Japan Culture & History Essential Tour

Today you will fly to Tokyo. On arrival, your driver will welcome you at the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel with a private car to ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Today, accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide, you'll explore Tokyo's cultural treasures. Begin at the Tokyo National Museum, housing an extensive collection of over 100,000 art and archaeological artifacts, including nearly a hundred national treasures. Approximately 4,000 items from this vast collection are displayed at any time, alongside regular temporary exhibitions.

Next, visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Located near Harajuku Station, this shrine, along with the adjacent Yoyogi Park, forms a vast forested oasis in Tokyo's urban landscape. The shrine's expansive grounds offer peaceful walking paths, ideal for a tranquil stroll amidst the bustling city.

Experience the vibrant Tsukiji Fish Market, once the world's largest seafood market, known for its lively ambiance and exceptional sushi, making it a must-visit destination in Tokyo. Venture to Odaiba Seaside Park, set along Tokyo Bay, where you can enjoy scenic city views from a beautiful man-made beach and landscaped park, popular among both locals and tourists. Head to the Shibuya Sky Observation Deck and marvel at panoramic views of Tokyo from the 'Sky Edge', an unobstructed vantage point atop the city. Don't miss the iconic Hachiko statue in Shibuya, a tribute to the loyal Akita dog renowned for his unwavering devotion. This statue has become a famous meeting spot and symbolizes loyalty and fidelity in Japanese culture.

Discover the picturesque West Lake Village, a tranquil haven showcasing Japan's traditional thatched cottages, with Mount Fuji in the distance. Enjoy the village's serene brook and the chorus of birds, creating a Xanadu-like atmosphere. Visit Oshino Hakkai, a set of eight crystal-clear ponds in the small village of Oshino in the Fuji Five Lake region, fed by Mount Fuji's snowmelt over 80 years. Explore the Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave, at the east entrance of the Aokigahara Jukai forest, formed over a millennium ago from volcanic activity. Conclude your journey at Arakurayama Sengen Park, a renowned vantage point for Mount Fuji. Especially in spring, the cherry blossoms frame the iconic five-storied pagoda, offering a stunning view unique to Japan. The park is also known for its mesmerizing night views of Fujiyoshida City.

Embark on a captivating 'Hakone Day Tour' in the Kanto region's most visited destination. Begin with a scenic journey on the 'Hakone Pirate Ship' across Lake Ashino, offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the serene lake. Continue your adventure on the 'Hakone Ropeway', enjoying picturesque landscapes en route to Owakudani, a geothermal valley formed from a volcanic eruption 4,000 years ago, known for its active sulfur vents and the legendary black jade, believed to extend life by seven years. Complete your journey with the exhilarating experience of riding the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Odawara to Kyoto, a fusion of scenic beauty and high-speed convenience.

Discover Kyoto's historical and cultural wonders. Visit Kiyomizu-dera, one of the city's oldest temples, established in 778 and listed as a World Heritage site. Admire the iconic Shimizu stage and enjoy the breathtaking cherry blossoms in spring or colorful maple trees in autumn. Stroll through Hanamikoji Dori in the evening, the prime location for spotting geishas in their traditional milieu. Explore Nijo Castle, the former Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, built in 1603. This castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its palace architecture, representing Japan's feudal era. Enhance your visit with a traditional Kimono and Tea Ceremony experience. Learn the art and etiquette of making matcha green tea from an expert tea master, all while adorned in a kimono, for an authentic and memorable Japanese cultural experience.

Explore the historical elegance of Arashiyama, a former retreat for Japanese aristocracy, on a half-day walking tour. Rich in over a thousand years of history and natural beauty, visit the serene Tenryuji Temple, known for its expansive gardens and scenic vistas. Wander through the iconic Sagano Bamboo Forest, a sensory haven where the wind weaves music through the bamboo groves. Conclude at the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge. Visit Okochi-Sanso, showcasing traditional Japanese residential architecture and a teahouse exemplifying wabi-sabi aesthetics.

Your journey continues at Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion. This 14th-century marvel, set against a forest backdrop and mirrored in a tranquil lake, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most cherished attractions.

Embark on a journey through Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of striking vermilion torii gates that lead through trails to Mount Inari. This shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, is adorned with numerous fox statues, believed to be Inari's messengers. Fushimi Inari's ancient roots predate Kyoto's establishment as the capital in 794.

Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Kyoto's Fushimi district, a prime sake-brewing area. Discover the history and culture of sake at Gekkeikan, a leader in sake production. Enjoy a tasting session featuring sakes made from Fushimi's underground water, utilizing traditional brewing methods.

Explore Nara Park, a vast park in central Nara established in 1880. It's home to major attractions like Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, and the Nara National Museum, as well as hundreds of free-roaming deer, considered sacred and a natural treasure. Experience the unique behavior of these tame deer, some even bowing to ask for food.

Visit the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple, known for its Great Buddha Hall, one of the world's largest wooden structures. Admire the Nio guardian figures at the Nandaimon Gate and the temple's ancient bronze lantern, showcasing the grandeur of Japanese historical architecture and art.

Visit the majestic Himeji Castle, also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo), celebrated for its elegant white façade. Recognized as Japan's most spectacular castle, it is renowned for its grand size, stunning beauty, and well-preserved complex grounds. Himeji Castle holds the distinction of being both a national treasure and a World Heritage Site. Remarkably, it stands as one of Japan’s twelve original castles, having never been destroyed by war, earthquake, or fire, making it a unique and authentic historical monument.

Discover Okayama Castle, an iconic "crow castle" dating back to 1597, rebuilt in 1966 after its destruction in WWII. Set along the Asahi River, this historic gem boasts a unique black exterior and offers a glimpse into Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama Period. Just across the river lies Okayama's top attraction, Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three finest landscape gardens.

Continue your journey to the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, telling a somber tale of nuclear devastation. Finally, visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a sprawling 120,000-square-meter oasis that honors history and promotes peace, nestled amidst the city's vibrant downtown.

Discover the captivating Itsukushima Shrine, nestled on the centuries-old "shrine island" of Miyajima. Renowned worldwide for its mesmerizing "floating" torii gate, this shrine is the heart of the island's fame and its namesake.

Immerse yourself in history at the Kintai Bridge, a remarkable wooden arch bridge in Iwakuni. Dating back to 1673, this architectural marvel boasts five wooden arches and spans the picturesque Nishiki River. Beneath the majestic Mt. Yokotama, crowned by the historic Iwakuni Castle built in 1601, this bridge stands as a testament to resilience, having outlasted its predecessors, which succumbed to spring floods.

Experience the charm of the "shrunken-scenery garden," where nature's grandeur is artfully recreated on a smaller scale. Wander through landscapes mimicking valleys, mountains, and forests, meticulously crafted to capture diverse scenic views.

Step into the past in the preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where canals wind between storehouses. Admire weeping willows lining the water's edge and picturesque stone bridges, creating a scene reminiscent of a bygone era.

Explore Japan's first Western art museum, featuring a stunning collection in multiple buildings. From Picasso to Kandinsky, the museum showcases masterpieces by renowned artists, spanning various periods and nationalities, all set along the picturesque canal.

Experience Osaka's vibrant culture and iconic landmarks:

Osaka Castle (Distant view): Marvel at the historic Osaka Castle, whose construction began in 1583, representing Toyotomi Hideyoshi's vision for a unified Japan. This colossal fortress, built on the former Ishiyama Honganji Temple site, once stood as the nation's largest castle.

Shinsaibashi: Explore the heart of retail history at Shinsaibashi-suji, a bustling shopping district with roots dating back to the 18th century. Stroll down this lively street to immerse yourself in Japan's consumer culture, then head south to Dotonbori Bridge for a taste of neon-lit excitement.

Dotonbori: Delight your taste buds on both sides of the Dotonbori River, home to an array of dining establishments. Don't miss the famous Kani Douraku with its giant crab sign. Enjoy open-air ramen stands and discover a vibrant bar scene as you continue towards Shinsaibashi.

Street food experience: Embark on a Japanese Street Food Tour guided by an English-speaking expert, savoring over 10 delectable treats, including Takoyaki, Shioyaki, Kobe Beef, Okonomiyaki, and more.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes to escort you to the airport for your onward flight.