Awesome Japan- Premium

Highlights of this Premium tour

PACKAGE  – 7 nights / 8 Days ( Arrival at Tokyo and departure from Osaka )

Take in Japan greatest hits on this enticing and enthralling 7days & 6Nights itinerary. Travelling with a private English-speaking guide and private driver inland.

Escorted Package Includes

• 7 nights First Class accommodations
  • 3 nights Tokyo
  • 2 nights Kyoto
  • 2 nights Osaka
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
• High-Speed Bullet Train: Tokyo-Kyoto
• 9 meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners with wine
• Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Entrance fees per itinerary

Special Features

• Tour dazzling Tokyo, a city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology
• View the serene Meiji Shrine honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress
• Board the famous shinkansen, or “bullet train” that whisks you from Tokyo to Kyoto
• Discover Kyoto, founded in the 8th century, one of the early capitals of Japan
• Stand before the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion”
• Marvel at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its endless arcades of vermilion colored torii
• Visit dramatic Osaka Castle with its extraordinary collection of art, armor and collectibles
• In Osaka, walk through bustling Kuromon Market, with vendors selling fast-food Japanese-style

DAY 1, Monday – Arrive in Tokyo

Arrive in dynamic Tokyo in the “Land of the Rising Sun”; transfer to your hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with you Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 5 PM. Following the meeting there will be a light dinner served
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2, Tuesday – Tour of Tokyo

On today’s tour of Tokyo, witness the contrast of this city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology. Begin your tour at the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a beautiful forested area that honors the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress. Afterward, on to the Imperial Palace, a huge parkland with magnificent gardens, the residence of Japan’s Imperial family. View the famous stone arched Nijubashi bridge, that leads to the main entrance to the imperial palace. Continue to Asakusa, once Tokyo’s leading entertainment district. Here, enter the massive gates to the ancient Buddhist temple of Sensoji built in the 7th century and the Kannon Temple, one of the most visited spiritual sites in the world. Stroll along bustling Nakamise Street; see endless rows of traditional local snacks and souvenirs. Tonight, discover on your own why Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world for nightlife
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Wednesday – Full Day in Tokyo

Spend the day at leisure to explore all of the delights of Tokyo on your own, or, participate in the optional full day tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone* that promises a day of breathtaking natural scenery. Upon arrival, ascend to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, located at an elevation of 7,545 feet pausing to admire the gorgeous panorama of the park and lake. After lunch, take off to the summit by cable car to marvel at the sweeping views of Hakone National Park. Enjoy a picturesque boat cruise around pristine Lake Ashi. Spend time at leisure to explore the surrounding area on your own. Afterwards, return to Tokyo
*This optional tour and its inclusions are weather dependent, and subject to change
Optional: Full day Mt. Fuji & Hakone with lunch
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Thursday – Bullet Train to Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Gion District

At the Tokyo Station, board the world-famous shinkansen, or “bullet train” that whisks you to Kyoto – a unique experience! Upon arrival, have lunch on your own. Afterward, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, where you participate in the ritualized art of preparing, serving and drinking green tea. Your sightseeing of Kyoto begins with a visit to the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion’ surrounded by trees and nestled on a reflective pond. Conclude the city tour with a walk in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district; view the shops, restaurants and tea houses where Geisha entertain. Later, check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Friday – Full Day in Kyoto

Time to discover Kyoto on your own, or, join the fascinating optional tour to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. After arriving by train, take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Enjoy views of the striking Itsukushima Shrine best-known for its floating torii gate, dating back to the 6th century. Spend free time on the island with its many shrines and temples before boarding the ferry to Hiroshima. A bus or tram takes you to the Peach Memorial, a historic site near where the atomic bomb exploded, dedicated to the many lives lost in Hiroshima. The burning flame that marks these graves “will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world are destroyed!” This park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. After this solemn visit, board the train back to Kyoto
Optional: Full day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Saturday – Kyoto City Tour, Drive to Osaka

Embark on a tour of historic Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan and home of the country’s most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Start with a stop at Fushimi Inari Taisha, an impressive Shinto shrine that sits at the foot of Mount Inari. Marvel at the ten thousand vermilion torii gates that line the paths up the mountain. Later, depart Kyoto and drive south to cosmopolitan Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, known for its cuisine and nightlife. Begin your exploration at Kuromon Market, an Osaka landmark, with vendors selling fresh food and fast-food Japanese-style. Stop for lunch, or just try the tasty snacks. Then, free time to wander along the iconic Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori shopping streets with an array of fabulous selection of fashionable boutiques. Conclude the tour with a visit to dramatic Osaka Castle, built as a display of power in the 16th century, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat. Inside, see an excellent collection of art, armor, and collectibles. Check in to your hotel. This evening, discover Osaka’s regional cuisine
Overnight: Osaka
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Sunday – Full Day in Osaka

The morning is at leisure to enjoy this city on your own, or, embark on the optional tour to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara. In this repository of Japan’s cultural heritage, there are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures including some of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples. Arrive at the exquisite wooden Todai-ji Temple, home of the impressive Daibutsu (Great Buddha) bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high and visit the famous and beautiful Kasuga Grand Shrine displaying over 3,000 antique hanging bronze and stone lanterns. Continue to Nara Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. Bid goodbye to your Tour Manager and newfound friends at dinner in the hotel
Optional: Imperial Capital of Nara (AM)
Overnight: Osaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8 – AIRPORT DROP

Pickup from hotel and drop to Airport. Fly back home with pleasant memories of Japan and the warmth of our hospitality in your heart.

ACCOMMODATION DURING THE TRIP

Tokyo Prince Hotel, Tokyo – 3 nights

This first class hotel is situated next to the forested gardens of Shiba Park, yet in the heart of Tokyo near the Tokyo Tower.

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto- 2 nights

This first class hotel is a short drive away from Kyoto Station.

Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station, Osaka- 2 nights

OPTIONAL TOURS

Full Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone with Lunch

Travel along the scenic roads of rural Japan with its striking natural scenery. Ascend to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and one of the most beautiful conical volcanoes in the world. Stop to admire the gorgeous landscape of the park and Lake Ashi. After lunch, ascend to the summit using a cable car, to marvel at sweeping views of Hakone National Park and gain a whole new appreciation of this iconic mountain. Spend time at leisure to explore the surrounding area on your own. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around placid Lake Ashi before returning to your hotel in Tokyo.

Pick up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 11 hours.

*Weather conditions around Mt Fuji are challenging to predict, sometimes clouds will restrict views of the mountain & terrain. Additionally, poor weather conditions can sometimes prevent the ascent to the 5th Station or the operation of the cable car in Hakone. In these situations, alternative sightseeing will be provided.

Day #3

01 Jan 2023 – 31 Dec 2023

$152.00

Full Day Hiroshima & Miyajima

Spend a day exploring the historical highlights of Hiroshima and discovering the idyllic Miyajima Island. Board a ferry to the majestic Miyajima Island, an area known as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes. Disembark and explore the island to learn the history of the iconic red Itsukushima Shrine that appears to float on the water at high tide*. Reboard the ferry and head back to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, visit the Hiroshima Memorial Park, a historical site near where the atomic bomb exploded. See exhibitions that show the carnal destruction the bomb caused and marvel at how the city recovered. Take a moment to reflect on the heartbreaking history of the region. Continue to the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a structure that miraculously survived the 1945 attack. Board the bullet train for your return journey.

*The Torii Gate will be under renovation beginning in June 2019.

Approximate tour duration is 11 hours.

Day #5

01 Jan 2023 – 31 Dec 2023

$410.00

Imperial Capital of Nara

Travel via the Nara Keinawa expressway to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, repository of Japan’s cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures. Arrive at the exquisite Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home of the impressive Great Buddha bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. You then continue to Nara Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. The tour concludes with a visit to the famous and beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, displaying over 3,000 antique hanging bronze lanterns.

Pick up details to be advised locally. Drop-off at the hotel. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.

Day #7

01 Jan 2023 – 31 Dec 2023

$91.00