Compare Japan Highlights 9 Days 7 Nights by Affordable World vs Japan in 15 days - Land of the Rising Sun - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1 & 2: USA – Tokyo

Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo or similar, Hotel Listel Shinjuku or similar

Our voyage to Japan begins as we board an international flight to Japan. 

Upon arrival in Tokyo you will be greeted by our friendly ground crew and guided to the airport shuttle bus to transfer to the hotel.

Day 3: Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo or similar, Hotel Listel Shinjuku or similar

After breakfast, set off to discover Tokyo on the city highlights tour. Our day begins with a visit to the Imperial Palace Plaza -the current residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. The tour will proceed to Asakusa district where the most famous Buddhist temple Senso-ji is located. Walk along the famous 820-ft long Nakamise shopping street that is the front entrance to the Senso-ji Temple where you can explore the lines of stalls selling different Japanese-styled goods and souvenirs. Nothing else can capture the epitome of an upscale area in Tokyo better than the next locale – the Ginza district – where numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses are located. Reputed to be the most luxurious shopping district in the world, it is here that you can be awed by the flagship stores of leading fashion houses and brands before the bus transport returns to take us back to the hotel. You may also stay and wander in the Ginza district and return to the hotel on your own accord. In the evening, experience Japanese tradition & cuisine by enjoying the optional Japanese Kaiseki Dinner. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner which balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food. Only fresh seasonal ingredients are used and are prepared in ways that aim to enhance their flavor. Dishes are also beautifully arranged and garnished.

Optional Tours: Kaiseki Dinner (Min. 5 participants - only available for purchase prior to trip departure date) $99 pp

Day 4: Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo or similar, Hotel Listel Shinjuku or similar

Enjoy a free day to explore and enjoy bustling Tokyo at your leisure.  Perhaps visit a traditional teahouse, discover Japanese history and art at a museum, or indulge in some retail therapy at Tokyo's cutting edge stores - the choice is yours.  Alternatively, you may join our optional 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.

Optional Tours: Yokohama and Kamakura Day Trip (min 6 pax) $49 pp

Day 5: Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Lake Kawaguchi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Tominoko Hotel or similar, Fuji Mountain Resort or similar

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before we depart for the road trip to visit Japan’s most sacred and spectacular mountain – Mount Fuji. Your English-speaking guide will provide you with interesting insights along the way and pending weather permitting conditions, the bus will climb to the 5th station at 7,550 feet above sea level. After the breathtaking view atop Mount Fuji, enjoy the bird’s eye view of the nearby Odawara and Lake Ashi scenic region via the aerial tram Komagatake Ropeway. Enjoy the picturesque view of Mount Fuji in the distance on board a cruise on Lake Ashi, a crater lake famous for its views of the famous peak. Lunch will be on your own along one of the many rest stops or service areas on the highways where you can enjoy an abundance of unique eats and snacks that will surprise you. Dinner will be arranged and hosted at the hotel. Admissions Included: Komagatake Ropeway and Lake Ashi Cruise.

Day 6: Mount Fuji Area – Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Westin Miyako or similar, Heian No Mori or similar

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, and upon arrival visit two of 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.  Finish with a stop at Kiyomizu Temple, or "Clear Water Temple" built in 1633 without a single nail. Check in at the hotel and relax for the rest of the day. Admissions Included: Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), and Kiyomizu Temple.

Day 7: Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Westin Miyako or similar, Heian No Mori or similar

This will be a free day at leisure in Kyoto either to venture out on your own or join our full day optional excursion to the  Sagano Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama District & Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. Explore Kyoto nightlife on your own tonight or join our optional Japan Culture/ Gion Corner entertainment and dinner.

Optional Tours:

Sagano Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama District, & Fushimi Inari-Taisha $65 pp

Japan Culture / Gion Corner Entertainment and Dinner $99 pp

Day 8: Kyoto – Osaka

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Granvia or similar, Sunny Stone Osaka Hotel or similar

2019 departures: After breakfast bid farewell to Kyoto as we make our way to the vibrant city of Osaka. Our city tour kicks off with a stop at  Kuromon Market. With over 190 years of history and tradition, Kuromon Ichiba Market, a very popular area known by locals as "Gastronome" and "Osaka's Kitchen", is well-known nationwide.  Afterwards we'll make our way over to  the largest shopping destination in Osaka - Shinsaibashi.  Often described as the Champs-Élysées of the East, the street is lined with unique stores and one of a kind items.  We'll then make our way over to the  Umeda Sky Building .  Standing 173 meters tall, the Umeda Sky Building is one of the most popular attractions and landmarks of Osaka.  The two skyscrapers are connected in midair by the Floating Garden Observatory on the top floor of the building.  With it's open air roof and 360 degree panoramic views of the city, the Floating Garden is one of the most romantic and scenic views of the city.   Enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or join our optional Nara Park & Osaka Landmark tour.

2020 departures: After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Kyoto as we make our way to the vibrant city of Osaka.  Along the way, admire the beauty of historical Nara and 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. Afterwards, we’ll visit Dotonobori, one of the most iconic areas of Osaka, followed by time at Kuromon Ichiba Market -  a foodie haunt with over 150 enticing culinary stalls. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or continue you explorations on our optional Osaka Landmark tour.

Optional Tours:

Nara Park and Osaka Landmark Tour $59 pp

Osaka Landmark Tour $59 pp

Day 9: Osaka - USA

Today, transfer to Osaka's Kansai Airport for your return flight back home or extend your trip for a few more days in Osaka. (Note: Airport transfer out is not provided for land only travelers or those extending their stay at the end of the tour.)

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrival at your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Tokyo. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Tokyo

Arrive in the capital of Japan and self-transfer to the hotel. Tokyo is a dazzling metropolis rich in history and tradition. Rest of the day free to start discovering this exciting city of contrasts and its delicious cuisine. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 3: Tokyo

Today, take a half-day tour of the city of Tokyo including many of the most emblematic sights in the city. See the vibrant neighbourhood of Harajuku, the charming Meiji Shrine and the National Diet Building. Discover the magnificent Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Japanese Emperor, before passing through the varied districts of the city and arriving in Asakusa. Asakusa retains all the charms of 'old Tokyo', with its traditional architecture, craft shops and food stalls. Here you can marvel at the magnificent Senso-ji temple and Kaminari-mon Gate. End the tour at Tokyo Station and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 4: Tokyo

Enjoy a day at your own pace. Spend the day exploring Tokyo's fascinating city-scape at your leisure. Why not visit Odaiba island high-tech entertainment hub or climb the Skytree Tower for a panoramic view of Tokyo? We recommend an exciting full-day tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone*. Overnight stay in Tokyo. * Optional full-day tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone: The bus heads up to the 5th Station along the Subaru Line, at 2,300 metres above sea level. At this height, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views from above the clouds. After lunch at Samurai Restaurant, visit scenic Owaku-dani Valley in Hakone and enjoy a peaceful boat trip on Ashi Crater Lake to admire the superb views of Mt. Fuji. Return to Tokyo by bus with the option to end the tour at Odawara station if you prefer. Please note: If road conditions or unforeseen circumstances restrict the ascent to the 5th station, you will instead travel the highest elevation possible considering the circumstances. The same also applies for the cruise on Ashi Crater Lake; if conditions or circumstances prevent sailing on the lake, alternative visits and experiences will be taken to replace the activity.

Day 5: Tokyo

Enjoy a day exploring Tokyo at your leisure, getting to know the shopping districts, discovering new parts of the city or simply soaking up the culture and sampling the cuisine. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 6: Tokyo - Kanazawa

Using your Japan Rail Pass, travel to Kanazawa, a historical jewel of a city and home to some of Japan's most beautiful landscaped gardens. We recommend visiting the historic Higashi Chaya district, filled with traditional tea houses where you will be able to see the celebrated geishas perform. Overnight stay in Kanazawa.

Day 7: Kanazawa

Spend the day on a self-guided tour of the sights of Kanazawa. Catch the Kanazawa Loop Bus for an overview of the city before admiring the pristine landscaped gardens and Japanese architecture of the Kenrokuen Gardens & Seisonkaku Villa. Soak up the artistic atmosphere at a traditional Gold-Leaf Experience and refresh with tea coupons to redeem at Kikantei. Overnight stay in Kanazawa.

Day 8: Kanazawa - Hiroshima

Today, travel to Hiroshima using your Japan Rail Pass. Arrive in the modern city of Hiroshima, sadly destroyed in the most part in 1945 by an atomic bomb, making it a moving destination to explore. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Hiroshima.

Day 9: Hiroshima

Today you will have the opportunity to be your own guide with a self-guided tour of the main attractions of Hiroshima. Begin at the Atomic Bomb Dome, passing by Hiroshima Castle along the way, to contemplate one of the few structures that survived the devastating explosion. Continue to the Peace Memorial Park and stop for a traditional Okonomiyaki lunch. Afterwards, head to the port for a short ferry ride to Miyajima to see the Otorii Gate and the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine. End the tour with a visit to Daishonin Temple. This tour includes a full-day ticket for Hiroden (tram and bus network in and around Hiroshima, and roundtrip ticket for Miyajima ferry), and a voucher for lunch at Okoromi-mura. The tour will take place in the order that you prefer. Overnight stay in Hiroshima.

Day 10: Hiroshima - Kyoto

Using your Japan Rail Pass, travel to Kyoto, the capital of the Japanese Empire for 11 centuries. We recommend exploring the emblematic neighborhood of Gion, known for its traditional architecture and admired geishas. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 11: Kyoto

Set off this morning on an exciting half-day Kyoto tour to discover the beautiful and historical districts of Sagano. Ride the Sagano Romantic Train (trolley train), enjoy a walk through the enchanting Sagano bamboo forest, wander round Arashiyama's Tenryuji Temple and admire its famous garden and lake. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 12: Kyoto

Spend today at your leisure, exploring the delights of Kyoto at your own pace. Perhaps explore the Kiyomizu temple, part of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site, or walk through the tranquil Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. We recommend an optional afternoon excursion to the peaceful sanctuary of Nara.* Overnight stay in Kyoto. * Optional Nara Excursion: Head to Nara on the Kintetsu Express Train, for a tour of two World Heritage Sites: Todai-Ji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. Encounter wild deer up close while walking through Nara Park, a rarity in Japan and worldwide and discover Todai-Ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest wooden structures.

Day 13: Kyoto - Osaka

Today, take a local train to travel to Osaka. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free to discover this charming city. We recommend visiting the Kuromon local market and its Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building, from which there is an unforgettable panoramic view of the city. Overnight stay in Osaka.

Day 14: Osaka

Spend the day on a self-guided tour of the sights of Osaka. You will have at your disposal an Osaka Metro + City Bus card to discover the city on your own. You will also have an admission ticket for the Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory. At 300m above ground, you’ll be able to see the incredible borderless day & night scenery of the city. It also includes the ticket for Osaka Castle, where you have the chance to learn about the history of one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Overnight stay in Osaka.

Day 15: Osaka

Spend the day at your leisure exploring the cultural delights of Osaka. Get to know the local area and sample the iconic local cuisine. In fact, the street food markets of Osaka are said to be the best in the country! Overnight stay in Osaka.

Day 16: Osaka - Night on board

Sadly it's time to say goodbye to the Land of the Rising Sun. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport for a flight** back to the US. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 17: US

Arrive in the US and end your unforgettable Japanese adventure.