Day 01: Arrive Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival, we are met by our guide and transferred to our hotel by private car. Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is not only the world's most populous metropolis but also a global center for finance, technology, and culture, influencing trends across the globe.

Overnight: Hotel in Tokyo (3 nights)

Day 02: Tokyo

We will meet our guide in the lobby of our hotel for an 8-hour full-day sightseeing tour of Tokyo using public transportation. We will begin the day with a visit to the Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s Imperial family, and explore its beautiful East Gardens. Next, we will head to Asakusa to visit the historic Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temples, followed by a stroll through Nakamise shopping street, where we can find traditional souvenirs and snacks. Afterward, we will enjoy the stunning views from the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan. The tour will conclude with a return to our hotel. (B)

Day 03: Tokyo/Hakone/Tokyo (Drive)

We will gather with our guide in the hotel lobby to begin our full-day (10-hour) private charter tour of Hakone. Explore the stunning sights of the region, starting with the Hakone Open Air Museum, renowned for its impressive collection of sculptures set against a picturesque mountain backdrop. Next, we will continue to Owakudani Valley, a volcanic area known for its steaming vents and hot springs. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a Pirate Cruise on Lake Ashi, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Our tour will then take us to Hakone Sekisho, a historical checkpoint offering a glimpse into Japan’s Edo period, before concluding with a stroll along the scenic Suginamiki (Cedar Avenue). The day will wrap up with a transfer back to the hotel. Today, our large luggage will be sent to our later hotel in Kyoto. (B)

Day 04: Tokyo/Kanazawa (Train)

Our guide will assist us with a transfer to Tokyo Station by train. We then take the Shinkansen train to Kanazawa Station (2.5 hours – unaccompanied). Upon arrival, we’ll meet our Kanazawa guide at the Shinkansen platform and begin our half-day sightseeing tour by public transportation. Our first stop will be the Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Compound, where we’ll explore one of Japan's "Three Great Gardens"—Kenrokuen, known for its seasonal beauty and historical significance as part of the Kanazawa domain's castle grounds. Afterward, we’ll head to Ohmicho-Ichiba, the bustling market where fresh seafood, vegetables, and local delicacies offer a taste of Kanazawa’s culinary scene. Next, we’ll visit the Higashi-Chaya Geisha District, one of the most well-preserved geisha districts in Japan, where traditional teahouses line the narrow streets. We will then explore either the Myouryuj, known as the "Ninja Temple," famous for its secretive architecture and defensive features, or the 21st Century Museum, a contemporary art museum renowned for its interactive and immersive exhibits. Our final stop will be the Nagamachi Samurai District, where we’ll visit the Nomura House, a well-preserved samurai residence offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of feudal Japan. The tour will conclude with a visit to Kanazawa Station, followed by hotel check-in.

Overnight: Hotel in Kanazawa (2 nights) (B)

Day 05: Kanazawa/Shirakawago/Kanazawa (Drive)

An interesting day ahead as we are met by the guide and transfer by private car to Gokayama (1 hour), a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are over 300 years old. We’ll visit Suganuma Village and Ainokura Village, where these iconic thatched-roof houses, designed to withstand heavy snowfall, offer a fascinating glimpse into rural life. Afterward, we’ll transfer to Shirakawago (40 minutes), another UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its picturesque gassho-zukuri houses. We’ll explore the Open-Air Museum, which showcases traditional farmhouses and artifacts, providing insight into the architecture and lifestyle of the area. A visit to the Wada House will give us a deeper understanding of the history and cultural significance of Shirakawago’s residents. Following the tour, we’ll return to Kanazawa by private car (1 hour). (B)

Day 06: Kanzawa/Kyoto (Train)

We will meet our guide at the hotel lobby and transfer to Kanazawa Station by train. From there, we will continue our journey to Kyoto by express train and Shinkansen (2.5 hours - unaccompanied). Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, we’ll meet our guide at the platform and transfer to our hotel by local train. After checking into the hotel, we’ll receive our luggage from Day 3.

Overnight: Hotel in Kyoto (4 nights) (B)

Day 07: Kyoto

We meet up with our guide for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto using public transportation. Start with a visit to Sanjusangendo, renowned for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Continue to Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering stunning views of the city. Explore the historic Gion district, famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and as the center of geisha culture. Conclude the day with a visit to Nishiki Market, Kyoto's bustling culinary hub. (B)

Day 08: Kyoto/Nara/Kyoto (Train)

Transfer to Nara by train with our guide. Our sightseeing tour will begin on foot and by bus, exploring the historic and cultural highlights of Nara. We will visit the iconic Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and the serene Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns. Next, we will continue to Kofukuji Temple, a symbol of the city’s rich heritage, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through Naramachi, the charming old town known for its traditional merchant houses. After the tour, we will return to our hotel in Kyoto by train. (B)

Day 09: Kyoto

Embark on another day of exciting sightseeing Kyoto with our guide, via public transportation. Begin with a visit to Arashiyama, where we’ll stroll through the serene Bamboo Forest and cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Next, explore the historic Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Zen garden. Conclude the day with a visit to the magnificent Kinkakuji Pavilion, also known as the Golden Pavilion, an iconic symbol of Kyoto. (B)

Day 10: Kyoto/Osaka (Train)

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Kyoto with our guide using public transportation. First, we will visit Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical significance as a former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. The castle is famous for its "nightingale floors," which chirp when walked upon to alert inhabitants of intruders. After the visit, we will walk back to the hotel for luggage pickup before transferring to Osaka by public transportation. Upon arrival, we will explore Osaka's highlights, starting with Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city with a rich history tied to the unification of Japan in the 16th century. We will then head to the vibrant Dotonbori district, famous for its neon lights, street food, and lively atmosphere. The tour will conclude with hotel check-in.

Overnight: Hotel in Osaka (2 nights) (B)

Day 11: Osaka/Hiroshima/Osaka (Train)

We will begin our full-day sightseeing tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima by meeting our guide in the hotel lobby. We will transfer to Shin-Osaka Station and board the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, we will visit the Peace Memorial Park, home to the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, both powerful symbols of Hiroshima’s tragic history. Next, we will take a ferry to Miyajima, where we will explore the famous Itsukushima Shrine, known for its iconic "floating" torii gate. Afterward, we will return to Hiroshima Station and take the Shinkansen back to Osaka (approximately 2.5 hours), where the tour will conclude at our hotel. (B)

Day 12: Depart Osaka

After our exciting journey through Japan, we will check out and meet our guide one last time for our transfer to Kansai airport by private car. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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