Pure Authenticity of Japan Tour

Behind the veil of modernity, there is a traditional feeling that floods the tucked-away alleyways, weaving to iconic landmarks that have been preserved in all their ancient glory. Furthermore, cultural authenticity shines in the local experiences you will enjoy today, such as a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market. As you wander the lively market, strong aromas of succulent seafood will fill your nose, and sounds of foreign chatter will ring through the marketplace. Afterward, you can explore Japanese spiritual heritage in the Asakusa Kannon Temple before visiting the home of anime, a distinguished form of Japanese hand-drawn animation.

Mornings in Tokyo can be chaotic because the locals head to work and visitors scour the streets in search of delectable food. You may take your time this morning, allowing the evocative energy to sweep you up only when you are ready to step out into the city. The day will be free for you to tour Tokyo on your own so that you can visit some exceptional sites of your choosing at your own pace. You may find peace beneath the empirical era Meiji Jingu Shrine or seduce your senses in the eclectic Harajuku district. Today, Tokyo will be yours to explore.

Comfortably seated in a speedy bullet train this morning, you will race through Japan, from Tokyo to Hakone. During the ride, you will witness a slice of mountainous paradise and the soaring snow-capped summit of Mount Fuji. Within the Japanese countryside, you will feel inspired and delighted when catching glimpses of emerald hills and viridian pastures. Via cable-car and ropeway, you will reach the Owakudani Thermal area, where you will appreciate breathtaking landscape villas from within a relaxing hot spring.

You will be thrilled to transfer to the former capital of Japan today via bullet train. The journey will share unforgettable scenes of flower fields and rocky outcrops. Kyoto is steeped in history, which is reflected in the various iconic spiritual shrines and spotlighted in the distinctive culinary delicacies. On the fringes of the city, humble villages lay peacefully disconnected from the world, waiting to introduce travelers to the origins of Japanese tradition.

Today, you will explore Japanese culture when you are greeted by your tour guide and ushered to significant heritage sites throughout Kyoto. You will arrive at the doors of the Kinkaku-Ji temple, a Zen Buddhist golden pavilion that is poised on a tranquil river. Here, anime art was first drawn by monks who lived here. Crossing the calm river by boat, you will marvel at the spectacular wilderness scenes as you approach the staggering bamboo forests of Arashiyama. A final stop at the Nijo Castle will showcase the shogun origins of the Edo Period, concluding your historic day.

You will escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto this morning and explore more Japanese heritage on the Eastern side of the region. Here, you can find refuge on Japanese Tatami mats. If you would like, an exquisitely prepared Japanese lunch may be arranged, and you can enjoy spectacular riverside vistas as you dine. Afterward, you will transfer to the Kiyomizu Temple, an exemplary piece of architecture that was constructed without a single nail. This heritage site is only eclipsed by the colossal wooden Sanjusangendo Temple, a complex that boasts 1001 golden Buddhist statues.

Kyoto’s charm can be found outside of its humming districts among the soaring mountains. Here, unspoiled wildlife wonders lay abundantly across the countryside. You will course a steep pathway that winds up the mountains to a sacred shrine that is stationed on its summit. Here, views of Japan will roll out toward the horizon from beneath your feet. Lunch will be included in today’s activities, and you can enjoy it within a traditional Japanese bathhouse that serves authentic Japanese cuisine.

With nothing set in stone for today, you can wallow in the atmosphere of Kyoto while the day drifts past. There is no need to be swept up by the tourism rush and miss these moments of relaxation; however, if you wish to see one or two hallowed sites, Kyoto will not disappoint. You can enjoy a tour to Osaka and trace the century-old shogunate history that embellishes its ancient constructs. Yo can also seek out the old-world appeal of Nara, a city drenched in Japanese heritage.

It will be a long journey ahead as you prepare to make your way back home from Japan. There will be just enough time to soak up the remaining splendors of Kyoto before you are whisked away by bullet train to Tokyo so that you can catch your plane.