Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 4	Tokyo	Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, River cruise to Asakusa	The Gate Kaminarimon, Niwa Hotel
4 - 6	Hakone	View of Mt Fuji volcano, enjoy the views from a pirate ship, Natural hot springs and Onsen, Ropeway over Volcanic plains, overlooking the sulphuric fumes	Shinanoki Ichinoyu Ryokan, Hakone Pax Yoshino
6 - 10	Kyoto	Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nara’s Buddha Statue, Geisha District, Uji Tea Plantations	Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Granvia Kyoto

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 4

International Arrival

Shared Transfer from Narita Airport to Tokyo Hotel (including airport assistance)

Tokyo

3 Nights

Tokyo is a city like no other! Defined by cutting-edge design, quirky creativity and its own unique ancient culture, the city defines the best of both worlds.

Included Activities

Traditional Tokyo by Day
For a day well spent, visit some of Tokyo’s best known landmarks with your local expert! Begin with a trip to the Asakusa locality, well-known for its “shitamachi” or old-world vibe. You can visit the Sensoji temple, a Buddhist temple believed to be Tokyo’s oldest. Adjacent to the temple you will find the Nakamise “dori” or street, where you can taste some traditional snacks if you like. Travel across town to Omotesando and after exploring the ritzy flagship stores and spectacular architecture on the main boulevard. Next, make your last stop at the famous Meiji shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Surrounded by a forested area with 365 species of trees, the shrine is also a popular wedding venue, so don’t be surprised if you come across a bride and groom all dressed up for their big day! (Half Day; 0900 or 1400 hrs; Private Activity; Transfers by public transport; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Ramen Romance in Tokyo
On an evening out in Tokyo, dive into delicious bowls of ramen, a dish that embraces Japan’s food culture. Accompany Frank, an enthusiastic Tokyo native and ramen enthusiast, as he uncovers Tokyo’s hidden gems! Visit award-winning local ramen shops that pride in their specialty offerings. Expect to taste two completely different bowls of steaming hot ramen at two specifically handpicked restaurants. As you sit down to eat, learn about the history of Ramen, its origins and its evolution as an iconic comfort food in Japan. You’ll soon realize that no two bowls of ramen are the same, thanks to their unique flavors, textures, and composition. As you move from one joint to the next, dig deeper into the world of ramen – discussing the trends and future of ramen, including its impact through popular culture! (Half Day; Duration: 2 -4 hrs; Meal included: 2 bowls of ramen and 1 tea/coffee; Fitness level: Moderate; Please note that additional food and drinks are not included.)

Hotel Options

The Gate Kaminarimon – Opt 1

Room	Essential Double - 24 sqm (Double)
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Niwa Hotel – Opt 2

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 4 - 6

Taxi transfer from your hotel to Tokyo train station (including assistance from your hotel until you board your train)

Romancecar Train from Tokyo-Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (1.5 hrs)

Private Transfer from Train Station to Hotel (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).

Hakone

2 Nights

Hakone defines the iconic image of Japan— with the majestic backdrop of Mount Fujiyama as it rises out of coniferous forest covered mountainsides, lakes and hot springs (onsen).

Included Activities

Onsen: Japanese Hot Spring Baths
When in Japan, you can hardly miss out on experiencing the traditional, hot spring water baths with their healing properties. Enjoy the complementary facility of taking an Onsen soak in your own private outdoor tub of natural hot spring waters. Feel all your stress melt away from your tired muscles. Make the best use of all the other traditional hot tub options available at the property, each bathtub with its own particular temperature and mineral combination. A sumptuous dinner, followed right after by a hot soak comes highly recommend by your hosts. As per tradition, these other hot tubs are gender-segregated, shared bath facilities.

Explore Hakone National Park
Discover the stunning natural wonders of the Hakone National Park through its fully-developed traffic network. Drive to the peaceful 650-year old Choanji Temple surrounded by a grove and seasonal flowers. Follow the walking trails observing over 200 whimsical, human-like “rakan” statues (statues of Buddhist disciples). Board a cruise boat and sail the waters of Lake Ashi, admiring Mount Fuji if the weather is clear. Hop into the Komagatake Ropeway and head to the summit of Mount Komagatake. Glide down the ropeway and board a cruise vessel to Sekisho-Ato that was a part of Hakone’s old town earlier. Walk around to one of the few original stretches of the Tokaido Road from Tokyo to Kyoto. Admire the original tall cedar trees and the old paving stones in the 500m stretch which is now mostly main road and railway lines. (Full Day; Times: 1000/1030 hrs; Group size: Max 7 guests; Please wear waterproof, comfortable footwear. You use public transport – local buses in Hakone. Pick up and drop off will be at your hotel.)

Hotel Options

Shinanoki Ichinoyu Ryokan – Opt 1

Room	Standard Japanese / Japanese-Western Room B (Main Bldg)
Meals	Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
Style	Boutique

Hakone Pax Yoshino – Opt 2

Room	Western Twin
Meals	Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
Style	Boutique

Day 6 - 10

Private Transfer from Hotel to Train Station (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).

Shinkansen Train from Odawara Hakone to Kyoto (1.45 hrs)

Taxi transfer from Kyoto train station to your hotel (including assistance from the train station until you reach your hotel)

Kyoto

4 Nights

Kyoto is to be seen to be believed. With no less than 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the city encapsulates traditional Japanese culture and tradition.

Included Activities

Highlights of Kyoto – Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest and Markets
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 & Public transport; Duration: 8 hrs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Fitness level- Moderate; Food tasting to be paid by the guests on spot).

Tea Ceremony at a Traditional Home in Kyoto
Make the most of a personal invitation from an instructor of Japanese traditional arts and visit his home for a lively conversation over tea. Accompanied by a local expert who will be your translator for the experience, you will learn the fascinating art of brewing tea in traditional Japanese style. Discover the varied aspects of a tea ceremony, including brewing and serving wares as well as the cultural significance behind each movement and act. Absorb the rich symbolism of the ceremony as you appreciate a perfectly brewed cup served by your host. Fortified by the aromatic brew, discuss the cultural significance of this timeless tradition at length before you return. (Time of Day: Morning or Afternoon; Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals included: Tea; Fitness level: Easy; Don’t forget your cameras; Note: Please inform us in advance about food allergies, if any; Children below 4 not allowed).

Japanese Cooking Class
Japanese cuisine has been declared a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage for good reason, cooked as it is with the freshest ingredients and masterful techniques. Get an overall idea about Japanese cooking styles from your chef in this cooking class designed for a small, intimate group. Learn how to prepare Bento style boxed meals under the expert guidance of your host chef. Cook Kyoto’s signature Shokado bento, a delicious spread that includes delectable bites of tempura, miso soup, egg roll, chicken teriyaki, sesame spinach salad and sushi. The greatest treat awaits you at the end of the class, when you get to taste your own Bento box! (Half Day, Shared Activity & No Transfers; Meal included: Lunch; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform about any dietary restrictions in advance).

Hotel Options

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Standard Twin Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Granvia Kyoto – Opt 2

Room	Standard Room with View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Shared Transfer from Kyoto Hotel to Kansai Airport (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 6,205 /person
Option 2 From $ 8,279 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 10 days / 9 nights.
Meals as indicated
The following train journeys in the highest class available :
- Tokyo (Shinjuku) – Hakone (Yumoto) (Limited Express Romancecar Train)
- Odawara Hakone – Kyoto 1.45 h (Shinkansen Train-Standard Class)
All activities as listed :
- Tokyo: Traditional Tokyo by Day
- Tokyo: Ramen Romance in Tokyo
- Hakone: Onsen: Japanese Hot Spring Baths
- Hakone: Explore Hakone National Park
- Kyoto: Highlights of Kyoto – Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest and Markets
- Kyoto: Tea Ceremony at a Traditional Home in Kyoto
- Kyoto: Japanese Cooking Class
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
On request: A printed set of your travel documents by post
Fees and taxes
All activities specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees, accompanied by your tour guide
All airport, train station and hotel transfers as indicated. For private transfers our representative will meet you at the airport or the station and accompany you to your vehicle (and vice versa).

Not Included

Camera fees
Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return)

Luxury Japan: Traditions, Onsens and Mount Fuji

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Tokyo

Hakone

Kyoto

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included