Tour: JP8B

Add Nikko . Compare with the 7 day Onsen, Castles & Temples
or even a 2-day Onsen Stay

Learn about Japan ancient and modern, and take time to experience life in the Japanese style. We make it possible. You'll visit all the essential sights of Tokyo and Kyoto, and marvel at the beauty of Mount Fuji. But we also include a break for relaxation, rejuvenation, and inner restoration in the manner that only the Japanese can offer. Take advantage of the Japan Onsen Experience for an encounter with serenity.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO

You'll arrive today at New Tokyo International Airport (Narita). After clearing immigration, you'll retrieve your baggage , meet our local rep just outside the Customs in the arrivals lobby on the first floor. You'll be escorted to the airport shuttle.

Welcome to Tokyo! Your van ride will provide a first view of the Japanese capital, so modern and familiar, and yet so different. Streets are busy but orderly and neat, lights and signs glitter everywhere, alternating with serene green oases.

You'll find a most comfortable room waiting at your hotel : Takanawa Prince Hotel.
After you check in, it's time to get to know Tokyo on your own, and appreciate its urban life: spotless streets, a pace that's fast but always in control, bicycles left unlocked, vending machines dispensing superb hot coffee in cans (or whiskey, if you wish), and signs in English.

Day 2: TOKYO

We'll call for you in morning to show you the sights of Tokyo. You'll ascend the Tokyo Tower to the observatory level for a commanding view of the city, and visit the Imperial Palace Plaza. Then it's on to the Asakusa Kannon Temple, a harmonious melding of design and spirituality. We'll also include time at the Tasaki Pearl Gallery, a multi-level emporium of pearls and much more, a must for visitors with fine taste. Your afternoon will be yours, to rest or to explore further on your own. Perhaps you'll take a cruise on Tokyo Bay, or browse the remarkable modern electronics, or the exciting neon-lit streets of Ginza. Feel free to wander in one of the safest cities anywhere. Of course, we're at your service to arrange any excursions.

Day 3: TOKYO - Atami SPA (D)

Our representative will call for you in the morning and see you to Shinagawa Station. You'll take the Shinkansen train which we've booked for you, from Shinagawa to Atami. Round-trip train ticket is included in our rate.
The is one of the major spa centers in Japan . It's just a short taxi ride ( on your own) from the station to your ryokan, or Japanese-style inn, the New Akao Hotel. Japanese style room
Your room will be ready at 3 p.m., with all the essentials and nothing to distract you from utter relaxation, but you'll be welcomed beforehand with slippers at the door. Of course, you'll immerse yourself in the warm outside pools, but make sure you follow local etiquette! You'll shower, soap up and rinse before your restorative soak. And you'll note that some of the outdoor hot pools are for men or women only. We've arranged a buffet dinner where you may choose from traditional Japanese specialties as well as a limited choice of a familiar western fare.

Day 4: Atami Spa - Tokyo (B)

Enjoy a leisurely day at your ryokan. Of course, you'll want to take another soothing soak in the spa waters before or after your buffet breakfast. Your room will be available until 10 a.m., and you'll have full use of the pools afterward. Take a walk around charming Atami.
Please proceed on your own and the taxi ride to Atami station.
Board the Shinkansen to Shinagawa Station in Tokyo , and proceed on your own in taxi to Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo where your room will be ready

Day 5: TOKYO - MT. FUJI - HAKONE - KYOTO (L)

Your motor coach will pick you up in the morning, and before long, you'll be speeding past the suburbs and into the neatly tended countryside beyond. Mount Fuji with its perfect, snow-capped conical shape will hover into view, every more impressive as we approach. We'll continue right onto the slopes of Japan's highest mountain, and ascend to the halfway point at 2300 meters (7600 feet) for spectacular views of rolling fields, orchards, lakes, and streams. We'll take our lunch at the Highland Resort, then continue with a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi, and a breathtaking ride on the Mt. Komagatake aerial tramway. In the evening, we'll head for the station to board the Bullet Train, and speed our way to Kyoto. Your room will be ready at the Kyoto Tokyu hotel.

Day 6: KYOTO - NARA - KYOTO (L)

We'll tour the major sites of the ancient capital of Japan this morning, including the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle with its exquisite interiors (or Ryoanji Temple when Nijo Castle is closed), and the ancient Imperial Palace. (On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, we'll take in the Higashi Honganji Temple instead.) After lunch at Kyoto's Handicraft Center, we'll continue to Nara, first capital of a united Japan. Highlights will include the Todaiji Temple with its huge Buddha; the 3000 lanterns of the Kasuga Shrine, and the Deer Park, where the animals are free to roam.

Day 7: KYOTO - TOKYO

We've included an open day at this point, for you to fill as you wish-and there's plenty to do and see in Kyoto! We can arrange tours to the Imperial Palace, the Katsura Imperial Villa, or the Shugakuin Imperial Villa. Perhaps you'll head for one of the historic outlying districts. Fushimi, in the south of the city, is connected with Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who helped create a strong, united Japan, and built his castle here. You'll also find charming canals, sake breweries, and, among others, the Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, with its thousands of bright gates, all an expected surprise. However you spend your day, we'll all meet up in the evening to board the Bullet Train for the fast return trip to Tokyo, where you'll stay at Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo for the night. Prefer to extend in Kyoto, and leave from Osaka ? Please click here

Day 8: DEPARTURE FROM TOKYO

We've arranged your transportation to Narita Airport in time to check in and catch your homeward-bound flight. By now you'll understand the traditional word of farewell: Sayonara.

Rate includes:

* Transportation from Tokyo Airport to your hotel and return

* Pickup from your hotel in Tokyo as per itinerary

* Hotel accommodations as described, including taxes and service charge

* Ground transportation and sightseeing by motor coach as per itinerary

* Train transportation on board the Shinkansen as per itinerary.

* Tours as listed, including entrance fees and guide service

* 1 breakfast (B), 2 lunches (L) and 1 buffet dinner (D) as indicated

Rate per person in USD :

Per person in double : US$ 1654.00

Child : 6-11 years :
US$ 1518.00 sharing parents room.

Per person in single : US$ 2055.00

Not included:

* Air transportation from /to your home country

* Trip interruption and cancellation insurance (please see our insurance brochure )

* Gratuities

* Meals or beverages other than one breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner

* Baggage handling .

* Transfers in Atami

* Transfers in Tokyo on Day 4

Concerning your visit to Mount Fuji, please note:

1. The ride on the Mt. Komagatake Aerial Cableway might be omitted, depending on traffic conditions.

2. Due to winter and spring road closures, we will ascend to the highest accessible point on Mount Fuji, and not necessarily the Fifth Station.

3. Weather and operational conditions could cause other changes or substitutions due to conditions beyond our control.

4. With advance notice, we'll be pleased to arrange audio tour tapes in French, German, Spanish, Korean, or Chinese at no charge.