Welcome to Tokyo, the largest city in the world and a symphony of modern and ancient. Upon your arrival at Tokyo Airport, you’ll be greeted by your English-speaking transfer representative who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel in the city center. Take the rest of the day to relax and explore on your own.

Tokyo has something for everyone; vibrant restaurants, exquisite gardens, contemporary architecture, quaint backstreets, and a dazzling cityscape. Beyond the bustling lights, the city reveals tranquil neighborhoods with locals immersed in daily life and numerous hidden gems in the form of charming, undiscovered shops and restaurants. Today’s introduction to Tokyo features a little bit of everything but make sure to work with our expert designers so we can tailor the perfect day for you.

Today’s Tokyo exploration journeys across the city and through the ages, taking you to iconic attractions including the serene Meiji Shrine, the vibrant Harajuku fashion district, into delicious depachika food halls, and across the renowned Shibuya scramble crossing.

Start your day at Tokyo’s renowned Tsukiji Market. Navigate through historic lanes and alleys filled with a diverse range of shops and small eateries with your knowledgeable guide. If interested, this is the perfect time to include a sushi class with a master!

Continue to Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s shitamachi (low city) that showcases narrow streets reminiscent of Edo period Tokyo. Make your way to Senso-Ji, a large Buddhist Temple dating from the 7th century, via Nakamise-dori, a pedestrian street lined with shops selling Japanese arts and crafts.

After three days in the bustling city, it’s time to head into the countryside to unwind in Hakone. Hakone is a tranquil onsen town, renowned for being one of the best places from which to view Mt Fuji. On arrival, set out to explore Lake Ashinoke and the Hakone Shrine, with its enchanting floating Torii gate. Continue to the Open Air Museum, a space that creates a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its spacious grounds in combination with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Arrive at your ryokan in the evening. After settling in, enjoy a soak in the onsen before changing into your yukata and indulging in a magnificent kaiseki feast.

board the world-famous shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Kyoto. Kyoto served as Japan’s capital – political, spiritual, and cultural – from the 12th to the 19th centuries. While political power has moved to Tokyo, Kyoto has retained a firm grasp on Japanese culture and traditions and is renowned for its temples, festivals, and art.

Upon arrival, settle into the hotel before enjoying a traditional tea ceremony in the afternoon. Learn about this ancient tradition from a tea master and the significance it holds to Zen Buddhism. After the ceremony, your guide will take you for a stroll around the Gion district, known for its narrow streets lined with traditional wooden homes, dangling paper lanterns, and the occasional geisha sighting as they make their way to their next appointment.