8 Day itinerary in Japan, Asia
Embark on a captivating journey through Japan, exploring its major cities and hidden treasures. Start your adventure in Tokyo, the vibrant capital pulsating with energy. Here, relish local cuisines via a night food tour, learn to prepare traditional dishes in a Japanese cooking class, witness the da... Read More
By Colas, Christine, Irish, Nancy, Myaen and Claudia
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GUIDANCE
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Visit markets
Nature & Wildlife
Food & Culinary
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Night
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Discover the streets of Tokyo and the amazing busy city with the touch of its rich culture
Enjoy the Beautiful Kyoto, explore the Nishiki Market!
Travel further across the country, and visit the top destinations like Osaka
Enjoy the food journey!
Discover the streets of Tokyo and the amazing busy city with the touch of its rich culture
Enjoy the Beautiful Kyoto, explore the Nishiki Market!
Travel further across the country, and visit the top destinations like Osaka
Enjoy the food journey!
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Arrival in Tokyo, Tokyo Night Foodie Tour
Propel your senses into the heart of Tokyo with a welcome evening brimming with culinary delights and vibrant nightlife. In the bustling district of Shinjuku, embark on an exciting food tour that offers a mixed platter of Japan: from sushi to yakiniku grills, capped off with a silky sweep of gelato. Savor the rich flavors of your preferred set - be it a succulent medley of beef, pork, and chicken, or a hearty vegetarian assortment, crafted to ensure you're not left wanting.
Immerse yourself in the local character as you wander the lively labyrinth of Piss Alley, the exotic underbelly of Golden Gai, and lock eyes with the mighty Godzilla. This guided tour is led by a native connoisseur, adding a touch of warmth and authenticity to your Tokyo tryst. Your thirst will be equally attended to, with choices ranging from traditional Japanese alcohol to a variety of refreshing soft drinks. The breadth of experience on offer ensures an intimate, personal engagement, promising an unforgettable initiation to your Japanese journey.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Dinner
Explore Tokyo, visit Harajuku & Asakusa
Prepare for a day bursting with vibrant charm as you journey through the animated Harajuku district, segueing into the historic ambience of Asakusa, all under the guidance of an adept private tour guide! Starting from your hotel, immerse yourself in the mystique of Harajuku in the morning, strolling through the trendy Takeshita-dori & Omotesando precincts, renowned for glorious eateries, lively beer gardens, and unique shopping opportunities.
Transition into the afternoon as you venture towards the time-honored district of Asakusa. A 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station positions you in front of Kaminarimon, the iconic 'Thunder Gate'. From this gateway, you'll taste the unique flavor of the Nakamise Shopping District. As the area's principal shopping street, Nakamise Dori tantalizes visitors with its rich range of Asakusa-inspired souvenirs and Japanese-centric offerings.
Stroll leisurely through this vibrant neighborhood with a mapped walking distance of approximately 2km. This journey allows you to experience the less tourist-crowded areas of Asakusa and the huddle of local food stalls that paint a delightful culinary canvas with their range of street food. At the heart of this quarter lies the renowned Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo's oldest. This iconic landmark gives you an intimate glimpse into its hallowed history and profound cultural heritage.
The day's adventures conclude with an engaging Vegetable Sushi course Cooking Class, followed by a dinner that celebrates your freshly-honed culinary prowess. This full-packed cultural escapade perfectly balances Tokyo's effervescence with its traditions, creating an unforgettable tapestry of experiences.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Mount Fuji, Hakone Bus Tour from Tokyo
Set sail on a scenic bus tour from Tokyo, venturing into the magnetic realms of the Hakone and Mt. Fuji areas. Our guided exploration of these enchanting territories promises a day teeming with breathtaking sightseeing, a charming shopping spree, a serene gondola jaunt, and a calming boat ride. One of Japan's crowning jewels, Mt. Fuji, elevates your holiday experience, being the nation's loftiest peak and a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.
Departing Tokyo, this guided bus tour unfurls the best of the Hakone region before your eyes. From a riveting cruise on the volcanic Lake Ashi to a local lunch imbued with traditional flavors, your day is interspersed with delightful pit stops and souvenir shopping.
Our well-planned itinerary includes a visit to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, located in Fuji Yoshida, where you'll marvel at the mountain's grandeur up close. You'll also savor local culinary marvels, such as the 'Hoto noodle', at the aptly named Fuji view Samurai Restaurant set within Fuji Q highland, providing a feast for your palate and eyes alike.
Next, the tour takes you to the intriguing Owaku-dani Valley in Hakone, known for its volcanic activities. Here, you'll ride the iconic Hakone Ropeway, immersing yourself in a natural spectacle. Lastly, anchor memories aboard the Lake Ashi Cruise, offering panoramic views of Mt. Fuji framed by the region's awe-inspiring landscape. This is a day crafted for those seeking a blend of adventure and tranquility, woven into the ever-charming tapestry of Japan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Experience the Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto
Today, we invite you to partake in an exclusive insider's tour of traditional Japanese sumo wrestling. Meeting your guide at a predetermined location, you'll journey to the sumo training grounds to watch these powerful athletes in action. Experience the intensity of a morning practice, witnessing these titanic competitors up close, and gain a unique perspective on Japan's storied past and rich culture encapsulated in this sport.
The highlight of this intimate viewing culminates in an impressive ritual performed by the sumo wrestlers alongside their trainer. Following practice, this friendly collective eagerly engage in photo opportunities with attendees, favoring a calm and reverential approach. After soaking up the morning's excitements, refresh and refuel with a casual lunch, guided by your host.
Board the blazingly fast Shinkansen bullet train heading towards Kyoto in the afternoon, marked by seamless escorting from your group's guide. Upon arrival, take a moment to settle into your Kyoto accommodation, resting up in anticipation of the evening's delights.
As dusk unfurls, prepare for a mesmerizing encounter at Gion Hatanaka Ryokan with the Maiko, or apprentice geisha. This enchanting dinner provides a rare window into Kyoto's elegant charm, complete with the graceful Kyoto dialect and warm sake served by these captivating cultural ambassadors. Cherish this unforgettable experience, immortalizing your moments through as many photographs as your heart desires. Here's to an extraordinary day steeped in authentic Japanese customs and shared experiences!
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Kyoto Temple Visit, Experience Tea Ceremony
Today, guided by your seasoned tour host, you will discover two of Kyoto's most captivating temples: Kinkaku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera. Starting your day at the hotel, make your way towards the illustrious Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji Temple, a three-storied Zen Buddhist marvel nestled in Kyoto's northern province. This sublime hued edifice, one of the most photographed in all of Kyoto, radiates grandeur amid a lush, manicured garden landscape akin to a serene countryside refuge.
Enhance your spiritual sojourn by participating in a traditional Tea Ceremony, complemented by a delightful lunch in the vicinity. The opportunity to roam freely and cherish the sublime surroundings is all yours, so seize the moment and project this monumental encounter into your memory.
Transitioning from one stirring spectacle to the next, your group's following stop is the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Positioned on a cliffside, this renowned temple boasts an inclusive platform often captured in awe-inspiring photos. Fall in love with its gorgeous gardens and the panoramic view over Kyoto's city landscape that it affords.
Concluding your eventful pilgrimage, your guide will accompany you to Gion, commencing another mouthwatering episode with a traditional Kaiseki Dinner. This hand-curated day combines Japan's deeply-rooted traditions, scenic temples, and exquisite culinary experiences, celebrating the city's robust heritage and vivid beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Nishiki Matket & Arashiyama Day!
Commence your final day in Kyoto by preparing for check-out. You can conveniently leave your luggage at the front desk while you embark on the day's guided tour, ready for collection before your subsequent transfer to Osaka. Your tour guide will be instrumental in ensuring your smooth commute to Kyoto station.
To bid adieu to Kyoto, delve into a fresh food exploration at the city's vibrant hub aptly named "Kyoto's Kitchen." This bustling market teems with foodie delights, from fresh seafood and succulent produce to intricate cookware and knives. Here, you can savor Kyoto's specialty treats, including Japanese sweets, sushi, pickles, and dried seafood, punctuated by a few sit-down restaurants interspersed among the market's lively shops. Take the liberty to meander through the market at your leisure, opting for ventures that pique your interest.
Following this immersive market tour, unwind in the idyllic setting of Arashiyama. This serene locale is sculpted around the Togetsu-kyo bridge, a popular sightseeing platform boasting dramatic flourishing sceneries - cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn. Your exploration encompasses a stroll through an expansive bamboo grove tucked behind the garden, the signature element of Arashiyama. As the towering bamboo stalks sway rhythmically, their rustling whispers encapsulate the tranquil essence of this cherished retreat.
As night falls, begin your journey to Osaka, home to the exuberant Dotonbori district. This bustling epicenter beckons exploration, offering a wealth of dinner options within its dynamic array of stalls and shops. Your final night in Kyoto is yours to command, granting you the freedom to soak up the liveliness and decadence that typifies the extraordinary Japanese experience.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Explore the backstreets of Osaka
Kick-start your morning in Osaka with an invigorating cooking class led by experienced guides. The culinary studio will be abuzz as you master the art of whipping up beloved Japanese delicacies, green tea, takoyaki (octopus-filled fried wheat balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and miso soup. As an explorer in the realm of Japanese cuisine, your rewarding endeavor concludes with savoring the delicious fruits of your labor.
Post this immersive cooking experience, meander through Osaka's charming nostalgic neighborhoods. Your guide will unlock Osaka's best-kept secrets, introducing you to its rich heritage and vibrant culture. Begin your exploration with the symbolic Osaka Castle—an iconic attraction steeped in history, framed by an expansive park ideal for unwinding.
From the castle grounds, traverse into the cross-cultural essence of Shinsekai—Osaka's retro-flavored neighborhood. While Shinsekai effervesces with its chromatic charm, it proudly houses Tennoji Zoo—Japan's second-largest, trailing only Tokyo's Ueno Zoo. Don't miss the delectable offerings of Jan-jan Yokocho—a narrow culinary strip echoing the retro vibes of yore.
Wander further through Shinsekai Kouen Hondori, where pachinko shops, retro cinemas, and workwear boutiques nestle beside eateries specializing in Kushi-katsu—the quintessential Shinsekai delicacy catering to fried food aficionados. Tantalize your taste buds with this local favorite before capping the long yet fulfilling day at Tsutenkaku. The mesmerizing bird's-eye view of luminous Osaka from this vantage point offers a fitting end to your intriguing escapade in Shinsekai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Departure
Today commemorates your final day in the enchanting landscape of Japan. Depending on your flight schedule, make sure to check out from your hotel in Osaka. Seize this opportunity to explore the city further or indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping before embarking on your journey home. We deeply hope that your voyage throughout Japan has been as delightful and captivating as the land itself. Safe travels back home!
If time allows, or should you choose to extend your stay, consider an optional tour to the historic city of Nara. Rich with cultural significance, this excursion makes for a worthy addition to your Japanese adventure. Farewell, and may the memories of Japan remain etched in your heart.
Meals: Breakfast
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Traveling to Japan was a child dream I could finally fulfill in my 20s. This then dream evolved into living in Japan, and doing so is a whole new travel experience that constantly develops as I still learn new things on Japan everyday after 5 years.
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