We’ll start our anime tour exploring the Tsukiji Fish Market, former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the numerous vendors lining the walkways or pick up a couple of mouth-watering snacks made from the freshest ingredients while there. Our anime tour will then explore Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crosswalk in the world. Be a part of the almost 2500 people crossing and pay a visit to the Hachiko Statue.

Next, we’ll dive into the center of Japanese street fashion in Harajuku. Shop through the trendy district while snacking on famous Harajuku crepes and other kawaii treats from Takeshita Dori. For lunch, enjoy a delicious Teppan-yaki meal before we return to Akihabara. Your tour group will have some time to explore the anime capital of the world again before choosing how you would like to spend the rest of the day.

You have 2 options to choose select:

1. Spend more time in Akihabara to shop & explore. Japan Deluxe Tours recommends: Super Potato for vintage games, the SEGA Arcade, or a Maid Cafe for starters.
   Within this, you can either do the following:
   
   
   
   1. Explore and shop until the bus returns to pick up those who would like to return to the hotel.
   
   
   2. Spend the rest of the day in Akihabara and return to the hotel on your own. Your tour guide will provide instructions on how to return to the hotel via train.
   
   
   
   




2. After lunch in Akihabara, the anime tour will head to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area and explore Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most popular temples. Return to the hotel afterwards.

If you wish to continue the day, your anime tour will head to Tokyo SkyTree where guests can shop at Japan's Pokemon Center, a must for all Pokemon fans. Purchase exclusive goods and interact with other Pokemon fans via the battling/trading room. For Shonen Jump fans, there's also a JUMP Store where you can get merchandise from your favorite Jump anime (Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia, Bleach). We then return to the hotel.

Our Takayama Japan tour will start the day enjoying beautiful works of traditional Japanese quilting and crafts. The first stop of the day will be the Kubota Art Museum where we will enjoy the fine works of Itchiku Kubota, a textile artist who devoted his life to recreating the forgotten 15th century Tsujigahana fabric dyeing technique. For lunch, the group will stop for Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish and considered a local specialty of the region.

From Hakone we will head to Nagano where your group will visit Matsumoto Castle, also named the Crow Castle due to the unique black color of the building. Considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, the castle has never been destroyed with its initial buildings still intact since construction. The castle tower is Japan’s oldest existing castle tower and is a designated national treasure.

Today, our Takayama tour will have several stops before arriving in the city of Takayama, the first being Narai-Juku. This preserved district was the thirty-fourth of the sixty-nine stations of the Nakasendo Trail and is recognized as a Cultural Property of Japan. The district maintains the same facade as it did during the Edo Period, allowing visitors to experience what it was like walking through town during that time period. Visit the many attractions with your tour guide, including the immaculately preserved Nakamura Residence or the stunning Kisho Ohashi bridge.

From there, we’ll follow the Nakasendo Trail and enjoy a brief hike between Tsumago and Magome, the forty-second and forty-third stations of the trail respectively. Similar to Narai Juku, the two towns are well-preserved and even go as far as making sure that electrical wires, TV antennas, and telephone poles do not show to recreate the atmosphere of the Edo Period. Enjoy some wagashi Japanese sweets and relax with a cup of tea along the preserved districts.

Before our day ends, we will reach Takayama just in time to catch the festivities of the night festival. The Takayama Festival is considered one of the most beautiful in all Japan, especially during the spring season. Enjoy our night at the festival before we head to the hotel. We will also have some time tomorrow to enjoy this stunning cultural event.

We start off today with a bang as we jump straight into the Takayama Festival. Experience the exciting atmosphere and marvel at the large floats decorated with curtains, lacquer ware, and mechanical dolls at one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan.

Afterwards, the tour will take a stroll through Takayama’s old town district which is filled with many well-preserved buildings from the Edo Period back when the city thrived as a wealthy merchant town.

Your group will then make its way to the small, rural farming village of Shirakawa-go, famous for its thatched-roof houses made using the gassho-zukuri method. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will get a glimpse into the traditional Japanese farming life in the early eras. A visit to the Nagase House will provide insight on the various tools and trinkets used in the farming village back in the day.

Our last stop of the day will have you taking in the beautiful landscape of Kenrokuen Garden. Considered one of the top three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen contains everything nature has to offer including streams, hills, and seasonal flowers which are sure to calm the soul.

End your day with a long relaxing soak in the onsen, hot spring, before enjoying a kaiseki dinner (traditional Japanese food). You can also enjoy an exhilarating Taiko Show at the hotel if you wish.

We begin our day with a visit to the Miho Museum to enjoy a morning filled with contemporary and Japanese art. Designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, the Miho Museum is a modern architectural treasure located in the quiet forests of the Shiga prefecture and is meant to blend seamlessly into the surrounding nature. Take in the calm and picturesque grounds while enjoying the works of art on display ranging from classic modern-day artworks to treasures from ancient civilizations.

The tour will then head to Nara to explore Todaiji Temple and the Deer Park. Todaiji Temple is considered one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and holds the largest Buddha statue in Japan, a truly impressive sight to behold. A short walk over and you will stand among the deer of the Nara Deer Park. Considered divine, the deer are adored by people all over the world.

Our day in Kyoto will start off with a spirited rickshaw ride through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Experience what it was like to get around the city back in the day as you enjoy the relaxing scenery.

Next, the group will make its way to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, an absolute must-see attraction where the upper two floors are covered with gold leaf. Another short ride away and you will be at Fushimi Inari Shrine, home of the famed thousand torii gates. Explore the area by either making your way through the torii gates to the Omokaru Stone or watch the local priests performing prayers every so often.

The rest of the day will be spent taking part in activities that are quintessential to Japanese culture. First up will be 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. Lastly, we will end the evening with a kaiseki dinner accompanied by a maiko performance. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the meal is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

Our cherry blossom tour will begin by heading 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.

After spending time in Himeji, your group will make its way to Shimane prefecture to spend time at the Adachi Museum of Art. Art collections include works from illustrious Japanese artists including Yokoyama Taikan, Takeuchi Seiho, Hashimoto Kansetsu, and Sakakibara Shiho. The true gem, however, lies in the museum’s impressive array of Japanese gardens. With 6 gardens to explore, each one provides a distinct feel and atmosphere unique from each other. The impressive gardens have been recognized not only in Japan (Best Garden in Japan since 2003), but also received a three-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide. We then proceed to the hotel.

Our vacation begins with a Hiroshima tour through the city's can't miss destinations. One of the main highlights in Hiroshima is the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath of World War Two's atomic bombing. Surrounding the magnificent A-Bomb Dome is the Peace Park Memorial where travelers can see and read about the history of the war. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved as a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace. Walk along the park with your tour guide to see famous attractions like Sadako’s statue and the Freedom Bell.

In the afternoon our Highlights 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 mouthwatering momiji manju (maple leaf shaped cake with red beans) and delicious oysters which you can enjoy while your tour group explores scenic island.

The group will make a quick stop in Iwakuni to visit the Kintai Bridge before heading to the hotel. First built in 1673, Kintai Bridge is recognizable for it’s distinctive five arches made of wood and is considered one of Japan’s most famous bridges. The surrounding area provides picturesque backdrop regardless of the season.

Today, we’ll head make our way to Nagasaki to spend time at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park. The park is situated at the site of the epicenter of the blast from the atomic bomb and contains a commemorative tablet, museum containing exhibits about the bombing, the Fountain of Peace, and the famous peace statue signifying the need for peace and to stand up against war.

From there, our tour will head to Glover Garden which exhibits Western style mansions with Japanese influences due to influences from foreign trade in Nagasaki before isolationism ended in Japan. After viewing the gorgeous mansions, we will continue to the Oura Catholic Church, Japan’s oldest standing Catholic church. With foreign trade came new religion and Nagasaki became the main city for Japanese Catholics.

Our first stop today will be the city of Kumamoto for a visit to Kumamoto Castle. Kumamoto Castle is one three premier castles in Japan, along with Matsumoto Castle and Himeji Castle which we visited earlier. While we won’t be going inside the castle due to reconstruction, the many views and scenery can still be enjoyed from the castle grounds. The castle grounds also contain Johsaien, a shopping arcade with over 20 shops and the Wakuwaku-za museum featuring the history and culture of Kumamoto.

Next, your cherry blossom tour will travel to the fabled lands of Takachiho. Takachiho Gorge is said to be the hiding spot of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, when Susano-o, the God of Storms, was terrorizing her. The natural greenery in contrast with the volcanic rock that forms the gorge makes for a magnificent scenery. Our last stop of the day will be the Tunnel Station which houses the Kagura Shuzo Brewery. Sample the local sake and shop for potential gifts at this unique destination.

Our Southern Japan tour continues onwards to Yufuin, a charming rural hot spring town where we will stop by Lake Kinrin and the local shopping street. A special feature of Lake Kinrin is that on top of the regular spring water, hot spring water also feeds into the lake, creating a layer of wondrous mist during cool mornings.

After a relaxing morning in Yufuin, we’ll head toward Beppu, a famous hot spring city known for its 8 unique hot spring areas intended for sightseeing only. Today, we will stop by the Umijigoku, or “Sea Hell”, which has beautiful cobalt blue waters due to the various minerals present.

This completes our tour of Kyushu and we’ll hop onto a ferry for ride to the neighboring island of Shikoku. Our destination city, Matsuyama, has one of the oldest hot springs in the world: Dogo Onsen. With a history of over 3000 years, this onsen is famous for welcoming the imperial family as guests in the exclusive Yushinden room. The surrounding area also has plenty to see and do with an optional rickshaw ride through the area or some light shopping at the local stores.

Our cherry blossom tour today starts today with an Udon making workshop to learn how to hand-make the popular thick-noodle Japanese dish. While Udon is not as well known as Ramen, it is considered a local specialty of the area loved by all the locals. Enjoy a hearty bowl of Udon while learning the art of crafting your own dish.

After filling ourselves with a warm meal, your tour will visit what is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, Ritsurin Garden. With the gorgeous Mt. Shiun overlooking the garden and specifically designed to seem as if the garden does not end, you are sure to snap a great picture wherever you are in the grounds.

After soaking in some natural beauty, the tour will make its way through Tokushima. We will stop at the Awa-odori Museum, a museum dedicated to the prefecture dance of Tokushima. An annual festival where thousands of spectators will flock to the area to watch the dance being performed during Obon season. Here, we’ll learn about the history as well as learn some parts of the dance.

The tour will end the day by heading to Osaka where you can experience the food destination of Japan for dinner on your own.