There are numerous ways to learn about Japan, whether through movies, books, or TV, but it can't be fully understood without visiting it. This 8-day suggested itinerary will let you enjoy Japanese cities and experience their local culture.
Day
5
Best Time to Visit
5
Group
Family
Hiking Difficulty
3
Tour Highlights
We have just returned from an amazing trip to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Our travel adviser Albee Ning prepared a wonderful itinerary taking us to great locations with creative activities highlighting local culture.
We traveled with Asia Highlights (Lissie was our agent) several years ago when we went to Saigon, and the experience was so positive, we automatically went to Asia Highlights again for an extensive trip to Southeast Asia.
Itinerary Details
The itinerary is flexible. We can tailor-make a trip based on your interests, must-sees, and budget. The price will depend on your adjustments.
When you arrive in Osaka, transfer to your accommodation from the arrival hall in a private van. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish — you can spend time adjusting to your jet lag at the hotel or explore on your own.
Transportation in Japan
Japan is famous for its public transportation. When you visit Japan, you can experience its fast and convenient Shinkansen, trains, tramcars, and private cars. The means of transportation on each day is flexible, you can discuss what will be best with your local guide.
Accommodation
You can choose to stay one night at Cross Hotel Osaka (handpicked comfort) or Imperial Hotel Osaka (luxury).
After breakfast at your hotel, we will take a morning train from Osaka to Kyoto (40 minutes). The first scenic spot we will visit is Nijo Castle, which will take you back to 1603, it records Japan's war history from another side. Then we will head to the kitchen of Kyoto — Nishiki Market, filled with hundreds of bustling shops selling fresh seafood, sweets, and sushi, as well as knives and cookware. It is worth experiencing the lively atmosphere for 2 hours.
Next, take a look at a historical building — Golden Pavilion Temple, built in 1379. Set in front of a picturesque lake, this gorgeous temple is one of the most classic pictures in Kyoto.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which means Pure Water Temple. Founded by a Buddhist sect in 798 and was rebuilt in 1633 after a fire. It is one of the most famous and enjoyable landmarks in Kyoto.
You can pay extra to enjoy your dinner with a performance in Gion District, which was once a residence and working place for prostitutes. For those interested in watching a Geisha performance, it is a must-see.
Accommodation
Stay 2 nights in Kyoto and choose between the 4-star Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa (handpicked comfort) or the 5-star Kyoto Brighton Hotel (luxury).
You will start your day by visiting one of Kyoto's oldest and most popular shrines — Fushimi Inari Shrine. It is worth taking photos here around 10:00 AM while there is soft sunshine. Then take a train to Nara with your guide at noon.
Enjoy a walk in Nara Park, called Deer Park by the locals. In the Japanese Shinto culture, deer are considered sacred as they are messengers from the gods and are highly protected. The park is home to hundreds of deer which has become a symbol of the city. You can see many new couples taking their wedding photos with the deer.
Taste the famous Japanese sake in a brewery (a traditional Japanese-style building). You can taste different kinds of sake.
The hometown of Japanese matcha tea is Uji. In the morning, you will take a train from Kyoto to Uji (27 minutes) to experience the local tea culture. You can learn the history of tea, how to recognize tea, and how to make tea with your guide. Enjoy a delicious cup or two of tea there.
After lunch down a bustling Uji street, you will experience riding on a Japanese Shinkansen to Hakone, about 1½ hours. You can enjoy an onsen bath or Japanese style massage during your visit.
Highlights of Today — Tea Culture Experience
You will visit a tea shop that is over a century old. You will meet a tea master who will show you the process of making tea and learn how to use various tea tools.
Sit like a Japanese, allow your soul to feel peace, and follow your tea master to make your own tea, it takes about one hour. Enjoy the taste of your tea your way. You will receive dried tea leaves as a present after this unique experience.
What makes it special for me?
- Trace tea back to its hometown: if you want to learn Japanese authentic chado (the way of tea), Uji is a must-see, it will break your tea perceptions.
- Better experience in a small group: The tea experience has less than 10 people, so you can fully experience it with a master, who will answer all your questions about tea.
- Keep the tradition and origin: Nowadays, lots of tea factories use machines to make tea, however, a tea master uses traditional methods. Enjoy the real taste of tea. It is a good way to keep one of Japan's best traditions alive.
Accommodation
You will stay one night at the 4-star Hakone Hotel (handpicked comfort) or the 5-star Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort (luxury).
In the morning, you will spend some time in Mt Fuji National Park. Take the world's second-longest cable car up to Owakudani, which is a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs in Hakone. It is a popular tourist site because of its scenic views, volcanic activity, and the kuro-tamago ("black egg", which is an egg that has been hard-boiled in the sulfuric hot spring). If you eat this egg, it is believed you can add 7 years to your life.
After lunch, you will take a trip in a majestic replica pirate ship across Lake Ashinoko, formed 3,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption. The return train, Hakone Tozan, goes through the mountains so you can enjoy the fantastic views of the surrounding valleys.
Ride a Romance Car back to Tokyo, when you arrive in Tokyo, find your own way to your hotel.
Good to know
You will stay in a hotel near Shinjuku station, so that it is convenient for you to explore the down-town area by yourself.
Accommodation
You will stay 3 nights at either Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (handpicked comfort) or Imperial Hotel Tokyo (luxury).
Greater Tokyo is the world's most populous metropolitan city and is the center of Japanese culture, finance, and government. You will have a full day to explore it with your local guide.
Take a water bus boat along the Sumida River, so you can enjoy wonderful views of Tokyo. After a simple lunch, hop on a rickshaw at Asakusa and visit the must-see scenic spots in this ancient town.
It is worth spending 2 hours wandering Shibuya Street — the busiest in Tokyo. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at a cat or maid café (must-do stops for many visitors). Try to fully immerse in Tokyo's lively atmosphere.
Highlights of Today — Explore Tokyo's Bustling Shibuya Street
Many famous movies have been filmed at Shibuya, for example, "Enter the Void" and "Shibuya 24 Hours." Tokyo is home to rich street cultures and it's a great place to admire the local fashion.
Stop at a cat or maid cafe and learn about Japanese Kawaii cultures (cute cultures) with your guide. There are many local authentic restaurants with Japanese-style buildings. Find an excellent one where you can end your evening.
What makes it special for me?
- Avoid the crowds: Explore the alleys that have less tourists, so that you can see more local people and enjoy authentic sushi or coffee with them.
- Learn local culture with a native: Your guide is a local who knows the city well, you can study Japanese culture with him/her while you sit at a local café.
You will start your day with a visit to fish stands at the outer market of Tsukiji. It is entertaining to watch how local people bargain and how ladies pick the fish. Your guide will introduce picking skills to you and you can experience making local sushi at a locals home. Have lunch with locals and enjoy your afternoon time with them. It would be an unforgettable experience.
Highlight of Today: Visit a Wet Market and learn Sushi-making
Tsukiji Fish Market is Asia's largest seafood market. If you love authentic food, the local cuisine, or wet markets, it would be the highlight of your whole trip. After learning some picking skills, you will choose your sushi ingredients there, then head to a local house to learn how to make sushi.
Making sushi usually takes about 4 to 5 hours. You will learn rolled sushi, gunkan sushi, and nigiri sushi, then you can taste your finished products during lunch. If you like the taste of it, you can take some sushi away with you.
Note — There is a tuna auction every day, but you need to get up early to wait for it, about 2 AM. If you are interested in a 300 pound tuna being sold in 20 seconds, you can discuss it with your local guide.
What makes it special for me?
- Experience authentic Japanese life — Get to know locals with a visit to a wet market and enjoy lunch and a cooking lesson in a locals home.
- Learn a skill — You can learn sushi-making in a local home, so that you can make it for your friends when you are home. Imagine you are sharing your Japanese tour experience by making Japanese cuisine for your friends and family — it makes a lovely picture.