Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Tokyo

Arrive at Tokyo International Airport and transfer to your city hotel either by airport limousine bus (Transfer time: 1200 pm - 0600pm). The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy independently, perhaps unwinding at your hotel or getting a taste of the city, which is home to around eight million people.

Hotel: ★★★★ Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 2 Tokyo

Energetic Tokyo is a blur of neon, malls and skyscrapers sprinkled with hidden temples, bazaars and wooden houses. Today, take a morning sightseeing tour that showcases its highlights. Admire the Imperial Palace Plaza, a clutch of gardens and palaces that are home to Japan’s royal family, and amble along Nakamise Street, an avenue of stalls leading to the Senso-Ji Temple. Peruse the stalls’ souvenirs and snacks, and marvel at the elaborate Buddhist temple, Tokyo’s oldest. After enjoying a Japanese-style lunch, continue to fashionable Ginza, Tokyo’s best-known shopping, dining and entertainment hub. Browse the department stores, big-name brands, malls and eateries of this buzzing area before a transfer back to your hotel. Or, choose to stay on in Ginza independently. This evening, enjoy the Sukiyaki dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to the hotel.

Includes: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: ★★★★ Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 3 Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Hakone - Tokyo

Enjoy the day trip to Kamakura and Yokohama. Explore two of Japan's most captivating cities on a full-day Kamakura and Yokohama trip from Tokyo. After pickup from your Tokyo hotel, travel southwest by coach to Kamakura, a picturesque seaside city nestled in forested hills on Sagami Bay renowned for its Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and rich history. Next, continue to Yokohama, Japan's second largest city. See the Red Brick Warehouse, where early-20th century custom buildings now house stylish shops, and stroll in waterside Yamashita Park.

Includes: Breakfast at hotel

Hotel: ★★★★ Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 4 Tokyo - Kyoto

Today, step aboard Japan’s famous bullet or ‘Shinkansen’ train for your journey to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital famed for its historic temples and rock gardens. Settle on the high-speed train at Tokyo station and race through the countryside at up to 200mph, enjoying views of snow-capped Mt Fuji en route (weather permitting). In the afternoon visit Kyoto's UNESCO-protected gems: the 17th century Nijo Castle, once a residence of Tokugawa shoguns, and the splendid Kinkaku-ji aka the Golden Pavilion. Tonight enjoy the Japanese Shabu Shabu hot pot for dinner.

Includes: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

Hotel: ★★★★ Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Day 5 Kyoto

Following breakfast, depart the Mount Fuji scenic area and travel to Kyoto, Japan's cultural and artistic center, and the country's capital for over 1,000 years. Stop along the way to have lunch independently. In the afternoon visit Kyoto's UNESCO-protected gems: the 17th century Nijo Castle, once a residence of Tokugawa shoguns, and the splendid Kinkaku-ji aka the Golden Pavilion. Tonight enjoy the Japanese Shabu Shabu hot pot for dinner.

Includes: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

Hotel: ★★★★ Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Day 6 Kyoto - Nara - Osaka

A full-day excursion to historical Nara, a former capital of Japan, today. Cradled by wooded hills, this attractive ancient city boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit the famous Todaiji Temple, to see the world’s biggest bronze statue of Buddha, and drink in the scenic charms of Nara Park, best-known for the many wild Sika deer that roam its landscapes. Other highlights include the Kasuga Taisha shrine, a Shinto shrine with origins in the 8th century and famous for its bronze and stone lanterns. After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Osaka, Japan’s second biggest city for a 2 nights stay. Tonight visit the Kuromon Ichiba Market, a foodie haunt with over 150 enticing culinary stalls and Shinsaibashi, a shopping district nicknamed the ‘Champs-Elysees of the East’ for its unique stores. Cap your day with a succulent Kobe beef dinner at a local restaurant in Osaka.

Includes: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: ★★★★ Hotel Granvia or similar

Day 7 Osaka

This morning, tick through Osaka’s main sights, visiting the Floating Garden Observatory at the Umeda Sky Building. Marvel at the 360-degree views from this open-air observatory that extends between two skyscrapers. Osaka Castle Tower houses an informative museum about the castle's history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi and from the top enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka Castle park and the city. Free at leisure in the afternoon for last minute shopping.

Includes: Breakfast at hotel

Hotel: ★★★★ Hotel Granvia or similar

Day 8 Osaka - USA

Take the airport shuttle bus for transfer to the Kansai International airport. End of tour.