9 Days Best of Japan | Hiroshima

Day 1 Hiroshima | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

Day 2 Hiroshima | the Famous City of Peace

Our Hiroshima Tour will start the day with a short boat ride over to Miyajima Island. Here, you will find the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine greeting you as you enter the shrine grounds. The unique sight is due to the natural sequences of the ocean’s tide and is considered one of Japan’s top three most beautiful sights. The island is also known for its Momiji manju and delicious oysters which you can snack on during your visit.

After our morning in Miyajima, we will head into the city of Hiroshima. First, we will stop Orizuru, paper crane, Tower where you can see the past, the present, and the future of Hiroshima.

We spend the afternoon strolling around the historically important A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the atomic bombing of the city during World War Two. Surrounding the dome is the Peace Memorial Park where you can learn more about the bombing and see famous attractions like Sadako’s statue and the Freedom Bell. Finally we will visit newly renovated Peace Memorial Park.

Day 3 Himeji | One of 12 Original Japanese Castles

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it is considered one of Japan’s three premier castle. Nicknamed the White Heron Castle due to the castle’s brilliant white walls, the castle maintains almost all of its original structures since its construction in the early 1600’s. After overcoming war, natural disasters and going through restorative work, enjoy walking along the castle grounds.

After spending the afternoon stroll the grounds of Kokoen Japanese garden, we will head to Kyoto by taking an another bullet train ride.

After checking into our Kyoto hotel, you can enjoy exploring Kyoto station where you will find various restaurants and souvenir shops. If you are up to more excitement, do not miss the monthly themed light display on the staircases in Kyoto station.

Day 4 Kyoto | The Pillar of Japanese Tradition and Culture

We begin today with a visit to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride. Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight.

Next, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko lunch. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the lunch is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

We will then head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind. After we take our photos, we head out to the ancient street of Ninenzaka. The street is filled with shops and souvenir stands as well as a great place for photos and to see what Japan looked like many years ago. We will also partake in a hands-on lesson on the tea ceremony. Learn about the history and meaning behind the ceremony as you watch it being performed before your eyes. Try your hand at making a traditional cup of matcha! We then proceed to the hotel.

Day 5 Kyoto & Nara | Relax like the Local Japanese in the Soothing Hot-Springs

It's off to Nara to Todaiji Temple today. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat.

Before we make our way towards Atami, we will stop for a kaiten sushi lunch and at a sake museum for some sampling and to learn the history of Japan's national drink.

We end the day with a bullet train ride to Atami. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding to Kyoto in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride.

Your Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen (Japanese hot springs), to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. An informal, cotton Kimono or Yukata will be provided for you to wear at the ryokan. Your vacation's ryokan includes a hot-spring onsite to enjoy at your leisure during your night's accommodation.

Day 6 Hakone & Mt. Fuji | Looking for views of Mt. Fuji from the Hakone Rope-way

Our Japan tour will start the day by heading to the renown Hakone area. The first stop of the day wIll be Owakudani Valley for a ride on the Hakone Ropeway. The valley itself is an active volcanic crater and is famous for its black boiled egg that is said to add eight years to your life. If weather permits, enjoy a scenic view of Mt. Fuji as your ride the ropeway down the hill.

Before we head to our next destination, enjoy a warm bowl of Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanshi area, for lunch. After your hearty meal, we’ll make our way to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station where you will find breathtaking views of the mountain as well as the surrounding scenery. Be sure to snap some pictures and take in the nature before we head to Tokyo.

Day 7 Tokyo | Harajuku & Shibuya - Tokyo's Trendy Neighborhoods

We start the today off with a visit to the Fukagawa Edo Museum to get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during Japan's traditional days of Edo. Travel back in time and walk through the old city of Tokyo made to recreate life during Japan's Edo period.

Our next stop is Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, the former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors, mouth-watering dishes, and incredible sushi meals at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the rest of the sights in Tokyo!

The tour will then head to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area and explore Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most popular temples.

For lunch, enjoy a delicious Teppan-yaki meal before we dive into the center of Japanese street fashion in Harajuku. Shop through the trendy district while snacking on famous Harajuku crepes and other kawaii treats for dessert from Takeshita Dori.

We will then make our way to the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other. While here, our Tokyo tour will also visit the popular Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the internationally-known story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner. This Tokyo spot is a popular meet-up area for couples and friends when visiting Shibuya Station.

If you wish to continue your day, you have the option to visit the Tokyo Skytree where visitors can find shops for all their needs whether it be anime related, souvenirs, clothing, food, etc.

Day 8 Tokyo | Enjoy at your Leisure

We have cleared up the day for you to explore and enjoy Japan as you wish.
During this time, you can either:

1. Enjoy the entire day as you wish
2. Visit Tokyo Disney Land or DisneySea
3. Join a Tokyo Tour
4. Go back to the places you want to spend more time with
5. Visit Team Lab in either Odaiba or Toyosu

For those who wish to visit Tokyo Disney Land or DisneySea, your tour guide will be happy to explain directions.

(Not all fees included for additional tour options. Please contact us during your booking to reserve an optional excursion tour)

Day 9 Tokyo | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast.
Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

**INFORMATION**
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Narita Airport - about 90 mins(Bus)
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Haneda Airport - about 30 mins(Bus)