09 Days / 08 Nights for Japan Tour

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport, complete the customs and immigration formalities before meeting your driver for a smooth private cab transfer to the Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport 🏨. If time permits, you may take a short trip to Rinku Town, a charming coastal area known for its scenic waterfront views 🌊, stylish shopping outlets 🛍️, and delightful dining options 🍣. Spend the rest of the evening unwinding and getting ready for the exciting journey ahead. ✨

📍Overnight in Osaka.

After breakfast, embark on a captivating full-day tour to the cultural gems of Nara and Uji, blending historical marvels, scenic beauty, and delightful matcha experiences. At 8:40 AM, meet your friendly English-speaking chauffeur-guide at Nipponbashi Exit 2 in the vibrant Namba Shinsaibashi district. 

📍 Namba, Osaka ➡️ Nara Park
⏱️ Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour (32 km)
Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Nara Park, a tranquil expanse nestled at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa. This 1,200-acre park is home to over 1,000 freely roaming sacred Sika deer, considered messengers of the gods. Feed them with special deer crackers, stroll among ancient trees and ponds, and absorb the peaceful ambiance. Stop at a nearby teahouse for a warm cup of matcha while taking in the seasonal scenery. 🍁🦌🍵

📍 Todai-ji Temple
⏱️ Visit Duration: Approx. 40 minutes
Just minutes from the park stands the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most important Buddhist landmarks. Inside the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), be amazed by the 15-meter-tall bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana — one of the largest in the world. Surrounded by ancient wooden pillars and spiritual carvings, this is a true immersion into Japan’s religious history. 🏯🙏 

📍 Nara ➡️ Uji, Kyoto
⏱️ Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour (40 km)
Continue your cultural journey with a relaxing ride to Uji, a picturesque riverside town revered for its matcha legacy and classical architecture.

📍 Byodo-in Omotesando (Uji Matcha Street)
⏱️ Visit Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Wander through Byodo-in Omotesando Street, a matcha lover’s paradise. Sample local specialties like matcha ice cream, green tea soba noodles, and delectable cakes. Browse artisan tea shops and traditional sweet stores, then visit the magnificent Byodo-in Temple, another UNESCO-listed treasure, with its phoenix-topped Phoenix Hall reflected over a tranquil pond. 🍵🍰⛩️

📍 Genji-no-Yu Onsen
⏱️ Visit Duration: Approx. 1 hour
End your day with deep relaxation at Genji-no-Yu, Uji’s only natural hot spring, drawing mineral-rich waters from over 1,100 meters below ground. Designed in traditional style, the onsen offers indoor and open-air baths, perfect for soothing your body after a day of exploration. 🧖‍♀️💧

📍 Uji ➡️ Osaka
⏱️ Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes (45 km)
As the sun dips beyond the Kyoto hills, your chauffeur will drive you comfortably back to Osaka, concluding a day filled with culture, nature, and soul-soothing experiences.

🏨 Overnight in Osaka.

After a delightful breakfast 🍽️, board the Shinkansen bullet train 🚄 for a swift and comfortable 15-minute journey covering 50 km to Kyoto 🌿. Upon arrival, dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Kyoto, starting with the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering breathtaking views of the city 🌄. Wander through the picturesque Higashiyama District 🏮, steeped in history, and indulge in a delicious traditional Japanese lunch 🍱. In the afternoon, visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of iconic red torii gates ⛩️, and explore the historic Gion District, renowned as Kyoto's geisha quarter 👘. End your day with a peaceful evening stroll along the serene Kamogawa River 🌙 before heading back to your hotel 🏨.

Overnight in Kyoto 🏨.

After breakfast, embark on a one-day adventure exploring Kyoto at your own pace with a Hop-On Hop-Off pass aboard the open-top Sky Bus. Perfect for those who want the flexibility to customize their journey, this tour allows you to hop off and explore any of Kyoto’s world-renowned cultural and historical landmarks. With pre-recorded commentary available in multiple languages, learn about the city’s rich history as you drive through scenic streets. 🚍🎧🌟

📍 Start at the nearest Sky Bus Stop
Pick up your Hop-On Hop-Off pass and embark on your first leg of the journey through the historical streets of Kyoto. As you travel in comfort aboard the double-decker bus, enjoy panoramic views of the city’s beautiful imperial gardens, tranquil temples, and vibrant geisha districts. 🌬️

📍 Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo) – Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ornate interiors and the nightingale floors that chirp underfoot. Learn about the Tokugawa Shogunate’s reign while strolling through the beautiful gardens and the grand Ninomaru Palace. 🏰🌸

📍 Heian Shrine – Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Heian Shrine, a Shinto sanctuary built in 1895 to honor the 50th emperor of Japan. Admire the massive torii gate, explore the sprawling Japanese garden, and walk the peaceful grounds. ⛩️🍃

📍 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – Visit this shimmering Zen Buddhist temple, coated in gold leaf and reflected perfectly in the surrounding pond. A photographer’s paradise! 🏯✨

📍 Gion District – Hop off at the famous Gion District, the heart of Kyoto’s traditional geisha culture. Stroll through the charming streets, lined with wooden machiya houses, tea shops, and intimate alleys. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) in their stunning attire. 🏙️🎎

🗺️ Customize Your Journey:
Take your time at each stop, hop on and off whenever you want, and delve deeper into the attractions that interest you most. Whether you spend a few minutes or a few hours, the choice is yours.

🏨 Overnight in Kyoto.

After a delicious breakfast 🍽️, head to Kyoto Station 🚉 to board the Shinkansen bullet train 🚄 for your 2.5-hour journey to the vibrant city of Tokyo 🌆. During your ride, enjoy a traditional bento box lunch 🍱 as you watch the scenic views unfold. Upon arrival, check into your hotel 🏨 and start exploring the city. You can visit iconic landmarks like Asakusa Temple 🛕 or the towering Tokyo Skytree 🗼. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant 🍜 and take a leisurely walk through bustling districts like Shibuya or Shinjuku 🌃, famous for their neon lights and vibrant atmosphere.

Overnight in Tokyo 🏨.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic full-day bus tour from Tokyo to the iconic Mt. Fuji region, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, serene lakes, and deeply rooted cultural significance. 🌄🏞️ Your guide will meet you at 8:20 AM at the Shinjuku LOVE Object, located just in front of the Shinjuku I-land Tower (Address: 6-5-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo). From here, travel comfortably on a guided bus tour with fellow explorers, heading toward Mt. Fuji and its surrounding sights. 🚍🏯

Morning Highlights:

📍 Chureito Pagoda
⏱️ Visit Duration: Approx. 1 hour
The first stop of the day is the Chureito Pagoda, perched atop Mt. Arakurayama. Here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, framed by the iconic five-story pagoda and vibrant seasonal foliage. This picturesque spot is perfect for snapping unforgettable photos, whether in spring with cherry blossoms or in autumn with fiery red leaves. 🏯🍁🌸

Lunch Break:

📍 Kawaguchiko Craftpark & Lake Kawaguchi
⏱️ Lunch & Relaxation Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Next, enjoy a relaxing lunch at Kawaguchiko Craftpark, where you can indulge in local delicacies such as Hōtō noodles and soba. Afterward, take a peaceful stroll along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, reflecting the majestic Mt. Fuji. Feel free to sit by the lake and take in the serene beauty of the landscape, or explore the nearby craft shops and galleries showcasing local artisans. 🍣🖼️🏞️

Afternoon Highlights:

📍 Oishi Park
⏱️ Visit Duration: Approx. 45 minutes
After lunch, continue your exploration at Oishi Park, renowned for its vibrant seasonal flowers, including lavender in summer and cosmos in autumn, offering a stunning foreground for photos with Mt. Fuji in the distance. The park offers flower gardens, peaceful walkways, and expansive views, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers. 🌸📸

📍 Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba
⏱️ Visit Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Next, visit Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a charming traditional Japanese village nestled at the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Here, you can stroll through restored thatched-roof houses and explore cultural exhibits, including local crafts, folk art, and a glimpse into rural Japan. This peaceful village offers a hands-on experience, where you can try local handicrafts or simply immerse yourself in the calm ambiance. 🏠🎋

Evening Return:

📍 Final Views of Mt. Fuji
⏱️ Return Time: Approx. 2 hours
As the tour concludes, enjoy final glimpses of Mt. Fuji as the sun sets behind the iconic peak. The golden hues illuminate the landscape, providing an opportunity for one last breathtaking photo of the majestic mountain before heading back to Tokyo. 🌅🌄

🏨 Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast, embark on a flexible 2-day adventure through Tokyo’s iconic landmarks with your Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket. This is the perfect way to explore the city at your own pace while visiting major attractions like Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, and the Shibuya and Ginza shopping districts, all aboard a comfortable open-top double-decker bus. 🚌🏙️✨

Tour Highlights:

📍 Tokyo Tower
Start your journey by hopping on the bus at the nearest Tokyo Tower stop, where you’ll be amazed by stunning views of the city from the observation decks. Capture panoramic shots of Tokyo’s skyline with the tower standing tall in the foreground. 🗼📸

📍 Meiji Shrine
Next, visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine, nestled in a beautiful forested area. Take a peaceful walk through the sacred grounds and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. You may also find yourself at the Sake Barrel Wall and the Ema (wooden prayer plaques) where visitors write their wishes. 🍃⛩️

📍 Asakusa District
Explore the historic Asakusa District, where the famous Senso-ji Temple stands. Wander through Nakamise Street, lined with traditional shops offering souvenirs and delicious street food. The Kaminarimon Gate, the entrance to the temple, is a perfect photo op! 🏯🍡

📍 Shibuya
Next, head to the bustling Shibuya area, famous for the Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Afterward, stroll through Shibuya Center-gai for a dose of youth culture, trendy boutiques, and vibrant cafes. 🏙️👟

📍 Ginza
Hop off in Ginza, Tokyo’s premier upscale shopping district. Marvel at the dazzling lights, browse through luxury boutiques, and enjoy a relaxing coffee at one of the district’s stylish cafes. 🛍️☕️

Flexible Exploration:

With your hop-on hop-off pass, you have the freedom to get off at any stop and explore for as long as you’d like, then hop back on when you're ready to continue your sightseeing journey. No need to worry about navigating Tokyo’s public transport system—just sit back and enjoy the ride while discovering Tokyo’s top sights! 🚍🎤

🏨 Overnight in Tokyo.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast 🍽️, followed by your transfer to the airport ✈️ for your onward journey. If your flight is later in the evening or night, feel free to store your luggage 🧳 in the hotel’s locker room after check-out. This gives you the freedom to explore Tokyo one last time — enjoy a final taste of Japanese food 🍜, do some last-minute shopping 🛍️, or take in the serene beauty of nearby sights 🏞️. Return to the hotel as per your convenience, and a private cab 🚖 will be arranged for your airport transfer based on your flight departure time. Tour ends with fond memories of Japan’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.