Welcome to Tokyo, where your Japan journey begins. After landing, travel independently into the city and take care of your arrival arrangements. This first day is intentionally flexible, giving you time to settle in after your flight without scheduled sightseeing.

Use the remainder of the day as you wish. You can relax after traveling or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. If you prefer arranged transportation on arrival, a private airport transfer is available at an additional cost.

Tokyo is the starting point for this Japan route before the trip continues through the country’s main spring highlights.

Accommodation:

• 4-star Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai or similar

Travel around Tokyo by private vehicle with your English-speaking guide, giving you a comfortable introduction to the city. Begin at Meiji Shrine, a peaceful site set within forested grounds in the heart of Tokyo, then continue to Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the city’s most popular cherry blossom viewing locations.

At Shinjuku Gyoen, see different varieties of sakura trees blooming across landscaped gardens and open green spaces. Later, visit Senso-ji Temple and walk along Nakamise-dori, a lively street of traditional shops and local snacks leading to the temple grounds. End the day with a Sumida River cruise past cherry blossom-lined riverbanks and Tokyo waterfront views.

Cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo often takes place in both landscaped gardens and along waterways during spring.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 4-star Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai or similar

Join a shared day tour with an English-speaking guide and travel from Tokyo to the Mount Fuji region. The day centers on scenic locations around Lake Kawaguchi, beginning at Oshino Hakkai, a traditional village known for its clear spring-fed ponds and historic houses.

Continue to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, where views of the Chureito Pagoda and Mount Fuji form one of Japan’s most recognizable landscapes, especially during cherry blossom season. Later, take a sightseeing cruise on Lake Kawaguchi for views of Mount Fuji from the water. If conditions and timing allow, you may also spend time along the lakeshore, where rows of cherry trees add seasonal color.

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the main viewing areas for Mount Fuji in the region.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 4-star Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai or similar

Spend the day in Tokyo as you wish, with no scheduled sightseeing. You may focus on shopping, sightseeing, or exploring different neighborhoods at your own pace. Options mentioned for your free time include Shibuya, local restaurants, a park during cherry blossom season, or lesser-known streets and cafés.

Optional shared experiences are available if you want additional structure. The Sumo Lunch Show runs daily from 12:45 to 15:00 and includes a traditional Japanese lunch with a live sumo demonstration at Yokozuna Tonkatsu Dosukoi Tanaka. The Akihabara Exploration runs daily from 14:00 to 17:00, with anime, manga, gaming shops, pop culture stores, main streets, and specialty shops.

Akihabara is widely associated with anime, manga, gaming, and pop culture retail in Tokyo.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 4-star Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai or similar

After breakfast, meet in the lobby and transfer to Tokyo Station. From there, board the Shinkansen for a high-speed journey to Kyoto, passing changing countryside scenery along the way. Arrival is expected around midday after approximately 2.5 hours on the train.

At Kyoto Station, you will be met and transferred for check-in. The rest of the afternoon is free, giving you time to rest or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. An optional Geisha & Tea Ceremony in Gion is available for 45 minutes, daily at 16:00 or 17:30.

The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed rail service used for travel between Tokyo and Kyoto.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 4-star Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar

Explore Kyoto throughout the day with a driver and English-speaking guide. Begin in eastern Kyoto at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its wooden terrace and seasonal cherry blossoms. Continue to Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa shogunate, where historic buildings and gardens reflect Kyoto’s past.

Later, visit Nishiki Market, a well-known local food street with a wide range of seasonal specialties. In the afternoon, head to Arashiyama on the western side of the city, where bamboo groves and riverside paths create a quieter atmosphere. If time allows, continue toward the Katsura River area for additional views of the surrounding landscape.

Nijo Castle is associated with the Tokugawa shogunate and reflects the political history of Kyoto.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 4-star Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar

Depart Kyoto in the morning with your English-speaking guide and travel by vehicle toward Nara. Start at Fushimi Inari Taisha, where you will walk along sections of the shrine’s torii gate paths before continuing toward Nara.

In Nara, once Japan’s ancient capital, visit Todai-ji Temple, home to a large bronze Buddha statue. Before heading to Osaka in the afternoon, spend time at Nara Park, where open green spaces, stone lanterns, and freely roaming deer are part of the surroundings. Later, continue to Osaka for check-in.

Nara served as an ancient capital of Japan before the journey continues onward to Osaka.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 4-star Accommodation: Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar

Your Japan trip concludes today in Osaka. You have free time until departure, allowing you to plan the final hours at your own pace before leaving the city. When ready, make your own way to Kansai International Airport for your flight home.

If you would like to extend your stay, nearby destinations such as Kobe, Himeji, or Hiroshima can be added on request. Other tailor-made travel options across Japan or beyond are also available. A private hotel-to-airport transfer is available upon request.

Kansai International Airport serves the Osaka area for international departures.

Meals: Breakfast