Luxury Japan and Mount Fuji

Discover Tokyo with your local guide, stopping by some of its best known landmarks. The Asakusa area, with its many traditional buildings standing alongside the new, is your first stop. Witness the Sensoji Buddhist temple, believed to be Tokyo’s oldest. Discover the temple and the adjacent Nakamise street as well, where you will find rows of old shops selling food and curios of all kinds. After this you will be in for a novel experience as you travel by the Tokyo Water Bus on the Sumidagawa (meaning Sumida River), to reach the Hamarikyu Garden. Walk around the beautiful Edo-era garden and stop for some matcha (powdered green) tea and sweets at the charming little tea house within its precincts. Once done with the refreshments, make your way to the famous Meiji shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji and also a popular wedding venue. End your tour at dusk with a stroll around the Omotesando shopping street, a tree-lined boulevard with contemporary architecture and fashionable stores stocking some of the world’s finest brands. (Full Day; Time of the Day: Morning, 0900 hrs; Duration: 8 hrs;Private Activity; Transfers by private car; Meal included: Tea and sweets; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Experience the diverse culinary scene of Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market. In the morning, drive to the market in a private vehicle with your guide. Enjoy a stroll around the stalls stacked with colorful produce, seasonal fruits, and fresh seafood. Cooking utensils, kitchenware, and tableware essential to Japanese cuisine are also sold here. As you walk, your guide will tell you interesting facts about the history of the market. Originally, the market catered only to wholesale professionals, but now there are ample choices for retail customers too. There are quite a few eateries, tearooms, and coffee shops as well. As you explore, you could sample local delicacies such as sushi, sashimi, and ramen. (Duration: half day; Time: 1000 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entrance fees, subway and local train fares are included; Closed on Sun, Wed, and national holidays)

Explore the Imperial Palace complex that sits surrounded by moats and massive stone walls. Your guide will pick you up in a private vehicle and take you to the palace, which is the primary residence of the Japanese emperor. While the palace itself is not open to the public, you can wander around the beautiful grounds and gardens. See the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, a distinctive double bridge that leads to the inner palace grounds from the Kokyo Gaien Plaza. You could then walk around the Imperial East Gardens, a verdant oasis at the heart of the city, with its seasonal flowers and the foundation of a former castle tower. Later, make your way to the trendy Marunouchi area known for its sleek skyscrapers and streets filled with retail stores. Here, you will also find Tokyo Station, the city’s main transit hub, easily identified by its red brick facade. This iconic building houses a labyrinth of shops selling everything from souvenirs to apparel. There are also food courts here where you could grab a bite to eat. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900/1300 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entrance fees included; Not available on Mon & Fri)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend an exploration of Lake Kawaguchiko at your own pace. Set off at a convenient time and make your way to the largest of the Five Fuji Lakes. Explore the lake on boat tours and via watersports and fishing excursions. On a clear day, head to the lake’s northern shores for beautiful views of the snow capped peak of Mount Fuji. You could enjoy a rejuvenating dip in one of the hot spring baths that dot the lakeside. Stop at the Kawaguchiko Music Forest, a theme park and museum, to browse the collection of automatic musical instruments. Antique music boxes and large French fairground organs from the early 20th-century are some of the exhibits found here. You could take a break from exploring and grab a bite to eat at any of the restaurants on the premises. Later, hop on the ropeway for a short ride to the viewing deck that offers panoramic lake and mountain views. If you are here in autumn head to the Momiji Tunnel, where maple trees abound and take in the colors of the season. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Revel in the traditional sights, smells and sounds of feudal Japan’s best preserved city, in the company of your local guide. Visit the many UNESCO World Heritage sites dotting Kyoto, beginning with the Kinkakuji Temple, originally built for the Shogun. At his request, the Shogun’s villa was converted into a Buddhist Temple after his death. Discover the magnificent 15th century Nijo Castle with its splendidly preserved medieval gardens from Japan’s Edo period. Admire the many details and typical architectural features of the old monument, before walking down to the bustling Nishiki Market. Eat your heart out at this food street payable on spot, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, lined with innumerable restaurants and traditional eating houses! Try out typical local delicacies such as pickles, dried fish and sushi. Also visit the beautiful Arashiyama bamboo grove. (Full Day; Private activity & transfers; Duration: 8 hrs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Enjoy an immersive experience of Japan’s unique geisha and maiko culture in Kyoto. Karyukai, meaning Flower and Willow World, is a collection of neighborhoods in Kyoto that include geisha accommodations, high-end traditional tea houses and dance event halls. Escorted by a local guide, make your way through the picturesque streets of one such district, Gion. Stepping inside a historical ryokan, settle down in an elegant tatami room that offers a private setting. After a ritual welcome, witness a maiko’s graceful dance, performed to songs and live shamisen music by a geisha. Their intricate costumes and subtly choreographed movements will keep you captivated. Later, these master entertainers will play traditional Japanese drinking games, fuelled by generous servings of sake. Feel free to ask questions and learn about the geisha and maiko lifestyle as you savor a gourmet kaiseki meal. You can take a souvenir photo with the geisha and maiko in attendance. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 1730 hrs, or 1800/1830 hrs during the Miyako Odori period in April; Private activity; Private transfer; Meal included: 9-course Japanese dinner. Dietary requirements and vegetarian preferences must be pre-booked; Fitness level: easy; This tour operates for 2-10 pax, and is suitable for guests aged 12 years and above; Available all year except between 28 Dec and 05 Jan; Dress code: Kindly refrain from wearing shorts, tank tops, and sportswear. Please wear socks during the dinner)

Explore the religious and traditional sites of Nara, which used to be the capital of Japan for 74 years in the eighth century. Stroll through the Isuien Garden that is divided into two parts built two centuries apart. Wander through the Nara Park, also known as deer park, home to over 1,000 Sika deer. Visit the ancient Todaiji temple, a wooden temple that houses Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Head to the shrine of Kasuga Taisha and admire the stone and bronze lanterns inside before you return to your hotel at the end of the tour. (Half Day; Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 0900 hrs; Group size: Max 7 guests; Please note that this activity includes a private car with driver, pick-up and drop-off at the hotel and an English-speaking guide.)

Discover the gastronomy of the vibrant port city of Osaka, also known as the food capital of Japan. In the early evening, set off to meet your guide at one of the city’s lively food districts. Walk down pedestrian-only streets lined with vibrant eateries and bars. From ramen bars to restaurants, visit the spots most frequented by locals and sample an array of regional snacks. Takoyaki or fried octopus, okonomiyaki, a type of savory pancake, and kushikatsu or skewered meats and vegetables are some of the popular delicacies found here. You could also check out a traditional izakaya bar before it is time to head back.(Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 1700 hrs; Private activity; No transfers; Meals included: light meal and drink; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entrance fees included; The legal drinking age in Japan is 20; Please note that this being a street food tour, it is not recommended for people with strict dietary requirements; This tour is not available on Tuesdays; Min age: 13)