Kyoto

Best Japan Tour

TJP02: 6 Days Private Tour of Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka
Tour Type: Private tour, with English guide and customizable itinerary
Transportation: Japan’s convenient public transport
Accommodation: Handpicked 5 stars luxury & 4 stars comfort hotels

Highlights:
  • Cross Mount Fuji off your bucket list and get stunned by the panoramic view.
  • Find contrasts in Tokyo: thousand-year-old Senso-ji and trendy Shibuya.
  • Feel the spiritual power and make a wish at a Japanese shrine or temple.
  • Travel in depth to the ancient capital Kyoto and spot a geisha in Gion.
  • Sample fresh sushi and authentic snacks at a local market.
From USD1799 per person Free Inquiry
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Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo, Japan; Airport Pick-up
Welcome to choose our best Japan tour! As soon as your flight lands in Tokyo, you will be warmly greeted by our English-speaking assistant, who will guide you on a convenient shared car to the hotel we’ve carefully selected for you in central Tokyo. Check in to the hotel and enjoy your free time for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier (4 stars) or Hilton Tokyo (5 stars)
* Activities & Dinner Suggestion:
To ease your fatigue from the long flight, we have no fixed sightseeing plans for the day. Have a good rest at the hotel, or, if you are still energetic, you can make your own way to the Tsukiji Outer Market, Japan's most prestigious seafood market. Although the once flourished fish market has moved away, there are still many old restaurants frequented by local foodies, offering the best seafood and sushi. If you are going, remember to go early, as many shops and restaurants close at 17:00 or 18:00. For sunset and night view, the Tokyo Skytree is a great place to go.
Day 2 Tokyo Highlights: Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya
After breakfast, our guide will meet you in the hotel and take you on a metro to begin the exploration of metropolitan Tokyo. First, we’ll visit the stately Imperial Palace, the residence and office of the Emperor of Japan. Take our specially arranged route to avoid the crowds and visit its Kokyo Gaien National Garden and the East Gardens. You would be amazed at how big a green and peaceful place there is in the middle of such a cluster of skyscrapers. The guide will show you the bronze statue of the ancient hero general Kusunoki Masashige and give you time to take photos in front of the classic Nijubashi Bridge.

Next, we’ll head to Asakusa, Tokyo’s most distinctive Edo-style playground popular with both locals and tourists. Wander through the magnificent Kaminarimon Gate and the bustling Nakamise-dori Street, getting excited by the lively vibe of century-old shops selling Japanese food and folk crafts. Approach the Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple of Tokyo, at the end of the street. Follow the guide to pay homage to a Kannon statue accidentally salvaged by the local fishermen in 628 AD. Do what the locals do here - draw an Omikuji fortune slip or buy a charm for good luck.
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple
Visitors in Tokyo
Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya
Later, the guide will take you to the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Walking from the noisy streets, we would suddenly enter a tranquil green land made up of 100,000 trees and get close to the Japanese spiritual center, the shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852 – 1912 AD), who led Japan into an industrialized world power. Let’s visit the main hall, write wishes on a wooden plaque, and leisurely stroll through the Meiji Jingu Gyoen, where the shobu flowers field was often visited by the emperor and his wife, and legend has it that it can bring good luck and positive energy to those who visit.

Afterwards, head to Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most popular commercial areas. Standing in the world’s busiest Shibuya Crossing, you will truly feel the hurried footsteps of Japanese people. See the iconic Hachiko Memorial Statue, a popular meeting place featuring a bronze statue of a famous loyal Akita dog. If you've seen the Japanese film Hachiko Monogatari or any other adaptations, you must have been moved to tears by the story of the dog who waited 10 years after his owner died. Next, you can explore various shopping malls according to your preferences, such as the Shibuya 109, Shibuya Center-Gai, and Shibuya Parco. The guide will leave here, giving you free time to hang out and relax. A variety of shops, entertainment facilities, restaurants and cafes will make your afternoon. Nonbei Yokocho, a ramshackle alley tucked away behind Shibuya’s fashion and modernity, is full of tiny bars, bistros, and eateries. Here you can enjoy authentic teppanyaki and sake for dinner. Finally, please return to your hotel by metro or taxi.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier (4 stars) or Hilton Tokyo (5 stars)
* How to Return to Your Hotel from Shibuya:
1. To Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier: A taxi takes 25 minutes and costs USD 25. Travel by metro takes 22 minutes and costs USD 1.5 per person. Take the metro Ginza Line from Shibuya Station for 16 minutes (8 stops) to Ginza Station, and walk 6 minutes northeast to the hotel.
2. To Hilton Tokyo: A taxi takes 20 minutes and costs USD 15. Travel by metro takes 16 minutes and costs USD 1.3 per person. From Shibuya Station, take the Fukutoshin Line for 6 minutes (2 stops) to Shinjuku-sanchome Station, walk 1 minute north to transfer to the Marunouchi Line, ride for another 3 minutes (2 stops) to Nishi-shinjuku Station, and walk 4 minutes south to your hotel.
Day 3 Mount Fuji Tour by Ropeway and Cruise
No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to Mount Fuji. Today is going to mark your epic adventure to the mountain, which is Japan’s symbolic natural sight. Meet our guide in your hotel lobby and start with an express bus ride to the Lake Kawaguchi, a sought-after resort for appreciating the beauty of Mount Fuji. Board the Lake Kawaguchi cruise to get a close view of Mount Fuji from different directions, with its snow-capped peak reflected on the aquamarine water. Ride the Panoramic Ropeway specially arranged for you, ascend from the lakeshore to the observation deck on the top of the Mount Tenjo in just 3 minutes, for a striking panoramic view.
Mt Fuji
Mount Fuji, Symbol of Japan
Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi
Why Choose Us: 4 Reasons
1. Adjustable Date:
We unprecedentedly offer a flexible choice of dates to visit Mount Fuji, depending on weather. This is deadly necessary as the Mount Fuji is not often seen due its special climatic conditions. If rain is forecast for the day, then you can agree with our guide to advance the Mount Fuji trip to Day 2, and visit the weather-proof sites in Tokyo on Day 3.

2. Early Departure and Smart Travel:
Enjoy our early morning pick-up, to ensure enough time to explore Mount Fuji, given the long drive of 4 hours for a round trip. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and get a better experience.

3. All-inclusive and Worry-free Purchase:
We share your dislike for unexpected add-ons, so we don't have any hidden fees. Our one-price tour generously includes the sightseeing cruise on the Lake Kawaguchi as well as the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway.

4. Handpicked Photo Spots:
Book our exclusive route designed by insiders, and get served by senior guides, with more than 10 years of experience and at least 5 monthly visits to Mt. Fuji, who will help you find unknown photo spots by the lake, and show you how to take superb pictures.

Completing this awesome Fuji day tour, our guide will accompany you on an express bus returning to Tokyo for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier (4 stars) or Hilton Tokyo (5 stars)
Day 4 Tokyo to Kyoto; Visit Golden Pavilion, Pure Water Temple & Gion
In the morning, please check out and make your way to Tokyo Station to catch the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto by yourself (train tickets already reserved and included). The lightning speed allows the 450 km (280 mi) journey be completed in just 2.5 hours. Enjoy the scenery flashing by the window, and buy a Japanese ekiben for lunch if you like.
* How to Get to Tokyo Station:
1. From Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier: Take a taxi there in 5 minutes at a cost of USD 6; or walk 10 minutes northwest to the station.
2. From Hilton Tokyo: 20 minutes and USD 28 by taxi; 25 minutes and USD 1.5 by metro: walk 5 minutes north to Nishi-shinjuku Station to take the Marunouchi Line for 20 minutes (10 stops) to Tokyo Station.

Upon arrival, our Kyoto guide will greet you at the train station, escort you to check in to the hotel, and meanwhile familiarize you with the ancient city, which served as the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 AD, and retains a considerable amount of historical relics and World Heritage sites.

After a short break, take a guided tour to the Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple) to appreciate its remarkable 3-story Sarira Pavilion covered with pure gold leaf, which is a far cry from the austere Buddhist architecture you’re used to. Next, we’ll visit the Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu-dera Temple), the oldest temple in Kyoto which was first built in 778 AD. In addition to ascending to the elevated veranda for a gorgeous overlook of Kyoto, you can also pray for longevity, wisdom and health, as the locals do, by drinking from the spring water of the wish-granting Otowa Waterfall flowing down from the mountain. Just beyond the temple are the historical alleys of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, which are protected areas for important traditional Japanese architecture. Following the guide to stroll up and down the stone-paved pedestrian ramps, you can take pictures of typical Kyoto style, and get fascinated by the quaint wooden houses flanking the road, which sell local snacks, groceries, and souvenirs.

Walk by the Yasaka Shrine and admire its exterior, and we’ll then step into the Gion area, the time-honored geisha district in Kyoto. Bet you’ll be lucky to see geishas or maikos passing by in elaborate kimonos and makeup. Our guide will say goodbye to you at the Hanamikoji Street in Gion, leaving you some free time here. Dining at a favorite restaurant, or watching a geisha show at a tea house, followed by a night view of Gion, will make for an unforgettable night in Japan. Finally, you can easily hire a taxi to return to your hotel in 10 minutes.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Kyoto Station (4 stars) or The Thousand Kyoto (5 stars)
Day 5 Kyoto Essence & Nara Park
This is a day to delve into the culture heritage and local life of Kyoto. After breakfast, our guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you on a visit to one of Kyoto’s representative sights, the Fushimi Inari Taisha, a popular shrine dedicated to Inari, the kami of agriculture and commerce. In addition to the traditional prayer halls, you will be led to hike through the Senbon Torii, renowned for its more than 10,000 vermilion torii gates, which form a spectacular pathway stretching behind the shrine’s main hall to the top of the mountain. Our thoughtfully arranged morning visit allows you to avoid the crowds. Run up the path of endless torii gates like the heroine of the movie ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’, make your wish, and create the most eye-catching photos on social media. Next, check in at the 400-year-old Nishiki Market just before noon. Meander through the lively stalls, be dazzled by the abundance of local food and sundries, and buy some snacks for lunch if you like.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Todai-ji Temple
Great Eastern Temple (Todai-ji)
In the afternoon, a taste of the old world awaits you. Take a train to Nara and visit the Nara Park, a peaceful natural resort. Visit the Kofuku-ji Temple, Great Eastern Temple (Todai-ji Temple) and walk into the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a hidden treasure in the primeval forest with a thousand years’ history. Coming to Nara is not only to see the historical sites, but also to play with the tame deer here. As a casual visitor, you need to respect the lifestyle of the park’s longtime owners, the hundreds of deer of an ancient breed unique to Japan. Buy a packet of crackers and feed the deer. They will usually give you a polite nod. After a relaxing afternoon, our guide will escort you back to your hotel in Kyoto.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Kyoto Station (4 stars) or The Thousand Kyoto (5 stars)
Day 6 Kyoto to Osaka; Departure from Osaka
Your best Japan tour is coming to an end. Depending on your departure flight time, please go by yourself from Kyoto to Osaka Kansai International Airport for your flight home or to your next destination. Wish you a pleasant trip!

Meals: Breakfast
* How to get to the airport: Walk a few minutes from your hotel to Kyoto Station, take the express train Haruka Line for 1 hour and 20 minutes (4 stops) to the airport, at a cost of USD 24 per person.

* If your flight leaves late, you can also arrive in Osaka early and explore the popular attractions such as the Osaka Castle and Dotonbori on your own. Otherwise, you can contact our travel consultants for an extended or customized guided tour of Osaka.
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This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
Destinations4 Stars Hotels5 Stars Hotels
TokyoDaiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier Hilton Tokyo
KyotoMitsui Garden Kyoto Station The Thousand Kyoto
Note: Hotels in Japan are always in great demand and the roomrates fluctuate greatly. If in case any of the above hotels cannot be arranged, we will offer similar ones and keep you informed.
Tour Prices
Category
Month
Year Round
Tour Prices with 4 Stars Hotels
Month2-3 travelers4-5 travelers
Year Round
USD2279
USD1799
Tour Prices with 5 Stars Hotels
Month2-3 travelers4-5 travelers
Year Round
USD3119
USD2639
  • Prices are per person on twin sharing basis.
  • Any part of the itinerary e.g. tour length, activities & hotels can be tailored to your individual interests.
Price Includes
  • Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
  • Service of English-speaking guide as per itinerary
  • Airport shared car, public transfer & bullet train as per itinerary
  • Entrance fees for mentioned sights visited
Price Excludes
  • International flights of arrival and departure
  • Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Airport see-off
  • Personal expenses
  • Japan visa fee
Why Choose Us?