Itinerary:
DAY 01: ARRIVAL
Arrive Haneda international airport, transfer to hotel, and rest of the day free at your own leisure. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02: FULL DAY TOKYO BUS TOUR
Breakfast at your hotel and after having your breakfast go out to discover Tokyo's must-see landmarks on this full-day coach tour including a cruise along the Tokyo Bay. Drive past the National Diet Building and other major attractions en route to the Imperial Palace East Garden for a stroll. Then explore the sights of Asakusa, including Senso-ji Temple, with commentary from an audio guide. Hop aboard a short cruise on Tokyo Bay. Opt to include a buffet lunch if you’d like, with views of the Bay and the Rainbow Bridge from your seat.
DAY 03: MT FUJI, HAKONE, LAKE ASHI CRUISE AND BULLET TRAIN DAY TRIP FROM TOKYO
Breakfast at your hotel and after having your breakfast go out to join a full-day guided tour from Tokyo that travels to Mt Fuji, then continues to nearby Lake Ashi and the Mt Komagatake Ropeway. Enjoy the ease of comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, who will accompany you to the revered Mt Fuji's 5th Station. Take a short boat cruise on Lake Ashi and climb by aerial tram to the top of Mt Komagatake for views of Mt Fuji. Return to Tokyo by bullet train in the evening after taking in some of Japan’s iconic highlights.
Your day starts early with pickup by deluxe coach at select hotels and locations in Tokyo. Take in the scenery as you depart Tokyo for a 2.5-hour drive to Mt Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. Proceed by coach to Mt Fuji’s 5th Station that is located at 7,545 feet (2,300m) about halfway up the mountain and offers another vantage point for Mt Fuji and the surrounding lakes (subject to weather conditions). The 5th Station also features shrines, torii gates, souvenir shops, and perhaps a few climbers completing their preparations for their ascent. Then have time to enjoy Japanese-style lunch (if you select the "+ Lunch" option at checkout). Otherwise, you have the option to buy your own meal. Then drive to Lake Ashi, located nearby in Hakone National Park. Admire the pretty scenery as you take a short cruise across the lake, which is surrounded by mountains including Mt Fuji and Mt Komagatake. Then journey to the top of Mt Komagatake on the Mt Komagatake Ropeway, an aerial tram that lifts off from the shores of the lake and takes you up Mt Komagatake in an enclosed cabin with 360-degree views. When you reach the summit, enjoy time to take in views over Lake Ashi and Mt Fuji. You can also take a short stroll along one of the walking trails at the mountain top. After visiting Mt Komagatake, transfer by coach to the evening bullet train (Shinkansen) for your return to Tokyo Station.
DAY 04: FULL DAY NIKKO BUS TOUR: WORLD HERITAGE OF NIKKO TOSHOGU, LAKE CHUZENJI, KEGON FALLS
Breakfast at your hotel and after having your breakfast and enjoy full day tour of Nikko National Park on an enriching full-day excursion from Tokyo. Feast your eyes upon breathtaking countryside, sacred shrines, and stunning temples as you explore the region with an accomplished guide. Visit Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Shinto worship, and hear about the structure’s fascinating history. Opt for the upgrade to pleasure your palate with a traditional Japanese lunch, and then absorb the natural splendor of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. Plus, enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from Tokyo on this comprehensive tour.
Climb aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach from your meet-up point at centrally located Keio Plaza Hotel, and begin the scenic drive the Nikko, a serene city at the entrance of Nikko National Park. Head straight to what is unanimously hailed as the park’s most spectacular site, the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO-listed mausoleum of a revered monarch whole ruled Japan in the 17th century. Marvel at lavish gold-leaf embellishments and opulent chambers during your exploration of the monument. See iconic carvings depicting the ‘hear no evil’ proverb, and then revitalize with a delectable Japanese lunch if you selected the option at booking. Next, venture to the natural landmark of Kegon Waterfall. Capture the perfect pictures of the falls from a variety of vantage points, including the observation deck. Conclude your tour with some retail therapy at one of Tokyo’s most extravagant entertainment districts. Peruse shops for special souvenirs (own expense), and refresh with a snack at one of the many eateries (own expense) before making your own way back to your hotel.
DAY 05: TOKYO STUDIO GHIBLI MUSEUM AND GHIBLI FILM APPRECIATION TOUR INCLUDING LUNCH
Breakfast at your hotel and after having your breakfast go out to experience the magic of Studio Ghibli during an enchanting tour to the Ghibli Museum and Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, gain insight into the history of the magical movies during the comfortable journey to Mitaka, and then set out to explore the Ghibli Museum independently. Convenient transportation from Tokyo is included on this tour, as well as entrance fees and lunch. On Mondays, your visit to Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum will be substituted by a visit to Jindaiji Temple or Takahata Fudoson Temple.
Make your way to Shinjuku Keio Plaza Hotel and greet your guide and group. Climb aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach and listen as your guide sets the cultural scene of the famous studio along the way; hear of Oscar-winning works such as 'Spirited Away' and gain insight into the signature style of the production company. First stop is Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, where the architecture style has served as an inspiration for one of the Ghibli films. Enjoy the lunch at the hotel before heading to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum. Please note that the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum isn’t open Mondays, and Jindaiji Temple or Takahata Fudoson Temple will be a substitute stop in those cases Next, visit the Ghibli Museum and take the time to wander through the exhibits at your leisure. . Your guided tour ends with a return to the drop-off point in the Shinjuku area.
DAY 06: MEIJI SHRINE, ASAKUSA TEMPLE, TOKYO BAY CRUISE & ODAIBA DAY TOUR
Breakfast at your hotel and after having your breakfast go out to enjoy a comprehensive tour of Tokyo, covering its best gardens, temples, shopping areas and a Tokyo Bay cruise over the course of a day. Check out Meiji Temple, the city’s most famous Shinto site before visiting the Imperial Palace and Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist site, Asakusa Kannon Temple (Senso-ji). You also get to do some shopping in Tokyo’s Nakamise before enjoying a cruise on Tokyo Bay. This Tokyo excursion also includes a guide, coach transport, entrance fees, and lunch.
See the best of Tokyo in one day as you visit some of the city’s top shrines and shopping areas before taking a short cruise on Tokyo Bay. It’s a great way to get a quick taste for the unique blend of modern and ancient sites available in this fascinating city during a short visit. Start your excursion in central Tokyo to meet up with the group and begin your tour. Head by bus to the Meiji Shrine, a key Shinto religious site that was dedicated to the Imperial Family in 1926. Walk among the serene gardens that surround the shrine as you listen to more details about its importance from your guide. Head back to your bus, driving past the Japanese House of Parliament as you continue on to the Imperial Palace East Garden. This idyllic outdoor space, home to a traditional Japanese garden, tea pavilion, stone walls, and a moat, is situated within the complex of an Edo-era castle. Continue on food to Nakamise Shopping Street, a brightly-colored thoroughfare of food vendors and souvenir stores that leads to Asakusa Kannon Temple (Senso-ji), one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites. Stay with your guide as you check out, architecture, and shrines that surround the site. Leave Asakusa Kannon Temple, heading by bus for the neon-tinged streets of Tokyo’s Ginza district, a premier shopping destination of department stores and movie theaters. From there, proceed to a Western-style lunch. When you complete your lunch, board a nearby boat for a cruise on the city’s Tokyo Bay. From the boat’s vantage point, you have excellent views of the Tokyo skyline, along with the nearby Rainbow Bridge. End your tour at your original departure point Please note: On Mondays, Fridays and other instances when the Imperial Palace East Garden isn't open, instead you explore the Imperial Palace Plaza.
DAY 07: DEPARTURE: (B)
Breakfast at your hotel and after having your breakfast free at your own leisure, transfer to airport for departure.
