Japan UNESCO Tours

Upon your arrival in Tokyo, your driver will welcome you at your airport’s arrival hall and get you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

One of our pro English-speaking guides shall assist you throughout your trip.

Welcome to Meiji Jingu Shrine This shrine is the largest and most powerful spot in Tokyo. Meiji Jingu enshrines Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken as its deities.

Indulge in the city's finest ramen as you explore Tokyo Ramen Street! Featuring a diverse array of 8 neighboring shops in Tokyo Station, each offers their own unique twist on this beloved dish. From special noodles and distinctive broths to unique toppings, every shop brings something extraordinary to the table.

The Tokyo Imperial Palace served as the emperor's residence from 1888 to 1948. The palace features large Outer Gardens where visitors can explore historic buildings and admire vibrant plants. During cherry blossom season, it's a popular spot for tourists to admire the beautiful blooms.

At 1,092 feet (333 meters) tall, Tokyo Tower is an impressive Japanese landmark offering 360-degree views of the city from its two observation decks（Includes 150m viewing tickets).

Today, you'll visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most distinguished Buddhist temple, with a rich history spanning nearly 1400 years. This majestic temple serves as a symbol of Asakusa and the entire city.

You'll then go on a family-friendly Senso-ji and Asakusa food tour. You'll try out all sorts of local street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), the Asakusa-specialty monjayaki (savory pancake), and taiyaki (fish-shaped waffles filled with sweet bean paste).

You'll ride Tokyo Mizube Line's comfortable water bus that will allow you to move freely in this thrilling scenic ride. You can choose between the Asakusa to Odaiba route. Some of Tokyo's top sights including the Tokyo Sky Tree, Tsukiji Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, and more!   The cruise can be done in under an hour allowing you to use your free time to explore more of either Asakusa or Odaiba.

Afterward, take a leisurely stroll at Odaiba Marine Park, offering splendid photo opportunities with attractions such as the Rainbow Bridge, a Statue of Liberty replica, and more, all overlooking Tokyo Bay.

You’ll get to ride the New Transit Yurikamome around. This driverless, automated transit service links Shimbashi to Toyosu, via Odaiba across the Rainbow Bridge.

In West Lake, discover the charm of Japan's unique thick-thatched roof cottages known as West Lake Village. Enjoy a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance, with the village offering a serene ambiance with murmuring books, singing birds, and blooming flowers.

Oishi Park, located along the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, features year-round floral displays that create a charming backdrop for Mt. Fuji. Enjoy capturing the beauty of seasonal flowers and the iconic reflection of Mt. Fuji on the tranquil lake.

Explore the stunning Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave, situated at the east entrance to the Aokigahara Jukai "sea of trees" forest in the Five Lakes area. Formed over 1150 years ago by the lava flow from Nagaoyama, a flank volcano of Mt. Fuji, this two-tunnel looping cave is open for visits year-round.

At Arakurayama Sengen Park, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Fujiyoshida City, especially enchanting at night. In spring, cherry blossoms create a breathtaking scene around Arakura Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine and its pagoda, both nestled within the park.

Matsumoto Castle is renowned as one of Japan's original and meticulously preserved castles, standing out for its unique combination of a secondary donjon and an adjoining turret to the main keep. Visitors from all over the globe come here to admire the castle's elegant and grande structures.

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Suwa, the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Suwa. Adorned with cherry blossoms in spring and illuminated by summer fireworks, the lake offers a picturesque setting. During warmer months, engage in various lake activities, including pleasure cruises, amphibious bus tours, and fishing.

Journey to Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine), a venerable and significant shrine located southeast of Matsumoto. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Suwa Taisha holds cultural and historical importance at the country's geographical center.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild Japanese Macaques, affectionately known as Snow Monkeys, bath in the area’s natural hot springs. Located in the scenic Jigokudani valley near Shibu and Yudanaka onsen towns, this park offers a unique encounter with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Nestled in steep mountains, Shirakawa-go is a picturesque village surrounded by 96% forest. It's part of Hakusan National Park and Tiansheng Prefectural Natural Park, preserving ancient natural beauty.

Explore the Takayama Jinya, once a government office from Edo (present-day Tokyo). Now a museum, it served officials until 1969, providing visitors a glimpse into governance during the historical Edo period.

This tour will take you through Nagamachi District – where Edo period Samurai homes still stand for you to visit, Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens that is beautiful all year round, and Higashi Chaya, Kanazawa's Geisha District. Standing quietly in the city, these traditional buildings blend in with the modern atmosphere of Kanazawa, resulting in a charming classical town.

Today you'll head over to Kyoto by Shinkansen (2hrs 26min）

Upon your arrival, you'll be able to check in at the hotel on your own since the hotel is close by. You'll have the rest of the day free.

Discover Kodai-ji Temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama District, established in 1606 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s Great Unifiers. The main buildings showcase lavish interiors surrounded by beautiful Zen gardens. Explore this cultural gem, steeped in history and nestled in the heart of Kyoto.

Nene no Michi, situated in Higashiyama Ward along a prominent tourist route in eastern Kyoto, preserves a Kyoto of a bygone era. This street stands out for adhering to a more traditional architectural style, with a distinctive absence of garish signs and buried telephone wires—a rarity in the city. Experience the beauty and uniqueness of Nene no Michi, offering a glimpse into Kyoto's historical charm.

Yasaka Shrine, renowned for its annual Gion Matsuri held every July, stands as one of the most celebrated festivals in Japan. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the Gion Matsuri features a grand procession featuring massive floats and hundreds of participants, making it a cultural spectacle not to be missed.

Experience the charm of Kyoto's geisha culture in the evening at Hanamikoji Geisha District, particularly along the south side of Shijo-dori. A leisurely stroll through this area often rewards visitors with the enchanting sight of geisha.

Enjoy seven vignettes of traditional Japanese performing arts in a captivating one-hour show at the Gion Corner theater. The program features chanoyu (tea preparation), koto music, ikebana flower arrangement, bugaku dance, kyogen comedy, and Kyomai dance. Depending on the season, the show includes scenes from either bunraku puppet theater or a noh play. Each attendee can also opt in for a digital tablet providing detailed information and translations throughout the performance.

Higashi Hongan-ji Temple is a prominent center of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism, alongside the nearby Nishi Hongan-ji Temple. Established in 1602, the temple is renowned for its grand architecture, including the Goei-do, one of the world's largest wooden structures, and the nearby Amidado Hall.

Sanjusangendo, also known as Rengeo-in, is a renowned temple in eastern Kyoto celebrated for its remarkable collection of 1001 statues depicting Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The centerpiece is a wooden statue of a 1000-armed Kannon (Senju Kannon), flanked on either side by 500 human-sized statues of the same deity, forming a breathtaking spectacle within the temple.

Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is a bustling shopping street with over a hundred shops and restaurants. This narrow, five-block-long market is a culinary haven, featuring fresh seafood, produce, traditional knives, and Kyoto specialties. Explore this lively market to discover a wide array of seasonal foods and unique Japanese treats.

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's cultural traditions with a Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience. Don traditional kimonos during this memorable tea ceremony guided by an expert tea master. Gain insights into the history, etiquette, and significance of the ceremony, and participate in making matcha green tea under their guidance.

Himeji Castle, known as the White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) for its elegant, white appearance, stands as Japan's most spectacular castle. Renowned for its imposing size and beauty, it is a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle has withstood the test of time, remaining unscathed by war, earthquake, or fire, making it one of the country's twelve original castles.

Behold the grandeur of the historical Okayama Castle, fondly known as the "crow castle" for its striking black façade. Originally constructed in 1597 and destroyed in WWII, it was reconstructed in 1966 and its Tsukimi Yagura (moon viewing tower) still stands as one of the few remaining original buildings. Take a stroll along the Asashi River, which moats the castle, which particularly beautiful during Hamani (peak blooming) season.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Korakuen, a stunning landscape garden and Okayama's premier attraction. One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens along with Kanazawa's Kenrokuen and Mito's Kairakuen.

You’ll be driven to Hiroshima afterwards.

Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, the last standing remnant of the original Hiroshima when it was bombed.

Then, take a stroll around Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park (Heiwa Kinen Kōen) nearby, one of the most prominent attractions in the city, which covers over 120,000 square meters of land. Its trees, lawns, and walking paths are in stark contrast to the surrounding downtown area.

Miyajima island, with its grand forests, temples and wild deer, make for a beloved tourist spot. In the day the deer mingle with the tourists and sleep along the walking paths in the evening. Unfortunately, unlike at Nara, the deer on Miyajima are not allowed to be fed.

The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine (Itsukushima Jinja) is the source of both the island's fame and its name: Miyajima literally means "shrine island" in Japanese. The shrine is known worldwide for its iconic "floating" torii gate, as the gate looks as if it floats when the tide comes in and the waters completely cover the ground.

A historic wooden arch bridge located in Iwakuni and constructed in 1673, Kintai Bridge features a series of five enormous wooden arches spanning the Nishiki River. It is situated at the base of Mt. Yokotama, crowned by the renowned Iwakuni Castle built over seventy years earlier.

Shukkeien Garden, translated as "shrunken-scenery garden" in English, aptly describes its unique features. The garden presents miniature representations of valleys, mountains, and forests, carefully cultivated to mimic diverse natural formations and scenic views.

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, nestled along the Kurashiki River, showcases a picturesque historical townscape characterized by Japanese white-walled residences and riverside willow trees. Notable cultural attractions include the red-bricked Kurashiki Ivy Square, the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft housing a collection of 700 handicrafts, and the Kurashiki Archeological Museum.

The Ohara Museum of Art holds the distinction of being Japan's inaugural museum dedicated to Western art. Comprising three interconnected buildings alongside the canal and an additional structure in Ivy Square, the museum offers a rich cultural experience. The Main Gallery, established at the museum's founding, showcases a diverse range of masterpieces by renowned Western artists, including Picasso, El Greco, Gauguin, Modigliani, Rodin, Klee, Pollock, and Kandinsky.

The ultramodern Umeda Sky Building is a landmark of Osaka's Kita Ward. It sprouted up at the end of Japan's economic bubble in 1993. Head up to the uniquely designed observation deck for a picture-perfect view of Osaka’s expansive cityscape!

Visit the historic Osaka Castle Park, behold the castle itself in all its splendor, and get a glimpse into what life was life as a member of the shogunate.

The charming, colorful, and shop laden Shinsekai district in Osaka is styled in a classic “New World” style. Its northern half is modeled after Paris, while the southern portion imitates New York's Coney Island.

The Tsutenkaku Tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, was originally built in 1912 but was scrapped during WWII and reconstructed in 1956. Standing at 103 meters tall, it features a main observatory at 91 meters, an open-air deck above the observatory, and a 60-meter slide at its base.

Free Day for your leisure. Unwind at your hotel, or venture out to explore the surrounding area in places such as Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle Park, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, or the HEP Five Ferris Wheel.

Step back in time as you journey through Kumano Kodo, an intricate web of millendia old pilgrimage routes nestled in Wakayama Prefecture's mountainside wildernesses. From moss-carpeted stone stairways and tranquil streams, you'll find all sorts of temples, shrines, and natural landmarks as you traverse these UNESCO World Heritage Trails.

Day 1 Itinerary

• 7:00 Meet with guests in the hotel lobby

• 7:35 Reserved seats from Shin-Osaka to Kii-Tanabe Station

• 9:58 Arrive at Kii-Tanabe Station

• 10:15 Trek from Kii-Tanabe Station to Kurisu River

• 10:59 Arrive at Kurisu River

• ~ Kurisugawa --Kumano Shrine on the plateau

• 12:00 Plateau Kiri no Sato (free meal)

• ~ Prince Daimon ~ Prince Tojo ~ Former Prince Osaka ~ Gyuba-doji Mouth-Gyuba-doji statue

• 17:59 Near Bus station Yunomine Onsen

• 18:31 Arrive at Yunomine Onsen (Included Dinner at Hotel)

DAY 2 Itinerary

Breakfast at the hotel

7:40 Meet with the guide in the lobby

8:16 From Yunomine Onsen to Hosshinmon Prince

8:50 Arrive at Hosshinmon Prince

~ Prince Hosshinmon-Prince Mizunomi-Prince of worship

~ Sangenjaya style --- Hongu Taisha

11:30 Walk around the main shrine

~Free meal (lunch)

12:40 Depart from Honmiya Shrine

14:48 Arrive at Kii-Tanabe Station

15:30 Guide ends here

15:31 Depart from Kii-Tanabe Station

17:50 Arrive at Shin-Osaka Station

Includes

Breakfast

Dinner

Round-trip transfers

1-night accommodation at Yunomine Onsen

Doesn't Include

Lunch

Free Day for your leisure. Unwind at your hotel, or venture out to explore the surrounding area.

Enjoy your final day in Japan until your guide arrives to escort you to KIX airport for your departing flight.