Capitals of Japan
8 days - Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara
8 days - Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara
Originally a fishing village named Edo in the 12th century, Tokyo became Japan's capital city in 1869 when the Emperor Meiji moved there. Today it Japan's largest city, filled with deluxe hotels, extravagant shopping districts, dining options galore, and an electric nightlife all commingling with beautiful temples and shrines, parks, and traditional shops. On your private tour visit beautiful Meiji Shrine, an oasis tranquility in the midst of Tokyo's hustle and bustle, and famous Asakusa Kannon Temple. You will also have the opportunity of making sushi while in Tokyo. A bullet train ride will whisk you to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital beginning in 794. Kyoto boasts more than 2,000 temples and shrines, and houses the majority of Japan's national treasures. You will visit some of the best and most beautiful, such as the vermilion-colored Heian Shrine, and the glistening Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. A fun and educational tea ceremony and Zen meditation experience also await. Visit neighboring Nara, capital from 710 to 794. A highlight is Todai-ji Temple, the world's largest wooden building that houses Daibutsu, the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha. Finish your tour by returning to Tokyo by bullet train for a final night.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo. Arrive at Narita Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Tokyo.
Day 2: Tokyo. Full-day private tour of Tokyo visiting Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade, and a sushi-making experience. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 3: Kyoto. Travel by bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival a private afternoon tour of Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Kyoto. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Kyoto. Full-day private tour of Kyoto visiting Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji Temple, Heian Shrine, and a Zen sitting meditation and tea ceremony experience. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Nara/Kyoto. Full-day private excursion to neighboring Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, and Yakushiji Temple. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 6: Kyoto. A free day to explore as you wish. (breakfast).
Day 7: Tokyo. Return to Tokyo by bullet train, and transfer to your hotel in Tokyo. (breakfast).
Day 8: Depart Japan. Transfer to Narita airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (7), and four lunches.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $7,650.
Day 1: Tokyo. Arrive at Narita Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Tokyo.
Day 2: Tokyo. Full-day private tour of Tokyo visiting Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade, and a sushi-making experience. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 3: Kyoto. Travel by bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival a private afternoon tour of Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Kyoto. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Kyoto. Full-day private tour of Kyoto visiting Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji Temple, Heian Shrine, and a Zen sitting meditation and tea ceremony experience. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Nara/Kyoto. Full-day private excursion to neighboring Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, and Yakushiji Temple. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 6: Kyoto. A free day to explore as you wish. (breakfast).
Day 7: Tokyo. Return to Tokyo by bullet train, and transfer to your hotel in Tokyo. (breakfast).
Day 8: Depart Japan. Transfer to Narita airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (7), and four lunches.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $7,650.
Our deluxe Japan tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
