9-Day Japan Highlights Tour: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka

Welcome to Tokyo! When you arrive at Narita or Haneda International Airport, you will be met by your tour guide and driver. After checking in at your hotel, you can explore the surroundings on your own. You will start your Japan tour tomorrow.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Tokyo

In the morning, you will visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, which was built for Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Walk through the huge wooden torii gate and feel the peaceful atmosphere in the serene forest. You may have a chance to witness a traditional Japanese wedding. Then head to Tsukiji Outer Market where you can enjoy delicious sushi, sashimi rice bowls, and other Japanese food.

In the afternoon, you will travel to Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple), housed the Kannon. Take a picture of the most famous gate, Kaminarimon Gate with a huge red lantern. Visit the shops at Nakamise-dori Street where you can pick out souvenirs you like. Then head to the Main Hall of Sensoji Temple and pay your respects to Kannon. Explore anime shops and maid cafes at Akihabara and head to the top shopping district, Ginza. Enjoy a broad view of the city from the observation deck of Tokyo Tower.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan with a height of 3776 meters. Today, you will pay a visit to Mount Fuji and the surrounding attractions. Your first stop is Oshino Hakkai with eight beautiful ponds and views of Mount Fuji. Continue to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and Chureito Pagoda where you can enjoy the unbeatable Mt. Fuji and its nearly perfectly volcano shape.

Then travel to Lake Kawaguchi to catch the postcard-worthy views of Mt. Fuji. You can enjoy a boat trip on the lake or take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to see the lake and Mount Fuji below.

After the Mount Fuji tour, you will transfer to Hakone and check in at the onsen hotel.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Hakone

Today you will have a free tour of Hakone. Here are some free time ideas.

You can take a sightseeing boat to Lake Ashi and appreciate the stunning scenery. You may have an opportunity to see Mount Fuji on a clear day. Choose a lakeside cafe and enjoy a quiet time. Take the cable car to Owakudani, visit volcanic landforms, and taste black eggs boiled in hot springs. Admire outdoor art sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum and experience the combination of nature and art. Stroll through the streets of the small town and get a flavor of local life and customs. Buy handicrafts at Hakone's specialty shops as souvenirs. You can also stay at the hotel and enjoy traditional Japanese hot spring baths.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Hakone

After breakfast, you will say goodbye to Hakone and take the Shinkansen to Kyoto. You need to buy your own Shinkansen ticket. After about 1 hour, you will arrive in Kyoto and check in at the hotel.

After a short rest at the hotel, you can embark on your tour of Gion in the late afternoon. Gion is the most famous geisha district and traditional entertainment district in Kyoto. You can try on a kimono (traditional Japanese garment) to get an immersive experience. You will participate in a Japanese tea ceremony class and learn how to drink tea. Then enjoy Kaiseki Ryori (a traditional Japanese multi-course meal) for dinner. You can taste the freshest and best-prepared food.

Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Kyoto

In the morning, you will head to Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). You can see its golden outer wall and the reflection on the clear pond. Travel to Nijo Castle and appreciate superb palace and beautiful gardens. When you walk on "nightingale" floors, you can hear the floors sing and squeak.

For lunch, you will head to Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". You can taste tako tamago (octopus balls), mochi (Japanese rice cake), fresh seafood, and more.

After lunch, travel to Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk through the red tunnel created by thousands of vermilion torii gates. Venture to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and admire the three-story Pagoda and the views of Kyoto city with the Kyoto Tower.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kyoto

Today you will spend a full day at Arashiyama. You can visit Jojakko-ji Temple and Tenryu-ji Temple where you can appreciate the stunning garden. These two serene temples offer an escape from crowds.

In the afternoon, take a 25-minute ride on the Sagano Romantic Train to Kameoka. You will travel through the valley of Hozu River and the picturesque countryside. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along Hozu River and return to Arashiyama (about 2 hours). You will pass vibrant forests on both sides of the river. Stop near the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge and walk to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Bamboo Grove is a charming place in Arashiyama. You can immerse yourself in the serene and enchanting atmosphere.

After visiting, you will be transferred to Osaka and stay overnight.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Osaka

In the morning, you will venture to Kasuga Taisha Shrine which is known for its numerous bronze and stone lanterns. Visit the 15-meter-tall Great Buddha statue at Todai-ji Temple. Stroll at Nara Park and encounter docile deer. You can feed deer crackers (shika senbei) to them.

In the afternoon, drive return to Osaka for your next attraction, Osaka Castle Park. Explore the main tower and the rich history at the Osaka Castle Museum inside. Appreciate the seasonal flowers in the beautiful gardens.

In the evening, stroll around Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori areas where you can enjoy shopping and delicious food. Lose yourself in the lively night atmosphere and glittering neon lights.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Osaka

It is time to end your 9-day Japan tour. You will be escorted to the airport for your flight. We are always at your service and hope to see you again.

Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A