Essence of Japan

For today's Japan tour packages, you will be escorted with a private guide in the morning for a half-day walking tour by public transportation. It is said that there are almost one million shrines across Japan, and you will visit the Meiji Shrine, one of the five largest shrines as well as the most famous shrine in Tokyo. Next, you will head to the Senso-ji Temple, an ancient temple built in 628 AD, which attracts a lot of tourists to worship and pray each day. You can find some small Japanese goods and authentic local snacks on the colorful Nakamise Shopping Street, which is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, as a worship road from Kaminarimon to the square in front of the Senso-ji Temple. There are nearly 100 shops on both sides, selling a variety of specialties and foods. Bustling tourists come there all year round, as it is a good place to buy souvenirs. Lunch is on your own. You can also ask the guide for recommendations according to your preferences. The guide will provide you ample restaurant information. In the afternoon, you're free to explore the charming Tokyo city.

Tips: What is the difference between a Japanese temple and a shrine? There is a bell and a door with their roofs in a temple; but a torii in a shrine.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier (4 stars)

After breakfast, an English speaking driver will drive you to the Mount Fuji from your hotel. Mount Fuji, one of the largest active volcanoes of the world, is the symbol of Japan. You will get to the Mount Fuji 5th station, which is equivalent to a leisure platform on hillside with restaurants and souvenir shops. The car can only reach the 5th station at the height of 2,305 meters (Or highest as possible when the road is closed due to the weather). Then we'll come to the Lake Ashi, a volcanic lake standing on the back of the Mount Fuji with varied beauty in different seasons. You can enjoy the wonderful scenery by boat on the lake; and the driver will wait for you in the parking lot. After that, you need to take the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway by yourself, on which you can see the blue Lake Ashi. When the weather is clear, you can enjoy a great view of the spectacular Mount Fuji as well on the ropeway. After the Japan tour packages today, return to the agreed spot and then go back to Tokyo.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier (4 stars)

You have to go to Tokyo Station on your own after breakfast, to take the Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka for around 2.5 hours. We'll book the tickets for you in advance. Upon arrival in Osaka, make your own way to check in the hotel. The rest time is free for you to explore Osaka on your Japan packages.

We recommend you to visit the Osaka Castle, a five-storey castle with a history of nearly 450 years. It is one of the most magnificent buildings in Japan. Continue to visit the country-famous Kuromon Market, which is called Osaka's Kitchen by locals and has a history of more than 190 years. Finally, you can go to Umeda Sky Building, not only a popular place to watch the sunset in Japan, but also a great site to enjoy the night view of Osaka after nightfall.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel New Hankyu Osaka (4 stars)

After having breakfast and being picked up at hotel, an English speaking driver will drive you to Kyoto. Around an hour later, you will arrive in Kyoto. From then on, you'll start your pleasant Kyoto day trip of Japan holiday packages. The famous Kinkaku-ji is an ancient temple that can only be seen outside. However it is one of the must-see attractions for most tourists. The Kiyomizu Temple is also an ancient temple that was included in the World Cultural Heritages in 1994. This is extremely popular for people to appreciate blooming sakura in spring and charming red maples in autumn. The Sanjusangendo Temple is a world famous ancient Buddhist architecture. It is 125 meters (137 yards) long from north to south, which is the longest wooden structure all over the world. Because its main hall is separated into 33 rooms by columns, it is commonly known as Sanjusangendo, 33 rooms in Japanese. The Nijo Castle with the paintings, carvings and architectural features of the Japanese Momoyama Period, is one of the World Cultural Heritages in Kyoto, too. The Fushimi Inari is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds. After these visits, drive back to Osaka.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel New Hankyu Osaka (4 stars)

Check out the hotel after breakfast & get to the airport by yourself. Happy journey home!

Meals: Breakfast