Authentic Japan Tour

Welcome to Tokyo in Japan! Rich in contemporary urban culture, Tokyo offers many aspects to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shops to back alleys lined with restaurants and karaoke bars. Our adventure begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 18:00. Afterwards, why not go out for an optional dinner to try some local food and experience the nightlife in this wonderful city.

This morning we explore the city of Tokyo and move by subway to explore the bustling Shibuya district. We take a look at one of the busiest crossings in the world before entering a depachika (underground food hall) for a series of mouthwatering Japanese delicacies. Later, we visit the Meiji Shrine: we enter through a huge torii (gate) and notice how the images and sounds of the city fade away as you enter the tranquil forest. Next, we explore the Harajuku district, home to the eccentric youth pop culture. In our free time this afternoon, we visit the historic Asakusa area, one of the oldest and most traditional parts of Tokyo. Here you can stop by Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple, founded almost 1400 years ago, when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village.

Let's relish a morning stroll in the renowned Tsukiji outdoor market, where fresh seafood from Tokyo's wholesale fish market (recently relocated to a new site in Toyosu) is delivered daily. We'll meander through the narrow aisles discovering all sorts of extraordinary food, and perhaps stop by one of the sushi restaurants for a fresh breakfast. We'll then head to the famous Akihabara district, the heart of Japanese otaku culture. Shops and venues dedicated to anime and manga are interspersed among the neighborhood's electronics stores. The afternoon is yours to explore, so why not spend some time in the city's green spaces like the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden or create your own entertainment with a bit of karaoke!

We say goodbye to Tokyo and take the train to Nikko, where we will have a free day to explore. Nikko has been a sacred city since the mid-8th century and is full of shrines and temples. Perhaps visit the Tosho-gu Shrine, a resting place of a Tokugawa shogun who was one of the country's most powerful rulers. Every corner of this monument is covered with intricate gold leaf, lacquer, paintings, and patterns. Here you can also visit the Art Museum at the back of the temple complex. This 1920s mansion houses one of the country's finest collections of sliding doors and folding screens decorated by the best Japanese painters of the time. You might also head to the Shin-kyo bridge, one of the city's most famous landmarks, and the Rinno-ji Buddhist temple, which houses frightening statues and an elegant garden.

For those feeling energetic, join your leader for a hike in the Nikko area. Depending on the time of year, you can climb up to the Senjogahara plateau, where it is said that the gods of Mount Nantai and Mount Akagi fought over the possession of Lake Chuzenji. You can take a six-kilometer walk following the plateau's course or explore the various hiking trails branching off from the lake itself. The lake area is also home to Kegon Falls, and you can take the Akechidaira Ropeway (cable car) over the falls and the lake. A bit further on are the Yunoko and Yumoto lakes, where you can immerse yourself in natural hot springs, an ideal place to experience one of Japan's most beloved public onsens. In the town itself, you can explore the shops along Hippari Dako, perhaps trying yuba, the skin that forms on top when making tofu.

Let's enjoy our last free morning in Nikko before heading to Kyoto. We take the local train (about 2 hours) and then board the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto for about 3 hours. Upon arrival, we head to one of the most photogenic places in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for the thousands of vermilion torii (gates) that cross the paths and trails of the area. Afterwards, let's enjoy some free time to get to know Kyoto by walking through its historic districts.

Today is dedicated to free time for exploring Kyoto. With its numerous landmarks and historical sites, and the abundance of traditional art and literature, Kyoto is considered the cultural heart of Japan. Perhaps visit the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji Temple, also known as "The Golden Pavilion", or if you visit in spring, go to the theater for a performance of Miyako Odori (the cherry blossom dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geisha). In the evening, enjoy a guided stroll through the Pontocho and Gion districts, the famous geisha quarters. Even today, you can witness the ancient tradition of geishas visiting members of the wealthy elite - this takes place in small teahouses hidden in back alleys.

Let's make the most of the day in Kyoto. If you haven't already, you might enjoy seeing Japan's largest pagoda at Toji, or you could visit the grand and opulent Nijo Castle, the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns who ruled the country during the Edo period. You can also check out the 'nightingale floors' of the Ninomaru Palace, which squeak to warn of intruders. From the castle, it's a short bus ride to Ryoan-ji, perhaps the most acclaimed Zen garden in Japan, where carefully placed rocks sit in a sea of perfectly raked gravel. For some local shopping, there's the Kyoto Handicraft Center, a perfect place to pick up some souvenirs with a fine selection of woodblock prints, yukata (light cotton robes), jewelry, and ceramics. Tonight, why not have fun with karaoke with your new friends, or perhaps dive into a kaiseki meal at a ryotei, small restaurants that serve traditional multi-course cuisine. Being in Kyoto alone is certainly cause for celebration.

There are no scheduled activities for today and you can leave the hotel at any time. Check out is at 10:00 AM, however, if you leave later, you can arrange to store your luggage at the hotel. Our tour ends here. See you on the next trip to Japan!