The Best of Japan

6 Days - Tokyo, Mt.Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara
Tour: JP6B

Photo Credit : By JNTO

From Tokyo to Kyoto, immerse yourself in the essence of Japan, in depth, at leisure. You'll discover modern and traditional Tokyo, appreciate the serene essence of Mount Fuji, speed through the countryside on the Bullet Train, and delve into the imperial past in Kyoto. We've even allowed for the special experience of rest and rejuvenation Japanese-style, with a night at a spa hotel in Hakone. Take advantage!

Start daily in Tokyo - Subject to availability (Jan 5 - Dec 25)
(except Feb. 18,19, Apr 25- May 7 ( Golden Week Season)

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
You arrive today at the New Tokyo International Airport (Narita). After clearing immigration, you'll retrieve your baggage and make your way to the customs exit doors where our local rep will be waiting with a sign in your name at the arrivals lobby on the first floor, and assist escort you to airport shuttle .

Welcome to Tokyo! Your van ride to your hotel 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 check in at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel New Tower , where you'll stay two nights. Then 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.

Asakusa Kannon Temple

Day 2: TOKYO
We'll call for you in the 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 excursions.

Mt. Fuji

Day 3: TOKYO - MT. FUJI - HAKONE (L)
Your motor coach will pick you up in the morning, and before long, you'll be out past the suburbs and into the neatly tended countryside beyond. Mount Fuji with its perfect, snow-capped conical shape will hover into view, ever 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. A comfortable bed will be waiting in nearby Hakone at the Hotel Kowaki-en, where you can delight in a relaxing hot-springs bath.

Todaiji Temple

Day 4: HAKONE - KYOTO - NARA - KYOTO (L)
We'll set out in the morning to drive through the foothills to Odawara station on the main railway line, and board the ultra-modern Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for the speedy trip into Kyoto. We'll take our lunch at the New Miyako Hotel, our lodging place for the next two nights. Then it's off to nearby Nara, the 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 5: 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, 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 visit Sanjusangendo Hall with its 1,001 impressive images of Buddha, vermilion-hued Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu Temple with its wooden verandah. Take the rest of the day to relax, or to wander the charming traditional sections of Kyoto. Perhaps you'll head for Fushimi, in the south of the city, where you'll find charming canals, sake breweries, and, among others, the Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, with its thousands of bright gates, all an expected surprise. We can arrange tours to the Imperial Palace, the Katsura Imperial Villa, or the Shugakuin Imperial Villa.

Kiyomizu Temple

Day 6: KYOTO - DEPARTURE FROM OSAKA
In accordance with your flight schedule, we'll see you to Osaka's Kansai International Airport to begin your homeward journey. With advance notice, we can also arrange connections to Tokyo's Narita Airport for departure via Bullet Train

Another option is the Scenic Japan tour package, starting and ending in Tokyo.

Rate per person in US$

Per person : $1700 in double occupancy.
Children rate : $1506 per child 6-11 sharing parents' room.
Per Person : $2268 in single occupancy.

Rate includes:

* Transportation from Tokyo Airport to your hotel and from Kyoto to Kansai Airport

* Airport greeting

* Hotel accommodations as described, including taxes and service charge

* Ground transportation to Mount Fuji by motor coach

* Bullet Train transportation to Kyoto

* Tours as listed, including entrance fees and guide service

* Three lunches with set menu (L)

Not included:

* Air transportation

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

* Gratuities

* Meals or beverages other than two lunches

* Baggage handling beyond first bag ($20 per extra item between Tokyo and Kyoto collected locally)

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.