Information about
Capital Cities of Japan
This 8-night tour is ideal for exploring the essentials of Japan. From the modern metropolis of Tokyo to the vibrant city of Osaka and through the ancient city of Kyoto, you will immerse yourself in a world of captivating contrasts. Additionally, it is a private tour that can be tailored to your tastes, preferences, and interests.
This straightforward itinerary will allow you not only to marvel at the main attractions of the three cities but also to enhance your experience with excursions to the outskirts of key cities and a memorable night in a traditional Ryokan in Kyoto Arashiyama.
Accompanying you on this journey, a private guide will be at your disposal at all times. More than just a guide, they will be a cultural bridge, sharing deep knowledge and anecdotes that will undoubtedly enrich each experience. From iconic sites to lesser-known corners, this expert companion will provide you with a unique perspective and help you uncover Japan's best-kept secrets in no time.
This straightforward itinerary will allow you not only to marvel at the main attractions of the three cities but also to enhance your experience with excursions to the outskirts of key cities and a memorable night in a traditional Ryokan in Kyoto Arashiyama.
Accompanying you on this journey, a private guide will be at your disposal at all times. More than just a guide, they will be a cultural bridge, sharing deep knowledge and anecdotes that will undoubtedly enrich each experience. From iconic sites to lesser-known corners, this expert companion will provide you with a unique perspective and help you uncover Japan's best-kept secrets in no time.
The trip includes
8 nights of accommodation including breakfast.
English-speaking assistant upon arrival at the airport.
English-speaking guide during visits (day 2, 4, 5).
Transfers: airport-hotel-airport on a shared service basis, unassisted.
Entrance tickets to the sites mentioned in the itinerary.
Bullet train tickets in tourist class with seat reservations: Tokyo – Kyoto.
Bed tax, government taxes, service charge, fuel, and management expenses.
Travel insurance with medical coverage and assistance at the destination.
Itinerary
1
Arrival in Tokyo
Arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airport. Meet the English-speaking assistant in the arrivals hall and transfer to the hotel by shared service (airport limousine bus or shared van), without an assistant. The rest of the day is free. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Day 1
2
Day 2
Tokyo (Private tour)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full-day city tour with a private guide using public transport. You will visit the Meiji Shrine, the trendy Harajuku district (with the frenetic and colorful Takeshita Street, a meeting point for Japanese Cosplay youth), and Omotesando (which connects Shibuya with Minato with its palaces built by the world's most famous architectural studios). Also, the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden (a typical Japanese garden and an oasis of peace and tranquility within the bustling district of Shinjuku), Shinjuku (with the Kabukicho area, full of nightclubs and restaurants) and Shibuya (with the Hachiko statue and Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world). Finally, we will stroll through the Ginza district.
Accommodation at the hotel in Tokyo.
3
Day 3
Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to explore the city. There is the option to book additional activities such as an excursion to Nikko or Mt Fuji & Hakone.
Accommodation at the hotel in Tokyo.
4
Day 4
Tokyo - Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the train station is the responsibility of the guest. (The guide will explain how to take the bullet train during the visit on day 2.)
Departure by bullet train to Kyoto.
Upon arrival in Kyoto, meet with the guide and visit Arashiyama in the northern area of Kyoto using public transportation. You will visit the famous bamboo forest, the iconic Togetsu Bridge, and Tenryu-ji Temple, considered one of the five most important Zen temples in Kyoto.
Accommodation at the hotel in Kyoto.
Option to stay one night in an Arashiyama Ryokan with a traditional dinner (at an additional cost).
5
Day 5
Kyoto (Private tour)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full-day city tour with a private guide using public transport. You will visit the Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji, the Zen temple Ryoan-ji, Sanju Sangendo temple, Kiyomizudera temple, the historically rich Nishiki Market, and stroll through the traditional district of Gion.
Accommodation at the hotel in Kyoto.
6
Day 6
Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to explore the city. There is the option to book additional activities such as an excursion to Nara & Fushimi Inari.
Accommodation at the hotel in Kyoto.
7
Day 7
Kyoto - Osaka
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check-out and transfer to the hotel in Osaka are the responsibility of the guest. (It takes about 45 minutes by train plus a subway ride, depending on the location of the hotel.)
The rest of the day is free. You can visit the Osaka Castle and its spectacular park, the Dotonbori district which is very popular for its neon signs like "Glico Man", the Kuromon Ichiba Market with delicious street food stalls. You can also stroll through the "Den Den Town" geek district, similar to Tokyo's Akihabara.
Accommodation at the hotel in Osaka.
8
Day 8
Osaka
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to explore the city. There is the option to book additional activities such as an excursion to Hiroshima & Miyajima.
Accommodation at the hotel in Osaka.
9
Day 9
Departure from Osaka
Breakfast at the hotel.
At the time corresponding with the departure flight, transfer to Kansai Osaka or Itami airport by shared service, without an assistant.