7-Day Discover Japan Cultural Heritage Tour of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka

Tour Highlights

• Unravel the rich Japanese heritage on a 7-day multi day trip

• Take in the grandiose traditional Japanese architecture through its historic structures

• See Japan’s iconic landmarks such as Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, and Mt. Fuji

• Visit the historic Sensoji Temple, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, and Kiyomizudera Temple

• Walk through the iconic path of torii gates in Fushimi Inari Shrine and bamboo forest of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

• Taste authentic Japanese street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki

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.

See the Iconic Tokyo Tower

A symbol of Tokyo’s rebirth after World War II, the Tokyo Tower has become one of the popular photo spots for tourists. Admire the free standing tower, listen to the story behind the symbolic structure, and make sure to take a photo with the historic Tokyo Tower as your backdrop. 

Go around the Lively Shibuya District

Take in the bright lights and lively atmosphere of Shibuya district as you make you way through its crowded streets, go across the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and find the bronze statue of the legendary Hachiko. Enjoy some leisure time before hearing back to your hotel.

Day 2

Marvel at the Magnificent Imperial Palace

Built on the former site of the Edo Castle, see the Imperial Palace’s 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 thousands of years. Take a glimpse of the main residence of the Emperor of Japan and its beautiful East Gardens. You can stop by the Nijubashi Bridge, one of the most photographed structures in Japan, for a quick photo stop.

Visit the Famous Sensoji Temple

Unravel the secrets of the historic Asakusa district as you step into Ancient Japan and relive its rich history through its oldest religious structure in the city - Sensoji Temple. Take in the retro vibes as you stroll around the district and walk through the popular Nakamise Shopping Street lined with traditional shops selling a variety of souvenirs and local snacks. 

Drop by the Enchanting Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Escape from the busy crowds of the city and make your way through the impressive Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. One of the best places to visit in Tokyo, admire the idyllic scenery and the abundant variety of exquisite flora. Do not miss the three different gardens featuring distinct styles!

Walk through the Affluent Ginza District

Enjoy some leisure time at the bustling Ginza district. Known for its upmarket shopping, dining, and entertainment district, check out the popular restaurants, night clubs, art galleries as well as the department stores offering tax free shopping.

Day 3

Scenic Drive to Mt. Fuji

Take in the picturesque scenery as you depart Tokyo for a drive to Mt. Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain known for its graceful conical form.

Admire the Impressive Scenery from Lake Ashinoko

Cruise across Lake Ashi on board the Hakone Pirate Ship. A scenic crater lake known for its magnificent view of Mt. Fuji, appreciate the majestic beauty of nature and bask in the beautiful color contrast of the natural landscapes depending on which season you are in.

See the Glorious Beauty of Mt. Fuji

Head to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, situated at about 2,305 meters halfway up the mountain, to enjoy the amazing scenic views of the iconic Mt. Fuji. The 5th Station is known as the leisure platform featuring shrines, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Enjoy some leisure time exploring the station. 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.

Admire the Historic Oshino Hakkai

See the tranquil ponds in Oshino and learn the story behind the set of eight ponds. Surrounded by traditional houses, waterwheels, and beautiful scenery, enjoy the particularly impressive panorama of Mt. Fuji. You can also tour around the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, a small open-air museum surrounding the largest pond. 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. You will also visit a tea garden to learn about the fascinating tea culture in Japan.

Walk through the Iconic Torii Gates Passage in Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is well known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which extend across a network of trails behind its main buildings. Learn the story behind the tori gates as you walk through the tunnel of seemingly endless path of vermilion torii gates, offering an impressive and memorable setting. 

See the Famous Yasaka Shrine

Marvel at the iconic vermilion gate of the Yasaka Shrine as you make your way through the most famous shrine in the Gion area. Known for its Beauty Shrine, Utsukushii Gozen-sha, most visitors are young women offering prayers to become more beautiful inside and out. Feel free to ring the large bells at the main sanctuary to notify the gods of your presence.

Tour the Historic Gion District

Travel through time as you take in the charming and historic atmosphere of Gion district. Walk your way through the busy Hanamikoji Street lined with well-preserved wooden machiya houses, and appreciate the magnificence of traditional Japanese architecture.

Day 5

Experience the Captivating Natural Scenery in Arashiyama District

Bask in the serene atmosphere as you take an early morning stroll around the scenic Arashiyama district. Ride the nostalgic Sagano Romantic Train through the scenic valley, enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and walk through the towering bamboo stalks of the  enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

See the Consequential Nijo Castle

One of the best surviving structures of Japan’s feudal era, stop by the historic Nijo Castle, featuring paintings, carvings, and architectural elements of the Japanese Momoyama Period, and learn more about Japanese history as you tour around the castle that has witnessed some of the most significant events in Japan’s history.

Marvel at the Grandiose Kinkakuji Temple

Walk through the charming gardens surrounding the majestic Kinkakuji Temple as you marvel at the impressive architecture exhibiting the lavish traditional culture of nobility during Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s rule. One of the must-see tourist attractions in Kyoto, the Kinkakuji Temple is covered in gold leaf and is also known as the Golden Pavilion.

Visit the Impressive Kiyomizudera Temple

Admire the captivating panoramic views of the city from the famous wooden stage of the Kiyomizudera Temple. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan, hear the story behind the temple as you appreciate the breathtaking scenery. Then, check out the Otowa Waterfall at the base of the main hall and feel free to drink a cup of the stream’s water for longevity, good health, success at school, and even a fortunate love life.

Walk through the Traditional Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets

Take in the traditional Japanese setting as you make your way through the historic alleys of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Check out the traditional Japanese buildings and shops along the iconic streets and admire the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. 

Day 6

Ride the Shinkansen to Osaka

Take the express Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka, the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region known for its delicious culinary delights and exciting nightlife. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel and check in. Take time to refresh before heading out to explore Osaka.

Visit the Famous Osaka Castle

Admire the amazing view of the surrounding areas from the Osaka Castle’s observation deck. The five-story castle is one of the most popular landmarks and one of the most outstanding structures in Japan. Marvel at the gigantic stones used to build the castle walls, visit the monumental Osaka Castle Tower in the main castle area, and learn about the extensive history of the castle. 

See the Iconic Tsutenkaku Tower

Continue to the bustling and vibrant alleys of Shinsekai, a retro entertainment district packed with countless affordable shops and restaurants as well as cinemas, shoji, mahjong clubs, and pachinko parlors. Best known for the renowned Tsutenkaku Tower, Shinsekai is also famous for its delicious kushikatsu (deep fried snack), so make sure to try a few varieties of kushikatsu.

Explore the Popular Kuromon Market

Discover the dynamic local culture through its appetizing cuisine and fascinating culinary history. Check out the wide selection of high quality and fresh seafood available in the Kuromon Market as well as the authentic Japanese street food, such as grilled scallops, takoyaki, grilled yakitori skewers, and so much more!

Walk around the Vibrant Dotonbori District

Take in the bright scene and lively atmosphere of the Dotonbori district. Famous for its flashy neon lights and eye-catching billboards, leisurely stroll around the district, find the iconic Glico running man billboard, sample authentic takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and check out the bustling Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street lined with local shops and food stalls. You can take your time and enjoy before heading back to your hotel.

Day 7

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

• 6 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

• 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.