Day 01 - Arrival in Tokyo

Upon arrival at Tokyo Airport, one of our representatives will be waiting to assist with transport into the city (boarding the right train or finding the appropriate shared shuttle bus to the hotel).

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 02 - Tokyo

Our guide will be waiting at the hotel in the morning to set out on a full day of sightseeing in Tokyo, utilizing the city’s efficient train system.

The tour starts with a stroll in the gardens of Hamarikyu, a perfect example of a Japanese-style garden that has its origins back in the Edo period. While its wide collection of seasonal flowers make it one of the most visited gardens in Tokyo, what makes it even more attractive is its teahouse called Nakajima-no-Ochaya. The teahouse serves freshly made green tea and offers lovely views of the surrounding pond and greenery.

Next embark on a scenic cruise along Sumida River, showing the more modern face of the city. The journey becomes more popular in spring, when the riverbanks are lined with cherry trees abloom.

The boat disembarks in Asakusa, one of the few remaining old towns in Tokyo that still has the atmosphere of Edo. Tourists flock the area to explore the grounds that surround the temple complex either by checking the local shops along Nakamise-dori or by visiting the humble Senso-ji Temple. Asakusa is also known for its numerous restaurants specializing in traditional Japanese cuisine, with tempura being one of the most sought-after dishes.

The tour ends with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a sanctuary for Shinto followers and thousands of tall cedar trees. The shrine is a popular venue for traditional Japanese weddings, offering a very rare opportunity of witnessing a procession wherein the Buddhist monks lead the couple to the prayer hall while chanting prayers.

Just outside the shrine grounds are the shopping districts of Omotesando and Harajuku. Here it is possible to part ways with the guide to make the way back to the hotel.

Note: The order of this itinerary may change depending on the location of the hotel.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 03 - Tokyo, Optional Day Tours

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:

Today is free to explore Tokyo independently: mix with the otaku (anime fans) and visit maid cafes in the electronics district of Akihabara, discover Tokyo’s world-class museums and art galleries in Ueno and Roppongi or get a glimpse of the future at Tokyo Bay’s Odaiba development.

Alternatively, make an excursion outside of Tokyo to one of the following places:

Kamakura

One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a delightful seaside town home to many ancient shrines, temples, and other structures like the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha that stands at 13-meter tall.

Nikko

Located north of Tokyo, Nikko is a city that lies in the mountainous area of Tochigi Prefecture well-known for its national park. Some of the popular places in the park include the Toshogu Shrine complex and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa.

Note: Toshogu Shrine is currently undergoing partial renovations.

Note: Return train tickets to Kamakura or to Nikko need to be arranged in advance at an additional cost.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 04 - Departure from Tokyo

The rest of the day is free at leisure until the included transfer, either by train or shared shuttle, back to Tokyo Airport.