6-Day Best of Japan Sightseeing Tour of Tokyo, Hakone, Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Tokyo

Arrive at Narita International Airport. With the help of an airport assistant, take the shuttle bus to the hotel and check in. Take a short break, then meet your local tour guide for a short orientation. 

Walk around the Bustling Shibuya District

Experience Tokyo at night as you take in the lively atmosphere of Shibuya district, go across the popular Shibuya Crossing, and spot the legendary statue of Hachiko.

Day 2

See the Spectacular Imperial Palace

Take a glimpse of the main residence of the Emperor of Japan and its beautiful East Gardens. Built on the former site of the Edo Castle, check out the visibly historic moats and stone walls, the remnants of once the largest fortress in the world, and hear about its fascinating history that extends back centuries. You can also pass by the Nijubashi Bridge, one of the most photographed structures in Japan, for a quick photo stop.

Visit Tokyo’s Most Famous Sensoji Temple

Discover the historic Asakusa district and take a step back into Ancient Japan. One of the oldest religious structures in the city, the Sensoji Temple boasts over a thousand years of history. Check out the traditional shops for souvenirs and local snacks along the popular Nakamise Shopping Street stretching towards Sensoji Temple and learn about the Asakusa’s untold stories from your knowledgeable local guide.

Marvel at the Monumental Tokyo Skytree

One of the tallest towers in the world, watch the city transform from day to night at the Tokyo Skytree’s Observation Deck. You can visit Tokyo Solamachi, a combined entertainment complex at the base of the Tokyo Skytree with shops, restaurants, planetarium, and aquarium.

Go around the Affluent Ginza District

End the day with a visit to Ginza district. Well known for its upmarket shopping, dining, and entertainment district, you can check out the department stores offering tax free shopping as well as art galleries, restaurants, and night clubs.

Day 3

Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of Mt. Fuji

Take in the picturesque scenery as you head towards Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, offering impressive views of the famous Mt. Fuji. You can enjoy some leisure time and check out the shrines, restaurants, and souvenir shops. If Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station cannot be reached due to road surface freezing, an accident on the Fuji Subaru Line, or weather conditions, the tour will visit Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center instead.

Visit the Historic Oshino Hakkai

Enjoy the particularly breathtaking panorama of Mt. Fuji from Oshino Hakkai and learn the story behind the set of eight ponds in Oshino located on the site of a former sixth lake that dried out several centuries ago. You can also tour around the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, a small open-air museum surrounding the largest pond.

Stroll around the Scenic Gotemba Peace Park

Take in the beautiful scenery in Gotemba Peace Park. One of the best spots for sightseeing, most visitors end up in Gotemba to have a glimpse of the magnificent Mt. Fuji and check out the premium outlet shops. Then, head to the hotel to enjoy a great onsen experience.

Day 4

Drive to Kyoto

Enjoy a scenic drive to Kyoto after breakfast. Along the way, stop by a jewelry workshop and see the works of expert craftsmen.

Visit the Famous Yasaka Shrine

A beautiful shrine full of character and charm, Yasaka Shrine is the most famous shrine in the Gion area and is home to one of the famous festivals in Japan. Marvel at the shrine’s iconic vermilion gate, ring the large bells at the main sanctuary to notify the gods of your presence, and feel free to offer your prayers to become more beautiful at the Utsukushii Gozen-sha (Beauty Shrine). 

Explore the Historic Gion District

Take in the charming and historic atmosphere of Gion district. Famous for its iconic traditional wooden machiya houses, Gion district is the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. Walk around the district and make your way through the bustling Hanamikoji Street. Lined with well preserved machiya houses, admire the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture as you check out the art galleries, antique shops, kimono stores, tea houses, and restaurants.

Day 5

See the Impressive Kiyomizudera Temple

Best known for its large wooden stage juts out over the hillside, the Kiyomizudera Temple offers captivating panoramic views of the city. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan, learn about the history of the temple and appreciate the breathtaking scenery. Then, check out the Otowa Waterfall at the base of the main hall and help yourself with a drink of the stream’s water for longevity, good health, success at school, and even a fortunate love life.

Experience the Ultimate Torii Gate Passage in Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the tunnel of seemingly endless path of vermilion torii gates offering a beautiful and extraordinary scene. Learn the story behind the torii gates along the entire trail and try the delicious Inari Sushi (Rice Stuffed into Pockets of Aburaage) and Kitsune Udon (Wheat Noodles in Broth Topped with Aburaage) that are considered as the favourite food of foxes, the divine messengers of the deity Inari. 

Walk around the Spectacular Nara Park

Admire the scenic beauty of Nara Park as you take a leisurely stroll and learn more about Japan’s Buddhist history through arts and monuments. Interact with tame deers freely roaming around the park. You can buy deer crackers along the side of the road to feed the deers. Then, check out some of Nara’s main attractions located in Nara Park, such as Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji, and the Nara National Museum.

Explore the Lively Dotonbori District

Take in the bright scene and lively atmosphere of the Dotonbori district. Well known for its flashy neon lights and striking signages, spot the iconic Glico running man sign about the Ebisubashi Bridge. Then, take a casual stroll through the bustling Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and check out the shops and food stalls along the way. You can take your time and enjoy at your leisure before heading back to your hotel.

Day 6

Depart from Osaka

Check out from the hotel after breakfast. With the help of the local guide, take the shuttle bus to Kansai International Airport for your journey back home.

Inclusions

• Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off

• 5 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfasts

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation

• Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights into Tokyo and out of Osaka

• Airport Shuttle to Osaka Airport

• Local Hotel Tax

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic conditions.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.