Tokyo, Kyoto, Alps and Fuji 8 Days

Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll receive details about the start of your tour. 

In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about five hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.

We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.

Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.

We’ll continue our tour by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, explore the most scenic part of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, and stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge.

We’ll drive through AKIHABARA, the “Electric City,” known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture. Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.

We’ll end our visit in ASAKUSA, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel.

6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.

Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.

We’ll travel by bullet train to Kyoto, departing early in the morning. In just over two hours, we’ll cover nearly 500 km separating Tokyo and Kyoto.

We’ll have the entire day to explore Kyoto, the former capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to preserve its rich artistic heritage. Kyoto is also renowned as the site where the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was signed in 1997.

Our visit will include the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by magnificent gardens.

Afterward, enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, celebrated for its geishas and lively atmosphere. Free time will follow.

We’ll set out for Tsumago, enjoying the charming countryside scenery along the way. This small village, known for its wooden houses, is considered one of the prettiest places in Japan. You’ll have free time to explore, and lunch will be included. Next, we’ll continue to Matsumoto, a lively tourist city where we’ll visit the impressive 16th-century castle, famously known as the “The Crow.” Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore this bustling city at your own pace. Our journey will then take us to Nagano, where we’ll spend the night

In NAGANO, we’ll visit Zenko-ji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site that houses Japan’s first Buddhist image. Our travelers will also take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual meant to attract good fortune.
Afterwards, we’ll venture into the stunning Japanese Alps, traveling through majestic mountain scenery to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. We’ll take a walk through the forested trails, rivers, and hot springs where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe in the warm waters.

We’ll then continue through beautiful high-mountain landscapes (reaching an altitude of 2,172 meters / 7,126 feet) and pass by semi-active volcanoes. Our next stop is KUSATSU, a charming hot-spring town whose lively central square is full of activity. We’ll take a pleasant stroll through the city park, which features open-air onsen (hot springs). Free time for lunch.

Our journey continues to IKAHO, another picturesque hot-spring town. We’ll stroll through its old center, famous for its traditional stone stairways. We’ll stay overnight in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we recommend enjoying the hot-spring baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included.

Note: In autumn, depending on the availability of food in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys can be unpredictable. If the macaques do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may also be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.

We’ll continue our journey to Nikko, a fantastic town where we’ll visit the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple, known for its famous “room with the sound of a dragon.” We’ll also explore the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a serene and awe-inspiring site. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where hundreds of Jizo statues silently watch over the riverbanks. You’ll have free time to explore the town center before we head back to Tokyo, arriving at approximately 06:30 p.m.

We’ll leave TOKYO and head to KAMAKURA, an “oasis of peace” that served as Japan’s capital for two centuries and is home to numerous shrines, temples, and gardens.

At the Hokoku-ji Zen Temple, we’ll stroll through its beautiful bamboo forest (admission included) and enjoy a cup of green tea. We’ll also visit Sugimoto-dera, founded in 734 and considered the oldest temple in the city.

There will be some free time in the pleasant city center before visiting the Great Buddha (Daibutsu)—admission included.

Our route then continues along a scenic coastal road following the Pacific Ocean. We’ll have free time for lunch and a walk on Enoshima, a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge.

We’ll then continue to ODAWARA, where admission to the castle is included—an impressive medieval fortress (restored in the 20th century) from the Edo period and one of Japan’s most important castles.

Overnight stay.

Our journey today is truly spectacular as we travel toward the beautiful Hakone region, an area of lakes and mountains near Mount Fuji.

We’ll begin the day by ascending to OWAKUDANI, the “Valley of Hell,” a volcanic crater known for its steam vents, bubbling mud, and sulfur gases.
(Note: Occasionally, access may be closed due to high volcanic activity or toxic gases. In that case, we will visit Arakurayama Sengen Park instead.)

Afterward, we’ll continue to OSHINO HAKKAI, a small and picturesque village with eight ponds offering beautiful views of Mount Fuji.

Next, we’ll head to KAWAGUCHIKO, an idyllic town of small houses, flowers, and mountains beside its beautiful lake. Here we’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko.

Later, we’ll begin our ascent toward Mount Fuji along the road leading to the Fifth Station, located at an altitude of 2,305 meters (7,562 feet), surrounded by spectacular forests and views.

Note: In winter, the road leading up Mount Fuji is often closed due to snow or weather conditions; during those times, we will go as far as permitted.

Return to TOKYO at the end of the day.
Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories. Please check your flight time in case you require an additional night. While the departure transfer to the airport is not included, our guide will provide recommendations for the best public transportation options to suit your journey.