Best of Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto

Upon arrival in Tokyo (at either Haneda or Narita Airport), you will be met by a representative with a signboard at the airport exit. They will then assist you with your hotel transfer. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the bustling energy of the world’s largest metropolis, where tall skyscrapers stand alongside tranquil gardens and shrines. Consider walking the iconic Shibuya Crossing intersection and take advantage of the district’s many shopping and dining opportunities. Overnight Tokyo.

After breakfast at your hotel, make your own way to the nearby designated meeting point. Then depart with your guide for a Tokyo City Tour: Begin the day with a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, a serene, forested Shinto sanctuary in the heart of the city dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Continue to the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, where you can admire the elegant grounds and observe Nijubashi Bridge. Next, travel to Asakusa, walk through the impressive Kaminari-mon Gate and explore the bustling Nakamise Shopping Avenue, lined with traditional shops and food stalls, before reaching Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. As a special treat, enjoy an authentic Uji Matcha Tea Ceremony, offering a taste of tradition and history. Your tour concludes in Asakusa, leaving you free to continue exploring with ease of access to Tokyo’s renowned metro system. Overnight Tokyo.

Breakfast at your hotel, make your own way to the meeting point for your day excursion to see the world-famous Mt. Fuji. After meeting your guide, transfer by bus to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station where you will get spectacular views of the Fuji Five Lakes area. Enjoy an authentic Japanese Buffet Lunch before departing to Owakudani Valley, an active volcanic zone with Hot Springs and Sulfuric Fumes. While you’re there, you may want to try a Black Egg or Kuro Tamago, a hard-boiled egg cooked in the local hot springs. Given its dark appearance by the sulfur of the hot springs, it is said that eating these eggs will extend your life by 7 years. Continue on to ride the Hakone Ropeway, a gondola offering panoramic views of the volcanic landscape. Later, board the Lake Ashi Cruise; a fun pirate ship-themed boat ride offering serene views of untouched forested hills and the Red Torii Gates of the Hakone Jinja waterfront shrine. Of course, on a clear day this will be a great opportunity for views of Mt. Fuji itself. After the tour you will be dropped off at Shinjuku Station where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the neighbourhood’s endless choices for shopping, food and nightlife before making your own way back to your hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, make your own way to either Shinagawa or Tokyo station to board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Hiroshima. Reaching top speeds of over 300 kilometres per hour, the Shinkansen offers a world-class railway experience, making the journey itself essential sightseeing for any trip to Japan. The journey will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival in Hiroshima, make your own way to your hotel located close by the rail station. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Hiroshima.

After breakfast at your hotel, make your own way to the designated meeting point, then meet your guide for your Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour. Begin the day with a panoramic view of Hiroshima Castle, a reconstruction of the original castle built in 1589 which was once the seat of power for the region’s feudal lords. Continue to the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a symbol of peace and one of the few remaining structures left standing near the hypocenter. Next, visit Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Opened in 1955, it’s exhibits and monuments tell the story of one of the most devastating and significant events in modern history. While the museum may be emotionally intense for some, it offers a balanced and nuanced insight into Japanese history, ultimately leaving visitors inspired and deeply moved by its messages of peace and hope. Afterward, board a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima, famous for its picturesque scenery, shrines and temples. Here you can visit Itsukushima Shrine where you will find the iconic Red Torii Gate which, at high tide, appears to rise gracefully from the sea. Enjoy a traditional Okonomiyaki Lunch, this savory pancake is a Hiroshima signature dish. You will then have free time in Miyajima to stroll through charming streets, browse local shops, or simply soak in the island’s laidback atmosphere. Late afternoon, return to Hiroshima by ferry and you will be dropped off by bus at Hiroshima JR Station. From there, you can continue to explore or make your own way back to your hotel. Overnight Hiroshima.

After breakfast at your hotel, make your own way to Hiroshima Station, and then board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto. The journey will take approximately 2 hours, and after arriving at Kyoto Station you will make your own way to your hotel for check-in. You will have the option for adding an excursion to Nara, otherwise the rest of the day is at leisure. *Optional Nara Afternoon Tour (Available for an additional cost).
Famous for its free-roaming wild but friendly local deer, Nara is home to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden buildings which houses a massive Bronze Buddha Statue. This afternoon tour is a sacred and charming experience, includes pick-up and drop off from central Kyoto. Overnight Kyoto.

After breakfast at your hotel, make your own way to the designated meeting point, then meet your guide for your Kyoto City Tour. Discover Kyoto’s most famous sights on a full-day journey beginning at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a hilltop temple famed for its city views and wooden construction, with not a single nail used in the structure. Continue to Sanjusangen-do Temple, home to 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of compassion, before enjoying a buffet lunch in Arashiyama. Afterward, stroll across the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge which offers scenic views of Kyoto’s rolling western hills. Continue through the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Forest and visit the spiritually significant Tenryu-ji Temple. The afternoon unfolds with the shimmering beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), followed by the winding pathways of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, where thousands of red torii gates line the mountain trails. Drop off at Kyoto Station in the early evening where you can explore the many dining options around or make your own way back to your hotel. Overnight Kyoto.

Breakfast is included at your hotel then you will have a free day to explore on your own. Consider taking a walk through the traditional streets of Gion and Higashiyama, where wooden machiya townhouses, teahouses, and artisan shops preserve the city’s ancient charm. Nishiki Market is rich in history and offers a great opportunity to try local sweets and street snacks. Kyoto Imperial Park is a quaint oasis in the city centre and home to the Gyoen National Garden and Imperial Palace. Overnight Kyoto.