JP05: 13 Days Private Tour of Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Kyoto - Nara - Hiroshima - Osaka
Tour Type: Private guided tour, tailored to suit your specific needs.
Vehicle: Convenient public transport, including bullet train experience.
Accommodation: 4 stars hotels handpicked by our experts.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel; lunch specials of sushi and sukiyaki.
Unveil the captivating beauty of Mt. Fuji, a symbol of Japan’s natural splendor.
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Delve deep into the UNESCO-protected cultural monuments in three ancient capitals – Kyoto, Nara and Kamakura.
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Kids’ favorites: Test your mettle with rides at Universal Studios and Tokyo Disneyland. Indulge in the underwater world at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
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Study at top museums: National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation & Kyoto Railway Museum.
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Embrace nature: Feed deer in Nara and wander with playful fawns amid the ancient temples.
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Unique experience: Try on samurai armor or ninja attire, hold an ancient sword and learn how to play it from a master.
Compare and Book with Confidence: A low $200 deposit and free cancellation more than 40 days before departure.
This trip can be tailored to match your dates and interests!
Itinerary
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Day 1: Tokyo Airport Pick-up
Inclusions: Tokyo Narita Airport or Haneda Airport pickup by shared car, accommodation in Tokyo
Itinerary Details:
Welcome to Japan! Upon landing at Tokyo’s Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, go directly to the arrival hall and you will meet our enthusiastic and helpful English-speaking assistant, who will usher you to board the shared shuttle to take your family to the hotel. Have a good rest at the hotel carefully selected by our picky accommodation experts, and get ready for the following explorations.
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo
★ Tips from Insiders: 1. Vehicle Upgrade upon Request: If you travel with more family members or more luggage, just contact us to pay extra for the airport-hotel transfer service by private car with driver. 2. Exquisite hotel facilities with rooms above the 22nd floor offering wonderful views. 3. Convenient location of the hotel diagonally across from the Exit A1 of Shinjuku Station, and just a 10-minute walk from the lively alley Omoide Yokocho, a great place for dining and nightlife.
Day 2: Tokyo Exploration
Scheduled Attractions: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Senso-ji Temple with Kaminarimon Gate & Nakamise-dori Street, a distant view of Tokyo Skytree, Tsukiji Outer Market, Sushi-making Class, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Odaiba Seaside Park, a miniature Statue of Liberty, Rainbow Bridge
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, morning pickup & evening return escort, full-day guide, sushi-making class for lunch, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, public transport passes, accommodation in Tokyo
Itinerary Details:
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Japanese Sushi
Our guide will be waiting for you in the lobby after breakfast. We will start with the Meiji Jingu Shrine to experience the long and profound Shinto history of Japan. Delve into the main hall surrounded by dense forest. At the sink in front of the hall, the guide will show you how to wash your hands properly in Shinto style before entering for a visit. We’ll have a good chance of seeing a traditional Japanese wedding held here – quiet and solemn, without cheer and laughter – very different from what you might have encountered from other countries and cultures.
► Tip: Comfortable walking shoes are essential! As you enter through the iconic torii gate and step onto the rustling gravel-paved worship paths, prepare for a long and challenging walk. Many attractions in Japan require long walks, so be sure to pack a good pair of shoes.
Next, we’ll explore the Asakusa area. Go through the Kaminarimon Gate and you will witness Nakamise-dori Street, Tokyo’s busiest street, packed with shops selling snacks and handicrafts, as well as visitors from all over the world who come to worship at the Senso-ji Temple. This 1,400-year-old temple is not as solemn as your stereotypical Buddhist temple, but full of interactive and entertaining experiences. Walk all the way from the main entrance to the incense burner in front of the hall. You can burn incense for good luck, bathe your hands in the sacred smoke, which is said to ward off illnesses, or, like the locals, draw an Omikuji fortune slip to bless your family. Our guide will also take you to see the towering Tokyo Skytree from a nearby alley.
★ Sushi Making Class – Beginning of Japan Cooking At noon, visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, a culinary paradise. You’ll have a great opportunity not only to taste the food, but also to learn step by step how to make sushi from a sushi master. Enjoy your fresh handmade sushi for lunch.
Tokyo is not just old. In the afternoon, we’ll see another side of it. Go to Odaiba to visit the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, an eye-opening establishment of Japanese ingenuity and technology. Here you will gain natural knowledge about the Earth, new technology displays, and many environmental protection related exhibits. The cutting-edge science and technology is presented in cleverly designed models and virtual experiences. The treasure of the museum, the ‘Geo-Cosmos’, which is a giant suspended sphere with about a million LED displays embedded on its surface, is bound to amaze you. ► If you visit on Tuesday when the museum is closed, we’ll arrange the Marine Science Museum instead.
Next, enjoy a walk along the Odaiba Seaside Park to see the miniature Statue of Liberty and the magnificent Rainbow Bridge across the Tokyo Bay. If you like, stay until it gets dark to admire the night view before our guide accompanies you back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple
Local Japanese Making Sushi
Day 3: Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo
Scheduled Attractions: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kotoku-in Temple, Enoshima Electric Railway, photo spots at Kamakurakoko-Mae Station & Shichirigahama Beach, Benzaiten Nakamise-dori Street & Enoshima Jinja Shrine on Enoshima Island
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, morning pickup & evening return escort, full-day guide, Tokyo-Kamakura round-trip bullet train tickets, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, other public transport passes, accommodation in Tokyo
Itinerary Details:
In the morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you on a 1-hour train ride to Kamakura, a seaside treasure town not far south of Tokyo. It’s not as crowded as Tokyo, suitable for slow, leisurely travel. Upon arrival, we will first walk down the lively Komachi-dori Street leading to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the most important shrine in Kamakura, which has existed for nearly a thousand years and is dedicated to three deities: Emperor Ojin (aka Hachiman, kami of archery and war), his wife Hime-gami, and his mother Empress Jingu. Here, you can learn about the traditional bushido spirit, which is deeply admired in Japan.
Admire Great Buddha of Kamakura in Kotoku-in The next comes the highlight of the day, the Kotoku-in Temple famous for the Great Buddha of Kamakura, which is considered a national treasure of Japan. The 11.3-meter-high (37-foot-high) bronze statue of Buddha embodies the cultural heritage of Kamakura, which began to serve as a political and Buddhist center in the 12th century. The temple was once destroyed by a tsunami, so the original main hall is no longer visible. Only the Buddha statue has been restored. You can see the black part on the Buddha’s chest, which marks the horrible height of the tide at that time.
Pilgrimage for the Classical Manga ‘Slam Dunk’ Next, let’s take a slow train ride along the Enoshima Electric Railway running along the shoreline, which is said to be a romantic must-do for the local young lovers. The train takes you to the Kamakurakoko-Mae Station and Shichirigahama Beach, popular spots for fans of the basketball-themed anime ‘Slam Dunk’, where you can see exactly the same scene as in the manga - a retro train against the backdrop of the Shonan Coast. Even if you’re not a manga fan, this train ride is truly a special experience, with nice views of the beach and close to the local neighborhoods. Along the track, you can see typical Japanese houses and even reach the plants outside their fences.
Strolling across the sea bridge to the Enoshima Island, you’ll be drawn to the lively Benzaiten Nakamise-dori Street, lined with stalls selling a variety of snacks and souvenirs. Ascend slowly visit the Enoshima Jinja Shrine built on a hill. If your physical strength allows, climb to the top of the hill to enjoy the incredible sea view of the Sagami Bay, and even see the Mount Fuji on a clear day. Finally, our guide will escort you back to your hotel in Tokyo.
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo
Great Buddha of Kamakura
Enoshima Electric Railway along Seashore
Day 4: Free Day in Tokyo
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, accommodation in Tokyo
Itinerary Details:
► No guided tour for the day.
To accommodate your individual needs, we have included a free day for you in Tokyo. If you do not need this free day, please let us know. Our itineraries are fully customizable to meet your needs.
Self-guided Tokyo Disneyland Tour for Your Reference: Tokyo Disneyland is a great choice if you are a family with children. If you decide to go, we can help you book 1-Day Passport(s), and you just need to manage your own transportation back and forth. There are Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Disneyland offers fewer thrilling rides and is more suitable for younger children. ► How to Get There: 50 minutes and USD 3.2 per person by rail transit. Walk 5 minutes north from your hotel to Shinjuku Station to take the Chuo Line for 4 stops to Tokyo Station, walk 4 minutes south to change to the Keiyo Line for another 6 stops to Maihama Station, which is 5 minutes’ walk to the entrance of the Disneyland. ► Opening Hours: 9:00 to 22:00 on weekdays; 8:00 to 22:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Daytime parade ‘Dreaming Up!’ at 13:00. Firework show ‘Disney Light the Night’ at 20:40.
Tips: 1.Better avoid weekends and holidays as the parks can get very crowded. Contact our travel consultants to adjust your schedule accordingly, and leave the free day on a working day. 2.The 1-Day Passport allows only one entry to either Disneyland or DisneySea. If you wish to visit both parks, please contact us to extend your trip by one day and purchase a 2-Day Passport.
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland
Day 5: Tokyo - Hakone & Mt. Fuji - Tokyo
Scheduled Attractions: Hakone Owakudani Valley, a distant view of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi cruise passing by Hakone Shrine Peace Torii
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, morning pickup & evening return escort, full-day guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, tasting of Hakone black eggs, all-inclusive Hakone transport (including Tokyo-Hakone round-trip express train, Hakone Mountain Railway & Ropeway, and Lake Ashi cruise ship), accommodation in Tokyo
Itinerary Details:
Today will be the highlight of your journey, as we’ll embark on a pilgrimage to Mount Fuji, one of the largest active volcanoes in the world and a symbol of Japan. In the morning, your private guide will pick you up from your hotel and whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for a memorable day trip to Hakone after a 1.5-hour train ride.
★ You Will Enjoy: 1. Secret Photo Locations: Our experienced guide, who visits here over 100 times a year, will point out many perfect spots to photograph Mt. Fuji. 2. Various Hakone Transportation: We’ve included all ticket fares for the Hakone mountain train, cable car, and ropeway, making it easy for you to travel around Hakone while enjoying its stunning scenery. 3. Lake Ashi Cruise: Enjoy a peaceful 20-minute cruise on a pirate ship. Feel the gentle breeze through your fingertips and hair, and see Mt. Fuji with its snow-capped peak from different perspectives.
Finally, the guide will accompany you on an express train back to Tokyo for the night.
View Mt. Fuji from Cruise
Visit the Mt. Fuji by Ropeway
★ Unique Service: Flexible Date to Visit Mt. Fuji Rain and overcast skies are common in the Fuji area, and you may not be able to see the mountain on your scheduled visit day. Our considerate service solves this problem by allowing you to discuss with our guide to adjust the visiting order and choose a clear day to visit the Mt. Fuji during your stay in Tokyo from the 2nd to 5th day. ► Things to Know: 1. Feel free to let us know if you prefer a fixed or flexible date to visit Mt. Fuji. For a flexible date, be prepared for no-seat travel with non-reserved train tickets, as reserved tickets need to be booked 1 month in advance. 2. We’ll try our best to arrange your Fuji visit on a clear day, but please understand that this is not a promise. Even if you change the date, you may not be able to see the mountain clearly due to the changing weather.
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo
Omoide Yokocho, Tokyo
Cherry Blossom in Japan
Day 6: Tokyo - Kyoto
Scheduled Attractions: Pure Water Temple, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Yasaka Shrine, Gion geisha district, Ninja-samurai experience at a dojo
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, Tokyo-to-Kyoto bullet train tickets, Kyoto guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, other public transport passes, evening return escort, accommodation in Kyoto
Itinerary Details:
Tokyo-Kyoto Train Travel on Your Own (tickets reserved and included):
After breakfast, get ready to embark on an intercity trip! Please pack up and check out one hour earlier than the departure time of the train. Walk 7 minutes north from the hotel to Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Line for 13 minutes (4 stops) to Tokyo Station. Find the platform for Tokaido-Sanyo bullet train. A lightning-fast ride would let you know what Japanese speed is. From Tokyo to Kyoto, the 450 km (280 mi) journey can be completed in just 2 hour and 15 minutes.
Kyoto Essential Tour to Pure Water Temple & Gion Our Kyoto guide will greet your family at the train station and escort you to the hotel to drop off your luggage. Admire the Kyoto Tower just outside the train station, and then we’ll visit the Pure Water Temple, named for the clear water flowing from the Otowa Waterfall in the temple. There are three clear springs representing longevity, wisdom and health. Use the long-handled spoon provided by the temple to catch the water for drink. Remember to choose only one spring water to take a sip to achieve your wish, or the wish-granting deity might consider you too greedy. It’s said the temple originated from a dream of a monk 1,200 years ago. He was asked in the dream by the goddess Kannon to practice Buddhism in Mount Otowa, where a golden fall flowed. As he arrived at the place in reality, he found all the said was true and a strange Buddhist waiting there. After presenting the monk a piece of wood, the Buddhist, who turned out to be an incarnation of the goddess, vanished. Out of the wood, the monk carved a statue of the goddess and built a temple to worship her. This temple is none other than the predecessor of the Pure Water Temple, and the golden fall the Otowa Waterfall you get to drink. In addition to granting those wishes, the temple is actually a haunt mainly for newlyweds, who come here to worship the mother figure of Kannon for pregnancy. Head to the Hondo Main Hall above the waterfall to capture a commanding view of Kyoto from the huge wooden veranda hanging in front of the hall. Outside the temple, we’ll pass the long rolling ramps of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, lined with traditional wooden houses selling specialty foods and souvenirs. Sannenzaka also bears blessings for peaceful delivery and often leads pregnant women to the temple! Take nice shots at the five-story Yasaka Pagoda and visit the Yasaka Shrine before we arrive at the Gion geisha district. Here, you may come across geishas and maikos walking past the Hanamikoji Street in traditional kimonos, classic hairstyles and elaborate makeup. ► Tip: This walking tour includes many ramps and steps that are not suitable for strollers, so if you are traveling with very young children, prepare in advance or take detours as suggested by our guide.
Pure Water Temple
Local Japanese
★ Travel Different: Ninja-Samurai Experience for Kids & Families At Gion, the guide will take you to a dojo for a unique Japanese activity – a hands-on experience of the mysterious samurai and ninja culture. Take this rare opportunity to try on the warrior armor and discover a variety of samurai weapons. Learn about the world of samurais and ninjas through the staff’s commentary. Hold an ancient sword, learn how to move it from a professional teacher, practice ninja meditation and breathing, learn to use a ninja blowgun, and participate in a fun ninja star throw competition. Children’s active nature would be encouraged during the training, while the adults could learn Bushido philosophy and ways to calm their minds.
Afterwards, the guide will escort you back to your hotel, or if you would like to stay longer to take in the night view of Gion, just enjoy free time and then take a 10-minute taxi back to the hotel on your own.
► Recommended Restaurant: Teppan Tavern Tenamonya At the southwest corner out of Yasaka Shrine, right to the majestic west gate and left to the south gate, Teppan Tavern Tenamonya is a hot restaurant with teppanyaki, okonomiyaki, etc. on the basement floor. Japanese beef steak, teppanyaki of shrimps & octopuses, and more dishes are quite ingenious and palatable, with a mass of drinks as well. It’s closed on Thursdays, and it would be closed earlier if the dishes are fresh out probably. You may have a meal there at a price of JPY 3,000-4,000 (USD 19-26).
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto (4 stars)
Sannenzaka Alleyway
Japanese Geishas
Day 7: Kyoto Highlights
Scheduled Attractions: Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle including the interior visit of Ninomaru Palace, Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari Shrine
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, morning pickup & evening return escort, full-day guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, public transport passes, accommodation in Kyoto
Itinerary Details:
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Fushimi Inari Shrine
After breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin our exploration of the ancient capital. Our first destination would be the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, a historic temple dating back to 1397 AD. Not only will you have the chance to see the Golden Pavilion reflected in the pond, but you can also listen to our guide’s excellent narration of the interesting folk stories. The Golden Pavilion was burned down by a Buddhist monk in 1950, an arson that shocked the nation. The ugly monk, jealous of the beauty of the Golden Pavilion, believed that adding tragic colors to such a beautiful scene would be more impressive, so he deliberately set a fire. The pavilion we see today is a reconstruction completed in 1955. The monk once attempted to commit seppuku but was saved. What happened to him later? Come with us to find out.
Next, our guide will take you to visit the Nijo Castle. Take a look at the classical architecture, which was built in 1603 AD, especially the Ninomaru Goten (Second Palace), which is a national treasure. We have included an additional tour of the palace interior, where you would marvel at the legendary 'nightingale floors', which will make chirping sounds when stepped on, in order to immediately detect eavesdropping or assassins.
Around noon, we will visit the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, where the delicate and tasty Japanese snacks are sure to delight you. The guide will leave you some time, and if you like, you can try dango (dumplings), matcha icecream, tempura, croquette, or other local food. Please prepare some change in advance, as cash is more convenient here.
In the afternoon, let’s explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important mountainside Shinto shrine built in the 8th century, even before the capital’s move to Kyoto! Follow the guide to walk through thousands of vermillion torii gates on the trail behind the shrine that leads up to the sacred Mount Inari, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a perfect movie set. Curious about the various fox statues in the shrine? The fox is believed to be the messenger of Inari, the Japanese god of rice. Our knowledgeable guide will explain the allusions behind these monuments for you in detail. Finally, the guide will accompany you back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto (4 stars)
Temple of the Golden Pavilion
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Day 8: Kyoto Suburb Sightseeing
Scheduled Attractions: Hozugawa River cruise, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Monkey Park Iwatayama, Kyoto Railway Museum
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, morning pickup & evening return escort, full-day guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, Kyoto-Arashiyama round-trip train tickets, other public transport passes including the cruise ship, accommodation in Kyoto
Itinerary Details:
Autumn Scenery of Kyoto
In the morning, our guide will accompany you from the hotel to a 20-minute train journey to Arashiyama. We’ll go directly to the boarding point of Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari), from which you will take a 2-hour exciting cruise from Kameoka to Arashiyama. With an experienced boatman at the helm, you’ll navigate through the green valleys with picturesque scenery. See the Katsura River Bridge, Hozukyo Gorge, and Mt. Ogura from the boat, and you might encounter the cute little red train running onshore along the Sagano Scenic Railway.
After disembarking, take a stroll into the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to discover little-known beauty. If you like, try a short rickshaw ride at your own expense, which would take you to the secluded riverbank paths and deep into the verdant bamboo forest. Next, our guide will lead you to go across the Togetsu-kyo Bridge and explore the Monkey Park Iwatayama. It is an easy climb up to the platform atop the Mt. Arashiyama, where you can enjoy interacting with the wild monkeys. The view above is incredible and it would be super fun to feed the monkeys their favorite apples and peanuts. Afterwards, we’ll return to downtown Kyoto.
Hozugawa River at Arashiyama
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
★ Have Fun at Kyoto Railway Museum In the afternoon, the guide will take you on a tour of the Kyoto Railway Museum, the largest railway museum in Japan and the best place for family travel acclaimed by our experts, for its comprehensive displays and rich interactive experiences. Both children and adults will be fascinated when seeing such an extensive collection of models and real trains on the ground floor, spanning from traditional steam locomotives to modern bullet trains. Explore the intricacies of these remarkable machines, examining every detail from the roof to the undercarriage. Venture to the second floor, where a wealth of interactive facilities awaits. Engage with meticulously designed simulation rooms, and try everything from driving a train to vehicle scheduling management, which is difficult to acquire elsewhere. From curious four-year-olds to inquisitive teenagers and even adults, everyone can participate in the fun activities, learn about the evolution of the railway, see the internal workings of a train, and understand the technology and safety of the railway. Go for it, ride on a real vintage steam locomotive, or enter the cockpit of a bullet train to experience the novelty and joy of being a train driver. The best surprise is that you can also see the wonderful performance of the locomotives parading into the roundhouse. Climb up to the observation deck on the third floor to see the bullet train lines in action and get a panoramic view of Kyoto. Finally, our guide will escort you back to the hotel.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto (4 stars)
Nison-in Temple
Kyoto Railway Museum
Day 9: Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
Scheduled Attractions: Nara Park, Kofuku-ji Temple, Isuien Garden, Great Eastern Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Goryo Shrine, Naramachi Lattice House
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, morning pickup & evening return escort, full-day guide, Kyoto-Nara round-trip bullet train tickets, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, other public transport passes, accommodation in Kyoto
Itinerary Details:
In the morning, our guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby for a train ride to Nara in one hour. We’ll have a relaxing time in the Nara Park. In addition to visiting the cultural heritage sites in the park, you’ll enjoy a kid-friendly experience of playing with the deer. The tame deer are the masters here, and their graceful figures can be seen everywhere. You can feed them with some little crackers, which are their favorite. Please keep an eye on your children, though, as these deer can occasionally bite! Try to feed a deer that walk alone and avoid taking out your crackers among a herd.
Visit the time-honored Kofuku-ji Temple to appreciate its well-preserved Buddhist architecture and a national treasure hall. Next, enjoy a quiet moment in the Isuien Garden, whose name literally means ‘garden built on water’. Take a pleasant walk in this garden carefully planned around a pond, bask in the sun, breathe in the fresh air, and get completely relaxed in the green world. There is a small museum inside the garden, with bronze ware, mirrors, seals and pottery from ancient China and Korea. Later, head to the Great Eastern Temple dating back to the mid-8th century, where you’ll be struck by the grandness of its Great Buddha Hall housing the giant bronze Buddha statue. Walk along the worshiping path lined with stone lanterns to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Our guests will be allowed to enter through the special passage that leads to the dimly lit main hall. Illuminated solely by the gentle glow of lanterns, this sanctuary exudes an aura of tranquility and mystique.
In the afternoon, we will walk around Naramachi to feel the local life atmosphere. Follow our guide to stop at the Goryo Shrine for a simple visit, and then hike down a secret path to the Naramachi Lattice House, a lovely and rarely visited authentic Japanese residence. This perfect replica of an Edo-era Machiya house is a great place to take photos. Before dark, we will take the train back Kyoto for the night.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto (4 stars)
Feed Deer in Nara Park
Naramachi Lattice House
Day 10: Kyoto - Hiroshima
Scheduled Attractions: Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine & Grand Torii Gate, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, Hiroshima guide, ferry to Miyajima Island, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, Kyoto-to-Hiroshima bullet train ticket, public transport passes in Hiroshima, evening return escort, accommodation in Hiroshima
Itinerary Details:
Kyoto-Hiroshima Train Travel on Your Own (tickets reserved and included):
Please pack up, check out, and leave your hotel half an hour ahead of the departure time of the train. Walk 8 minutes east to Kyoto Station for the bullet train running to Hiroshima in 1.5 hours.
Upon arrival, our Hiroshima guide will greet you at the train station. After leaving your luggage in the hotel, you’ll be escorted to the Miyajimaguchi Pier for a boat trip to the picturesque Miyajima Island, enjoying the magnificent sea views along the way. Within 10 minutes, you’ll find yourself awestruck when you see the iconic giant red torii gate floating on the sea, which is the symbol of the World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine and marks the gateway to a realm of spiritual enlightenment. Once ashore, stroll along the coastline to admire the huge torii from different angles and take photos. At low tide, you can even walk under the torii gate to feel the sheer enormity of this 55-foot-tall, 60-ton behemoth. Visit the seaside palaces dedicated to the three sea gods in ancient Japanese legend, and share your path with gentle wild deer when you leisurely stroll through the serene grounds. Later, we will return to downtown Hiroshima.
★ World War II History for Kids: Visit Atomic Bombing Site This afternoon will present an opportunity to impart a crucial peace education lesson for your children at the Atomic Bomb Dome, which is the remains of the Industrial Promotion Hall destroyed by the poignant atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. From the staggering wreckage, you can imagine the devastating power of the bombing, which flattened almost all of Hiroshima, except for the lucky dome. Here, some survivors of the tragedy occasionally share details about the horrible attack. Looking at their firsthand testimonies, you could glimpse into the unimaginable horrors they suffered.
Itsukushima Shrine
Atomic Bomb Dome
Next, cross the bridge spanning the Motoyasu River, with gurgling water carrying away the fragments of the past yet unable to erase the painful memories. We’ll then arrive at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Pay your respects before the memorial monuments erected in remembrance of those who perished in the atomic bombing. Finally, proceed to the Peace Memorial Museum to see the photographs and exhibits that record the horrors of that time. Despite the potential half-hour wait, the museum’s exhibits offer an invaluable and deeply moving experience. Moreover, the guest book here is also thought-provoking. The messages left by visitors from around the world express a profound sense of compassion and a fervent desire for peace. The tragedy of Hiroshima, which evokes deep grief, should also serve as a catalyst for introspection for Japan to reflect on why the atomic bomb was dropped. Let us join together in prayer and unite in our ultimate common pursuit of peace. Finally, our guide will accompany you back to your hotel in Hiroshima.
► Recommended Local Food: The Hiroshimayaki served at the famous restaurant Nagataya is worth trying. This mixture of noodles, vegetables and meat pan-fried on an iron plate will delight your taste buds.
► Recommended Restaurant: Nagataya It can never be missed when coming to Hiroshima. Close to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, it is at the eastern end of the bridge between them. Multiple okonomiyaki of great value, with local snacks as well as drinks, are offered to satisfy your stomach. The signature okonomiyaki of Nagataya is fried with pork, egg, shrimps, squid, green onions, and the local noodles, while more okonomiyaki of different ingredients are also beloved. It is affordable at the price of JPY 1,000-2,000 (USD 6-13), but it’s closed on Tuesdays & the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month.
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-ekimae (4 stars)
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, Hiroshima-to-Osaka bullet train tickets, Osaka guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, other public transport passes, evening return escort, accommodation in Osaka
Itinerary Details:
Hiroshima-Osaka Train Travel on Your Own (tickets reserved and included):
After breakfast, please pack up and check out. Leave your hotel half an hour in advance and walk 5 minutes southeast to Hiroshima Station. Take the bullet train to reach Osaka in 1.5 hours.
Our guide will greet you at the train station, making the beginning of an enriching Osaka adventure. First, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Osaka Castle, which bears the city’s enduring history and legacy. Next, we will head to the Osaka Port, where the city’s dynamic spirit and maritime heritage come alive. Take in the broad view of the Osaka Bay as you stroll along the seaside promenade, and then visit the nearby Aquarium Kaiyukan.
Osaka Castle, Osaka
Tuna Auction in Japan
★ Fun for Kids: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan & Tempozan Ferris Wheel In the afternoon, delve into the wonders of the underwater world at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the world’s largest indoor aquarium. Going through a tunnel-shaped entrance, prepare to be amazed by different tanks, which reproduce the diverse marine ecosystems of the mysterious Pacific Rim, which is home to colorful fish and various forms of marine life. We will definitely go to the central tank to witness the giant whale shark, the aquarium’s star attraction and the world’s largest fish. After a rewarding experience in the aquarium, ascending to new heights on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel would be exciting for your kids. Let your gaze sweep across the panoramic vista unfolding gradually as the Ferris wheel carries you up. Capture the vibrant cityscape in warm glows, a sight that will forever be etched in your memory.
Later, our guide will take you to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, bustling commercial blocks that pulsate with the electrifying energy of modern Osaka. You can choose to be sent back to the hotel, or our guide would leave you free time here as you may wish to stay longer. The streets along the Dotonbori River become a dazzling spectacle of neon lights as the afternoon fades into twilight. You’ll be captivated by a variety of illuminated billboards. Venture into the heart of Dotonbori to find your own dinner and savor authentic local snacks such as Takoyaki and Kushikatsu, enjoying an irresistible array of culinary treats. If you’re looking for the fun of shopping and bargaining, discover hidden gems amid the lively chaos of Shinsaibashi. You can also consider taking a romantic night cruise along the Dotonbori River. Finally, walk to your hotel within 10 minutes.
Accommodation: Namba Oriental Hotel (4 stars) in Osaka
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Dotonbori at Night
Day 12: Free Day in Osaka
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, accommodation in Osaka
Itinerary Details:
► No guided tour for the day.
A free day is thoughtfully incorporated into this itinerary as you might prefer a break when traveling with children. Whether you need additional guided tours or want to remove this day, please feel free to discuss with our team.
Self-guided Universal Studios Tour for Your Reference: With movie theme parks and large amusement parks for both adults and children, the Universal Studios Japan is a good place to go. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is not to be missed. The “Super Nintendo World” is a must for video game fans. Other theme parks like “New York”, “Hollywood”, “San Francisco”, and “Amity Village” will surely remind you of the wonderful memories of watching the classic Hollywood movies. We can help you book the 1 Day Studio Pass(es), and you can go there on your own. If you want the 1.5 Day Studio Pass(es) or 2 Day Studio Pass(es), please contact our travel consultants to extend your trip. ► How to Get There: Walk 7 minutes west from your hotel to Osaka-Namba Station, take the Hanshin-Namba Line for 4 stops to Nishikujo Station, walk 3 minutes to transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line for another 2 stops to Universal-City Station, which is right at the entrance of the park. It takes half an hour and costs USD 3 per person. ► Opening Hours: Vary daily. Opening time from 8:30 to 10:00; closing time from 18:00 to 22:00. ► Alternative: If you want to use your free day to visit the Kids Plaza Osaka, we would be happy to assist you in securing tickets. Just let us know your preference.
Accommodation: Namba Oriental Hotel (4 stars) in Osaka
Visit Food Market in Osaka
Try Japanese Snack - Octopus Rice Cracker
Day 13: Departure from Osaka
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast
Itinerary Details:
Wake up naturally and have breakfast. Pack your bags and head to Osaka Kansai International Airport by yourself. Wish you a pleasant journey home!
Should you desire to explore more destinations in Japan or other countries, we are delighted to assist you in creating a customized itinerary to suit your needs. Do not hesitate to contact us!
Transportation from Your Hotel to Osaka Kansai Airport (for your reference): Walk 6 minutes south to Namba Station to take the train Nankai Line for 45 minutes to the airport, costing USD 7 per pax; or take a taxi for 45 minutes at a cost of USD 130. ► Airport see-off service is available at an additional charge.
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This trip can be tailored to match your dates and interests!
Tour Prices
Christmas & 2027 Specials: 12% off - Book before Oct 31, 2026
If you are a group of 6 people or more, we will offer a more favorable price by your group size.
What's Included
Tokyo airport assistant and shared shuttle.
Accommodation with daily breakfast at hotels.
Lunch specified in the itinerary.
Service of private English-speaking guide.
Public transport like JR rail and bus.
Entrance fees for mentioned sights visited.
What's Excluded
International flights.
Japan visa fee if necessary.
Booking Policy
One-to-One Travel Consultant: Our one-to-one travel consultant is responsible for your tour from start to finish and guarantees to reply within 24 hours. He/she will work with you for an ideal tour plan till you feel satisfied.
Free Alteration of the Itinerary: For any alterations made prior to the tour, there will be no charges for our services. However, if there are extra costs due to reservations changes, you will be responsible to pay for that.
Payment: To confirm a booking, a deposit of US$200 per person or an equal amount in other currencies is required, and the final payment is due 60 days prior to the tour. For each payment received, we will provide you with a receipt.
Favorable Cancellation Policy:
- The reservation deposit is non-refundable if you cancel the tour, and it will not be calculated into the charge of the cancellation percentage. The following cancellation charge will be applied to the remaining tour cost.
- More than 40 days before the arrival day: Free cancellation charge of the remaining tour cost.
- 40 to 15 days before: 30% of the remaining tour cost.
- 14 to 8 days before: 50% of the remaining tour cost.
- Within 7 days or no show: 100% of the remaining tour cost.
Around 15 days or more before your departure, we will send you some useful information, travel tips, and local contact information for your easy preparation of the trip.
We offer the most flexible and favorable cancellation policy for Japan tours. Be sure to compare with others!
Comparison with Our Competitors
We are the source supplier with cheapest price.
Our Japan private tours are cheaper than most other sellers, and our private tours are even cheaper than their group tours. How can we achieve this? After reading our itinerary details, you will find that our service quality is top notch. We do everything we can to keep the costs down. We lower our gross margin down to just 6%, whereas most sellers are making more than 60%, which is ten times ours.
Flexible Airport-hotel Transfer to Save You Money
One thing that makes Japan different from other places is that the cost of airport pick-up and see-off service is much higher than expected, because of the high labor costs and the long distance of up to 70 km (43 mi). For two persons traveling together, a Tokyo airport pick-up costs USD 170 per person by guide and public transport, USD 150 per person by private car with driver and without guide, while USD 105 per person by shared shuttle with a boarding assistant, all of which are much higher than a taxi costing about USD 200 and carrying 4 people. Similarly, the drop-off service for two persons from downtown Osaka to Kansai Airport costs USD 120 per person by private car with driver, more expensive than a taxi, which costs around USD 150 per car. We won’t force you to take a guided pick-up or drop-off package as some other sellers do. Our travel experts decided to uncover all airport transportation costs for our valued guests, and let you make your own choice between our service and public transportation based on your number of people traveling. For more than 3 of you, simply take a taxi; for 1 or 2 people, the shared shuttle, airport limousine bus, and JR train are more economical options. If you are traveling with 7 or more people, it is more cost-effective to contact us to arrange a private van for you.
Adjustable Date to Visit Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan, but catching a glimpse of it in all its glory can be tricky, as the area often experiences rain or clouds. With only around 80 clear days a year, traditional tours often leave seeing Fuji to chance, while our flexible Mt. Fuji tour puts you in control. You can track the weather forecast, discuss changing the order of your visit with our guide upon arrival, and choose the best day during your Tokyo stay to maximize your chances of seeing Fuji. This option requires some patience and efforts – instead of direct express bus (booked up a month in advance), you need to take the non-reserved trains with a transfer at Otsuki, and seats are not guaranteed on the 2 to 3 hours’ trip. Travel with realistic expectations: the mountain weather can be unpredictable, so there’s always a chance of rain, even if you adjust the date. Just relax and enjoy the journey! ► Expert Tip: Search for ‘Fujikawaguchiko’ on weather.com to get forecasts for the Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi areas; Or, if you look for ‘Fujikawaguchiko’ or ‘Mt. Fuji’ on your Google Maps app, there’s a button in the top-left corner below the search bar that shows weather, temperature, air quality and live weather images for the Mt. Fuji area. Keep a close track of the weather to help you decide which day to go.
Compact and Rich Schedule; No Half-day Tours
Compared with other sellers, you will find that our schedule is designed a little bit tight, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto, where we would arrange one or two more attractions every day than others. We don’t mean to rush you, but better understand what you are thinking – time is money! Our travel consultants will work closely with you to plan your itinerary, making every effort to allow you to visit more places for the same amount of money in the same time. We share your disdain for half-day trips that waste your time and money, because a secret in Japan is that the labor cost of a half-day tour guide and driver is almost the same as that of a full day tour. With that in mind, if you’re worried about the strain of your journey, you can ask for a full day of free time in the middle of your itinerary, depending on your physical condition, free and easy, without guides or high fees. Please feel free to contact our travel consultants if you want a free day, as all our itineraries can be customized for you.
No Trap of Optional Tours
Our itineraries are clearly described, without optional tours and hidden charge. We believe that optional tours are traps and tools for some sellers to make more money from their guests. As a decent and trustworthy travel company, we won’t arrange unnecessary items that waste money of our guests. We put ourselves in your shoes and save every penny for you.
Our Insights
Tips on Exchange Rate from Our Travel Experts
Try to get the cash you need for the trip in Tokyo, as the exchange rates are less favorable in other cities. However, you’d better not change too much money at the airport because the exchange rate there is not good.
According to our expert’s field survey on Dec. 9th, 2024:
1. The automatic money exchange machines at the airport have the worst rate at JPY 130 to USD 1, while the bank counters at the airport are better at 150 to USD 1.
2. The money exchange machines at the hotels are also not recommended, about JPY 130 to USD 1.
3. The exchange rates are the best in some currency exchange shops in downtown Tokyo, where USD 1 can buy JPY 155, or even JPY 156 if you are exchanging more than JPY 100,000. The ones in Shinjuku are highly recommended. Outside the Exit D3 of Shinjuku Nishiguchi subway station, you can find a dozen money exchange shops, and compare the rates by yourself. Please mark this address to find them:
1 Chome-2-12 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
Try the ‘Ninja Money Exchange’, next to the Exit D3, or ‘ACCESS TICKET Shinjuku Nishiguchi’, 70 meters to the south (search them on your mobile map app), for a good exchange rate. Never choose ‘Amazon’ in the middle, which will charge an 8% commission without telling you.
Things to Know on Luggage
Be sure to pack light, as international flights and Japan’s bullet trains have restrictions on oversized luggage. A suitcase with total dimensions of no more than 160 cm can be carried directly on the train while a luggage with total dimensions between 160 and 250 cm requires a reservation. We kindly remind you that you need to walk with luggage if traveling by public transport from your hotel to the train station or airport, which would be difficult especially on some crowded and stepped roads. If you want to check your luggage and ship it to the next or third city, please tell our guide to arrange it for you and pay the delivery fee on site.