Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

Welcome to Japan. After clearing customs, you will be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and familiarise yourself with the surroundings. In the afternoon, we will provide all the details you need to prepare for the start of your tour.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

We begin the day with an extensive guided tour of Tokyo, lasting approximately five hours. This city blends vibrant energy and modern districts with pockets of calm and tradition. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, where you’ll see the striking Tokyo Tower framed by a sea of Jizo statues—stone carvings that serve as guardians of children, often adorned with knitted hats and bibs. Next, we visit Shibuya Crossing, reputedly the world’s busiest intersection, before heading to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We then take a bus along the stylish Omotesando Avenue and explore the scenic Imperial Palace gardens, pausing at Nijubashi Bridge. Our tour continues through Akihabara, known as ‘Electric City’ and the heart of Japanese manga and anime culture. We include admission to Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the city. The day’s sightseeing concludes in Asakusa with a visit to Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street market before we return to the hotel.In the evening, meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. and take the subway (tickets included) to Shinjuku. We will walk through this lively area before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant (included). Afterwards, we take the subway back to the hotel accompanied by our guide. Please note the order of visits may change depending on Tokyo Skytree’s admission times. In case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances limiting access, we will offer an alternative visit to another iconic viewpoint.

We’ll take the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto early this morning, covering almost 500 kilometres in just over two hours. Kyoto, Japan’s former capital from 794 to 1868, is renowned for its well-preserved artistic heritage—largely intact as it was spared from World War II bombings. It’s also notable as the location where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997. Today we’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the striking Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and the Kinkakuji Temple—known as the Golden Pavilion—set within beautiful gardens. Later, you’ll have free time to explore Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district famed for its geisha culture and lively streets.

We’ll set off for Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, a remarkable Buddhist site dating back to 752, famous for its enormous Buddha statue. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch is included. Afterwards, we’ll explore Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient wooden structures, including one of Japan’s oldest pagodas. This temple complex remains an important place of worship. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Osaka and settle into our accommodation. Later, we’ll take a stroll through Dotonbori, a vibrant district known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife.

After breakfast, your tour concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of your time in Japan.