Imperial Japan Tour

This Japan tour provides a comprehensive overview of the major cultural and historical sights that so beautifully illustrate the splendor of Japan’s history.

Day 1: Tokyo
You will be met and transferred by private sedan with an English-speaking guide to the historic Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, for a two-night stay.

Day 2: Tokyo (B)
This morning’s private sightseeing first visits the National Museum in Ueno Park, continuing on to visit Tokyo’s oldest temple - Asakusa Kannon Temple, with its bustling Nakamise shopping street. Next visit the Meiji-shrine, set in a beautiful forest near Harajuku. This afternoon is at leisure.

Day 3: Tokyo - Kamakura – Hakone (B, D)
Depart with your private driver and guide for the ancient capital of Kamakura. Visit important temples and shrines before continuing to the Hakone region near Mt. Fuji. Arrive at the Gora Kadan Ryokan, one of the most exclusive retreats in the world. The main building was once the summer residence of the Kan-In-No-Miya imperial family. Your breakfasts and dinners while staying at the Gora Kadan will be seasonal kaiseki cuisine prepared by one of Japan’s top chefs.

Day 4: Hakone (B, D)
Today you are free to relax.

Day 5: Hakone - Kyoto (B)
After a leisurely morning at the ryokan, you will be transferred to the station for the bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival you will be met and driven to the deluxe Westin Miyako for a four-night stay.

Day 6: Kyoto (B)
Depart for a full day of flexible private touring of Kyoto. Local highlights include Ryoanji and its famous Zen rock garden; Nijo-jo Castle, with its squeaking “nightingale” floors and beautiful surrounding gardens; the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion; Sanjusangen-do Temple and its 1001 Buddhist statues; and the Kiyomizu temple overlooking Kyoto. You may decide with your guide which of these (or other sites of interest) you would like to see today.

Day 7: Nara Ecursion (B)
Depart on a scenic drive to Nara, the first capital of Japan. Visit Todaiji Temple, a massive wooden structure housing the Great Buddha; Nara Park with its roaming deer and the serene Kasuga Taisha Shrine surrounded by wooded lands with hundreds of lanterns and deer. Also visit Horyuji Temple before returning to Kyoto. This afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 8: Kyoto (B, L)
Today features a half-day of privately guided sightseeing in Kyoto. Permission will be arranged to visit the Katsura Imperial Villa,* considered the finest example of Japanese architecture and garden design. Lunch will be a Buddhist shojin-ryori meal at Daitokuji Temple’s elegant restaurant. The afternoon is free to explore independently.

*Please note that this visit is subject to confirmation by the Imperial household and cannot be done on weekends. The tour is only offered in Japanese, and private guides are not admitted into the villa.

Day 9: Kyoto - Tokyo (B)
Today you will be transferred back to Tokyo by bullet train. There you will be met and driven to Four Seasons Tokyo at Chinzan-so (Garden View Room) for an overnight stay. This hotel is located next to the beautiful garden of Chinzan-so, where Edo-era feudal lords once resided.

Day 10: Depart Japan (B)
You will be met and transferred by private sedan to Narita Airport.

Typical Inclusions:
• All accommodation
• Regional flights
• Personalized sightseeing as indicated in day-by-day itinerary.
• Meals as specified
• Airport transfers
• Hotel tax and service charges
• Transportation in air conditioned vehicles
• Government fees and local handling charges
• Admission fees
• Luggage handling based on a maximum of two large pieces of luggage per person

Prices and departures may vary please contact your Concierge Traveller Advisor for more information.

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