10 Days Japan Guided Roundtrip
Day 1 - 4
Tokyo
Day 1
Arrival Day & Welcome Orientation
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Airport Transfer: We will meet you personally at the arrival hall. As the airport is located some distance from the city center, we will accompany you to your hotel via public transportation to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer.
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Neighborhood Introduction: Once you have settled into your hotel, we will provide a brief orientation of the local area and highlight points of interest nearby.
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Welcome Drink: Depending on your energy levels and how you are feeling after your flight, we would love to invite you to a local Izakaya for a welcome beer.
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Return: To conclude the evening, we will escort you safely back to your hotel to ensure you can rest well.
Day 2
Full-Day Tokyo Exploration: Culture, Trends & Innovation
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Morning Pickup: Your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin the day’s journey.
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Cultural & Urban Highlights: We will head to the Shibuya and Harajuku districts. Our itinerary includes:
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The serene Meiji Shrine.
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The vibrant Takeshita Street and the heart of Harajuku.
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The world-famous Shibuya Crossing and the bustling streets of Shinjuku.
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Culinary Experience: We will enjoy both lunch and dinner together at carefully selected local spots.
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Afternoon in Odaiba: We will then transition to the futuristic island of Odaiba.
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Digital Art Experience: A major highlight of the day will be a visit to the immersive teamLab Planets exhibition.
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Return: After an eventful day, your guide will accompany you safely back to your hotel.
Day 3
Tokyo Contrasts: From Culinary Traditions to Modern Pop Culture
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Morning Pickup: Your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin a diverse full-day exploration of the city.
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Tsukiji Fish Market: We start the morning at the famous fish market. You will have the opportunity to see the vibrant trade and sample some of the freshest seafood and local delicacies in Japan.
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Ginza District: From the market, we head to Ginza, known as Tokyo’s "Fifth Avenue." We will stroll through this sophisticated district, famous for its high-end boutiques and stunning architecture.
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Akihabara (Electric Town): A short train ride brings us to Akihabara. Here, you will experience Japan’s unique "Otaku" culture, exploring the world of anime, gaming, and innovative electronics.
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Ueno Exploration: We will take a scenic walk to Ueno, a historic entertainment district. We’ll explore the bustling local streets (Ameyoko) before finding tranquility in the expansive Ueno Park.
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Historic Asakusa: Our final stop is Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest district. We will visit the magnificent Senso-ji Temple and walk through the traditional Nakamise shopping street.
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Dining & Return: Throughout the day, there will be numerous culinary stops. We will conclude our journey with a high-quality dinner before your guide escorts you back to your hotel.
Day 4
Nostalgic Tokyo & Imperial Heritage
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Yanaka District: We begin our day in one of Tokyo’s most charming and traditional neighborhoods. Often called "Old Tokyo," Yanaka survived the wars and earthquakes, preserving a nostalgic atmosphere. We will stroll through the quiet temple backstreets and the vibrant Yanaka Ginza shopping street.
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Chidorigafuchi Moat: Next, we head to the scenic Chidorigafuchi area. This beautiful walkway along the Imperial Palace moat offers one of the most picturesque views in the city, providing a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.
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Yasukuni Shrine: We will visit the historically significant Yasukuni Shrine. Known for its massive torii gates and grand architecture, it provides deep insight into Japan's modern history and spiritual traditions.
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East Gardens of the Imperial Palace: Our final stop is the former site of Edo Castle. We will explore the magnificent East Gardens, where you can admire massive stone walls, historic guardhouses, and beautifully manicured Japanese gardens that once belonged to the Shoguns.
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Return: After a day filled with history and tranquility, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel.
Day 5
Kawagoe
Day Trip to Kawagoe: A Journey into "Little Edo"
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Morning Departure: After meeting at your hotel, we will take a short train journey to Kawagoe, a city that beautifully preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period.
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Kurazukuri Warehouse District: We will explore the stunning main street lined with traditional clay-walled warehouse buildings. These historic structures now house charming boutiques and craft shops.
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Toki no Kane (Bell of Time): We’ll visit the iconic symbol of Kawagoe—a wooden bell tower that has been marking the time for residents for centuries.
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Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley): Experience a touch of nostalgia in this famous alley, where traditional Japanese sweets and snacks are still handmade, including the local specialty: sweet potato treats.
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Kita-in Temple: We will visit this significant temple, which houses the only remaining palace buildings from the original Edo Castle, along with the fascinating 500 Rakan statues, each with its own unique facial expression.
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Hikawa Shrine: If time permits, we will stop by this beautiful shrine, famous for its picturesque "wind chime" corridors and its role as a sacred spot for matchmaking.
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Afternoon Stop in Ikebukuro: On our way back to the city center, we will stop in Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts. In Sunshine City we will visit the Sky Circus observatory for a stunning evening view.
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Return: After a day of historical discovery, we will escort you to your hotel.
Day 6
Hakone
Scenic Day Trip to Hakone & Mt. Fuji Views
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Morning Departure: After meeting you at your hotel, we will travel to Shinjuku Station to board the express train to the Hakone region.
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Scenic Journey: Enjoy a comfortable 80-minute train ride as we leave the urban sprawl of Tokyo for the mountainous landscape of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
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Lake Ashi & Pirate Ship Cruise: Upon arrival, we will visit the historic Motohakone area. From there, we board a decorative "pirate ship" for a cruise across Lake Ashi, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
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Hakone Ropeway & Volcanic Activity: On the other side of the lake, we take the Hakone Ropeway (aerial cable car) up into the stunning volcanic valley. This area is famous for its active sulfur vents and, weather permitting, spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
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Gora & Souvenirs: We then descend to Gora, a charming town where you can explore local shops for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
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Return to Tokyo: We will take the local mountain railway back to Hakone-Yumoto Station, where our express train will be waiting to bring us back to Tokyo.
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Day 7 - 8
Kyoto
Day 7
Kyoto: Journey to the Cultural Capital
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Morning Departure: We will begin our day early with hotel checkout and head to Tokyo Station. From there, we will board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for a swift and comfortable journey to Kyoto.
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Arrival & Logistics: Upon arrival in Kyoto, we will drop off our luggage at the hotel so you can explore the city unburdened.
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Fushimi Inari Taisha: Our first stop is one of Japan’s most iconic sites. We will walk through the seemingly endless paths of thousands of vermilion Torii gates that lead up the wooded mountain.
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Next, we visit the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera. You will have the chance to admire the stunning wooden architecture and the panoramic views of Kyoto from its famous terrace.
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Historic Gion District: We will conclude this eventful day with a stroll through the narrow streets of Gion. If we are fortunate, we may catch a glimpse of a Geisha (Geiko or Maiko) on her way to an evening appointment.
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Dinner & Rest: We will select a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional dinner before escorting you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Kyoto’s Culinary Secrets & Architectural Icons
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Nishiki Market: We begin our morning at the historic Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto’s Kitchen." Here, you can sample unique local delicacies and experience the vibrant food culture of the city.
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Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest: We then travel to the scenic Arashiyama district. We will walk through the world-famous Bamboo Grove and visit the serene Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite Zen garden.
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The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji): Following lunch, we head to the north of the city to admire the stunning Kinkaku-ji. This Zen temple, completely covered in gold leaf, offers one of the most iconic views in all of Japan.
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Nijo Castle: Our final historical stop is Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns. We will explore the ornate palace and learn about the fascinating history of the Edo period.
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Evening at Leisure: After returning you to your hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Your guide will be happy to provide recommendations for dinner or further exploration.
Day 9
Nara
Ancient Nara – Tradition, Nature & Sacred Deer
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Morning Departure: We will take a short and comfortable train ride from Kyoto to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and a treasure trove of history.
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Todai-ji Temple: Our first stop is the magnificent Todai-ji, one of the world’s largest wooden structures. Inside, you will stand in awe of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), an 15-meter tall bronze statue that is truly a sight to behold.
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Nara Park & Sacred Deer: As we walk toward the shrines, we will pass through the expansive Nara Park. You will have the chance to meet the hundreds of freely roaming deer, which are considered divine messengers. They are famous for their polite bowing in exchange for "deer crackers."
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Kasuga Taisha Shrine: We continue our journey through a forest path lined with thousands of stone lanterns to reach Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine, famous for its stunning bronze and stone lanterns.
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Mochi Performance & Shopping: Before heading back, we will stop at the famous Nakatanidou to witness the high-speed traditional mochi-pounding and taste the freshest rice cakes in Japan. We will also stroll through the Higashimuki shopping street for local crafts.
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Return: We will return to Kyoto by train in the late afternoon, followed by a relaxing dinner and an escort back to your hotel.
Day 10
Osaka
The Vibrant Spirit of Osaka & Return to Tokyo
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Early Departure: We begin our final day early, taking a short train ride to Osaka, Japan’s culinary and entertainment capital.
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Osaka Castle: Our first stop is the magnificent Osaka Castle. We will explore the impressive grounds and learn about its pivotal role in Japanese history.
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Dotonbori & Namba Districts: Next, we dive into the heart of the city: the vibrant Dotonbori and Namba quarters. Experience the "wild side" of Osaka with its famous neon signs, bustling canals, and world-class street food.
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Umeda Modernity: Before concluding our time in Osaka, we will visit the Umeda district, a hub of modern architecture and impressive cityscapes.
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Shinkansen Journey: We will then board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for our return journey to Tokyo. Enjoy the high-speed transit as we head back to the capital.
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Final Hotel Escort: Upon arrival in Tokyo, your guide will escort you safely back to your hotel, ensuring a smooth conclusion to your journey.
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Solo-pictures of you with famous landmarks
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Unique insights of Japan
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Group-pictures of you with famous landmarks
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Private tour guide (English professional guides are available)
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Guided Tour for 10 days with your trusted guide from Tokyo (Guide never leaves you)
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Other food and drinks
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Hotel (Please book your preferred place to stay)
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Shinkansen Tickets