Classic Japan
8 days - Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, Nara
Experience Japan on this 8-day trip traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto. The tour begins in Tokyo, Japan's vibrant capital city where modern skyscrapers and ancient temples peacefully co-exist in the many neighborhoods and wards that comprise the sprawling city. See Meiji Shrine, located near trendy and youthful Harajuku, it is an oasis in the heart of the city. Pass under the large cyprus wooden torii gate and stroll along the peaceful gravel path to visit the main hall, inner shrine, and treasure house. Continue with visits to famous Asakusa Kannon Temple, the Imperial Palace Plaza, and have some fun learning about sushi-making. Located south of Tokyo is Kamakura, a coastal town once a powerful political center ruled by the Kamakura Shogunate established in 1192. Enjoy the day visiting Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, the city's most important shinto shrine, Hase Kannon Temple, and spend some time walking along Komachi street lined with many restaurants and shops. Then it's off by high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's world-famous ancient capital replete with temples, shrines, and national treasures. Highlights include Kiyomizu Temple, Nijo Castle, built by shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, Ryoan-ji Temple and it's famous Zen rock garden, and the beautiful vermilion-colored Heian Shrine. Another highlight is a visit to neighboring Nara to see Todai-ji Temple housing Daibutsu, the world's largest bronze image of Buddha, Kasuga Shrine, and Deer Park.
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: Kamakura/Tokyo. Drive to Kamakura. Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hase Kannon Temple, and Komachi shopping street. Rickshaw ride. Return to Tokyo. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: Nara/Kyoto. Full-day private excursion to neighboring Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, and Yakushiji Temple. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 7: Kyoto. A free day to explore as you wish. (breakfast).
Day 8: Depart Japan. Transfer to Kansai International airport. (breakfast).

Meals: breakfast daily (7), and five lunches.

Cost per person, double occupancy from $8,290.

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.