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day 1
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Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo, the capital of modern Japan and one of the world's great cities,
a dazzling mixture of the old and the new. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred
to your hotel.
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day 2
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Tokyo
Early this morning, meet your guide and set out to explore Tokyo, one of the great
cities of the world. Here you will find a fascinating mix of past and present: ultra-modern
office buildings, monumental temples, green parks, and pulsing neon signs.
Begin with a visit to a Sumo stable to see a morning practice session.
Continue to the Tsukiji Fish Market, a site where perishable foods such as fresh
fish, shellfish (much of it still alive), processed marine products, vegetables,
fruit, meat and eggs are distributed.
Then experience a cooking class thought by a Michelin rated chef. Learn some traditional
Japanese dishes. Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants offering the finest cooking,
regardless of cuisine style.
End your day in the Ginza area, which takes its name from the silver mint that used
to occupy the area. In Ginza, you will find major department stores, cinemas, and
many small picture galleries, as well as some expensive designer shops and a few
of Tokyo's priciest restaurants. One of the biggest attractions while visiting some
of the large department stores is the fantastic basement-level food court where
you can find a stunning range of local and international delicacies.
Overnight at your selected hotel.
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day 3
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Tokyo
Begin your full day of touring with a visit to the Meiji Shrine which is dedicated
to the defied spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken.
Continue to Harajuku, Tokyo's trendy district filled with shopping and entertainment.
Located in Shibuya-ku, just next to the entrance of the Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi
Park, this hot-spot contains many small stores, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
Harajuku's main attraction is the Takeshita Street, a narrow and busy pedestrian
street feauturing various small stores. Wander through Omotesando, sometimes referred
to as Tokyo's Champs-Elysees.
This afternoon meet with an expert to learn about Noh, a unique theatrical art which
is credited as the oldest traditional performance arts in the world. It is registered
as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. During your time with the expert experience
wearing a Noh costume, which is a piece of fine art.
Overnight at your selected hotel.
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day 4
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Tokyo / Kyoto
After breakfast you are transferred to the rail station to board your high speed
train to Kyoto. Kyoto was the imperial capital for more than 1,000 years. It has
the finest temples, palaces, villas and gardens in Japan, as well as the most refined
culture and lifestyle.
Visit Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen Temple formally known as Rokuon-ji. This temple was
constructed in 1397 as part of a new residence for the retired shogun, Ashikaga
Yoshimitsu. After his death, Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple.
Continue to Ryoanji which stands on the site of a Heian nobleman's estate, from
which there remains a large pond. Also visit the Abbot's Garden of Ryoanji, considered
the supreme example of an abstract Zen garden.
Afterwards visit Kiyomizu Temple (literally "Pure Water Temple"), one
of the most celebrated temples in Japan. Kiyomizu Temple is best known for its wooden
stage that juts out from its main hall.
Overnight at your selected hotel.
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day 5
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Kyoto
After breakfast participate in a traditional private sword lesson at a local temple.
You can also choose to be instructed by a Maiko (geisha apprentice) on the traditional
Japanese manners in traditional Japanese kimonos.
In the afternoon visit Sanjusangendo Hall which is the popular name for Rengeo-in
Temple.
Sanjusangendo is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Overnight at your selected hotel.
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day 6
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Kyoto / Nara / Kyoto
After breakfast a special privilege awaits. Meet with a monk in a private temple
and listen as he gives a lecture on the history lifestyle of monks followed by a
traditional tea ceremony.
Then visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine which is the most famous of several thousand
of shrines dedicated to Inari across Japan. Inari is the Shinto god of rice, and
foxes are thought to be his messengers, therefore, many fox statues can be found
at Inari shrines. Fushimi Inari is also famous for the countless torii gates and
offerings by worshipers.
Then travel to Nara, former feudal capital of Japan and home to some of the finest
examples of ancient art and architecture in the country. Visit the Todai-ji Temple,
first built in 752 and housing the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha (Daibutsu).
Also stop at Deer Park, which has many tame deer that are cared for and protected
as diving messengers.
Overnight at your selected hotel.
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day 7
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Kyoto / Tokyo
This morning visit the workshop of a local ceramic artisan with your guide to learn
about this ancient craft. You are then transferred to the station to board the bullet
train for Tokyo.
On arrival you are transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at
leisure.
Overnight at your selected hotel.
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day 8
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Tokyo
Begin the day with a tour of the Imperial Palace Plaza. Continue on to Asakusa Kannon
Temple, one of the largest and most popular Buddhist temples in Tokyo. Among the
temple's attractions are the rows of tiny shops selling cakes, dolls, clogs, kimonos
and paper umbrellas at the Nakamise Shopping Arcade.
Lastly visit the Akihabara dictrict, the greatest sound and light show anywhere
on earth.
Return to your hotel where the remainder of your afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Overnight at your selected hotel.
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day 9
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Tokyo / Departure
Your journey comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport to board
your flight home.
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