01/30/2025
Who is looking for a dream trip to Japan... I can help you plan that. Look at this amazing Itinerary.
Japan | Classic Japan
Sample Itinerary
Destinations
Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto, Japan
Trip Duration
8 nights / 9 days
Escape to timeless, enchanting Japan, where ancient culture and centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge architecture, world-class gastronomy, subtropical beaches and ultramodern life.
Below is just a sample of the immersive itineraries our Destination Specialists can create. Click on the experiences links in the itinerary to see other curated excursion choices offered by Journese. Our Destination Specialists are happy to book our hotels and excursions highlighted in the itinerary below or let them know if you would like something customized. And, feel free to offer our non-hyperlinked suggestions to your clients to further explore the destination.
Itinerary
Day 1: HOME / Tokyo:
Arrive in Tokyo and meet your private transfer bound for The Ritz Carlton Tokyo for four nights in a Tower deluxe guestroom with skyline vistas. Unwind in world-class luxury, basking in mesmerizing views and tantalizing gastronomy from an extraordinary selection of fine restaurants.
Day 2: Tokyo |
This morning, head out for a full-day, private Panoramic Tokyo Excursion. Begin at Meiji Jingu Shrine, honoring Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken with its distinguished forest composed of 100,000 trees from all over Japan and overseas. Continue to the Imperial East Garden, exploring its intricate landscape, massive stones and ruins. Then, discover Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Sensoji, displaying its giant red paper lantern at the Kaminarimon Gate and festive Nakamise Shopping Street, brimming with traditional goods and eateries. After lunch, deligth in a Tokyo Bay Cruise and visit to Odaiba.
After your exciting introduction to the city, unwind with a restorative therapeutic Japanese stone massage or thermal wrap at the spa before heading for dinner. Indulge in everything from an authentic sushi experience with a selection of fine sake, wine and champagne to contemporary French fare prepared by an acclaimed Michelin star chef.
Day 3: Tokyo |
Board a motor coach for a full-day trip to Hakone and Mount Fuji's famous 5th Station at 7,550 feet on the Mount Fuji-Hakone Adventure. Explore Japan's tallest mountain, its natural surroundings and stunning vistas. Then, cruise pristine Lake Ashi before a ride on Komagatake's ropeway to the summit, offering amazing views of nearby Hakone National Park. Finally, relax your return trip to Tokyo via Shinkansen.
Day 4: Tokyo / Kyoto |
Depart Tokyo for Kyoto and upon arrival, check- in to The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto for four enchanting nights in transcending comfort with a variety of dining options and spa experiences.
After settling in, embark on a private Kyoto Afternoon Excursion. Home to more than 2,000 temples, sublime gardens and enchanting ancient and modern culture fusion, Kyoto offers visitors an authentic Japanese experience. Visit Heian Jingu Shrine and its 82-foot gate, Sanjusangendo Hall housing one of the most impressive collections of statues in the world, and take a spiritual journey in the 1,200-year old, UNESCO World Heritage site - the Kiyomizu Temple.
Day 6: Kyoto |
Embark on a full day combination tour on the Kyoto & Nara Excursion. Your private guided experience begins at the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns of Kyoto at the imposing Nijo Castle, and the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Enjoy lunch before visiting Nara's 8th- century Todaiji Temple complex and park. Marvel at Vairocana, the largest Buddha in Japan and the sacred statues in Daibutsu Hall. Stroll the beautiful grounds of Nara Park (particularly spectacular during the Cherry Blossom season late March through much of April), delighting at the hundreds of deer that roam freely and designated as a national treasure.
Day 7: Kyoto |
Immerse in a day of history on the Hiroshima & Miyajima Excursion. A bullet train takes you to Hiroshima station where you will meet your private guide and boat transfer to the island of Itsukushima and the ancient Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine. Marvel at its floating torii gate and the spiritual legends it beholds. Return to the mainland, visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, dedicated to the legacy of the first nuclear bomb attack. Return via bullet train back to Kyoto and transfer to your hotel.
Day 8-9: Kyoto / HOME |
Kick-start your last day in Japan with a leisurely Japanese breakfast or western buffet before experiencing the endless possibilities of Kyoto. With 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto, discover the enchantment of shrines and temples, museums and impeccable gardens. For a wide range of shopping opportunities, head to Shijo Street, Nishiki Market, Kyoto Craft Center or Teramachi Art District for specialty stores, traditional markets, artisan workshops and arcades.
Celebrate your final evening with a Japanese dinner of tempura in the nearby district of Gion. Enjoy the dances of the young Geisha or "Maiko" as you bid sayonara to this remarkable country. Before your departure the next day, take a morning dip, followed by a sweet treat and seasonal teas. Board your private transfer to Kansai International Airport and begin planning your next Japanese experience.
