Luxury Japan Walking Tour

Welcome to Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! We will arrange your private transportation from the airport. Please look for the guide with the All Japan Tours sign.

Tokyo Walking Tour (Asakusa Sensoji Temple & Nakamise District / Kappabashi Street / Ueno)

Begin your tour on foot, exploring attractions throughout Japan's capital, Tokyo. We will first pay a visit to Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple. Marvel at the architecture around the ancient Buddhist Temple and see one of the largest paper lanterns in Japan. You can also visit Nakamise Street, a historical shopping street lined with souvenir and snack shops near the temple. We will then walk to Ueno, stopping by Kappabashi Street on the way. Kappabashi Street is known for selling specialized dishes, pots, pans, cooking utensils, lanterns, and more. There are also stores that sell plastic and wax food samples, often used in restaurant windows to draw in customers. We will then arrive at Ueno, known for its temples, museums, and large park. Enjoy exploring the park, which is home to beautiful scenery and Ueno Zoo, Japan's oldest zoo.

Tokyo Walking Tour (Tsukiji Outer Market / Sushi Making Experience / Meiji Shrine / Harajuku - Omotesando & Takeshita District / Shibuya Crossing)

Today we will enjoy another day in Tokyo, exploring the city on foot. Head to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where we can find Tokyo's freshest seafood, as well as several shops and restaurants. For lunch, learn from a professional chef how to prepare your own sushi and savor your delicious creations. We then visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emporer Meiji, the first Emperor of Modern Japan, in 1920. After exploring the shrine, you can visit Harajuku's Omotesando District, where guests can find fashionable boutiques and upscale cafes. Nearby, guests can also find Takeshita Street, a haven of fashionable and quirky shops. While there, you can try tasty crepes or explore the fun fashion shops before heading to Shibuya. Known for its popular crosswalk decorated by neon signs and giant video screens, Shibuya also offers several department stores and entertainment for all ages.

Mt. Fuji (5th Station - depending on the weather condition / Itchiku Kubota Art Museum)

After breakfast, we will travel together to Mt. Fuji where, if the weather allows, we may be able to visit the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji. The 5th Station is as far as cars or buses can take guests up the mountain. Enjoy the cool climate and vegetation as you explore Mt. Fuji's souvenir shops. We will then visit the nearby Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, named after the famous artist who had revived the forgotten art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing. Enjoy strolling through the gardens and marvel at Itchiku's unfinished masterpiece, which is comprised of 80 elaborate kimono decorated by the Tsujigahana silk dyeing technique. After arriving at our Japanese-style hotel in Hakone, enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner, which consists of multiple courses. After dinner, you can unwind in the therapeutic bath waters of the hotel's hot spring baths.

Hakone (Lake Ashi Cruise / Hakone Ropeway / Owakudani / Open Air Museum), First Class Bullet Train to Kyoto

This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise around Lake Ashi, which was formed after Mount Hakone's last eruption 3000 years ago. After the cruise, take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, which offers splendid views as you ride to Owakudani. Today, much of Owakudani is an active volcanic zone, but offers wonderful hiking trails and beautiful views. Before leaving Hakone, we will stop by the Hakone Open Air Museum, where the surrounding valley and mountains are used to compliment the sculptures and various exhibits. Once our group finishes exploring the museum, we will transfer to Odawara Station and board the high-speed bullet train to the ancient city of Kyoto.

Note: We will ship your large luggage to your hotel in Kyoto (Included for up to one piece of baggage per person). Please pack your essentials for 1 night in a small bag to carry with you.

First Class Bullet Train to Hiroshima, Hiroshima (Peace Memorial Park / A-Bomb Museum / Miyajima Island - Itsukushima Shrine)

We will spend today exploring Hiroshima, a city wih a tragic history. We will take the bullet train from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station, where we will walk through the Memorial Peace Park, once the political and commericial heart of the city. The A-Bomb Museum located in the park is one of the only buildings to withstand the blast. Learn more about the history of the city and its bright future ahead during your time here. We will then set out to Miyajima Island, where we will see the famous Itsukushima Shrine, the "floating" torii gate. During high tide, the water covers the bath to this torii gate, making the shrine look as if it's floating on the water. During low tide, guests are able to walk out to the famous torii gate. In the evening, transfer back to Kyoto via bullet train.

Kyoto (Arashiyama Walking Tour - from Otagi-Chanting Temple - Toriimoto Preserved District - Gioji - Bamboo Groves - Tenryuji Temple & Garden - Togetsukyo Bridge - Iwatayama Monkey Park)

Today, we will journey to the outskirts of Kyoto, exploring the scenic district of Arashiyama on foot. We will first visit the secluded Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, which houses a collection of over 1,200 unique Rakan statues, representing disciples of Buddha. We will then walk downhill to the Toriimoto Preserved District, where Meiji period townhouses line the street, offering a glimpse into the past. The nearby town of Gioji will be our next stop, where we can visit the Gioji Temple and the stunning moss garden. Learn the history of this charming town before heading through the bamboo grove path to Tenryuji Temple. Now a world heritage site, Tenryuji Temple is also known for its stunning landscape garden surrounded by the mountains and pine trees. Before traveling back to our hotel for the evening, stop by Iwatayama Monkey Park, where guests can see and feed the wild Japanese macaque that live in the park.

Kyoto (Fushimi-Inari Pilgrimage Hike / Fushimi Sake District - Gekkeikan Sake Brewery - Sake Tasting / Kyoto Imperial Palace)

We will start our morning with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of Torii Gates. We will enjoy a short hike through the vermilion gates that weave through the mountains. After our hike, we will enjoy a break at the nearby Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, where guests will learn how sake is made and enjoy a tasting at the end of the tour. We will then stop by the Kyoto Imperial Palace, once the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. The emperor and capital were then moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868. Enjoy exploring the palace grounds and the surrounding park before heading back to your hotel.

Kyoto (Kyoto Walking Tour - from the entry of Philosopher's Path - Ginkakuji - Mt. Daimongi Trekking - Chion-in Temple - Nanzenji Temple - Maruyama Park - Ishibeikoji - Ninenzaka - Sannenzaka - Kiyomizu Temple)

Begin today's walking tour of Kyoto with a stroll along Philosopher's Path, which surrounds our first stop, Ginkakuji. This temple, also called Silver Pavilion, is known for its moss garden and sand garden. From Ginkakuji's main gate, we will hike Mt. Daimongi, a pleasant hike offering stunning views of Kyoto. We then head to Chion-in Temple, head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism and home to the largest temple bell in Japan. After, we will visit Nanzenji Temple, where we can see one of the most popular rock gardens in the country. We then walk through Maruyama Park to Ishibeikoji, a walkway lined with traditional inns, restaurants, and bars. Nearby, we will find two of Kyoto's most popular preserved streets - Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. The historical streets are lined with traditional Japanese shops and tea shops as you make your way up to Kiyomizu Temple. As one of the most celebrated temples of Japan, Kiyomizu Temple offers wonderful views from its wooden terrace. Explore the temple grounds, admiring the structures and the stunning Otowa Waterfall, which lies at the base of the temple's main hall.

Kyoto (Nijo Castle / Golden Pavilion / Ryoanji Temple / Gion Geisha District / Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine with Geisha Perfromance)

In the morning, we will make our way to Nijo Castle, where we can visit the scenic castle grounds that have been around since 1603. As the former home to the first shogun of the Edo Period, guests can expect to see elegantly decorated ceilings and beautiful painted doors. We will then pay a visit to Kinkakuji, also known as Golden Pavilion. This Zen Temple's top two floors are covered in gold leaf, allowing for a stunning reflection on the surrounding pond. After, visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous rock garden with its origin unknown. In the evening, head to the Gion Geisha District, where we will watch a geisha performance while enjoying traditional Kyoto cuisine. You can also explore the many shops located in the district.

Nara (Kasuga Mountain Trail - Hike from Nara Park, passes through the Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest to the 342m summit of Mt. Wakakusa / Kasuga Grand Shrine / Todaiji Temple)

We will take a day trip to the city of Nara, where we will trek the Kasuga Mountain Trail. This hike will take us through the Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest, a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, wild animals, and unique birds. We then take in the extraordinary views of Nara city from the summit of Mt. Wakakusa before visiting the Kasuga Grand Shrine. The shrine is dedicated to the deity that is said to protect Nara City and is decorated with hundreds of lanterns. Afterwards, we will visit the renowned Todaiji Temple. The main hall of this grand temple holds one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha and is beautifully designed. Surrounding the temple, you will finds hundreds of wild deer, which are accustomed to people, with some deer even bowing to visitors.

Koyasan (Koyasan Choishi-michi Trail - Hike from Cable car Station to Koyasan Station <21 km>)

As we leave behind Kyoto today, we will travel to Koyasan, hiking along the Koyasan Choishi-michi Trail. This popular pilgrimage trail is marked with 180 ancient stone pillars, which helped travelers find their way. After our hike, we will reach Koyasan, where we will stay overnight at a Buddhist Temple. Enjoy shojin ryori, Buddhist cuisine made with seasonal vegetables and mountain plants, for dinner.

Koyasan (Morning Ceremony / Okunoin Temple / Kongobuji Temple / Danjo Garan)

Wake up early today to participate in early morning meditation with the monks. Meditation is used for enlightenment and helps calm and open the mind for the new day. After, we will enjoy breakfast and head to Okunoin Temple. This temple also contains the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and Mt. Koya. Instead of having died, Kobo Daishi is believed to rest in eternal meditation here. After exploring the temple, we will visit Kongobuji Temple. After entering the building and removing our shoes, we will explore the rooms of the temple, some of which are decorated with beautiful paintings and decorations. We will then travel to Danjo Garan, Mt. Koya's central temple complex and one of the first complexes built on Mt. Koya. Transfer to Osaka in the evening, where we will spend our last night together.

Tour Ends

After check-out, private transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport for your departure flight.