Essence of Spring | Golden Route 7 Days

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information. Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

Information
From KIX Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 70 mins (Bus)
From ITM Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 30 mins (Bus)

Our cherry blossom tour begins with a visit to Nara to see Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple holds the Guinness World Record as the largest wooden building. While Todaiji's size is impressive, the true treasure awaits inside. Resting peacefully in the beautiful Japanese temple is the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Snap photos of these record-holding attractions to share with friends back home via Instagram or Facebook, or head over next door to Nara Deer Park. Considered a must in Nara, the Deer Park is home to numerous deer that roam freely on the grounds. The internationally-known deer are rather friendly, and will bow to tourists for a treat. Just be careful not to get chased by the deer during your vacation.

After our time in Nara, your vacation will head to the Kyoto Handicraft Center for some souvenir craft shopping. Find incredible, traditional Kyoto goods and Japanese arts at this dedicated center for craft arts. After shopping, it's off to Kyoto's charming Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight during your vacation. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride.

Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan's must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight. From there, we head out to the ancient street of Ninenzaka. This rustic shopping street hasn't changed since the Edo Period, making it a perfect backdrop for photos or to enjoy traditional Japanese architecture. Keeping with the traditional feel, we included a tea-ceremony to help you relax and enjoy Japanese culture. After we take our tea ceremony, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko Dinner. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the dinner is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture. We then proceed to the hotel.

For today, it's off to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride.

Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan�s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight. After taking pictures, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko lunch. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the lunch is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

We will then take a bullet train to Atami. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride. At Atami, enjoy a long relaxing soak in the onsen, hot spring, to rejuvenate you for tomorrow�s adventure. A Yukata, a Japanese robe, will be provided for you. The onsen is located in our own ryokan, a Japanese style hotel, which includes a traditional Japanese food.

Our morning begins with a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Enjoy over 120 sculptures and artwork in Japan's first ever open air museum. There are multiple exhibition halls to fascinate children and adults alike, as well as a foot-bath by natural hot-springs for a bit of relaxation before we continue on to Hakone!.

Enjoy a ropeway to Owakudani, an active volcanic crater still steaming from its last eruption some 3,000 years ago. There you will get a taste of the local Japanese food, the black egg, cooked in one of the craters. It's said eating one of these eggs will add years to your life! We will also visit the Hakone Shrine before we make our way to our hotel!

Today, your vacation will be devoted to exploring the multi-cultural spots of Tokyo. Our tour will first start in Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, the former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors, mouth-watering dishes, and incredible sushi meals at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the sights in Tokyo! From there, your tour is off to the Fukagawa Edo Museum to get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during Japan's traditional days of Edo. Travel back in time and walk through the old city of Tokyo made to recreate life during Japan's Edo period.

From there, your tour group will delve into the old town district of Asakusa for some traditional Japanese souvenir and gift shopping at the Nakamise area. Your Japan tour will also travel through the majestic Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most popular temples. This is the perfect place to appreciate Japanese culture and take some spectacular shots of the famous shopping district. Enjoy Japanese arts and traditional snacks with your tour group through this can't miss Tokyo temple. For lunch, we will enjoy a delicious, authentic Teppan-Yaki meal before we head to Harajuku to do some shopping and to admire the unique Japanese scenery. Enjoy shopping in the trendy district home to the world-renowned Harajuku Fashion and Japanese street fashion style. Be sure to visit one of Harajuku's local restaurants and sample Harajuku Crepes or other extra kawaii Tokyo treats in the lively Takeshita Dori. The decadent Omotesando is also nearby, home to incredible Japanese cafes and luxury shopping!

Returning to our hotel, the tour bus will be passing by the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other. While here, our Tokyo tour will also visit the popular Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the internationally-known story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner. This Tokyo spot is a popular meet-up area for couples and friends when visiting Shibuya Station. Anime fans have probably seen this famous statue and crosswalk in some of their favorite anime & manga works like Persona5 or Tokyo Ghoul. After making our way through the crossing with your tour guide, we will then return to the hotel.

We have cleared up the day for you to explore and enjoy Japan as you wish. You can either 1) enjoy the entire day as you wish, 2) visit Tokyo Disney Land, Fuji Q Amusement Park, or Sanrio Puroland, 3) or go on a private-guided tour through Nikko or Kamakura. For those who wish to visit Tokyo Disney Land, Fuji Q Amusement Park, or Sanrio Puroland, your tour guide will be happy to explain directions. (Not all fees included for additional tour options. Please contact us in advanced for this service)

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

Information
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Narita Airport - about 90 mins (Bus)
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Haneda Airport - about 30 mins (Bus)