JAPAN TOURS
tokyo-kyoto
7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS
Japan delights its visitors with artistic originality and effortless elegance.Rich illustrations set a veridical scene , Before interwoven narratives take on surrealistic tones. It’s all encased in a vibrant cover, compelling each visitor to turn the pages and explore Japan’s sublime mix of ancient tradition and the ultra-modern.
Day 1 Tokyo
Day 2 Tokyo Full Day Private Tour
Day 3 Tokyo – Full Day Private Tour
Day 4 Tokyo – Free Day
Day 5 Tokyo – Kyoto
Day 6 Kyoto – Full Day Private Tour
Day 7 Kyoto
Tour includes:
A welcome pack with all information and contact details handled to the traveler upon arrival at the airport or at your first accommodation (depending on your booking arrangements)
Accommodation at selected hotels
Check-in time is 3.00PM and check-out time is 11.00AM. Early or late service is subject to availability with surcharge.
Meals as mentioned
English speaking guide where indicated
Tours and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle where indicated
Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time
Local standard (regular car) train and tickets and bus tickets as mentioned in itinerary
Flights as program (Economy Class)
Service charge and current government VAT tax
Airport transfers – based on shuttles
Tour excludes:
Please make sure you have 6 months passport validity.
Early/late check in/out service at hotels (surcharge if request
Charge if available for extra services such as but not limited to excess luggage for transfers (usually 1 piece of standard size luggage is allowed.
Tips and gratuities
Services and meals not mentioned in itinerary
All drinks, including water, soft drink and alcohol on all included or optional excursion
Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
Travel Insurance
Private Tour Inclusions:
private Russian-speaking guide for 8 hours
public transportation
entrance fee for all locations in bold
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1:
Upon arriving at your destination, be greeted by your driver, who will escort you to a private vehicle. Sit back and relax in the comfort of the car, whizzing through the city to your accommodation. Once you’ve arrived, check in and settle in after your lengthy journey.
Meals: No
Day 2 TOKYO FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR
Tokyo Skytree Meet your guide at your hotel and hop on public transit to Meiji Shrine, your first stop. Dedicated to the deified spirits of the former Emperor and his wife, Meiji Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. Enter through the 12 meter high Torii gate into the tranquil grounds, where you’ll wash your hands as per Shinto ritual of cleansing before entering this sacred space. Observe Shinto rituals and prayers as you walk through the area, connecting with the traditions of this unique culture.
Dive headfirst into the pulsating center of Tokyo’s youth culture, exploring some of Tokyo’s latest trends and fashions in Shibuya, one of the most famous shopping locations in Tokyo. This district is teeming with funky and subversive fashion, as well as some of the best entertainment in town. Take in the hectic pace of Tokyo as you attempt to cross the world famous “scramble” crossroad.
Next, visit Kokyo Gaien, the plaza gardens outside the Imperial Palace. Home of the imperial Japanese family, see this classic Japanese castle surrounded by a moat and beautiful simplistic greenery. Snap a photo in front of the charming Meganebashi (or spectacles) bridge, which has a distinctive European flare.
Then, head to Asakusa District. A jolt to the senses, leave behind the ultra-modern bustle to discover the quiet side streets of this traditionally styled district. Asakusa was an entertainment district in the Edo era, but lost its role in the modern era. Nowadays, it is home to charming shops and restaurants, not to mention the oldest temple in the city, Sensoji. Enter this 7th Century Buddhist temple by passing through the Thunder Gate, indicated by a massive red lantern. Walk along Nakamise Street, a centuries old souvenir street of 96 shop stalls, do some shopping for that perfect souvenir or pick up a local delicacy as there’s plenty of scrumptious snacks too. Take in the atmosphere of the temple, and be sure to look up at the beautiful ceiling murals.
Finally, finish your day with an incredible panorama of the city, at the Tokyo Skytree. The height of the Tokyo Skytree was originally specified at approximately 610m in the original project. However, it was planned
from the beginning to be the world’s tallest free-standing broadcasting tower. After careful discussion and research on high-rise buildings that are being built around the world, it was finally decided on 634m, to become the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world. Take in the landscape of the city you’ve gotten to explore, before heading back to your hotel.
**Note: In preparation for Meiji Shrine’s 100th anniversary in 2020, renovation works are carried out on some of the shrine’s buildings from spring 2016 to October 2019. Efforts are made to keep the impact on visitors very low**
Pick up: Tokyo Hotel at 9:00am (subject to change). Drop off: Tokyo Hotel at 5:00pm
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03 TOKYO – FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR
Lake Ashi And Mount Fuji
This morning get ready to depart to Hakone National Park for a day of fresh air and sightseeing at one of Japan’s most iconic parks in the shadow of Mt. Fuji. Throughout the tour you will have a chance to take a glimpse at this awe-inspiring mountain, but please bear in mind that it needs to be a clear day. Meet your guide at your hotel before transferring to Shinjuku Station where you’ll hop on the ‘Romance Car’, for an hour and a half long journey into Hakone. Transfer to Gora station, before riding in a cablecar to the Hakone Ropeway.
Now, soar above the active volcanic site, Owakudani, which translates to the Great Boiling Valley. Watch the steam rising from the mountain, as thermal water grazes just under the rocky façade at extraordinarily hot temperatures. Stop amongst the steamy rocks, and see if you can spot Mt. Fuji in the distance before trying kuro-tamago, or a black egg. Boiled in the sulfuric hot springs each egg turns black as its cooked; it’s rumored that eating it will add several years to your life. Descend the mountain via ropeway to Togendai, where you’ll board a pirate ship and sail across Lake Ashi. A crater formed by a volcano nearly three-thousand years ago, these charming waters offer beautiful views of the enveloping mountains and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
Afterwards, visit the Hakone Shrine, passing under its giant torii gate on the edge of the lake. See this beautiful shrine that was relocated from the mountain top during the Edo period, absorbing the peaceful and tranquil Shinto atmosphere. Finally, it’s time to bid farewell to Hakone, so hope on a bus to Odawara to catch your bullet train back to Tokyo.
Pick up: Tokyo Hotel at 9:00am (subject to change). Drop off: Tokyo Hotel at 6:00pm
Train Hakone 2 Day Free Pass from Odawara
Train Limited Express From Shinjuku Station To Hakone-Yumoto
Station (with Hakone Free Pass)
Train Shinkansen from Odawara to Tokyo Station Ordinary Car
Reserved Seat or v.v
Meals: Breakfast
Day 04 TOKYO – FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR
Kintsugi Gold Repair
Meet your private guide at your hotel to begin your tour of the country’s artistic traditions transferring to your calligraphy lesson. Learn the classical calligraphy of kanji characters, a longstanding art form. Delving into its history, discover the tricks and techniques of this beautiful tradition, during an hour long lesson.
Take a stroll to Nezu Shrine next, one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines that’s been well preserved since it’s relocation in the 18th century. Step into the past as you wander through its beautiful scarlet torii gates entering the Shrine to discover not only its ornate architectural details, but marvel as you walk through its lush grounds. Once you’ve fully explored this compelling shrine of the olden days, transfer to Harajuku’s modern Omotesando Street.
An ultra-chic tree-lined boulevard that’s referred to as Tokyo’s own Champs-Elyse, Omotesando is the center of contemporary style and fashion. Here you’ll get another hands on experience in Japan’s traditional fine arts, this time in a fascinating Kintsugi class. This technique has been practiced for centuries, and embodies the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, meaning to embrace the flawed and imperfect.
Learn how Kintsugi uses lacquerware to repair cracks in ceramics which are then dusted with precious metals. Not only does this extend the life of the object, it creates beauty from imperfection. After learning and applying this practice, you’ll have your very own piece of art to bring home dusted with gold powder, a truly traditional souvenir that embodies Japan’s philosophical history and artistic tradition.
Now it’s time to leave the past behind as you enter the contemporary art world of Japan, starting with a guided wander along Omotesando. Admire its cool and stylish architecture as you pass top fashion brands and galleries. The main stop, however, is at one of the most exciting galleries for young artists, the Design Festa Gallery.
The fascinating space with avant-garde architecture features multiple showrooms, a restaurant, café and several exhibitions. The gallery seeks to create a space for artistic collaboration among emerging talent, providing a vast variety of works. With sculptures, statuettes, installations, paintings, drawings and everything in between, this gallery has Japan’s freshest voices in the contemporary art scene. After your in depth exploration of Japan’s artistic traditions and future, your guide will bring you back to your hotel.
Pick up: Tokyo Hotel at 9:00 am (subject to change). Drop off: Tokyo Hotel at 5:00 pm
Meals: Breakfast
Day 05 TOKYO – KYOTO
Kyoto Station
Travel in comfort on Japan’s fast and efficient high speed rail network. The trains travel at speeds of up to 300km/hr and cover the 513km distance to Kyoto in approximately 2.3 hours.
*Trains tickets are subject to availability and may affect the duration of the journey. This information will be confirmed at time of booking
Train Shinkansen Nozomi Tokyo to Kyoto Ordinary Car Reserved Seat
Fushimi Inari Shrine
On arrival in Kyoto, the rest of your day is free.
An easy trip to make is Fushimi Inari Shrine, only two stops and 5 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Nara Line.
Fushimi Inari Shrine, which was used in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha, is home to over 10,000 red tori gates. They form a path up the mountain behind the temple making a spectacular place for photos.
This is a free afternoon and there are no services organized
Meals: Breakfast
Day 06 KYOTO – FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR
Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion
See the highlights of Kyoto on this unique day tour of its classic cultural treasures. Delve into Japan’s history, starting off at the glittering Kinkakuji Temple. Known also as the Golden Pavilion, this estate was built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. Its grounds are lush and expansive, and this beautiful wooden structure has been coated in gold leaf. After the Shogun’s death, Kinkakuji was made a Buddhist temple, so take a tranquil and contemplative walk through the gardens. Admire the shining pavilion perched on the lake before hoping on transit to your next destination, Nijo Castle.
Built by the first Shogun of the Edo period in 1603, Nijo Castle is one of the most famous and ornate castles in the country. It perfectly embodies palaces of the feudal era, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by stunning gardens, the castle is full of spectacular architectural details, from beautifully painted sliding doors to lush, detailed carvings from floor to ceiling. Furthermore, listen to the ‘chirping’ floors as you walk, they were designed this way as an additional security measure of the castle.
Next, head to Heian Shrine, a marvelous shrine complex, that’s a bit younger than other historic sites of Kyoto. Despite its youth, Heian Shrine is breathtaking. Enter through a massive red torii gate into spacious grounds. Admire the beautiful structure with its bright vermillion columns and complimentary jade tiled roofs, surrounded by cherry trees. Wander these spectacular grounds, before heading to your last stop Kiyomizudera Temple.
Another of Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites and most impressive preserved areas, it’s also known as the Pure Water Temple. First, take in the majestic views from the 13 metre high veranda, before further exploring the grounds. Take a sip from one of the three streams of fresh mountain water, which will grant you fortune in love, studies or elongate your life, but don’t drink from all 3 as that’s considered greedy! Finally, return to your hotel for the evening.
Pick up: Kyoto Hotel at 9:00 am (subject to change). Drop off: Kyoto Hotel at 5:00 pm
Meals: Breakfast
Day 07 DEPART KYOTO
Farewell Japan
Now, it’s time to leave the city behind and continue on your journey. Check out of your accommodation and await pick up from the shuttle. Sit back and watch the city whiz by on your way out to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
KYOTO
Hotel: Shiba Park Hotel (Annex Twin/Triple Room)
Keio Plaza Hotel (Standard Room (twin/triple))
Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Currency
The yen is the Japanese currency. The bills are in 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 1,000 yen denominations, and the coins are 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen. You can convert foreign currency at any bank, hotel or tourist facility that displays an “Authorized Money Exchanger” sign. The conversion rate is better at banks, but there is no black currency market.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan, so do not feel obliged to. Hotels and major restaurants will add a 10-15% service charge.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa, Master card and Diners Club are accepted at all major hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities. You cannot use them at small or inexpensive places.
Traveler's Checks
Only major tourist facilities and department stores accept traveler’s checks. It is advised that you exchange them for yen at banks, hotels and other exchange facilities.
Duty Free Shopping
Be sure to take your passport along with you when you visit stores with a “Tax-Free” sign displayed. The store clerks have to fill out paperwork that is attached to your passport, and collected as you leave the country.
Medicine
Make sure to pack any prescription medicines you need. Japan does have international standard medical services and facilities. Hotels can help you, if you need urgent attention.
CLOTHES
A jacket or sweater would be enough in the spring or autumn. Summer is hot and humid, so you will only need light clothes. In winter, a coat would be enough, but if you are travelling in the north, it is advisable to bring warmer clothes with you. Casual wear is suitable for sightseeing and a lot of restaurants. The Japanese do not tend to dress up as much as they did some years ago. But it is advisable to look respectable when going out at night.
Smoking
The number of non-smoking cars has increased over recent years on long distance trains. Smoking is prohibited on all short distance and commuter trains. All train stations are non-smoking, except for the designated smoking areas. All subway stations are non-smoking. The number of restaurants with non-smoking sections is increasing, but they are still rare. Do not be surprised if you see a Japanese person light up in a non-smoking area, especially if they are standing in front of a “No Smoking” sign.
Toilets
Most station public toilets do not have toilet paper and hand dryers. There is usually a vending machine at the entrance. It might be a good idea to bring along your own toilet paper and tissues. You will find packets of tissues handed out free as promotion useful for the toilets.
Electricity
The electrical current is 100 volts in Japan; 50 cycles from Tokyo and north, and 60 cycles west of Tokyo.
Mobile Phones
Most major hotels have signs in their coffee shops and restaurants prohibiting the use of mobile phones. If it is necessary, you can leave the restaurant and take or make the call outside. All trains have announcements that ask passengers to be considerate of others when using their phones on the train. Some train companies actually ban the use of mobile phones on their trains. It is basically a matter of common courtesy not too talk too loudly when using a mobile phone in public.
Trains
All long distance trains, including JR and private lines, have reserved seats. To make sure you can get a seat for long distance trips, it is advised that you book as early as possible, if not as soon as you arrive in Japan. The Hikari and Kodama bullet trains (Shinkansen) have unreserved seats (5 cars and 11 cars respectively), but all seats on the Nozomi are reserved.
Taxis
You can find taxis all over Japan. It is only necessary to use one if you have large, heavy suitcases to carry from the hotel to the station. In some remote areas, taxis are the only reliable form of transport, as buses do not run as regularly. The fares vary according to the taxi company. Empty taxis can be recognized by the red light in the front of their windshields, on the passenger side. From 11 pm to 5 am, a 20% surcharge is added. Most taxis only seat 4 people, and only have room for 2 large suitcases in the boot.
Buses and Streetcars
Buses area important means of transport in smaller cities, such as Nara and Kyoto. Hakodate, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Kochi, Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Nagasaki have streetcars. Both buses and streetcars are usually operated by the driver. Some local buses charge a flat rate, but some also charge by the zone. Check to see whether there is a zone ticket (seiri-ken) dispenser as you get on the bus. If there is, take the ticket it. You are to place the correct fare (and seiri-ken) in the box at the front as you get off the bus. No change is given