DAY 1 TOKYO

National Diet Building (drive-by)
This is the center of the Japanese Government. Don’t let the impressive Western-style architecture fool you-this building is constructed almost entirely out of pure Japanese materials.

Imperial Palace (drive-by)
Formerly known as Edo Castle, this palace is the residence of the Emperor of Japan. The grounds are lush with green foliage and provide a relaxing spot for Tokyoites and visitors alike.

Tsukiji Outer Market
Japans No.1 place for seafood with over 400 shops including fresh fish retailers, grocers, and restaurants. Enjoy shopping and try some local food while exploring this one-of-a-kind location.

Kabukiza (Drive-by)
A classic Japanese-style theater where traditional Kabuki performances are held.

Tokyo Skytree Town
Enjoy freely exploring Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Solamachi which features many traditional Tokyo shops, an aquarium, planetarium, and more.

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street
Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, offers plenty to see including the bright red Kaminarimon Gate, a statue of the god of thunder, and a five-story pagoda. The bustling street known as “Nakamise” stretches for about 250m from Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple and is filled with a plethora of shops. Tour ends in Asakusa after enjoying a stroll around.

DAY 2 TOKYO – MT FUJI – HAKONE

Mt. Fuji 5th Station
The bus will head up to the 5th Station along the Subaru Line.
The 5th Station is situated at 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) above sea level. At this height, participants will be amazed at spectacular, breathtaking views from above the clouds.

Enjoy lunch.

Lake Ashi Cruise
This crater lake along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mt. Hakone was formed by a powerful volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago, and provides postcard views of Mt. Fuji towering 30 km northwest. Admire the superb view of Mt. Fuji from aboard a ship.

Komagatake Ropeway
Take a 7-minute ropeway ride to the peak of Mt. Komagatake. A total of 50 minutes will be spent here, including time to walk around at the peak. Take a cableway ride up to the spiritual Hakone

Shrine Mototsumiya (original shrine) that nestles at the mountaintop.

Overnight in Hakone.  

DAY 3 HAKONE – KYOTO – NARA – KYOTO

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto by bullet train. Then after lunch travel by bus to Nara.

Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha)/Nara Park
A World Heritage site. This is the symbol of the Nara Period and one of the world’s largest wooden structures. Its huge main hall and bronze Great Buddha are impressive to behold.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine
This Nara Period shrine is designated as a World Heritage Site. The deer of Nara Park are thought to be the shrine messengers.

Nara Nagomikan
The largest souvenir shop in Nara. Enjoy yourself in this spacious shop and look for the perfect souvenir.

DAY 4 KYOTO

Nijo-jo Castle
A World Heritage site. Tour the historical castle completed in 1626, which was built to provide lodging for Tokugawa Shogun and as a palladium for Kyoto Imperial Palace. The impressive, elaborate carvings and decors in the Ninomaru Palace are a must-see.

Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
A World Heritage site. The wooden architecture is covered in thin layers of pure gold and is surrounded by a beautiful pond.

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Except Mondays)
See the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was used as the Emperor’s residence until about 150 years ago.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Mondays (and Tuesdays when Monday is a national holiday))
On Mondays (and Tuesdays if a national holiday falls on the preceding Monday), this tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It is famous for housing the God of scholarship. This shrine’s main hall is a designated national treasure. The shrine is especially great to see during the plum blossom and autumn leaf seasons.

Enjoy lunch.

Heian Shrine
Don’t miss the characteristic red architecture of this beautiful shrine built to celebrate the 1,100 year anniversary of the founding of the city of Kyoto.

Sanjusangen-do Temple
Visit the world’s longest wooden structure, housing 1,001 life-size statues of Buddhist Kannon deities dating back to the 13th century.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The view of Kyoto from the World Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera is superb. The historic shopping lane that leads to the temple adds to a wonderful experience.
Please note that due to repair and restoration work, part or all of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple Main Hall will not be visible.

DAY 5 KYOTO

Tour ends after check-out.