Essence of Japan
11
Days
10
Nights
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan's iconic cities and cultural treasures. This well-paced 11-day tour combines the futuristic allure of Tokyo, scenic beauty of Hakone, innovative spirit of Nagoya, and cultural depth of Osaka. Dive into vibrant traditions with day excursions to Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nara, all while experiencing Japan’s advanced infrastructure, historic temples, gourmet cuisine, and natural splendors. Perfect for first-time travelers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Trip Highlights
- Arrival in Tokyo
- Full-Day Tokyo City Tour
- Leisure Day in Tokyo – Optional Theme Park Visit
- Tokyo to Hakone – Scenic Beauty & Lake Cruise
- Hakone to Nagoya – Museums & Floral Magic
- Nagoya to Osaka – Castles and Culture
- Kyoto Day Trip – Temples, Bamboo & Shrines
- Hiroshima Day Trip – A Journey Through History
- Nara & Dotonbori – Temples and Nightlife
- Free Day in Osaka – Universal Studios Optional
- Departure from Osaka
Day 1 :
Arrival in Tokyo
Land at Narita or Haneda International Airport, and proceed to your hotel in Tokyo. Check-in time is 3:00 PM. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and settling in after your journey. Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 2 :
Full-Day Tokyo City Tour
After breakfast, begin exploring Tokyo with a private guide. Visit the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most vibrant Buddhist temple, and stroll along the colorful Nakamise Shopping Street. Head up to the Tokyo Skytree Observatory at 350 meters for panoramic city views. Experience the futuristic TeamLab Planets Tokyo, an immersive art museum. Wrap up your day with some leisure time at Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district. Overnight in Tokyo.
Enjoy a full day at leisure. You can explore one of Tokyo's world-famous theme parks like DisneySea, Disneyland, or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo (entry on your own). Overnight in Tokyo.
After breakfast, travel by road to Hakone, known for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji. Cruise on Lake Ashi, a serene lake formed in a volcanic crater. Take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, offering dramatic views of Owakudani Valley and surrounding landscapes. Overnight in Hakone.
Depart for Nagoya after breakfast. Visit either the Toyota Kaikan Museum (showcasing future mobility tech) or SC Maglev Railway Park, where you can explore Japan’s rail evolution through life-sized trains and simulators. Later, enjoy a stroll at Nabana no Sato, a flower park with seasonal floral displays and illuminated installations. Overnight in Nagoya.
Head to Osaka after breakfast. En route, stop for a photo-op at the iconic Osaka Castle—one of Japan’s most historically significant landmarks. After checking into your hotel, spend the evening at leisure. Overnight in Osaka.
Explore Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Begin with the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, followed by a visit to the golden-hued Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Later, hike through the mystical Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Overnight in Osaka.
Travel by train to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Park, commemorating victims of the atomic bomb, and see the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to explore the floating Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan’s most scenic and spiritual sites. Return to Osaka by evening. Overnight in Osaka.
In the morning, head to Nara to see the majestic Todaiji Temple, home to Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue. Later, enjoy free time at Dotonbori, Osaka's bustling entertainment district known for neon lights, street food, and shopping. Overnight in Osaka.
Today is free to explore on your own. You may choose to spend a thrilling day at Universal Studios Japan, home to exciting rides and themed zones. Overnight in Osaka.
Day 11 :
Departure from Osaka
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward journey with unforgettable memories of Japan.
