Enchanting Japan Tokyo to Osaka Adventure - 7 Days

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo, you'll complete the necessary customs procedures before being transferred to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to experience at your own pace - perhaps explore a local neighbourhood or simply unwind after your journey. In the afternoon, we will provide you with details about the start of your tour, ensuring you're prepared for the exciting days ahead.

Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English. This is also a multi-lingual tour, meaning guiding will be in English and other languages, depending on the composition of the group.

Today, we're in for an enchanting exploration of Tokyo, a city that seamlessly blends its traditional roots with modern innovation. Our guided tour, lasting roughly five hours, immerses us in both the vibrant and tranquil aspects of this dynamic metropolis. We begin our journey at Zojoji Temple, a place where you can capture the iconic view of Tokyo Tower framed by the temple's historical architecture. Here, you'll encounter rows of Jizo statues, which are charmingly adorned in colourful knitwear and are revered as the protectors of children.

Next, we venture to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, celebrated as the busiest intersection worldwide, before proceeding to the serene Meiji Shrine. This sacred site is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, a testament to Japan's imperial history. Our tour continues by bus along the stylish Omotesando Avenue, taking us to glimpses of the picturesque Imperial Palace and its gardens, where the majestic Nijubashi Bridge awaits.

We journey through Akihabara, affectionately dubbed "Electric Town" and famed as a hub for manga and anime culture, before passing Japan's renowned sumo wrestling arena, the Kokugikan. Our exploration culminates in Asakusa with a visit to the historic Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street. A delightful lunch awaits us at a local restaurant, after which we return to the hotel.

In the evening, we'll regroup at 6:30 p.m. in the hotel lobby and venture into the vibrant Shinjuku district via metro, with tickets on us. Shinjuku's streets come alive at night, and you'll have the chance to soak in the atmosphere before we head to a local venue for dinner, also included. Our guide will accompany us back to the hotel by metro, rounding off a day filled with cultural and urban discoveries.

Today, we embark on an exciting journey from Tokyo to the stunning Mount Fuji area, travelling through picturesque landscapes. Our first stop is at Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, framed by beautiful pagodas.

Next, we head to the charming town of Kawaguchiko, nestled amidst mountains and renowned for its vibrant flora and tranquil lake. Here, we'll visit the serene Fuji Sengen Shrine, sitting quietly among towering trees and marking the traditional starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. It's a perfect moment to appreciate the magic of this place.

We'll also enjoy a delightful boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, allowing you to soak in the area's natural beauty. Our journey continues as we ascend Mount Fuji via a scenic road to the Fifth Station, located at 2,305 metres, offering breathtaking forest and mountain vistas. Please note, in winter, the ascent may be restricted due to snow or adverse weather, allowing us to go only as far as conditions permit.

After returning to Kawaguchiko, there's time to take a leisurely stroll along the lake's edge. We'll spend the night in a traditional ryokan, a Japanese inn offering a relaxing experience in its onsen (public bath). Dinner will be included, providing a taste of local cuisine. Note that accommodation may vary between traditional Japanese-style tatami mat rooms and Western-style rooms, with occasional stays in a Western-style hotel if needed.

As we begin our day in the serene surroundings of Kawaguchiko, we journey along a scenic route with views of beautiful lakes. Our first stop is Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a quaint village that was once ravaged by a typhoon in 1966 and has since been lovingly restored as an open-air museum. Here, you can explore traditional Japanese houses that now host arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a captivating glimpse into Japan's rich heritage.

We then continue to the awe-inspiring Shiraito Falls, renowned for their stunning 20-metre cascade, making it one of Japan's natural treasures. It's a perfect spot to pause and admire nature's handiwork.

Our journey progresses to Nagoya, where car enthusiasts and the curious alike will enjoy the Toyota Museum (admission included). This is an exceptional opportunity to delve into the world of automotive innovation.

Finally, we head to the historic city of Kyoto for our overnight stay, a city that promises further exploration of Japan's cultural tapestry.

Today, we will delve into the enchanting city of Kyoto, which served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868 and was the residence of the Imperial Court. Remarkably untouched by the bombings of World War II, Kyoto retains its rich cultural and artistic heritage. It is worth noting that the Kyoto Protocol, established to curb greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997. Our day begins in the charming district of Arashiyama, where we will admire the scenic beauty surrounding the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, or "Bridge over the Moon." Following this, we will visit Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto's revered "five great Zen temples" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before taking a tranquil walk through its mesmerizing bamboo grove.

Next, we will journey to the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, followed by a visit to the Imperial Palace. We will also explore Kinkakuji Temple, fondly known as the "Golden Pavilion," surrounded by exquisitely landscaped gardens. Please note that the order of these visits may vary. After our tour, you will have free time to wander through Gion, the city's vibrant traditional district renowned for its lively ambiance and the elusive geishas.

Today, we begin with a visit to Nara, where we'll explore the splendid Todaiji Temple, dating back to 752 AD. This majestic Buddhist temple is home to a colossal Buddha statue and is set amidst tranquil surroundings with friendly deer that freely amble around - perfect for capturing memorable photographs. Following this, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch.

Afterward, we'll proceed to the Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising a seminary, monasteries, and a collection of ancient temples. The central pagoda, considered one of the world's oldest wooden structures, stands as Japan's oldest Buddhist temple and a significant site for spiritual reflection. Later, we'll continue our journey to Osaka, arriving in the evening. You'll settle into accommodation in this dynamic metropolis, recognised as Japan's second-largest urban area. We'll then venture into the vibrant Dotonbori district, celebrated for its lively nightlife and dazzling atmosphere.

Following breakfast, our journey concludes, marking the end of our tour. It's time to bid farewell to Japan, taking with you cherished memories of the experiences and sights that have made this adventure unforgettable.