Your tour begins with two days of private, guided touring in Tokyo (including a one-day Art Enthusiasts’ Tour of Tokyo with an art specialist guide). Next, you’ll travel to Hakone, a hot-springs resort area with views of Mt. Fuji. Here, you can visit the famous Open-Air Museum, and have the option to stay at a traditional ryokan. In Kyoto, you’ll have 1½ days of private, guided touring (including a half-day Introduction to Kyoto’s Culinary Secrets) and a day of independent touring with Windows to Japan’s step-by-step instruction file.
Yokoso! Welcome to Japan! At your arrival at Narita Airport in Tokyo, a welcoming service will greet you at the airport arrival gate and escort you to the shuttle bus to your hotel.
Itinerary will be adjusted according to your flight schedule.
Accommodation in Tokyo Option 1: Hilton Tokyo Hotel
Accommodation in Tokyo Option 2: Park Hotel Tokyo
Accommodation upgrade in Tokyo: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 2
The Many Facets of Tokyo
In the next few days, you will discover Tokyo - the center of modern Japan. You will spend each day exploring the main sights of the city, getting a thorough introduction to a typical Tokyoite life by public transportation, one of the best subway systems in the world. Tokyo is a huge metropolis, which has surprises in store for us at every street corner. This is an exciting, vibrant and bustling city, where everything and everyone moves on high speed. At night, Tokyo reveals yet another side to it with its neon signs brightening the sky, thousands of lively restaurants and bars, and colorful entertainment districts, which you can explore independently.
Today, explore Tokyo with your private guide.
Day 3
Tokyo for the Art Enthusiast
A special schedule for art lovers! Your guide will take you (by public transportation) to some of the leading modern and contemporary art museums in Tokyo and Japan, along with some sightseeing spots as time allows. Your guide is an art specialist who will explain more about contemporary art in Japan.
Day 4
Tokyo's Backyard, Featuring Art, Mt. Fuji Views and Hot Springs
On this day you will take the train to the "backyard" of Tokyo, Hakone. This is a nature reserve and hot springs area with great museums as well as the possibility on a clear day to enjoy one of the best views of Mt. Fuji. Another highlight in this area is the open-air museum, a renowned museum for contemporary art which uses the beauty of the surrounding nature as a backdrop to the exhibits. In the evening, you can enjoy one of the highlights of any visit to Japan - the hot springs.
Accommodation: Suimeiso
Accommodation Upgrade Option: Ryokan Ginyu
Day 5
Kyoto - The Heart of Traditional Japan
In the morning, you will take a train (in first class seats) towards Japan’s old capital: Kyoto. You will dedicate these days to Kyoto, the hub of traditional culture, a city that for hundreds of years has been and continues to be an island of tradition in the swirling whirlpool of progress. Kyoto has 17 World Heritage Sites – the most properties in one city – each a representative masterpiece of the era in which it was constructed. Over these days you will encounter the various tales that make up the Japanese puzzle and discover the past rippling through the everyday life of locals.
Independently with our detailed instruction file and as time allows you will visit the acclaimed Silver Pavilion and enjoy a leisurely walk along the celebrated Philosopher’s Path, then continue to one of Kyoto’s most photogenic slopes with winding streets filled with small specialized shops and cafés set against the backdrop of the Eastern Mountains.
Accommodation in Kyoto: Kyoto Hotel Okura
Day 6
Kyoto's Gems Along the Eastern Mountains
Continuing your journey in Kyoto with your private guide by public transportation, you will be exposed to the fundamentals of esthetics, Zen, architecture, and horticulture through visits to famous places such as the distinguished stone garden at Ryoanji temple, the spectacular Golden Pavilion, the Shogun’s castle, and a downtown market as well as walking along picturesque streets trying to get a glimpse of a Geisha rushing on her way to work.
Day 7
An Introduction to Kyoto’s Culinary Secrets
Today you will begin with a half-day guided tour which offers a fascinating walking tour exploring the tastes and flavors of the Japanese cuisine. The tour will take you to some famous food-related places such as an old Sake brewery, Miso shop, tea shop, visiting a very esthetic food court as well as the famous food market, Nishiki, downtown. Through this tour, you will deepen your knowledge of the Japanese kitchen and you will be exposed to the variety of unique produce and other ingredients that make Japanese cuisine renowned around the world.
In the afternoon, you can continue exploring this fascinating city, or wander around the downtown and go shopping, or relax at your hotel.
Sayonara, Mata Ne! See You Again!
Itinerary will be adjusted according to your flight schedule.
Today, you will start your way back home. A private car will pick you up for a private transfer to Kansai AP. We wish you a pleasant and safe trip.
Please keep in mind that this itinerary is only a starting point and can be custom-tailored according to your interests.
Pricing:
Tour Fare based on double room: USD$3,693 per person
Upgrade to Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: USD$321 p/p
Upgrade to Hakone Ginyu Japanese Suite: USD$279 p/p
Includes:
• Welcome service at Narita AP upon arrival on Day 1
• 2 days guiding in Tokyo, 1 day guiding in Kyoto and a special half-day culinary tour in Kyoto with English speaking guide
• Entrance fees (on guided days)
• Airport shuttle in Tokyo, public transportation within Tokyo, Hakone Free Pass, train from Hakone to Kyoto, public transportation within Kyoto, private transfer to Kansai airport
• Breakfast daily (and one dinner in Hakone)
Optionals
Private Tea ceremony in Kyoto: USD$43 p/p
Geisha night with dinner: USD$391 p/p
Private Samurai or Ninja Experience in Tokyo: USD$161 p/p
Visiting Sumo stable for training and having Chanko lunch in Tokyo: USD$161 p/p
Prices valid for January 2013. May be adjusted based on season and any private tailoring of the itinerary.
