Japan Culture & History Essential Tour

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.

Explore the Tokyo National Museum, housing an extensive collection of over 100,000 art and archaeological artifacts, including nearly a hundred national treasures. The museum showcases around 4,000 different items from its permanent collection, with regular temporary exhibitions.

Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo's largest and most influential spiritual site. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku Station, the Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city. The spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll.

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, the majestic 1400-year-old Senso-Ji in Asakusa, a beloved symbol of the city.

The Tsukiji Fish Market, once the world's largest seafood market, now captivates visitors with its lively atmosphere and exceptional sushi offerings.

Odaiba Seaside Park, situated on the banks of Tokyo Bay, provides stunning views of the city skyline, attracting both locals and tourists.

Experience Tokyo from the "Sky Edge" at the Shibuya Sky Observation Deck, offering unobstructed cityscape views.

Pay homage to the faithful Akita dog, Hachiko, at the iconic statue in Shibuya, now a popular meeting place in Tokyo.

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.

Next, venture to Oshino Hakkai, a cluster of eight springs in the quaint village of Oshino within the Fuji Five Lake region. Renowned for its crystal-clear and drinkable spring water, sourced from porous layers of hardened lava.

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.

Hakone stands as the crown jewel of the Kanto region, and a notable tourist hotspot. Our "Hakone Day Tour" invites you to Lake Ashino, where you'll board the "Hakone Pirate Ship" for a scenic voyage, treating you to the breathtaking vistas of Mount Fuji and the serene lake.

Then, hop on the Hakone Ropeway for a mesmerizing ride to Owakudani. The journey offers picturesque landscape views throughout.

Owakudani, a remnant of a volcanic eruption 4,000 years ago, still showcases bursts of white smoke and the unmistakable scent of sulfur. Here, you'll encounter the opportunity to purchase the legendary black jade, believed to extend life. It's said that consuming one can add seven more years to your life!

Includes Shinkansen (Bullet Train) tickets from Odawara to Kyoto.

Here, we’ll visit three renowned World Heritage sites in the city.

Founded in 778, Kiyomizu-temple is one of Kyoto's oldest monasteries. The Shimizu stage hanging in front of this hall is a precious cultural relic of Japan, surrounded by green trees, and the area is particularly beautiful in spring, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it one of the most beautiful spots in Kyoto. There is also beauty to be found in its maple trees in autumn as well.

troll through Hanamikoji Dori in the evening, the prime location for spotting geishas in their traditional milieu. 

Finally, we’ll head to Nijo Castle. Built in 1603, it’s arguably the best surviving example of palace architecture from Japan's feudal era.

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.

Filled with over 1000 years of history and culture, Arashiyama has remained a popular destination while keeping its pristine natural beauty. In a half-day walking tour, visit many stunning historical attractions like Tenryuji Temple, recognized for its sprawling gardens and stunning views, the towering stalks of the Sagano Bamboo Forest, and finally the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Okochi-Sanso Villa is one of Kyoto’s most stunning building complexes. The main house here is one of the finest examples of traditional Japanese residential architecture anywhere, and you even a free cup of macha at the teahouse along with your ticket.

Dating back to the 14th century, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) is a must-visit attraction in Kyoto. Its golden tiers are reflected in the lake below, creating a truly enchanting sight amidst a backdrop of forests and ancient pines.

In Fushimi ward of Kyoto, embark on a captivating journey that traces its history back to the 8th century with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the esteemed headquarters of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines scattered across the country.

Explore Kyoto's sake heritage at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Immerse yourself in its rich history and sake culture, and savor a range of sakes crafted with traditional techniques using the region's natural bounty.

From there, we'll make our way to Nara Park, home to over 1,200 freely roaming deer that have become a cherished natural treasure, all whom you may feed. Your adventure in Nara culminates at Tōdai-ji Temple, a cultural gem nestled in the heart of the city.

Check out Todai-ji Temple, a monumental structure with a significant role in Japanese history. Pass through the imposing Nandaimon (Great Southern Gate), guarded by fierce Nio figures sculpted by renowned artists Unkei and Kaikei. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), among the world's largest wooden structures, showcases impressive scale and architecture.

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.

You’ll then be driven to Okayama via a personal vehicle.

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.

You’ll be driven to Iwakuni for the next attraction.

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.

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.

Osaka’s main shopping area, Shinsaibashi district is filled with countless stores, from beloved high-end retailers to street shops, with places to eat as well as bars and nightclubs.  Head south down Shinsaibashi-suji to reach the neon-lit Dotonbori Bridge for a break from the shopping hustle and bustle.

Dotonbori, a well-known shopping and entertainment district, is also famous as a culinary haven. When night falls, it transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle illuminated by countless neon lights and animated signs.

Try out some of the local street food with your tour guide. Don't miss the opportunity to savor over 10 diverse and delectable flavors, including Takoyaki, Shioyaki, Kobe Beef, Okonomiyaki, Yakitori, Taiyaki, Yakisoba, Ikayaki, and more!

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