Japan Highlights
8 days - Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, Nara
Experience Japan's highlights on this 8-day trip traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, with excursions to Kamakura and Nara. 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. 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. 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. You will visit some of the best and most beautiful on a full-day tour; such as the vermilion-colored Heian Shrine, the glistening Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, and magnificent Kiyomizu Temple. Also included is a visit to neighboring Nara, capital from 710 to 794. Highlights here include Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, and Deer Park.
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: Kamakura/Tokyo. Enjoy a full-day walking tour of Kamakura. Travel by local train from Tokyo to Hase via Kamakura Station and visit Hase Kannon Temple, and the magnificent Great Buddha (daibutsu) at Kotokuin Temple. Following lunch ride a rickshaw to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, symbol of the first Shogun Minamoto; and walk along wakamiya-oji, famous for the hundreds of cherry trees that line it leading up to the shrine. There is time afterwards to stroll along Kamakura's famous shopping street, Komachi-dori, before returning by local train to Tokyo Station where the tour finishes. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: Kyoto. A free day to explore as you wish. (breakfast).
Day 8: Depart Japan. Transfer by private car to Kansai International Airport. (breakfast).

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

Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,850.
Transfers between airports, hotels, and train stations by private car. Sightseeing by bus and local train.
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.