Enchanting People, Enchanting Travels
Your Vacation. Your Way.

This itinerary can be customized for you. Get in touch with our experts for your personalized vacation plan.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 4

Travel light by taking advantage of this luggage courier service within Japan. Your luggage will take 48 hours to reach your next destination, so by default the transfer will be booked two days prior to your onward departure. Your guide will handle the payment, which needs to be made on the spot in cash. In case you don’t have a guide on that day, you can request an assistant to help specifically with this process. Please note the payment needs to be made in the morning to ensure your luggage arrives within the specified 48 hours.

Shared Transfer from Narita Airport to Tokyo Hotel (including airport assistance)

3 Nights

Tokyo

Tokyo is a city like no other! Defined by cutting-edge design, quirky creativity and its own unique ancient culture, the city defines the best of both worlds. This is an unusual part of the world where dreamy cherry blossoms and glitzy neon cityscapes of tall towers and austere Shinto shrines vie for equal attention. Tokyo’s iconic pop culture with its manga and anime have conquered the world, as has its quirky fashion and distinctive food. No other city has as many Michelin stars as Tokyo has. From a simple bowl of noodles to a gourmet sushi dish made with the freshest produce, you can feast on Tokyo’s cuisine that is marked by attention to detail and the finest fresh ingredients. It’s no wonder that Japanese food has made it to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list! Tokyo will amaze you with its diversity, where an alleyway shanty bar and a chic luxurious eatery observe the same standards of quality and excellence—that is Tokyo in a nutshell!

Included activities

A day in the Life of a Sumo Wrestler

Explore Ryogoku, the center of Japan’s sumo world! Accompany your guide to Ryogoku, home to the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium and most of Tokyo’s sumo heyas, or stables. All rikishi or wrestlers belong to these heyas and you can visit one of them to see how they live, eat and train. Get up close and personal with these giant men and watch their morning training session, also called asa geiko. Watch the less eminent wrestlers, who wake up earliest in the morning, put in some practice before going about their assigned duties, while high-ranking wrestlers practice between 7 and 10 am. After several hours of warm up and technique practice, watch the wrestler’s indulge in a game of ‘King of the Castle’ – one wrestler stays inside the ring and fights with all the others until he is defeated! As the end time for training is in flux, the tour disbands at the stable. You will need to make your own onward arrangements. 


(Time of the day: Morning, Duration: 2 hrs; One way transfer included; Please note that you will travel to the area by public transport (subway and local trains); Fitness Level: Moderate. Please note that you will have to sit on tatami matting as seats are unavailable. Small children may not be allowed. Please observe absolute silence so as not to disturb the wrestlers. This tour is not available in March, July and November.)

Traditional Tokyo by Day

For a day well spent, visit some of Tokyo’s best known landmarks with your local expert! Begin with a trip to the Asakusa locality, well-known for its “shitamachi” or old-world vibe. You can visit the Sensoji temple, a Buddhist temple believed to be Tokyo’s oldest. Adjacent to the temple you will find the Nakamise “dori” or street, where you can taste some traditional snacks if you like. Travel across town to Omotesando and after exploring the ritzy flagship stores and spectacular architecture on the main boulevard. Next, make your last stop at the famous Meiji shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Surrounded by a forested area with 365 species of trees, the shrine is also a popular wedding venue, so don’t be surprised if you come across a bride and groom all dressed up for their big day! (Half Day; Time of the day: 0900 or 1300 hrs; Private Activity; Transfers by public transport; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Explore TOKYO DMM – teamLab Planets at your leisure

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting Tokyo’s teamLab Planets, which is a unique museum with mind bending art installations, massive spaces and gardens. Walk barefoot into the water area and experience artwork in myriad unusual ways. For instance, walk into a drawing of hundreds of colorful koi fish swimming on the water surface, which seems to stretch into infinity. As you wade through the water and collide with the koi, they change direction and turn into flowers. Similarly, venture into an interactive space with a limitless crystal universe. It is a singular experience all together. Space, time and your sense of being all collapse as you pass through the falling universe of flowers and other three-dimensional spaces. The floating flower garden is also an infinite, three-dimensional space filled with masses of flowers all around you, including the space above. The moss garden contains solidified masses of colored light, stretched out to the horizon, which change hues depending on the time of day. There are plenty of immersive artworks and exhibition spaces here to keep you engaged for hours.

(Duration: half day; Time: 1100 hrs; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees included; Fitness level: easy; No shoes allowed; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Hotel options

Shiba Park Hotel – Opt 1
Room Deluxe King
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu – Opt 2
Room Standard Double room
Meals Room Only
Style International
Day 4 – 5

Make your own way from your hotel to Tokyo / Shinjuku train station

Board your bus from Tochomae Station (near Shinjuku), Tokyo to Mt. Fuji Subashiri 5th station (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

1 Night

Mt Fuji

Climb Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest and most sacred mountain – an active volcano, and a landmark symbol of Japan. At 12,776 feet, the tallest peak in Japan is also one of its three holy mountains, first conquered by a monk in 663!

Included activities

Group Sunrise Trek to Mount Fuji – Climbing Season

Ascend to the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest and most sacred mountain, on this overnight trek. Set off early in the morning from the vibrant Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo and meet your guide. Journey by bus to Mount Fuji Subashiri 5th station, located at an altitude of around 6,561 feet. From here, start your trek up the iconic landmark. Hike for most of the day with your experienced guide leading the way. After every hour of trekking, take a break for 10-15 mins. On reaching the 8th station, enjoy a simple dinner and then spend the night in a mountain hut equipped with basic amenities. You will share space with fellow hikers and have your own bunk bed with a sleeping bag. The shared toilets are located outside the hut. On your second day, wake up shortly after midnight to make your final ascent to the summit. Catch the sunrise over the clouds, considered an auspicious event in the Land of the Rising Sun. Then complete the circuit of Mount Fuji’s eight peaks. Finally, have a hot breakfast and begin your descent to the parking lot at the 5th station. Once you reach, you could buy yourself lunch before heading back to Shinjuku.

(Duration: 2 days/1 night; Seasonal: Jun 25 – Sep 10 (climbing season); Time: 0645 hrs (day 1); Shared activity & transfers; Starting point: in front of the ticket machines of Tochomae subway station on the Toei Oedo line; Meals included: dinner and breakfast; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: moderate to difficult, please note that this activity is not suitable for people with physical challenges; Min age: 10; Temperatures are likely to dip as you go higher up the mountain; Please dress in layers such as fleece and long-sleeve shirts as the weather can fluctuate often; Hiking distance from 5th station to summit is about 3.7 mi and elevation gain is about 4,900 ft; Please note that the climb is steep and in some places you will need to use your hands to hold on to the rocks and ropes; Do bring hiking poles, shoes, waterproof jacket, gloves, a head lamp, change of undergarments, sunscreen, trash bags, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, hat, sunglasses, socks, snacks, and money for two lunches (3,000 – 5,000 yen); Please do not dress in jeans; Mountain guides use the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as a guide to the current safety of climbing; The itinerary may vary based on season, special events, weather, and transportation schedules)

Hotel options

Mt Fuji Mountain Hut – Opt 1
Room Bunk Bed (Double room)
Meals Room Only
Mt Fuji Mountain Hut – Opt 2
Room Bunk Bed (Double room)
Meals Room Only
Day 5 – 9

Board your bus from Mt. Fuji Subashiri 5th station to Tochomae Station (near Shinjuku), Tokyo (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

Shinkansen Train from Tokyo to Kyoto (Duration: 2.5 hrs, Standard Class)

Make your own way from the Kyoto train station to your hotel

4 Nights

Kyoto

Kyoto is to be seen to be believed. With no less than 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the city encapsulates traditional Japanese culture and tradition. Visit a plethora of ancient shrines, sip matcha at its sedate tearooms, relax at traditional inns (ryokan) with tatami mats spread out in minimally decorated rooms, or practice the art of conversation with a geisha. There is an unmistakable air of serenity around Kyoto! As Japan’s former capital it also happens to be one of its best preserved cities, drawing thousands of travelers from around the world with its distinctive charm. Kyoto enjoyed a special status in the hearts of the Japanese as the royal seat of power and the residence of the Emperor – from the late 6th century to the 17th century!

Included activities

Highlights of Kyoto – Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest and Markets

Revel in the traditional sights, smells and sounds of feudal Japan’s best preserved city, in the company of your local guide. Visit the many UNESCO World Heritage sites dotting Kyoto, beginning with the Kinkakuji Temple, originally built for the Shogun. At his request, the Shogun’s villa was converted into a Buddhist Temple after his death. Discover the magnificent 15th century Nijo Castle with its splendidly preserved medieval gardens from Japan’s Edo period. Admire the many details and typical architectural features of the old monument, before walking down to the bustling Nishiki Market. Eat your heart out at this food street payable on spot, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, lined with innumerable restaurants and traditional eating houses! Try out typical local delicacies such as pickles, dried fish and sushi. Also visit the beautiful Arashiyama bamboo grove. (Full Day; Private activity & Public transport; Time: 0900 hrs; Duration: 9 hrs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Fitness level- Moderate; Food tasting to be paid by the guests on spot).

Japanese Cooking Class

Japanese cuisine has been declared a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage for good reason, cooked as it is with the freshest ingredients and masterful techniques. Get an overall idea about Japanese cooking styles from your chef in this cooking class designed for a small, intimate group. Learn how to prepare Bento style boxed meals under the expert guidance of your host chef. Cook Kyoto’s signature Shokado bento, a delicious spread that includes delectable bites of tempura, miso soup, egg roll, chicken teriyaki, sesame spinach salad and sushi. The greatest treat awaits you at the end of the class, when you get to taste your own Bento box! (Half Day, Shared Activity & No Transfers; Meal included: Lunch; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform about any dietary restrictions in advance).

Calligraphy Class at Local Master’s House

Learn the fascinating art of calligraphy with a local master. Discover the journey of the beautiful Kanji—or traditional Chinese script—from ancient China to Japan. Learn all about the three parallel Japanese scripts of Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana from your master who will gently guide you and explain the cultural significance of this artform, before you try your hand at this ancient art for yourself. Attempt a few tentative brush strokes under the master’s expert supervision, and learn the secrets of how to hold the calligraphy brush in the proper manner. Finally, find the confidence within to draw out bold lines, before you carry your best work back home! (Time of Day: Morning or Afternoon; Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; All materials provided; Some traditional houses have steep, narrow stairs; Don’t forget your cameras; Note: Children below 4 not allowed).

Enjoyable Excursion to Mount Koya

Set off from your hotel with your local guide on this fascinating exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Koya. Travel by local trains along scenic routes and take the cable car to reach the Buddhist monastery on the mountaintop. Walk to Kongobuji Temple, one of over a hundred temples in the area and the head monastery of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. After exploring the shrine, stroll over to the largest rock garden in the country. Head to the Garan temple complex for a glimpse of the ceremonial hall and the brightly-colored Konpon Daito Pagoda. Amble on to Okunoin cemetery that is home to 200,000 tombs including the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect as well as feudal lords, other monks, and prominent community members. After a busy day, return to the hotel where your guide will bid adieu.

(Duration: 13 hrs; Time: 0645 hrs; Private Activity & Shared Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note start time can vary depending on your hotel.)

Hotel options

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia – Opt 1
Room Moderate Double room A-Type
Meals Room Only
Style International
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – Opt 2
Room Concept King
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Day 9 – 9

Shared Transfer from Kyoto Hotel to Kansai Airport (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).

Osaka

Osaka is third largest city of Japan and has been the home of traders and merchants. It is also well-known for Japan’s oldest temple, the Shinto Sumiyoshi-taisha, and the majestic 16th century Osaka Castle. A lovely river runs through this colorful city, lending it life and distinct character. Osaka is also renowned for its pulsating nightlife and dazzling neon shopfronts and commercial streets. With mouthwatering cuisine, do try out the city’s delicious dishes, from humble noodle bowls stalls and yakitori stands to high-end sushi restaurants. Osaka’s proximity to Kansai airport and its many excellent hotels makes it a natural choice as a stopover destination.

Shared Transfer from Kyoto Hotel to Kansai Airport (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).

International Departure

Experience the absolute highlights of Japan at your own pace on this classic tour of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji. Beginning in the dazzling capital city, discover the Sensoji Temple and the Meiji Shrine with an experienced local guide by your side. Leave the bustle of the big city behind and enjoy a climb up one of the most iconic landmarks in the country – Mount Fujiyama. Spend the night in a quaint mountain hut and wake up to the breathtaking panorama of the mountain at sunrise. Continue on to Kyoto, which showcases the ancient traditions of Japan like no other city. On a privately guided tour, explore temples and castles and stroll through the famous Nikishi Market. Savor the street food delights of the city and on the next day, cook up some Japanese treats of your own during a personalized lesson with a master chef! Whether you wish to stay longer or explore some of Japan’s other treasures, you can personalize your tour to match your exact wishes and preferences. Get in touch with us today for a complete tailor-made itinerary free of any obligation.

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $7,290 USD / person

Option 2

From $7,590 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

Other Itineraries You Might Like

Kyoto, Japan at the Bamboo Forest Asia

Classic Japan

8 Days from $4,190 USD / person

An ideal introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun, explore the best-loved highlights of Japan in just a short period of time. Discover an incredible blend of old-world charm and modern innovation in Tokyo, walk past bustling street laden with the best street and gourmet cuisine that the city has to offer, and explore…

View Vacation
Enchanting Travels Japan Tours Hakone The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Hakone Pirate Ship) sails on the Ashinoko Lake with Mt. Fuji

Japan: Traditions, Onsens and Mount Fuji

10 Days from $6,790 USD / person

Discover classic cities, traditions and on this Japan vacation – from the megacity of Tokyo to the natural paradise of Hakone, and the cultural capital of Kyoto.

View Vacation
Japan onsen tour

Japan's Onsen Traditions

9 Days from $7,090 USD / person

Get the perfect introduction to Japan’s age-old traditions! Focused on onsen or hot spring bathing rituals, this private tour takes you to the mountain town of Kinosaki, set between Kyoto and Osaka, which is famed for its onsen bathhouses, ryokans (inn) and gorgeous scenery. While staying in a typical ryokan, you can also sample authentic…

View Vacation

Sorry, your search found no results.