alternatively, join an optional full-day excursion to discover the city’s contemporary highlights (USD $159 per person; minimum 10 guests).

Optional Modern Tokyo Exploration:
Begin with a visit to the Imperial Palace area, where you can admire the beautifully maintained gardens and learn about the historic residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Continue to the renowned Tsukiji Outer Market, where you may sample a variety of fresh seafood and local specialties at your own expense.

Experience the energy of Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world, and visit the iconic Hachiko Statue, a symbol of loyalty. Conclude the tour in the vibrant Shinjuku district, offering a wide array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options before returning to your hotel.

Meal Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, take the shuttle bus to the airport for your return flight. For those joining the group transfer, our scheduled departure to Narita Airport will be at 2:00 PM from the Tokyo hotel.