ITINERARY:

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Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

• Arrive at Narita International Airport and transfer to the hotel

• Check-in at the hotel and explore the beautiful town on your own

One can visit, Meiji Shrine, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Surrounded by a lush green forest right in the heart of Tokyo, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who led Japan to become a modernized nation. Passing under the torii gate marks the beginning of the shrine grounds. This tranquil, manmade forest of about 100,000 trees covers a gamut of different species donated from all over Japan.

Then continue to explore the vibrant streets of Shibuya and experience the famous Shibuya Crossing. One of the most identifiable landmark of Tokyo is Shibuya Crossing. The sprawling scramble intersection just outside Shibuya Station is an embodiment of Tokyo itself: action in all directions. The intersection is a popular location for movies such as Lost in Translation and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

• Overnight stay in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

• Breakfast at the hotel.

Start your day at Tsukiji Fish Market, experiencing the hustle and bustle of the world's largest fish market. Tsukiji is the best place to learn Japanese culinary culture and the history of Tokyo. The Tsukiji Market still attracts many locals and tourists for fresh and seasonal foods every day. 

Take a stroll through the historic neighborhood of Asakusa to experience true Japanese traditions, arts and crafts, and visit Senso-ji Temple. Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. 

• Return back to the hotel

• Overnight stay in Tokyo

 
Day 3: Mount Fuji Day Trip

• Enjoy a leisurely buffet breakfast at your hotel.

Then visit one of the most popular attractions Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic volcano

Fuji-san, as the natives like to call it, is among Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains” including Mount Tate and Mount Haku. It is not only a scenic beauty that attracts tourists from all around the world but also a cultural icon of Japan. The Japanese cultural art and photography is highly inspired by the “snow-capped” mountain and is often witnessed in paintings and pictures.

Visit the Fuji Five Lakes area and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Take a boat ride on Lake Ashi in Hakone and ride the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic views.

Relax in a hot spring (onsen) to unwind after a day of exploration - if time permits

• Return back to the hotel

• Overnight stay in Tokyo

Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

• After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed to the train station

• Take a bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto and proceed to the hotel

• Later visit major attractions of the city starting with

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen Buddhist temple. This three-tiered pavilion covered in gold leaf is one of the most famous and recognizable of all the historic structures in Kyoto. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is considered a must-see destination by visitors to the verdant city.

Then explore the Arashiyama district and stroll through the famous Bamboo Forest. No camera can capture the serene beauty of this gorgeous grove, where bamboos grow endlessly to touch the sky. Experience the magic of this place with all your senses, hear the leaves rustle in the wind, smell the freshness of the most beautiful grass and be transported to a place within. 

In the evening, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony experience in Kyoto tea house

• Overnight stay in Kyoto

 
Day 5: Kyoto Cultural Immersion

• After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. 

Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering panoramic views of Kyoto. Kiyomizudera ("Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside.

Discover the traditional streets of Gion, known for its geisha culture. Then enjoy a memorable evening with a geisha experience, including a traditional dinner and performance.

• Return back to the hotel

• Overnight stay in Kyoto

 
Day 6: Day Trip to Nara

• After breakfast, enjoy the day at Nara

On this trip visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue. Todaiji is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha. Then interact with the deer as they roam freely at the Nara Park. Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its lanterns and beautiful surroundings. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns, which have been donated by worshippers. Hundreds of bronze lanterns can be found hanging from the buildings, while as many stone lanterns line its approaches. The lanterns are only lit twice a year during two Lantern Festivals, one in early February and one in mid August.

• Return back to the hotel

• Overnight stay in Kyoto

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Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then proceed to the station to board the train to Osaka.

• Reach Osaka station and proceed to the hotel

• Later explore the magnificent town

Explore the historic Osaka Castle and its surrounding park. Osaka Castle, or “Osaka-jo” in Japanese, is certainly one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. This five-story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country, with a history that dates back almost 450 years! The entire Osaka Castle Park covers about two square kilometers with lots of green space, sport facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osakajo Hall) and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. 

Visit Dotonbori, a bustling street with numerous restaurants and neon signs.

Enjoy a delicious takoyaki (octopus balls) dinner, a local specialty.

• Return back to the hotel

• Overnight stay in Osaka

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Day 8: Hiroshima Day Trip

• After breakfast, get ready to explore Hiroshima

Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the city's history. This large-scale park was established in 1949 and is visited by countless visitors as a symbol of peace. The museum within the park is an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and was built to remind future generations of the terror wrought by atomic bombs.
Explore Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, known for its famous "floating" torii gate. Established in the 6th century, this shrine is one of Japan's finest, and is famous for its beautiful structure. Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake, for dinner.

• Return back to the hotel

• Overnight stay in Osaka

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Day 9: Osaka Departure

• After breakfast, transfer to Kansai airport for your onward journey

• Return home with sweet and unforgettable memories of authentic Japanese experiences.