Day 1: Tokyo

Meet your TravelTides Tours Airport Representative who will escort you to your driver for an accompanied airport transfer to your hotel by private vehicle.

Where you’ll be staying: The Gate Hotel Tokyo Essential Room

Day 2: Tokyo

Today meet your guide to embark on a captivating half-day city tour to gain insights into some of the city's most iconic, historical, and cultural sights of Tokyo. Begin with visiting Hamarikyu, a splendid Japanese garden that once belonged to a powerful feudal lord during the Edo Period. Admire the garden's diverse collection of seasonal flowers, drawing visitors from far and wide. The highlight awaits at Nakajima-no-Chaya, a charming teahouse offering freshly brewed green tea, delectable Japanese sweets, and picturesque views of the tranquil ponds and lush greenery. Uniquely, this landscape garden features seawater ponds that ebb and flow with the tides, adding to its allure. Take a delightful tea break as your guide shares intriguing insights into the art of sado, the traditional tea ceremony. From there, venture to Asakusa, a cherished part of Tokyo's old town known as shitamachi. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this district, once a flourishing geisha enclave. Discover the iconic Sensoji dating back to the 7th century, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding streets. Delight in strolling through the traditional shops that line the streets, offering a glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage. Let the captivating charm of Asakusa captivate your senses as you explore its timeless beauty.
Please note: This tour makes use of Tokyo's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

After years of traveling to and from Japan, our Destination Experts all agree that when traveling to the other side of the globe, we all need some time at leisure to acclimate to the new time zone, a fast-paced city, and a different country, culture, and way of life. Take this day to explore the city at your own pace or rest at your accommodations and set off tomorrow fresh-faced and ready to take in the incredibly country that is Japan with your private guide along side.
Please note: If you're the type to 'hit the ground running' when you travel, simply let your Destination Expert know and they will help you choose the best tour for the first, full day of your time abroad.

Where you’ll be staying: The Gate Hotel Tokyo Essential Room

Day 3: Tokyo

Embark on a fascinating guided journey through the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market, a bustling hive of activity. Begin with an informative video about the renowned inner market and its famous tuna auction, followed by a walking tour of the lively outer market. Indulge in delectable treats and explore the charming shops, some of which have been serving customers for generations. Visit a serene Shinto shrine where prayers for good fortune and business success are offered, and discover a café cherished by pop culture icons John Lennon and Yoko Ono. After the market tour, immerse yourself in a hands-on sushi experience at a traditional sushi restaurant. Follow the step-by-step instructions to craft various sushi types, including makizushi and nigiri sushi. Admire the beautiful presentation before savoring a mouth-watering meal, complemented by a side dish like crispy golden tempura. Enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary adventure that combines learning, culture, and delightful flavors.
Please note: This tour makes use of Tokyo's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

Buzzing with energy and innovation, the neon-lit ward of Shinjuku must be experienced to be believed. This thrilling entertainment district is brimming with atmospheric eateries, lavish nightlife, opulent hotel bars, and some of the country's most famous karaoke rooms. Immerse yourself in this futuristic city that offers thrills around the clock. Enjoy exclusive insider suggestions, courtesy of a supplemental composition provided by your insightful Destination Expert.

Where you’ll be staying: The Gate Hotel Tokyo Essential Room

Day 4: Tokyo To Hakone

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Tokyo in favor of a day in Hakone; The gateway to Japan’s tallest mountain Mt. Fuji and the surrounding national park. Your local guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and accompany you on your private drive from Tokyo. Spend the day exploring Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, making use of your private vehicle as well as Hakone’s experiential forms of transport. The first stop will be at the Hakone Checkpoint which has been reconstructed to look exactly as it did during the Feudal Edo Period. Your guide will explain its fascinating history and show you around the museum before taking a short walk through the beautiful Cedar Avenue nearby. After you have taken in the beauty of the forest, travel to the foot of Mt. Komagatake for a scenic ride on the gondola lift. If the skies are clear, Mt. Fuji might be visible. Hakone is also home to many museums and parks. Later in the day, visit the Hakone Open Air Museum, which creates a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its spacious grounds. Besides the sculptures, the Hakone Open Air Museum also features various indoor galleries, including a sizable Picasso Collection. Throughout the day there is a chance to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, however, please keep in mind that she is a notoriously shy mountain and it needs to be a clear day.

Enjoy a hearty, traditional Japanese meal as part of the Ryokan experience, included in the cost of your tour. This will be artfully presented and served to you in the ryokan's dining room, as is the custom in Japan.

Where you’ll be staying: Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu Superior Room with Open-Air Bath

Day 5: Hakone To Kyoto

This morning, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Meet your driver for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Please note: While your driver will be holding a Kensington Tours sign with your name printed clearly on it, most drivers in Japan speak very limited or no English. Should you require assistance, please call the 24/7 customer service phone number in your travel pack.

Relax on the scenic train from Hakone's Odawara station to Kyoto. The train ride is approximately 2 hours.

Meet your private assistant and driver for a train station transfer.

Where you’ll be staying: The Thousand Kyoto Thousand Superior Room

Day 6: Kyoto

Uncover the timeless allure of Arashiyama on a private walking tour through its serene temples, lush gardens, and hidden bamboo groves, steeped in history and natural beauty. With your expert private guide, navigate Kyoto's clean and efficient transit system to reach Otagi Nenbutsuji, a hidden Buddhist temple home to a remarkable collection of 1,200 moss-covered stone statues. Next, wander through the serene backroads of Arashiyama, uncovering a tapestry of intriguing sites that reveal ancient tales and natural beauty. Discover the tranquility of a temple adorned with small stone effigies, each representing centuries-old devotion. Learn about the legend behind a lush moss garden, inspired by an impossible romance that continues to captivate visitors. Along the way, explore quaint shops offering local folk crafts and traditional treasures unique to the area. Your guide will lead you to the iconic Arashiyama bamboo forest, but before reaching this popular spot, you'll have the chance to enjoy a hidden bamboo grove earlier in the tour—perfect for soaking in the serene ambiance away from the crowds. Conclude your expedition on the main street of central Arashiyama, before returning to your accommodation with your guide.
Please note: This tour makes use of Kyoto's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

Discover Kyoto’s rich spiritual heritage as you explore three iconic temples with your private guide, each offering a unique expression of Japanese culture and artistry. Meet your guide at your hotel and travel by Kyoto’s efficient public transit system to Sanjusangendo, a remarkable yet often overlooked temple housing 1,001 golden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Housed in the world’s longest wooden structure, this awe-inspiring sight offers a moment of quiet reverence. Continue to the famed Kiyomizudera Temple, reached via a lively slope lined with shops selling local crafts and treats. Admire the temple’s wooden stage, built without nails, and take in sweeping views over the city. From here, follow charming backstreets to Kenninji, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple. Inside, view intricate ink paintings, including a dramatic twin dragon ceiling mural, and enjoy a moment of stillness beside the raked stone garden. Time permitting, stroll through Gion, where traditional wooden townhouses and teahouses evoke Kyoto’s elegant past and its enduring geisha culture. Conclude a return transfer to your accommodation with public transit.
Please note: This tour makes use of Kyoto's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

Where you’ll be staying: The Thousand Kyoto Thousand Superior Room

Day 7: Kyoto

Discover Nara’s timeless charm with a private guide, exploring Todai-ji Temple, tranquil gardens, and the iconic Deer Park—windows into Japan’s profound heritage. Meet your guide at your hotel and travel via Kyoto’s efficient public transport to Nara, beginning at Isui-en, one of the city’s most exquisite gardens. Stroll through manicured landscapes with views of Mt. Wakakusayama, then pause for tea and local sweets at a tranquil teahouse. Continue to Todai-ji, an 8th-century UNESCO-listed marvel built as Japan’s head Buddhist temple. Be awed by the Daibutsu-den Hall, the largest wooden building in the world, which houses a towering 49-foot bronze Buddha. Wander through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely, and explore the charming backstreets dotted with shops and traditional homes. Miday, you'll be treated to a local lunch. Visit Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most revered Shinto shrine, adorned with hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns. End your journey in Naramachi, a former merchant district alive with boutiques, cafés, and inns. Conclude with a return train transfer to Kyoto.
Please note: This tour makes use of Kyoto's efficient public transportation to travel around the city. Additionally, let your Destination Expert know of any dietary restrictions prior to your departure.

Where you’ll be staying: The Thousand Kyoto Thousand Superior Room

Day 8: Kyoto To Osaka

Enjoy a transfer with a private driver from Kyoto to Osaka. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour.

Join your private guide at your hotel for an exploration through the heart of Osaka City, where a tapestry of history, culture, and architectural marvels awaits your discovery. Using Osaka's efficient public transit system, you'll journey to Osaka Castle, a site renowned for its historical significance and architectural grandeur. While the original wooden castle is long gone, its modern reconstruction faithfully captures the soaring splendor of the past. Venture into the vibrant heart of the Shinsekai district, where history seamlessly blends with modernity in a splendid fusion. This labyrinth of narrow streets and bustling alleys exudes an undeniable energy, a testament to the perpetual motion of the city. This is a perfect spot to try some local street food like the popular takoyaki. Amidst the bustling crowd, the famed Tsutenkaku Tower stands tall as an architectural masterpiece that offers breathtaking vistas of the cityscape. Your journey through Isshinji Temple provides a tranquil pause—a moment of reflection amidst the city's hustle. The serenity of its gardens and the intricate details of its architecture invite contemplation. A short walk through a nearby historic garden offers a preview of your final stop today. Behold Abe no Harukas, Japan’s tallest building—a monument to human achievement that seems to touch the sky itself. An elevator ride to its zenith unveils panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Please note: This tour makes use of Osaka's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

Where you’ll be staying: Marriott Miyako Hotel Superior

Day 9: Osaka

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle.