Wander through the ancient Zen gardens of Kyoto and let loose in the neon jungles of Tokyo. This inclusive journey covers the major intact rural cultural and heritage locations, from the exquisite traditional Nara temples to the secluded mountains in the heart of Japan. This ultimate 12-day introduction to Japan includes all accommodation, tours and internal travel arrangements visiting Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and more, offering a unparalleled combination of scenic beauty and locally preserved culture.

Experience speeding through the countryside with tea fields, orange groves, quaint rice paddies, and Mount Fuji providing the perfect backdrop on an ultra modern bullet train. This package includes a combination of traditional and modern accommodation, stay at one of the best authentic ryokans in Japan, relax in a real Japanese style natural hot spring and experience the quintessence of genuine Japanese customer-care. As this exclusive package covers some rustic locations, we recommend that you purchase a 1-week Japan Rail Pass before coming to Japan to be used in combination with this exclusive package.

Sample Itinerary - Japan Highlight Package - 12 Days

Day 1 - Arrive Tokyo:
Arrive in Tokyo for a two night stay at a hotel you've selected. Afternoon of arrival spent at your leisure. Restaurant reservations will be booked upon request.

Day 2 - Tour of Tokyo:
Tour of the Meiji Jinju Shrine, encounter the true Japanese spirit with a walk in the beautiful Happo-en Edo romance gardens and try Japanese tea ceremony. Enjoy a river cruise to visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple in downtown Tokyo, The Temple is in a trendy fashion, arts and gourmet shopping area where the latest electronics district has, Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 3 - Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Hakone:
Transfer to Mt.Fuji by bus and experience Japan’s most beautiful National Park. Experience the amazing view from Mt. Fuji's 5th Station the h emerged ighest point possible by vehicle. The Volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, centered around Lake Ashi, is famous for its onsen hot springs and its views of Mt. Fuji. Enjoy Hakone nature scenic places by a ropeway gondola, cable car and boat cruise on Lake Ashi. Stay one night at an Onsen Hotel with hot spring.

Day 4 - Hakone - Takayama:
Transfer to Takayama by bullet train/express train. Speed through the countryside watching the Japanese landscape passing you bye. Nestled deep in the heart of Japan the ancient town of Takayama is an intimate, leisurely town with a quiet, rustic charm. Visit the historic sites of Kusakabe Folk Museum, the Yatai Hall the old private houses on Kami Sanno street. Stay one night at Hotel in Takayama.

Day 5 - Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Kanazawa:
In the morning visit the morning Market and the Toyama family residence. Then transfer to Shirakawa-go by local bus. The remoteness and inaccessibility of Shiriakawa-go, has kept the village unspoiled and well-preserved for centuries. View the steep thatched roof tops of the farmhouses that gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995. Stay one night at Hotel in Kanazawa.

Day 6 - Kanazawa - Kyoto:
In Kanazawa enjoy the famed Kenrokuen gardens that dates back to the 17th century. Experience the former geisha and samurai districts and walk thru the higashi-chaya street. Transfer to Kyoto by limited express train. Once you arrive in Kyoto enjoy afternoon at your leisure - Stay two nights at a traditional ryokan or luxury hotel.

Day 7 - Tour of Kyoto and Nara:
Kyoto and Nara are the ancient capital of Japan with world heritage temples and shrines, picturesque gardens, narrow paths lined with traditional wooden houses, and various traditional arts, crafts, culinary arts, and entertainment. Experience a combination of the most important attractions, sights such as Golden Pavilion, Imperial Palace, the Nijo Castle and Nara sites such as Todaiji Temple, Nara (Deer) Park and the Kasuga Shrine.

Day 8 - Kyoto - Hiroshima:
Enjoy a free morning in Kyoto before taking the bullet train to Hiroshima in the afternoon. Optional authentic tea ceremony experience and tour available in the morning upon.

Day 9 - Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima:
Experience a custom-made Hiroshima and Miyajima tour with a private local licensed tour guide. Enjoy visiting a combination of the most important attractions, such as the Peace Memorial Park and Memorial Park Museum, the Hiroshima Castle and the beautiful Shukkeien Japanese gardens as well as sites on Miyajima Island such as Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine, the Daishoin Temple and Momijidani Park and Omotesando Shopping street.

Day 10 - Hiroshima - Izu Peninsula:
After a long adventure of sightseeing relax and experience an authentic Japanese style Ryokan, overlooking the Izu mountains and the blue sea of Sagami Bay. Here you will be able to experience the quintessence of genuine Japanese customer-care. As soon as you step through the front entrance you will be greeted by an remarkable lovely aroma, given a welcome drink, asked to choose your Yukata, Dinner courses and you are even able to choose your own pillow type, five different types to choose from, if that isn't attention to detail.

Day 11 - Izu Peninsula - Tokyo:
Enjoy a free morning in Izu before returning to Tokyo by bullet train in the afternoon. The final afternoon in Tokyo will be free at your leisure. We will make suggestions on where to visit depending on your interests.

Day 12 - Depart from Tokyo:
Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo before catching your returning flight home.

This ultimate 12 Day Highlight Package includes all accommodation, tours and all *internal travel arrangements *with the use of a 1-Week Japan Rail Pass along with this package. A 1-Week Japan Rail Pass must be purchased separately before coming to Japan (¥28,300/Person) to be used in combination with this exclusive package. Final package prices vary according to date, accomidatation type, transportation and tours.

For more information, or to start customizing your own itinerary, please contact us.