Highlights
- Cruise across Lake Kawaguchi or ride the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
- Walk under 10,000 donated red torii gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha
- Learn about geishas and samurai in Kanazawa's historic neighborhoods
- Admire the traditional farmhouses in Shirakawa-go and Suganuma
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore Japan's Capital City | Tokyo |
Day 2 | Full-Day History Tour of Tokyo | Tokyo |
Day 3 | Full-Day Fuji Five Lakes Tour | Tokyo |
Day 4 | Train to Kyoto, Walking Tour of Gion, Traditional Tea Ceremony | Kyoto |
Day 5 | Guided Tour of Kyoto's Landmarks | Kyoto |
Day 6 | Visit UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, Train to Kanazawa | Kanazawa |
Day 7 | Full-Day Tour of Kanazawa | Kanazawa |
Day 8 | Visit the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go & Suganuma | Kanazawa |
Day 9 | Train to Tokyo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Explore Japan's Capital City
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Welcome to Japan's lively capital, Tokyo! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. After freshening up, you can explore the city on your own. A good place to start is Tokyo Tower, a 108-foot-tall (33 m) red and white structure inspired by the Eiffel Tower. Take an elevator up to the observation deck, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the sprawling city and even Mount Fuji in the distance on clear days. When you're done admiring the view, head down to the 14th-century Zojoji Temple at the foot of the tower.
Day 2: Full-Day History Tour of Tokyo
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Join your guide on a full-day history tour of the city's shrines, palaces, and temples. Your first stop is the Meiji Jingu Shrine, built in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Follow the gravel path to the main complex to take in the grandeur of traditional Japanese architecture and witness solemn Shinto ceremonies. Participate in a ritual yourself by praying and leaving an offering at the shrine before exploring the surrounding Yoyogi-koen Park, a 133-acre (54 ha) park popular for leisurely strolls and picnics.
Day 3: Full-Day Fuji Five Lakes Tour
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Leave the city behind for the day as you transfer 1.5 hours to the Fuji Five Lakes to marvel at Mount Fuji from every angle. Start with a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi's tranquil waters, enjoying views of the surrounding forests, lakeside villages, and iconic Mount Fuji. If you're not a fan of boats, you can take a ride on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway instead. As the cable car gracefully ascends, enjoy sweeping views of the lake, the lush greenery, and the picturesque villages. When you reach the observation deck near the summit of Mount Tenjo, look out at the snowcapped peak of Mount Fuji.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Train to Kyoto, Walking Tour of Gion, Traditional Tea Ceremony
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Say goodbye to Tokyo this morning as you head to the station to catch a 2.5-hour bullet train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. Make your way to the hotel, where you can relax until you join a walking tour in the evening. When it's time, follow your guide through the alleyways of Gion, a historic geisha district full of traditional wooden machiya houses. Stroll past quaint teahouses, high-end ryotei restaurants, and the torii gate marking the entrance to Yasaka Shrine, a Shinto sanctuary dating back to 656 CE. You may even catch a glimpse of geishas adorned in colorful clothing strolling along Hanami-koji Street.
Day 5: Guided Tour of Kyoto's Landmarks
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Although Kyoto isn't Japan's official capital anymore, it's often called the cultural capital for its array of temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens. Today, you'll visit some of these sites, starting at Fushimi Inari-taisha, a shrine home to over 10,000 red torii gates, all donated by individuals or businesses and inscribed with their names and wishes. Follow the torii-lined route up to the observation deck atop the mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the gates and the surrounding forest. Head to the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion.
Day 6: Visit UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, Train to Kanazawa
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Spend your last few hours in Kyoto exploring the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Edo period's first shogun (military leader). Enter the main palace to see the walls adorned with intricate paintings depicting scenes from nature and Japanese folklore. Then, head outside to stroll through the expansive gardens, looking out at the serene reflecting ponds, seasonal flowers, and intricate bridges. When you're done at the castle, make your way to the station for a 2.5-hour train ride to Kanazawa, nestled on the coast of the Sea of Japan.
Day 7: Full-Day Tour of Kanazawa
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Discover why Kanazawa is often called the historical jewel of Japan on today's city tour, starting at the gardens of Kenroku-en, created by the Maeda family during the Edo period. Stroll the garden paths, winding past meandering streams, serene ponds, bubbling water features, and traditional tea houses. After exploring the garden, continue to Kanazawa Castle to learn about Japan's feudal history. Enter through the iconic Ishikawa-mon Gate and cross the well-manicured gardens to explore the Hishi Yagura keep.
Day 8: Visit the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go & Suganuma
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Venture into the Japanese countryside this morning with a visit to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go, just one hour outside Kanazawa. Follow your guide through the village to admire its distinctive gassho-zukuri architecture (traditional farmhouses characterized by their steep, thatched roofs). Stroll along the cobblestone streets to see the well-preserved farmhouses up close, some dating back over 250 years. Don't miss Wada House, one of the largest and most well-preserved structures in the village.
Then, transfer 20 minutes to another UNESCO-listed village, Suganuma, home to more gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Stroll along the peaceful streets lined with these historic homes, some of which have been transformed into museums or guesthouses. You'll also find lush rice paddies and serene water channels throughout the village, creating a tranquil atmosphere. If there's time, visit the Gokayama Folklore Museum to peruse the collection of artifacts, tools, and exhibits highlighting the traditions of Suganuma's inhabitants throughout history.
Day 9: Train to Tokyo, Depart
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Start your final day in Japan with a three-hour journey back to Tokyo aboard a bullet train. Try to snag a window seat so you can enjoy picturesque views of rural Japan's rolling hills, coastal vistas, and traditional villages. When you arrive, make your way to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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