Best Japan Tour

Welcome to Japan! After your flight lands in Tokyo, we will provide you with a hassle-free airport-hotel transfer by shared car. Our English-speaking assistant will welcome you with a paging board and escort you to the well-prepared car that will take you directly to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day in our carefully selected hotel, which is conveniently located in central Tokyo.

Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo

★ Tips from Insiders:
1. Flexible Ways to Arrive: Budget-minded experienced travelers can take an Airport Limousine Bus to the hotel. The hotel entrance is a 1-minute walk across the south Exit A1 of Shinjuku Station, which is also easily accessible by rail transit. To upgrade your airport-hotel transfer to a private car with driver for an additional fee, please contact our travel consultant in advance.
2. Excellent Hotel Facilities: Well-equipped rooms on floors 22 to 35 offer panoramic views of Tokyo.
3. Fun Neighborhood: 10 to 15 minutes’ walk north of the hotel are Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho, great places to eat and drink.
4. Important Note: Bring comfortable walking shoes! The following itinerary involves a lot of walking, and many attractions have cobblestone paths.

After breakfast, our guide will greet you in the hotel lobby and provide you with a public transport pass, which you can use for your own activities after the guide leaves in the evening. Our initial stop will be the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Walk through the serene worshipper’s path enveloped by dense forests to approach the main hall built in honor of Emperor Meiji (1852 – 1912 AD), who had a profound impact on Japan’s industrialization. In addition to admiring the Shinto shrine architecture, you may also have the chance to encounter a traditional Japanese wedding, something you’ll never forget – the parade of guests walking behind the bride and groom through the courtyard, with a slow, quiet pace and a very serious atmosphere, in stark contrast to the excitement of weddings elsewhere in the world. Be sure to stay until the end, when you may see a faint smile from the couple as they bid farewell to their guests. Later, move on to the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor and Japanese imperial family. Instead of a simple tour of the outer gardens commonly offered by some travel agencies, we will have a special in-depth exploration of the inner Fukiage Garden (or the East Gardens when the inner garden is closed). Our guide, well-versed in Japanese history and architecture, will give you an insight into this elegant and classical palace from the Showa Period. Let’s walk along the scenic moat and capture stunning photos of the famous Niju-bashi Bridge.

Next, visit the Tokyo National Museum and be impressed by the art history presented in the main hall of Japanese Gallery with exquisite exhibits from the Jomon Period (14,000 – 300 BC) to Edo Period (1603 – 1868 AD). Take a closer look at the ancient carvings, ceramics, screens, calligraphy paintings, swords, etc., and examine the precious cultural relics of China, India, Korea, and Cambodia in its Asian Gallery to learn about the profound history of Oriental civilization.
► Visit the Fukagawa Edo Museum instead when the Tokyo National Museum is closed on Monday.

In the late afternoon, explore Asakusa, Tokyo’s most lively neighborhood. Enter through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, stroll down the busy Nakamise-dori Street leading to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, and get fascinated by the small shops along the way selling a tempting variety of food, crafts and souvenirs. Built in 628 AD, this oldest temple in Tokyo is very different from the Buddhist temples you have seen in other countries, and it is full of entertainment. You can draw an Omikuji fortune slip like the locals do. Keep the good fortune slip, and if you get an ominous one, just tie it to the side railings to leave the bad luck behind.
► Tips:
1. Our guide knowing the local paths well will show you a secret lane outside the temple for a stunning view of Tokyo Skytree.
2. If time permits, you can take a rickshaw ride around the alleys near the Senso-ji Temple at your own expense.

After a full day of seeing the historical sites behind the modern metropolis of Tokyo, the guide will finally escort you back to the hotel or drop you off at the popular alley Omoide Yokocho near your hotel, if you like the local izakaya culture and want to try the most authentic local food or have a drink.

► Recommended Restaurant: Coco Ichibanya
Coco Ichibanya is welcomed near the north exit of Omoide Yokocho, which is good for a dinner on your own. It offers a variety of Japanese curry rice, as flavored minced pork, deep-fried chicken, beef, vegetables, seafoods, and more toppings are added. You could taste the local flavor in many areas around Japan, in the one restaurant. Salad, beverages, and desserts there are also good. It’s always crowded, but the food is really stunning, costing JPY 1,000-2,000 (USD 6-13) per person generally.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo

Today will be the highlight of your Japan tour, as we’ll embark on a pilgrimage to the Mount Fuji, one of the largest active volcanoes in the world and a symbol of Japan. In the morning, our private guide will pick you up from your hotel and whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for a remarkable day out. Take a 2-hour express bus ride from Shinjuku to the Lake Kawaguchi, the best place to view the Mount Fuji.

★ You Will Enjoy:
1. Secret Photo Locations: Our veteran guide, who visits here more than 100 times a year, will take you on a lakeside walk and point out some of the best photo spots.
2. Mount Fuji Panorama Ropeway: We have generously included this ropeway, making it easy for you to go up to the Fujimidai Station near the peak of the Mount Tenjo, where there is an observation platform with stunning views of the Mount Fuji and the Lake Kawaguchi below.
3. Lake Kawaguchi Cruise: Be treated to a relaxing 20-minute cruise on a pirate ship. Feel the cool wind through your fingertips and hair, and enjoy the snow-capped Mount Fuji from different angles.

★ Unique Service: Flexible Day to Visit Mt. Fuji
We are the first Japan tour operator to offer this service. The Fuji area has many overcast and rainy days, so there’s a chance you cannot see the mountain today. We are eager to realize your dreams. Please pay attention to the weather forecast, discuss with our guide in advance, and swap today Mt. Fuji tour with the previous day’s Tokyo city tour if necessary, and try to visit the Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
► Things to Know:
1. Just let us know before booking whether you prefer a fixed date to visit Mt. Fuji with a round-trip direct express bus or a flexible date without express bus as the bus tickets need to be booked one month in advance. Be prepared that a flexible date requires some patience - a 2 to 3 hours’ non-reserved train ride with a transfer and probably no seats.
2. We hope this adjustment will help you see the Mt. Fuji, but please understand that this is not a promise. Even if you change the date of your visit, you may not be able to see the mountain clearly because of the changeable weather.
3. If the weather forecast for Mt. Fuji is bad during your stay in Tokyo, you can also choose not to go to avoid the time wasted and disappointment of a long round trip without seeing the mountain. Please discuss with our guide to arrange a Tokyo downtown tour or enjoy some free time, all up to you.

► From Our Guest: Patricia Jones (United States), October 30, 2023
“I went to Japan this October, and as our flight landed, we got stunned…RAIN!!! We had planned to visit Mount Fuji on the second day, but it looked like my trip was going to be ruined. The AgateTravel staff was so kind to ask me if I would like to move my city tour from the third day to the second day, and we could wait for a possible fine weather on the third day to see Mount Fuji. I was surprised and grateful for their flexibility and efficiency. The next day, we visited the indoor museums and the Senso-ji in the drizzle, surprisingly pleasant and rewarding. The third day morning started out cloudy, but thankfully the weather cleared up by the time we took the cable car up! It is said that Mount Fuji is visible for only 80 days a year. Couldn’t be luckier! Truly a WOW honeymoon trip for us.”

★ Bonus for Our Guests:
During the cherry blossom time in spring and red leaf month in autumn, if time permits, we could take you to the Arakurayama Sengen Park (15 minutes by taxi), where it requires 15 minutes to climb the steps up the mountain to the five-storied Chureito Pagoda, which offers you a rewarding scene of the pagoda and the flowers or leaves that perfectly frame the Mount Fuji.

Finally, the guide will accompany you on an express bus back to Tokyo for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) in Tokyo

Today, experience the extraordinary Japanese bullet train by riding it yourself from Tokyo to Kyoto. Our guide will give you the train tickets with reserved seats in advance and advise you on important matters. In just 2.5 hours, you’ll complete a 470 km (292 mi) east-west traverse of Japan.

► Early Departure Recommended:
The train takes 2.5 hours, and it gets dark early in Japan, with many attractions closing at 16:00 or 17:00. To give you more time for sightseeing, we would book a train for you leaving at 8:30. Please contact us if you need to adjust the train time.

► Get from the Hotel to Tokyo Station by Yourself:
Please check out and leave your hotel half an hour ahead of the scheduled departure time of the train. Walk 1 minute north to Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Line or Marunouchi Line for 15 to 20 minutes to Tokyo Station; or you can take a taxi there if you have big luggage. Follow the signs to find the right bullet train platform.

► Luggage Tips:
1. Travel light, as there will be long walking distances and stairs, and carrying oversized luggage will drive you crazy.
2. Some trains require extra tickets for oversized luggage, so inform the guide in advance if you have large baggage.
3. Luggage Delivery Service at Hotel: You can pack essentials in a small carry-on bag and deliver your large baggage to a city later in your trip. A third city is recommended, given that delivery may take 2 or 3 days.

Kyoto, the old imperial capital of Japan for over a millennium and the spiritual heart of the nation, boasts a wealth of ancient shrines, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1994. Upon arrival, our guide will pick you up at Kyoto Station and escort you on a short walk to the hotel to drop off your luggage. Appreciate the magnificent Kyoto Tower just out of the Kyoto Station, and then we’ll head to the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. The classical Golden Pavilion will hit you at once, but do you know that this is not really an antique? It was a restoration in 1955 after the original was burned down by a psychopathic monk in 1950. What a pity! But this does not affect or even enhance its aesthetic display, as the rebuilt pavilion is even more brilliant than the original, and its reflection in the pool makes a tremendous visual impact. Later, we’ll visit the Nijo Castle, built in 1603 and once home to Japan’s first Tokugawa shogun. Its opulent architecture, surpassing even that of the imperial palace, is a testament to the Tokugawa family’s rising and the emperor’s waning power at that time.

Next, walk a bustling pathway to the ancient Pure Water Temple, a 1,200-year-old historic monument of Kyoto. Upon entering the Niomon Gate, we’ll be mesmerized by the elegant Zuigo-Hall and the Sanjunoto (Three Story Pagoda) that come into our view. Continue to explore around and climb the stairs to the Hondo Main Hall. On the wooden veranda protruding from the hall, suspended on the side of a cliff, you can take in the stunning views of the Mount Otowa and a panorama of the cityscape. Come in spring to be embraced by seas of cherry blossoms and in autumn by fiery maple leaves! While inside the hall, we will witness the enshrined Eleven-headed Thousand-armed Kannon, or the Bodhisattva of Compassion, which the temple is dedicated to. As the deity is in charge of conception and birth, waves upon waves of locals, especially newlyweds, would make pilgrimage to worship her for child bestowing. This actually alludes to a tradition from the ancient times, when the medical conditions were so poor that each family would put safe childbirth as a priority in their hopes. 

★ Gion Walking Tour: Experience the True Kyoto
Step out of the temple and follow the guide to wander through the atmospheric Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, distinctive walking ramps lined with traditional wooden houses and shops selling a variety of Japanese snacks, groceries and souvenirs. It’s interesting to know that, pregnant women would come to the temple via Sannenzaka, translated as “slope for peaceful delivery”, for more blessings. Marvel at the five-story Yasaka Pagoda of the Hokan-ji Temple at the crossing of the narrow alleyways and take some representative photos. Then, visit the lively Yasaka Shrine and explore the Gion geisha district. Here you might bump into a geisha with elaborate makeup on the Hanamikoji Street. The guide will finally take you to a handpicked tea house for a special cultural experience – geisha show.
► Tip: In the Pure Water Temple and Gion areas, you can see many locals and tourists dressed in bright traditional kimonos. If you like, you can rent a favorite kimono for a fee to take photos, as the classical atmosphere here is perfect for it.

★ Bonus for Our Guests: Tea Ceremony with Geisha Show
Curious about these graceful geisha girls with amazing skills? During 1 hour stay in a traditional tatami room, you can enjoy 2 dried sweets and matcha green tea served by lovely geishas or maikos from Gion or Miyagawa, who will also perform the traditional dance and tea ceremony for you. Have a pleasant chat, take commemorative photos with a maiko, and get a senjafuda gift, which is the special business card of a maiko.

After the enjoyable show, wander around the Gion area for the night view before getting back to the hotel by yourself – a taxi takes 10 minutes and costs about USD 10.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto (4 stars)

In the morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and first lead you to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which honors the kami of rice and agriculture who blesses the prosperity of commerce and crops. The guide will show you the best position next to the main hall to observe the special worship ceremonies of the locals inside, and then, let’s climb up the mountain through the striking path lined with thousands of vermilion traditional torii gates, known as Senbon Torii, which is one of the top sights in Kyoto and a place to capture amazing photos.

Next, we’ll take the Kintetsu Railway to Nara, the birthplace of the ancient Japanese culture with a history even longer than Kyoto’s. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the Nara Park exploring the antique shrines, temples and elegant gardens hidden among the forests. First, pay homage to the Five-Story Pagoda of the Kofuku-ji Temple, built in 669 AD, which is a symbol of Nara. Next, check out the Great Eastern Temple to view the magnificent bronze Buddha statue. Strolling along a quiet cobblestone path, you will be attracted by thousands of stone lanterns that line the road, some of which are covered in moss, telling the story of history and each donor. The path eventually leads you to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a serene and mysterious worshipping site deep in the forest.
► Tip on Nara Deer: You will occasionally meet cute deer along the way, and they are the real owners of Nara - more than 1,000 deer roam freely in the park, always happy to pose for photos with visitors. If you buy some deer crackers, be prepared to be surrounded by a herd of eager deer. Do not keep teasing the deer with food to avoid being bumped or bitten.

★ Exclusive Nara Walk: Delve into Local Life
We have specially designed an off-the-beaten-track route for you, away from the tourist throngs of Nara Park, and into the secluded alleyways of Naramachi neighborhood, where you will discover the real life of ordinary Japanese people. Browse the scattered shops selling local snacks and groceries, and admire the small but tidy courtyards decorated with flowers and plants in front of the local residences. Visit the small Goryo Shrine to learn about the exquisite architecture and the local Shinto religious beliefs. Then, step into the Naramachi Lattice House to see what a traditional Japanese machiya house looks like. Look at the structure of the front shop and back living area, and marvel at the clever lattice facade that provides privacy for the residents inside while allowing them to see out. Relax in the small and delicate patio, or simply sit on the tatami floor for a while to experience the traditional Japanese way of life.

Finally, the guide will escort you back to your hotel in Kyoto for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto (4 stars)

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then pack your luggage and meet our guide in the lobby. Let’s go for a half-hour train to Osaka. Upon arrival, drop off your luggage at the hotel and head straight to the Kuromon Market. The experience of the morning bustle of local life would be unparalleled. You’ll find delicious seafood and street food served in a relaxed space, with plentiful choices and the prices slightly high due to the large number of tourists. The seafood here is always incredibly fresh, which is why it’s nicknamed the ‘Kitchen of Osaka’. Next, we’ll head to the 450-year-old Osaka Castle, one of the three great castles in Japan. Stroll along the beautiful moat and gardens around the castle, take the elevator up the Main Tower to examine artifacts that showcase the history of Japan’s samurai era, and if you’re feeling up to it, climb three more flights to the top for spectacular 360-degree views of Osaka City.

★ Bonus for Our Guests: Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria
As a special treat for our guests, we’ll arrange a cruise for you to explore the Port of Osaka. View the exterior of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and then board Santa Maria, a vintage sailboat-like cruise ship that is twice as large as the ship Columbus used to sail to the Americas. During the 45-minute cruise, you can relax in the cabin cafe or enjoy the sea breeze on the deck while taking in the views of Osaka Bay, including the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, the high-rise Sakishima Cosmo Tower, and the red Minato Bridge.

Late in the afternoon, follow our guide to see the unique mossy Buddha statue of the Hozenji Temple hidden in the little-known narrow alleyways of Hozenji Yokocho. Afterwards, visit Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s most popular gourmet and business districts. Learn about the Dotonbori River’s original role as a canal built by wealthy Japanese merchants 400 years ago to transport goods, and enjoy its current bustling scene as a foodies’ paradise beside the waterway. Finally, our guide will accompany you back to your hotel; or you can stay here as long as you like, and walk back to the hotel by yourself in 10 minutes.

► Tips on Free Time in Dotonbori:
As night falls, the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi neighborhoods gradually become electric, with small restaurant bars and izakayas coming alive. Stroll to the riverside packed with restaurants, and you’ll get dazzled by giant billboards, flashing shop signs, and colorful neon lights that give a sense of the vibrancy of Japanese pop culture. A cruise on the canal would be a good pastime after dinner.

► Recommended Restaurant: Sushitetsu Shinsaibashiten
North of the canal in Dotonbori and 5 minutes’ walk eastwards from the No.6 exit of Shinsaibashi metro station, Sushitetsu Shinsaibashiten offers exquisite omakase sushi. It is a comfortable sushi restaurant with the counter seats close to the cooking area, table seating with chairs, tatami seats, and semi-private rooms. The chef would freshly make sushi for guests. Besides, chawanmushi - Japanese steamed egg with seafood, Tempura platter with various ingredients, grilled fish, etc. are also on offer. With JPY 3,000-4,000 (USD 19-26), you can eat your fill there.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Namba Oriental Hotel (4 stars) in Osaka

We hope you enjoyed this best Japan tour! After breakfast, you are free to arrange your last hours in Osaka, whether visiting additional attractions or doing some last-minute shopping. Plan your time accordingly and make your own way to the airport. We wish you a smooth journey home!

Meals: Breakfast

► How to Get to Osaka Kansai International Airport (for your reference):
Walk 6 minutes south to Namba Station to take the train Nankai Line to the airport (45 minutes, USD 7 per person); or take a taxi (45 minutes, USD 130).

► Tip: If you are leaving on a night flight, you may consider a day trip to the Universal Studios in Osaka. If you would like to add a guided tour on this day, or extend your stay in Japan, please feel free to contact our consultants to tailor a personalized travel plan to meet your specific needs.