Luxury Japan Holiday

Pick-up by Private Car with Chauffeur: When your flight lands at Tokyo’s Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, please collect your luggage and walk to the arrival hall, where you will be warmly greeted by your courteous personal driver. The driver will escort you to the hotel in a luxurious air-conditioned private car that has been meticulously prepared to ensure your comfort. The transfer to the hotel takes about 1 hour from the Narita Airport, while half an hour from the Haneda Airport.

★ Tips from Insiders:
1. Expert-chosen Hotel with Prime Location: Our hotel is conveniently situated in Tokyo’s busiest Shinjuku area, just a 3 to 5 minutes’ walk from the nearest subway station. If you arrive early, you can explore the surrounding neighborhood on your own. The Omoide Yokocho, a charming alleyway packed with izakayas, is recommended for dinner and a drink, while Kabukicho is a great spot for nightlife.
2. Travel Light: Many stations in Japan lack elevators. Additionally, boarding and disembarking trains can be challenging with oversized baggage.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Many scenic spots require extensive walking, often involving steps, ramps, and gravel paths, which can be an ordeal if you don’t have a good pair of shoes.

Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) or Hilton Tokyo (5 stars)

After enjoying a hearty breakfast buffet, our guide will be waiting for you in the lobby. We’ll start our enriching private car tour to the Meiji Jingu Shrine, which honors the venerated spirits of Emperor Meiji (1852 – 1912 AD) and his wife, Empress Shoken. Nestled in a tranquil oasis amidst Tokyo’s vibrant cityscape, the shrine will make you feel embraced by serenity and holiness. You may have a chance to immerse yourself in the graceful Japanese rituals as you witness a captivating Shinto wedding ceremony unfolding within the shrine’s sacred grounds. Next, prepare to be amazed by the Shibuya Crossing, renowned as the busiest crossing in the world. When the light turns green, the traffic sometimes reaches up to 3,000 people at a time. If you are interested, let the guide show you the Hachiko Memorial Statue, a poignant tribute to a loyal Akita dog, around which several famous movies have been based. Japan’s deep affection for dogs is evident in its high rate of dog ownership. With surprisingly over 20 million dogs residing in the country, one out of every six people owns a dog. Their well-established animal protection laws ensure that dogs thrive even in such bustling urban environments.

★ Tokyo Premium Food Tour with Famous Chef at Shibuya
Beyond its fashion-forward reputation, Shibuya is also a food paradise. Here, we've picked an Instagram-trending restaurant for you to try the omakase sushi (or teppanyaki) and a cup of sake for lunch. A local celebrity chef will prepare the food right before your eyes, and you can see how the raw ingredients are transformed into exquisite dishes under his magical hands. What an eye-opening experience!

After lunch, let’s explore Asakusa, the liveliest entertainment district in Tokyo since ancient times and a treasure trove of traditional Japanese culture. Pass through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, with its towering red structure symbolizing the gateway to the spiritual realm. Strolling down the bustling Nakamise-dori Street, you’ll be enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere of colorful stalls and enticing aromas. Then, we will visit the prosperous Senso-ji Temple, built in 628 AD. Follow the guide, do as the locals do, wash your hands and gargle in the front sink before entering the main hall for worship.

★ Special Treat: Rickshaw Ride around Senso-ji Temple
We will arrange a complimentary 30-minute rickshaw ride for you, which is a unique Japanese cultural experience. A rickshaw man clad in traditional attire will serve you from the Kaminarimon Gate into enchanting backstreets inaccessible to buses and taxis, and with vibrant Showa-era nostalgia. During the ride, your gaze will be drawn to the majestic Tokyo Skytree to the east.

► Tip: If you like, rent a kimono at your own expense near the Senso-ji Temple, dress like a local, pose against an antique backdrop, and immerse yourself in the unique costume culture.

★ Capture Breathtaking Panorama of Tokyo from Roppongi Hills
When the afternoon sun paints the sky with golden hues, we will ascend to the roof observation deck on the 52nd floor of the skyscraper Roppongi Hills to enjoy the urban views of the Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, and the glistening expanse of the Tokyo Bay. On a clear day, you can even see the Mount Fuji. After absorbing the sunset and night view, you can also visit the Mori Arts Center on the 53th floor (closed when there is no exhibition).

Finally, our guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel or the Shinjuku Golden Gai if you like.

► Recommended Restaurant: Sushidokoro Shigeru
If you would like a dinner, Sushidokoro Shigeru is a Michelin Bib Gourmand sushi restaurant south to the Akebonobashi Toei subway station. Although it’s a little far, 2 stations away from the hotel, it’s high recommended to try on your own, as it opened from 18:00 pm to 01:00 am. Taking JPY 8,000-10,000 (USD 52-65), you could enjoy the good-quality and authentic nigiri sushi freshly made. On the omakase menu, snacks like seasoned vegetables and sakes are also provided. In addition to the incredibly good food, you’ll also enjoy a friendly service.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) or Hilton Tokyo (5 stars)

In the morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic 2-hour drive by private car with driver, to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station or as high as possible. The elegant snow-capped summit of Mt. Fuji is often coyly hidden in the clouds. Pray for a bit of luck for you to witness the true face of this famous mountain.

Cruise down Lake Kawaguchiko & Admire Mt. Fuji
Next, we’ll drive to Lake Kawaguchi, which is one of the Fuji Five Lakes offering the best places to view the Mt. Fuji from a close distance. Board the Pirate Ship to embark on a captivating 20-minute Lake Kawaguchi sightseeing cruise. We will provide you with a first-class ticket, which grants access to the second-floor viewing area and the open-air top deck, ensuring unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes. As you glide across the crystal-clear waters, take in the elegant Mt. Fuji and other scenic spots along the lake’s shore.

After the cruise trip, a 15-minute drive will take you to the Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can climb up to the iconic 5-story Chureito Pagoda to appreciate the Mt. Fuji from another perfect perspective. Finally, this stunning adventure day comes to an end and we will drive you back to Tokyo. The approximate time to arrive at the hotel is 20:00 in the evening.

★ Unique Service: Flexible Date 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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Century Southern Tower (4 stars) or Hilton Tokyo (5 stars)

Train Travel to Kyoto on Your Own (tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto reserved and included):
Please check out of the hotel and get to Tokyo train station to take the bullet train to Kyoto. Please rest assured that our guide will inform you of the details in advance. The whole journey takes about 2.5 hours this morning.
► Tip: You are advised to travel light. If you have super big luggage, please let our guide know in advance, as some trains may charge extra for oversized baggage.

Kyoto Essence Tour
Upon arrival in Kyoto, our local guide will meet you at the train station. As you exit the station, you will be greeted by the Kyoto Tower. Drop off your luggage at the hotel, and then the guide will accompany you on a short taxi ride to the Pure Water Temple. In addition to the Buddhist architecture, you will climb onto and marvel at its huge wooden Kiyomizu Stage, a platform built without a single nail extending from the main hall, which clings onto a cliff side. Intriguingly, there is an old Japanese slang that translates as “jump off Kiyomizu Stage”, stemmed from a saying that if one dares to drop themselves from the stage, their wish will be granted. Up to hundreds of people shockingly did! Of course the government has later made law to forbid this suicidal act, and from then on the phrase only means “make up your mind to do something”. You can actually poke your head out from handrail to discover how tall it is, as well as a panoramic view of Kyoto.
► Tip: If you're looking for a unique experience, consider renting a kimono to wear and take photos, which is in keeping with Kyoto’s ancient style.

Out of the temple, we’ll start a Gion walking tour. Stroll from Sannenzaka to Ninenzaka, both of which are bustling ramped pedestrian streets lined with traditional Japanese architecture, teahouses and souvenir stalls. Stop before the five-story Yasaka Pagoda of the Hokan-ji Temple to take photos. Continue down to the Maruyama Park, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, where you can see a huge weeping cherry tree that is more than 200 years old. Visit the Yasaka Shrine and then enter Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, where you might happen to see a kimono-clad geisha walking past. Finally, the guide will escort you to the Gion Corner Theater for a traditional geisha performance.

★ Enjoy Geisha Show at Gion Corner
No visit to Japan is complete without experiencing a traditional geisha performance. We will specially arrange a wonderful geisha show for you at a famous local theater. Dressed in kimonos, with delicate oshiroi makeup and elegant manners, these geishas or maikos (apprentice geishas) specialize in traditional dance of the Kansai region, offering a great feast of Japanese culture and crafts.
► Instead of informal shows held in small teahouses on regular tours, our luxury tour arranges this prestigious theater for our distinguished guests to enjoy a formal geisha performance.
► VIP tickets for premium seats will be arranged for you, allowing an up-close experience.
► Watch seven authentic traditional art performances in one go, including Kyomai dance, ikebana flower arranging, tea ceremony, koto music, bugaku dance, kyogen comedy, and bunraku puppet show.
► Tip: After the show, you can walk around Gion to enjoy the night view and then take a taxi for 10 minutes back to the hotel at your own expense.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station (4 stars) or The Thousand Kyoto (5 stars)

► Lunch & Dinner Suggestions: (at your own expense)
The Nishiki Market, in the heart of Kyoto, is a proper place for lunch recommended by many gourmets; while the Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Gion areas are full of snack bars that are good for dinner. Our guide will be willing to give you advice on what and where to eat. You can try dango dumplings, matcha ice cream, tempura, croquette or other local food.

After breakfast, our guide and the driver will pick you up from your hotel for a tour of the World Heritage Sites of Kyoto. First, we will head to the Fushimi Inari Shrine to pay homage to its featured ‘Senbon Torii’, a super long row of thousands of vermilion torii gates stretching up to the top of the mountain. The big torii gate at the entrance was donated by the famous Japanese politician Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1589 to pray for his sick mother. Over the centuries, people came to pray for good fortune, business success, or the cure of diseases. Each torii gate represents a donation from a worshipper who has had their wish granted, so you can see how effective this shrine is!

Next, check out the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Its representative building Golden Pavilion, aka the Shariden Hall, will impress you with its elegant shape and its reflection in the Mirror Pond. The gilded pavilion was actually rebuilt in 1950 after it had been burned down by an insane monk. Only the golden copper phoenix statue on its spire is the original. Our guide, well versed in Kyoto history, will tell you the appalling story about the fire during the tour. Later, the guide will take you to explore the Nijo Castle. Get across the moat to enter the city wall, and enjoy the gardens and buildings dating back to the early 17th century. From the well-preserved palaces, you can see the great power of the castle’s owner, the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.

Travel to Osaka and Visit Dotonbori
Late in the afternoon, our guide will escort you to Osaka in about 1.5 hours by private car with driver. Check into the hotel, take a short break, and then explore the city’s most popular business and food district: Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Hozenji Yokocho. In the end, our guide will take you back to the hotel, or you can have some free time to take in the dazzling night piece of Dotonbori before making your own way back to your hotel, which is just 7 or 8 minutes’ walk south.

► Recommended Restaurant: Taian
Taian, near Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, has been a great Michelin 3-star restaurant for years. From the No.6 Exit of Nagahoribashi metro station, only 2 minutes’ walk is required to reach the restaurant. Open at 17:30-21:00 from Tuesday to Sunday, remarkable Japanese are served there. At an average expense of JPY 20,000-30,000 (USD 129-194), you can enjoy the mouthwatering food including the fresh sashimi, grilled fish, deep-fried seafood, soup, rice, and desserts. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to experience how Japanese treat guests traditionally.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Namba Oriental Hotel (4 stars) or Swissotel Nankai Osaka (5 stars)

We hope you’ve enjoyed your luxury Japan tour! Please check out after breakfast, and we will arrange for a private car to escort you to the Osaka Kansai International Airport according to your flight time. Have a nice trip home!

Meals: Breakfast

► Tips on Osaka Extension: If your departure flight is in the late afternoon or evening, consider exploring Osaka’s famous attractions on your own or contact us to add a guided tour service. The Kuromon Market, not far from your hotel, offers a glimpse into the vitality of the Japanese morning fair, as fresh sea catches are soon made into delicacies, providing a rare taste experience. The Osaka Castle Park is also a great place to visit, especially if you take a cruise along the inner moat to observe the towering castle and honmaru from different angles. What’s more, you can visit the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine on the way to the airport.

► Note: Our tours are all customizable, so please feel free to add or remove activities to fit your individual needs. We can also help you extend your stay in Japan or arrange travel to other countries. Just let us know!