Highlights of Japan

DAY 1 – ARR. TOKYO (-)
Arrive in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Meet your tour manager and transfer to hotel. Relax and recover from the jetlag.

DAY 2 – TOKYO (B,D) 
Today, follow the expert to experience the traditional Japan.

• Explore Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine that dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan, where you will see the lifestyle of the Shinto religion.
• Admire Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks; it was converted from a feudal lord’s Tokyo residence into a botanical garden.
• Enjoy a tea ceremony, a Japanese tradition.
• Pass by Imperial Palace Plaza, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan.
• Traveling on the Edo Highways and walk through the Journey of Shogun and Princesses at the Edo Museum.
• Spend time at the buzzing Akihabara, a renowned electronic town.
• Tonight, Welcome dinner to taste the special Japanese cuisine.

DAY 3 – TOKYO (B) 
Full day explore Tokyo at own leisure to discover Tokyo based on your own interests  or join the local guide to explore the city by public transportation (we will prepare a subway card for you).

DAY 4 – TOKYO TO MT. FUJI TO ATAMI (B,L,D)
Travel to Mt. Fuji.

• Stop at Fujiyoshida, the gateway city to Mt. Fuji and a famous city for many photographers. If the weather is clear, you will capture the beauty of Mt. Fuji.
• Oishi Park offers the superb view of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji.
• Visit the famous Itchiku Kubota Museum to see the amazing Kimono display. Mr Kubota devoted himself to reviving the dyeing process dated in Edo period.
• Learn how to make Hoto, a miso-based handmade noodle originated in Yamanashi. You can experience kneading a dough, making noodles, and cutting noodles. The noodles you make will be cooked immediately. So you can eat them on the spot. The hoto you made yourself is especially tasty!
• Continue to cruise around Lake Ashi. Before check in your Onsen hotel.
• Tonight’s highlight is a taste of the traditional Japanese Kaiseki dinner with wearing the Japanese Yukata.

DAY 5 – ATAMI TO OSAKA (B) 
Experience the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Osaka, a food culture city of Japan.

Arrive in Osaka, check in to your hotel. After a short break, follow your local guide to enjoy a foodie tour of Osaka by local transportation.

• Explore Osaka Castle, one of the famous landmarks of Japan. It played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century.
• In the late afternoon, discover Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka and renowned for its gaudy neon lights, extravagant signage and the enormous variety of restaurants and the famous snack food.
• Pass by the iconic Ebisu Bridge and enjoy free time for dinner.

DAY 6 – OSAKA TO KYOTO TO OSAKA (B)
Enjoy a full day excursion of Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan for more than one thousand years. Kyoto is the best way to discover the “real Japan” and truly learn about it culture.

• Explore the Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji, a Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
• Visit the Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
• Walk through the rows of torii gate at the charming Fushimi Inari Taisha. It is a custom to donate a tori to make your wish come true.
• Taste the Yamazaki (Japanese whisky) at Suntory Yamazaki Distillery. Japanese whisky has won several international award.

DAY 7 – OSAKA (B,D)
Enjoy a half day excursion of Nara by local transportation with your local guide.

• Meet the Great statue of Buddha at Todai-ji Temple.
• Welcomed by a flock of the tamed deer at the Deer Park.
• Experience Osaka at your own leisure or have a last minute shopping opportunity at Shinsaibashi-suji, one of Osaka's oldest and busiest shopping destinations.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner .

DAY 8 – OSAKA DEPT. (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to home.

• All admission fees as noted in the itinerary
• Daily breakfasts and all meals as noted in the itinerary
• English-speaking guided 
• Hotel accommodations 
• Ground transportation