Traditional Japan: Tokyo, Kanazawa & Kyoto - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Narita Airport, your greeter will be waiting to give you a train pass and a helpful WiFi pocket device you can use during your trip. You'll then make your way to your hotel in Tokyo by private transfer. Once you've checked in, get out and explore the city. Start in Shinjuku with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for fabulous panoramic city views. There's access to two observatory decks, so it's an excellent place to get a sense of this massive metropolis.

In the evening, head to Shinjuku Golden Gai made up of six tightly-packed alleys, and wander this maze for food and drinks. If you'd like to mingle with the locals and visit small-owned bars, this is the place. Looking for karaoke? Tokyo's favorite pastime is always on offer, with some of the best options in the Kabukicho area. 

Day 2: Tokyo Modernity & Tradition Tour

Your guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby this morning to begin today's tour. The first stop is Asakusa, where you'll experience Japanese culture by visiting the traditional side of Tokyo. See the famous Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, dedicated to the bodhisattva (enlightened being) Kannon. More than a temple or a shrine, Senso-ji is so big that it can be considered a neighborhood of its own. Beside the temple, you'll find a five-story pagoda and Asakusa's Shinto Shrine. The Nakamise-dori shopping street, located in front of the temple, is home to 90 shops selling crafts and traditional goods.

If you want to buy traditional knives and katanas, the historic Kappabashi Street is located near the temple and shrine grounds. In the evening, explore the modern aspects of the city by heading to Tokyo SkyTree to admire the night view. This tower offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the city. It became the tallest tower in Japan in 2010 and is 2,080 feet (853 m) tall, offering two observatory decks with a section of glass flooring in the tallest one. Once you've come down from the Sky Tree, explore Tokyo Solamachi, with over 300 shops and restaurants at the ground level.

Day 3: Transfer to Kanazawa, Explore the City

Make your way to the station this morning, where you'll take a train to Kanazawa, a charming city on the west coast of Japan. Upon arrival, leave your luggage at the hotel, and head out to start discovering the many districts and modern art museums at your own pace. Don't miss the inspiring 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the contemplative D.T. Suzuki Museum. 

Kanazawa is also famous for its gold leaf production, and you can join one of the many gold leaf workshops in the city and create keepsakes like your own golden chopsticks. Continue your explorations with a stroll through Kenroku-en, considered one of Japan's most beautiful traditional gardens. 

Day 4: Day Trip to Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go, nestled in the Ono district of Gifu prefecture, is easily accessible from Kanazawa and perfect for a day trip. Travel back in time today with a visit to the rustic village of Ogimachi. Surrounded by the imposing Hida Mountains, the town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It's home to many gassho-zukuri (a traditional building style) houses, some of which are 250 years old. These large wooden dwellings have a steep, thatched roof design to withstand heavy snow.

Wander around the Myozen-ji Temple Museum and the temple, founded in 1748, located on the north side of Shirakawa-go village. The village's main attraction lies in its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, whose roofs are made without nails, providing ample attic space for cultivating silkworms. After your visit, head back to Kanazawa and enjoy an evening out at the many bars, restaurants, and clubs in the city.

Day 5: Transfer to Kyoto, Explore Historic Neighborhoods & Temples

This morning starts with a short trip to the train station on your own. Once there, take the three-hour bullet train west to Kyoto. Explore the ancient streets and jump into traditional Japanese culture. You will see the clear difference between a modern city like Tokyo and a more preserved traditional city like Kyoto. Once checked in at your hotel, get to know the Gion neighborhood first to observe colorful geisha wearing kimonos as they walk to their next appointment. Wander through its streets, and find many shops selling sweets and Japanese crafts. Be on the lookout for restaurants for lunch. 

Later, see some of Kyoto's most beautiful and historic temples and shrines in the district of Higashiyama. Head to Sanjusangen-do Temple, the most extended wooden structure in Japan and home to 1,001 life-size Kannon statues. If you're looking to shop for souvenirs, Kyoto is famous for its crafts, including unique textiles, kimonos, and pottery. Another good option is to visit the Yasaka Pagoda for beautiful views in the afternoon or evening. Near this shrine, you can enjoy a traditional geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) performance which is the best way to start your journey in Kyoto.

Day 6: Discover Fushimi Inari Shrine

Start your day early this morning by visiting the famous and beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine with a guide. Dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, you'll find it at the end of a vermillion-colored walkway composed of 10,000 torii (gates). Expect incredible Kyoto views as you climb farther up this winding passage. If you wish to walk the whole trail, it will take around three hours. Going as early as possible is recommended to get the best photos without tourists. After your visit, head to the Nishiki Market, the perfect spot for a break to sample Kyoto's distinctive traditional cuisine.

Finish your day visiting Nijo Castle for a bit of history about this former capital of Japan. Once an imperial palace, it has the best-preserved castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era. Or, you could head to Kiyomizudera Temple "Pure Water Temple"), a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site and one of Japan's most celebrated temples. Constructed on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, you'll enjoy splendid views of the numerous cherry and maple trees and Kyoto below.

Day 7: Day Trip to the Bamboo Forests of Arashiyama

Today you'll step back in time with a visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, located in the northwestern area of Kyoto. With a guide, stroll through this alluring forest with thousands of tall bamboo plants to reach Tenryu-ji Temple, where you can immerse yourself in its rich history. Afterward, wander through other well-known spots in Saga-Arashiyama. Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge, then climb the nearby mountain that leads to a monkey park and a bird's eye view of Kyoto. 

Day 8: Transfer to Osaka, Depart 

Bid farewell to Kyoto today as your private driver picks you up from the hotel lobby and takes you to Kansai International Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

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