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Itinerary |
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Day 1 Tokyo | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel 05/21/2023
Featured Destinations & Experiences Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )
The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more! Welcome to Japan! Japan Deluxe Tours has arranged transportation services to meet you at your airport's arrival lobby and will take you to your hotel. Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow. |
Day 2 Tokyo | Meet Your Favorite Iconic Anime Characters Breakfast Lunch 05/22/2023 Breakfast Lunch
Featured Destinations & Experiences Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )
The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more! During the Anime Toyko touring, we will use public transportation systems including JR(Japan Railroad) trains, Metro, subways and a bus. We will provide you with a Pasmo or Suica which is a prepaid transportation card. You get to travel just like a local! Kicking things off with our anime tour, we start our day at Odaiba, a popular shopping and entertainment district on a manmade island in Tokyo Bay. Your group will go see the iconic 65 feet-tall Unicorn Gundam and Gundam-Base shop where you can take pictures and get a glimpse at the ever so famous Gundam fandom. You can then go to Small World Tokyo while you have free time in Odaiba (additional cost required). The attraction specializes in miniature models all made to scale. Not your typical models, Small Worlds has created unique worlds based on fantasy and space exploration as well as special models based on Sailor Moon and Evangelion. With moving parts within each model, feel as though you are truly watching each world in real time. Next, we will visit Shibuya Parco where the latest anime spot called Cyberspace Shibuya has been a popular spot in recent years. You can find the very first Nintendo shop, Nintendo Tokyo, the stylish Pokemon Center Shibuya, Capcom store, Jump shop and much more. We end the day relaxing with some sweets with Godzilla! Located on rooftop, Godzilla has found home in Shinjuku at Café Bonjour for the time being. Here, enjoy a Godzilla themed cake set with your choice of drink. Once done, you can take pictures of/with the HUGE Godzilla. Next, we will head to the unique and interactive Ninja Trick House. Here, you can learn about the way of the Ninja, touch a Japanese sword, throw Shuriken star blades, and take pictures with Ninja to complete your own ninja training regimen. |
Day 3 Tokyo | Akihabara's Finest Anime & Otaku Destinations Breakfast 05/23/2023 Breakfast
Featured Destinations & Experiences Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )
The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more!
Kanda Shrine
|
[
Akihabara | Anime Game Travel Guide
]
Animate | Anime Game Travel Guide
- Shopping |
Tamashii Nations Store Tokyo
|
Gacha Gacha Machines
|
Super Potato (JDT Recommends)
|
SEGA Arcade (JDT Recommends)
|
Maid Cafe (JDT Recommends)
|
Ramen (JDT Recommends)
|
Nakano Broadway
|
Ghibli Museum
|
Return to the hotel
We head to the Electronic Town of Akihabara. Before we head to the main shopping area, we will take a brief walk to the anime-famous Kanda Shrine. Famously featured in anime such as Love Live! and collaborating with hit anime & manga like My Hero Academia, Kanda Shrine is the only shrine to offer good luck charms for electronics and anime characters. We make our way back to the main street where you can enjoy shopping at some of the most popular otaku destinations, including Animate. Animate carries all kinds of character goods, electronics, and games from current and popular anime/manga series. For those interested in character figures, a stop by Tamashii Nations cannot be overlooked as they are the premier figurine shop and exhibit in Akihabara. There's plenty of free time in Akihabara, so Japan Deluxe Tours recommends exploring Super Potato for vintage games, SEGA arcade, visit a Maid Cafe, or just explore the area. We will visit the anime specialized shopping complex: Nakano Broadway. Explore the many stores dedicated to anime and otaku goods or try the eight-layer ice-cream they serve downstairs! Once we finish up at Nakano Broadway, we head east to visit the famed Ghibli Museum. This animation and art museum exhibits the works of Miyazaki Hayao, creator of world famous films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Ghibli Film fans will certainly enjoy the artistic museum, which not only exhibits the history and techniques of animation but also plays short movies in a theater room, produced exclusively for the museum. We then proceed to the hotel. |
Day 4 Tokyo | Enjoy the day free at your Leisure Breakfast 05/24/2023 Breakfast
Featured Destinations & Experiences Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )
The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more! We have cleared up the day for you to explore and enjoy Japan as you wish. During this time, you can also:
|
Day 5 Tokyo | Trendy Anime meets Historic Asakusa Breakfast Lunch 05/25/2023 Breakfast Lunch
Featured Destinations & Experiences Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )
The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more!
Fukagawa Edo Museum
|
Tsukiji Fish Market
|
Experience the Flavors of Japan
|
[
Asakusa
]
Sensoji Temple
|
Harajuku
|
Harajuku Takeshita Street
|
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
|
Shibuya Hachiko
|
Return to the hotel
|
Tokyo Banana (JDT Recommends)
We start off our Tokyo tour with a visit to 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, the oldest and the most popular temples in Tokyo. For lunch, enjoy a Japanese seasonal dining experience. Then we are off to Harajuku to explore the famous Takeshita Street and Omotesando area. The area is filled with cute shops, delicious crepes, high end stores, and beautiful cafés and restaurants. Don't forget to check out the Cat Café and Headgehog café for those who love animals. It's time to look at Tokyo from birds' eye view. We will take you to Shibuya Sky: a new landmark, observation area rising 229 m or 766 feet above Shibuya. 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. |
Day 6 Hakone | Immerse in Traditional Japanese Culture Breakfast Lunch Dinner 05/26/2023 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Featured Destinations & Experiences Hotel Emion Kyoto or similar
Hotel Emion Kyoto ( Western Style )
Hotel Emion Kyoto is located in Central Kyoto, a neighborhood in Kyoto, and is near a train station. Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto National Museum are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Kawaramachi and Kyoto Station Building. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium or Kyoto Racecourse.
[
Hakone
]
Open-Air Museum
|
Owakudani Valley
|
Hakone Ropeway - Mt. Fuji View
|
Bullet Train
|
Check into the hotel
Japanese Style Hotel
|
Japanese Hot Springs
|
Kaiseki Ryori
|
Yukata
Our morning begins with a relaxing ride on the Hakone Ropeway down to Owakudani Valley. The ropeway provides a scenic view of the Hakone area including Lake Ashi and, if weather permits, Mt. Fuji. We will explore Owakudani for a short amount of time when you arrive, giving you enough time to marvel at the active natural volcanic vents as well as try the black egg, boiled in one of the vents. It is said that eating one of these eggs will add 7 years to your life! We continue with the nature theme as we make our way to the Hakone Open Air Museum, the first of its kind in Japan. Housing numerous works of art by well-known modern and contemporary artist and sculptors including Picasso, the ever changing scenery with the seasons provide visitors with a memorable experience. 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 7 Kyoto & Nara | Meet & Greet the friendly Deer of Nara Breakfast Lunch 05/27/2023 Breakfast Lunch
Featured Destinations & Experiences Hotel Emion Kyoto or similar
Hotel Emion Kyoto ( Western Style )
Hotel Emion Kyoto is located in Central Kyoto, a neighborhood in Kyoto, and is near a train station. Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto National Museum are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Kawaramachi and Kyoto Station Building. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium or Kyoto Racecourse.
[
Kyoto Prefecture
]
Fushimi Inari Shrine
|
Inari Sushi
(JDT Recommends) | [ Nara Prefecture ] Todaiji Temple | Deer Park | Sake Museum | Kaiten Sushi | Yatsuhashi (JDT Recommends) | Check into the hotel : | Kyoto Station Light Show | We will start heading 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. Afterwards, it's off to Nara to Todaiji Temple. 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. On the way back to Kyoto, 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. |
Day 8 Kyoto | Breathtaking Maiko Show & Bamboo Forest Breakfast Lunch 05/28/2023 Breakfast Lunch
Featured Destinations & Experiences Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring or similar
Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring ( Japanese Style )
Located near a boardwalk/promenade, Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring is in Minami, a walkable area in Osaka with great shopping. Dotonbori is worth checking out if trying local street food is on the agenda. Guests love the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Nippombashi Station is just steps away and Nagahoribashi Station is 9 minutes by foot.
Arashiyama
|
Jinrikisha Ride Experience
|
Golden Pavilion
|
Maiko Dining Experience
|
Ninenzaka
|
Tea Ceremony
|
Return to the hotel
Today, our Kyoto tour begins 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. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and it is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture. 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 9 Himeji | UNESCO Certified White Heron Castle Breakfast Lunch 05/29/2023 Breakfast Lunch
Featured Destinations & Experiences Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima ( Western Style )
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima is located in the heart of Hiroshima's Downtown. The Hotel offers beautiful view of Hiroshima City. Hotel offers many modern facilities and services like the gym, hot springs, and spa (these are extra charges). Many famous sight see spots are within walking distance such as Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Atomic Bomb Dome. Today, we will travel further west to visit two BEST places in Japan. We head to the Himeji prefecture to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle. 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 exploring around the stunning castle grounds. |
Day 10 Hiroshima | the Iconic Floating Shrine of Japan Breakfast Lunch 05/30/2023 Breakfast Lunch
Featured Destinations & Experiences Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima ( Western Style )
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima is located in the heart of Hiroshima's Downtown. The Hotel offers beautiful view of Hiroshima City. Hotel offers many modern facilities and services like the gym, hot springs, and spa (these are extra charges). Many famous sight see spots are within walking distance such as Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Atomic Bomb Dome.
[
Hiroshima Prefecture
]
A-Bomb Dome
|
Peace Memorial Park
|
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
|
Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
|
[
Miyajima
]
Itsukushima Shrine
|
Momiji Manju (JDT Recommends)
|
Oysters (JDT Recommends)
|
Check into the hotel
We will spend today exploring the city of Hiroshima. Our tour begins with a visit to the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath of the Atomic Bombing in Hiroshima. The A-Bomb Dome is located on the Peace Park Memorial park grounds, the site where the atomic bomb struck Hiroshima. Stroll along the park to see famous attractions like that of Sadako’s statue and the freedom bell. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved to be a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace. While at the Peace Park, enjoy the exhibits at the world-famous Hiroshima Peace Park Museum. This museum collects the history and artifacts from the bombing and is a reminder of the city of Hiroshima's wish for world peace. In Hiroshima, Okonomiyaki (Japanese style savory pancakes ) has been a popular dish since before the World War. We will serve you this local favorite for today's lunch. In the afternoon our Japan Tour will head to Miyajima, an island south of Hiroshima known for its Itsukushima Shrine, or floating torii gate. During high tide, the torii gate looks as though it is floating in water, creating a unique sight, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful sights. Miyajima is also known for its momiji manju (maple leaf shaped cake with red beans) and oysters which you can enjoy during your time on the island. |
Day 11 Hiroshima | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan Breakfast 05/31/2023 Breakfast
Featured Destinations & ExperiencesYour 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.
|
Tour Goods Package
The maximum number of participants will not exceed 26 people during your Japan tour. Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour. Please note that your bus and tour guide may be changed if other groups join the tour.
Single travelers are required to pay a single supplement in order to guarantee single room accommodation.
We request one suitcase, one carry-on bag, and an overnight bag per person. The tote bag we provide can be used to hold any small merchandise/souvenirs purchased during your tour. When you check out, bring your luggage to the lobby and the bus driver will assist in loading it onto the bus. When you arrive at the next hotel, the bus driver will unload your luggage for you to bring to your room.
Please note: The maximum weight of a checked in bag is typically 20 Kilograms or 44 Pounds. You will be traveling with your luggage except during the bullet train ride (if applicable).
All hotel rooms come with a full bathroom and room amenities free of charge unless stated otherwise.
All motor coaches come equipped with air-conditioning, plenty of space, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi.
All of our tours begin in either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. When beginning or ending a tour in Tokyo, please book flights to or from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. For tours beginning or ending in Osaka/Kyoto, please book flights to or from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport.
We recommend you do not book your flights until the tour status changes from Book Now to Guaranteed Departure. You can also contact us if you would like for Japan Deluxe Tour's to arrange your flights.
Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use.
Guests with tattoos may not be able to use the hot-springs or onsens while in Japan. We apologize if you are unable to enjoy this experience during your stay.
We understand sometimes unanticipated situations may arise before or even during your Japan tour. In order to best assist you when things don't go as planned, Japan Deluxe Tours recommends purchasing travel insurance offered through Travel Guard® Insurance.
Travel Guard® Insurance offers coverage for: Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Baggage Delay, Medical Expense (deductible required), Emergency Medical Transportation, and an Exclusive Family Protection Plan: One child 16 or under will receive coverage at no additional cost for every adult that purchase a protection plan. Every Travel Guard policy includes 24-hour emergency travel assistance services for emergencies or last-minute travel changes, such as re-booking flights, hotel reservations or ground transportation, tracking lost luggage, and more!
For more information about coverage, view our Travel Insurance Page.
Please notify us before your tour starts if you have any dietary restrictions or requirements we should be aware about. Japan Deluxe Tours can provide Vegetarian
meals for guests, and we will do our best to cater to any serious allergies or dietary restrictions. We will not be able to substitute or change meals after your tour begins.
Day | Itinerary
|
---|---|
Day 1 05/21/2023 |
Day 1 Tokyo | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel 05/21/2023
Welcome to Japan! Japan Deluxe Tours has arranged transportation services to meet you at your airport's arrival lobby and will take you to your hotel. Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar |
Day 2 05/22/2023 |
Day 2 Tokyo | Meet Your Favorite Iconic Anime Characters 05/22/2023 Breakfast Lunch
During the Anime Toyko touring, we will use public transportation systems including JR(Japan Railroad) trains, Metro, subways and a bus. We will provide you with a Pasmo or Suica which is a prepaid transportation card. You get to travel just like a local! Kicking things off with our anime tour, we start our day at Odaiba, a popular shopping and entertainment district on a manmade island in Tokyo Bay. Your group will go see the iconic 65 feet-tall Unicorn Gundam and Gundam-Base shop where you can take pictures and get a glimpse at the ever so famous Gundam fandom. You can then go to Small World Tokyo while you have free time in Odaiba (additional cost required). The attraction specializes in miniature models all made to scale. Not your typical models, Small Worlds has created unique worlds based on fantasy and space exploration as well as special models based on Sailor Moon and Evangelion. With moving parts within each model, feel as though you are truly watching each world in real time. Next, we will visit Shibuya Parco where the latest anime spot called Cyberspace Shibuya has been a popular spot in recent years. You can find the very first Nintendo shop, Nintendo Tokyo, the stylish Pokemon Center Shibuya, Capcom store, Jump shop and much more. We end the day relaxing with some sweets with Godzilla! Located on rooftop, Godzilla has found home in Shinjuku at Café Bonjour for the time being. Here, enjoy a Godzilla themed cake set with your choice of drink. Once done, you can take pictures of/with the HUGE Godzilla. Next, we will head to the unique and interactive Ninja Trick House. Here, you can learn about the way of the Ninja, touch a Japanese sword, throw Shuriken star blades, and take pictures with Ninja to complete your own ninja training regimen.
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar |
Day 3 05/23/2023 |
Day 3 Tokyo | Akihabara's Finest Anime & Otaku Destinations 05/23/2023 Breakfast
Kanda Shrine
|
[
Akihabara | Anime Game Travel Guide
]
Animate | Anime Game Travel Guide
- Shopping |
Tamashii Nations Store Tokyo
|
Gacha Gacha Machines
|
Super Potato (JDT Recommends)
|
SEGA Arcade (JDT Recommends)
|
Maid Cafe (JDT Recommends)
|
Ramen (JDT Recommends)
|
Nakano Broadway
|
Ghibli Museum
|
Return to the hotel
We head to the Electronic Town of Akihabara. Before we head to the main shopping area, we will take a brief walk to the anime-famous Kanda Shrine. Famously featured in anime such as Love Live! and collaborating with hit anime & manga like My Hero Academia, Kanda Shrine is the only shrine to offer good luck charms for electronics and anime characters. We make our way back to the main street where you can enjoy shopping at some of the most popular otaku destinations, including Animate. Animate carries all kinds of character goods, electronics, and games from current and popular anime/manga series. For those interested in character figures, a stop by Tamashii Nations cannot be overlooked as they are the premier figurine shop and exhibit in Akihabara. There's plenty of free time in Akihabara, so Japan Deluxe Tours recommends exploring Super Potato for vintage games, SEGA arcade, visit a Maid Cafe, or just explore the area. We will visit the anime specialized shopping complex: Nakano Broadway. Explore the many stores dedicated to anime and otaku goods or try the eight-layer ice-cream they serve downstairs! Once we finish up at Nakano Broadway, we head east to visit the famed Ghibli Museum. This animation and art museum exhibits the works of Miyazaki Hayao, creator of world famous films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Ghibli Film fans will certainly enjoy the artistic museum, which not only exhibits the history and techniques of animation but also plays short movies in a theater room, produced exclusively for the museum. We then proceed to the hotel.
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar |
Day 4 05/24/2023 |
Day 4 Tokyo | Enjoy the day free at your Leisure 05/24/2023 Breakfast
We have cleared up the day for you to explore and enjoy Japan as you wish. During this time, you can also:
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar |
Day 5 05/25/2023 |
Day 5 Tokyo | Trendy Anime meets Historic Asakusa 05/25/2023 Breakfast Lunch
Fukagawa Edo Museum
|
Tsukiji Fish Market
|
Experience the Flavors of Japan
|
[
Asakusa
]
Sensoji Temple
|
Harajuku
|
Harajuku Takeshita Street
|
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
|
Shibuya Hachiko
|
Return to the hotel
|
Tokyo Banana (JDT Recommends)
We start off our Tokyo tour with a visit to 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, the oldest and the most popular temples in Tokyo. For lunch, enjoy a Japanese seasonal dining experience. Then we are off to Harajuku to explore the famous Takeshita Street and Omotesando area. The area is filled with cute shops, delicious crepes, high end stores, and beautiful cafés and restaurants. Don't forget to check out the Cat Café and Headgehog café for those who love animals. It's time to look at Tokyo from birds' eye view. We will take you to Shibuya Sky: a new landmark, observation area rising 229 m or 766 feet above Shibuya. 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.
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar |
Day 6 05/26/2023 |
Day 6 Hakone | Immerse in Traditional Japanese Culture 05/26/2023 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
[
Hakone
]
Open-Air Museum
|
Owakudani Valley
|
Hakone Ropeway - Mt. Fuji View
|
Bullet Train
|
Check into the hotel
Japanese Style Hotel
|
Japanese Hot Springs
|
Kaiseki Ryori
|
Yukata
Our morning begins with a relaxing ride on the Hakone Ropeway down to Owakudani Valley. The ropeway provides a scenic view of the Hakone area including Lake Ashi and, if weather permits, Mt. Fuji. We will explore Owakudani for a short amount of time when you arrive, giving you enough time to marvel at the active natural volcanic vents as well as try the black egg, boiled in one of the vents. It is said that eating one of these eggs will add 7 years to your life! We continue with the nature theme as we make our way to the Hakone Open Air Museum, the first of its kind in Japan. Housing numerous works of art by well-known modern and contemporary artist and sculptors including Picasso, the ever changing scenery with the seasons provide visitors with a memorable experience. 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.
Hotel Emion Kyoto or similar |
Day 7 05/27/2023 |
Day 7 Kyoto & Nara | Meet & Greet the friendly Deer of Nara 05/27/2023 Breakfast Lunch
[
Kyoto Prefecture
]
Fushimi Inari Shrine
|
Inari Sushi
(JDT Recommends) | [ Nara Prefecture ] Todaiji Temple | Deer Park | Sake Museum | Kaiten Sushi | Yatsuhashi (JDT Recommends) | Check into the hotel : | Kyoto Station Light Show | We will start heading 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. Afterwards, it's off to Nara to Todaiji Temple. 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. On the way back to Kyoto, 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.
Hotel Emion Kyoto or similar |
Day 8 05/28/2023 |
Day 8 Kyoto | Breathtaking Maiko Show & Bamboo Forest 05/28/2023 Breakfast Lunch
Arashiyama
|
Jinrikisha Ride Experience
|
Golden Pavilion
|
Maiko Dining Experience
|
Ninenzaka
|
Tea Ceremony
|
Return to the hotel
Today, our Kyoto tour begins 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. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and it is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture. 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.
Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring or similar |
Day 9 05/29/2023 |
Day 9 Himeji | UNESCO Certified White Heron Castle 05/29/2023 Breakfast Lunch
Today, we will travel further west to visit two BEST places in Japan. We head to the Himeji prefecture to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle. 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 exploring around the stunning castle grounds.
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar |
Day 10 05/30/2023 |
Day 10 Hiroshima | the Iconic Floating Shrine of Japan 05/30/2023 Breakfast Lunch
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Hiroshima Prefecture
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A-Bomb Dome
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Peace Memorial Park
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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
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Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
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Miyajima
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Itsukushima Shrine
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Momiji Manju (JDT Recommends)
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Oysters (JDT Recommends)
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Check into the hotel
We will spend today exploring the city of Hiroshima. Our tour begins with a visit to the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath of the Atomic Bombing in Hiroshima. The A-Bomb Dome is located on the Peace Park Memorial park grounds, the site where the atomic bomb struck Hiroshima. Stroll along the park to see famous attractions like that of Sadako’s statue and the freedom bell. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved to be a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace. While at the Peace Park, enjoy the exhibits at the world-famous Hiroshima Peace Park Museum. This museum collects the history and artifacts from the bombing and is a reminder of the city of Hiroshima's wish for world peace. In Hiroshima, Okonomiyaki (Japanese style savory pancakes ) has been a popular dish since before the World War. We will serve you this local favorite for today's lunch. In the afternoon our Japan Tour will head to Miyajima, an island south of Hiroshima known for its Itsukushima Shrine, or floating torii gate. During high tide, the torii gate looks as though it is floating in water, creating a unique sight, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful sights. Miyajima is also known for its momiji manju (maple leaf shaped cake with red beans) and oysters which you can enjoy during your time on the island.
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar |
Day 11 05/31/2023 |
Day 11 Hiroshima | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan 05/31/2023 Breakfast
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.
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All small-group journeys are guaranteed to operate with just 6 guests.