8-Day Highlights of Japan Sightseeing Tour of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka

Get to know Japan and its incredible cultural heritage as you embark on a 8-day multi day trip to explore some regions in Japan from Tokyo, including Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. You will walk through the bustling intersections and streets, tour around the lively entertainment districts, see celebrated shrines and temples, visit iconic tourist spots, enjoy delightful local gourmet delights, and even shop at popular shopping streets. 

Tour Highlights

• Tour around Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka on a 8-day multi day trip

• Admire the magnificent Tokyo cityscape from Tokyo Skytree’s Observation Deck

• Visit Japan’s most famous Sensoji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Kiyomizudera Temple

• Marvel at the spectacular beauty of Mt. Fuji

• Sample some of the delightful Japanese culinary delights

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. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 2

Explore the Famous Tsukiji Market

Start the day with an incredible food tour of the Tsukiji Market! Check out the exquisite selection of fresh seafood and mouthwatering local delights as you make your way through the busy alleys. Sample some of the famous Japanese culinary gourmets, such as sushi, Japanese-style omelettes, and sake, and get an insight of Japanese culture through its delightful cuisine

See the Celebrated Sensoji Temple

Get the feel of ancient Japan as you stroll around the historic Asakusa district in the heart of Tokyo. Visit the treasured Sensoji Temple, admire the magnificent Asakusa Shrine, and learn more about Japanese history, particularly during the Edo Era. Along the way, check out the worship road leading towards Sensoji Temple. The Nakamise Shopping Street is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. Check out the shops selling a wide variety of local specialties from typical Japanese souvenirs to authentic traditional snacks. 

Admire the Impressive Cityscape from Tokyo Skytree

Take a leisurely stroll around Sumida Park and enjoy the serene panorama of the Sumida River as well as the impressive views of the monumental Tokyo Skytree before heading to the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world’s tallest tower. Admire the colourful cityscape of Tokyo and watch the city transform from day to night at the Tokyo Skytree’s Observation Deck. Then, visit Tokyo Solamachi, a combined entertainment complex at the base of the Tokyo Skytree with shops, restaurants, planetarium, and aquarium.

Cross the Iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Bask in the bright lights and lively atmosphere of Shibuya district as you make you way through its bustling streets, cross 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 3

See the Famous Meiji Shrine

Start the day with a visit to the spectacular Meiji Shrine and take in its tranquility as you stroll around its walking paths and forested area. Dedicated to the illustrious Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken, you will also learn how the Great Emperor Meiji greatly impacted Japan’s modernization. One of the most popular shrines in Japan, it is believed to possess a spiritual energy powerful enough to grant your wishes. Feel free to offer your prayers for happiness, love, success, health, and anything you can hope for.

Admire the Magnificent Imperial Palace

Marvel at the Imperial Palace’s visibly historic moats and stone walls, the remains of once the largest fortress in the world, and hear about its fascinating history that extends back centuries. See 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.

Explore the Enchanting Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Take a break from the busy crowds of the city and leisurely stroll through the impressive Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. One of the best places to visit in Tokyo, admire the tranquil scenery and the notable variety of special flora. Do not miss the three different gardens featuring distinct styles!

Shop at the Affluent Ginza District

Enjoy some leisure time and work your way through the glamour of 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 4

Marvel at the Majestic Mt. Fuji

After breakfast, 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. Upon arrival, head to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, located at about 2,305 meters halfway up the mountain. The 5th Station is considered as the leisure platform, featuring shrines, restaurants, and souvenir shops. You will then enjoy some leisure time for lunch.

Cruise through the Idyllic Lake Ashi

A scenic crater lake known for its magnificent view of Mt. Fuji, take a short scenic cruise across the lake, marvel at the captivating scenery of Mt. Fuji and Mt. Komagatake, and bask in the glorious wonders of nature.

Take the Scenic Mt. Komagatake Ropeway 

Journey to one of Hakone’s highest peaks through the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway, an aerial tram taking you up to the main peak of Mt. Komagatake for impressive panoramic views of Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji, and the surrounding Hakone National Park. Once you reach the summit, take a short stroll along one of the walking trails at the mountain top. Then, head to the hotel to enjoy a traditional onsen experience.

Day 5

Ride the Express Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto

Take the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train from Hakone to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel and check in. Take time to refresh before heading out to explore the city’s famous temples and shrines.

Experience the Iconic Torii Gates Passage in Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the tunnel of seemingly endless path of vermilion torii gates, offering a captivating setting. 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 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 the divine messengers of the deity Inari.

Offer Prayers at the Famous Yasaka Shrine

Tour the most famous shrine in the Gion area and see the iconic vermilion gate of the Yasaka Shrine. Feel free to ring the large bells at the main sanctuary to notify the gods of your presence. Well known for its Beauty Shrine, Utsukushii Gozen-sha, most visitors are young women who are praying to become more beautiful inside and out. 

Explore the Historic Gion District

Immerse yourself into the nostalgic and historic atmosphere of the Gion district. Walk your way through the bustling Hanamikoji Street packed with well-preserved charming wooden machiya houses. Listen to fascinating stories behind the ancient district as you appreciate the grandeur of traditional Japanese architecture.

Day 6

Marvel at the Grandiose Kinkakuji Temple

One of the must-see tourist attractions in Kyoto, the Kinkakuji Temple is also known as the Golden Pavilion for its gold leaf element. Leisurely stroll around the enchanting gardens surrounding the grand Kinkakuji Temple and admire the impressive Japanese architecture showcasing the lavish traditional culture during Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s rule.

Visit the Impressive Kiyomizudera Temple

Best known for its large wooden stage juts out over the hillside, the Kiyomizudera Temple offers impressive panoramic views of the city. One of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, learn the story behind the temple and admire the picturesque scenery. Feel free to drink a cup of Otowa Waterfalls’ stream water at the base of the main hall for good health, longevity, success at school, and auspicious love life.

Explore the Scenic Nara Park

Take in the spectacular scenic beauty of Nara Park as you leisurely stroll and get an insight on Japan’s Buddhist history through arts and monuments. Get to meet and interact with the tame deers roaming freely around the park. Continue to the Todaiji Temple, one of the most historically significant temples and landmark in Nara, and check out the Great Buddha Hall which houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. You can also visit some of the main attractions located in Nara Park, such as Kasuga, Taisha, Kofukuji, and the Nara National Museum.

Scenic Drive to Osaka

End the day with a drive 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.

Day 7

Explore the Osaka Castle Area

Visit the Osaka Museum of History and learn about the history of Osaka. The museum boasts comprehensive exhibits that chronicles Osaka’s history, from ancient times up to the modern era. Then, continue to the charming Nishinomaru Garden to take some photos with the magnificent Osaka Castle as the backdrop and admire the amazing scenery of the garden filled with cherry blossom trees. 

See the Iconic Osaka Castle

The five-story Osaka Castle is one of the most famous landmarks and one of the most impressive  structures in Japan. Known for its incredibly well-built stone wall, be amazed at the gigantic stones used to build the castle walls. Visit the splendid Osaka Castle Tower, learn the profound history of the castle, and admire the spectacular views of the surrounding areas from the observation deck.

Visit the Retro Shinsekai District

Make your way through the bustling and vibrant alleys of Shinsekai district. Known for the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, the Shinsekai district is packed with countless of affordable shops and restaurants as well as cinemas, shoji, mahjong clubs, and pachinko parlors.

Discover Osaka’s Culinary Delights in Kuromon Market

Explore the famous and historic Kuromon Market and get to know the dynamic local culture through its delightful gourmet cuisine. See the wide selection of high quality, fresh seafood and authentic local treats, such as takoyaki, grilled scallops, sushi, grilled yakitori skewers, and so much more. 

Tour the Vibrant Dotonbori District

Experience the bright scene and lively ambience of the Dotonbori district. Famous for its flashy neon lights and striking signages, make sure to spot the iconic Glico running man sign above the Ebisubashi Bridge. Casually stroll through the busy Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, shop for some souvenirs, and try the authentic takoyaki and okonomiyaki. You can take your time and enjoy at your leisure before heading back to the hotel.

Day 8

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

• 7 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.