Japan Discovery
8 days - Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara
This tour combines Tokyo's modern capital, Tokyo, with the ancient capitals of Kyoto and 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 full-day tour enjoy a panoramic view of the city from atop Tokyo Tower, browse the colorful shops that line Nakamise arcade on your approach Sensoji Temple, and learn the art of a Japanese tea ceremony at Happo-en Garden. 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 on a full-day tour; such as the vermilion-colored Heian Shrine, and the glistening Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. Also included is a visit to 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.
Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo. Arrive at Narita Airport and transfer by private car to your hotel in Tokyo.
Day 2: Tokyo. Full-day motor coach tour of Tokyo visiting Tokyo Tower Observatory, Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade. Also included today is a tea ceremony experience at Happo-en Garden, a Sumida River cruise, and barbecue-style lunch. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 3: Kyoto. Transfer by private car to Tokyo Station and travel by bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding by car to your hotel. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Kyoto. Join a motor coach tour for a full-day of sightseeing in Kyoto. Visits include Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine, Sanjusangendo, and Kiyomizu Temple. Note: substitutions will be made for Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace when these sites are closed. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Nara/Kyoto. The morning is free to explore Kyoto on your own. In the afternoon join a tour to neighboring Nara, a former capital city. Sights include Todaiji Temple, Deer Park, and Kasuga Shrine. (breakfast).
Day 6: Kyoto. A free day to explore as you wish. (breakfast).
Day 7: Tokyo. Transfer by private car to Kyoto Station and return to Tokyo by bullet train. Upon arrival transfer by car to your hotel. (breakfast).
Day 8: Depart Japan. Transfer by private car to Narita airport. (breakfast).

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

Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,950.
Transfers between airports, hotels, and train stations by private car. Sightseeing by bus.
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.