7 night Tokyo & Kyoto from $2399 pp including flights

Prices are per person on a twin share basis. Different dates may use different hotels. Ask about pricing flying your favourite airline or alliance.

DAY 1, Monday – Depart for Japan
Depart for Japan

DAY 2, Tuesday – Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo, the ultra high-tech and fascinating metropolis and transfer independently to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest and relax
Overnight: Tokyo

DAY 3, Wednesday – Morning Tokyo City Tour
This morning’s city tour of Tokyo begins with a visit to Tokyo Tower. Continue to Meiji Shrine*, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan. Next, stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden, located next to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, considered the largest castle in the area. This was the former site of Edo Castle and is now the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Your tour concludes at the famous Ginza shopping district, Tokyo’s most celebrated shopping and amusement area. Please note, you are required to make your own way back to the hotel independently. Balance of the day is at leisure, or join enjoy the optional Tokyo Bay Dinner Cruise on a luxury yacht.
*Meiji shrine may be substituted with Sensoji-Temple. In this case the tour will conclude at Nakamise shopping district
Optional: Tokyo Bay Dinner Cruise
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Thursday – Full Day in Tokyo
The day is at leisure to explore the enormous, ultramodern metropolis of Tokyo independently. As a premier global city, Tokyo offers incredible cuisine, from simple noodle dishes and sushi to gourmet Kobe beef prepared by some of the world’s top chefs, as well as a vast array of art and fashion venues. A day in this trendsetting capital city promises to stimulate each of your senses, from the bright, pulsating lights of downtown Tokyo to the delicious aromas billowing from traditional Japanese taverns. Perhaps venture out of the city on the optional Full Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone tour and view the highest mountain in Japan and one of the most beautiful conical volcanoes in the world. After lunch, proceed to Hakone, famous for its delightful natural scenery and enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi before returning to Tokyo
Optional: Full Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone with Lunch
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Friday – Full Day in Tokyo
Enjoy your last full day at leisure in Tokyo. For a different view of the city, take a stroll in the beautiful Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum, housing a collection of fascinating artifacts from across Asia. You may choose to participate in the optional Nikko Tour, a small historical city at the entrance of the Nikko National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as a center for Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for centuries. Here, you will see the Kirifuri Waterfall and stop for an authentic Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant
Optional: Full Day Nikko Tour with Lunch
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Saturday – Bullet Train to Kyoto
After breakfast, you will transfer independently to the train station for your bullet train to Kyoto, a city that once served as the imperial capital of Japan. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel by public transportation. Remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Sunday – Kyoto Morning City Tour
This morning make your way to the Kyoto Station Hachijo East Exit, to embark on the city tour of Kyoto, one of the best preserved architectural cities in Japan. Your first discovery is Nijo Castle, residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun, with its ornate interior handcrafted with Japanese cypress and famous nightingale floors, used as security measure against intruders as they squeak when stepped upon. At the celebrated Kinkaku-ji Temple, “the Golden Pavilion,” you understand why this magnificent golden-gilded temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, established in the 10th century, dedicated to Tenjin, the patron saint of students, who flock here from all over the country to pray for success in examinations. The tour concludes at the same place where it started, at the Kyoto Station. Balance of the day is yours, to explore the city independently. Tonight, attend the optional Traditional Kyoto Townhouse Dinner where you will enjoy a 12-course dinner hosted in a genuine 160-year-old Kyoto townhouse
Optional: Traditional Kyoto Townhouse Dinner
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Monday – Full Day in Kyoto
Spend your day at leisure in Kyoto or, join the optional tour to Nara. Travel via the Nara Keinawa expressway to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, repository of Japan’s cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures. Arrive at the exquisite Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home of the impressive Great Buddha bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. You then continue to Nara Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. The tour concludes with a visit to the famous and beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, displaying over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns
Optional: Nara Tour (PM)
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Tuesday – Depart Japan
Transfer independently to the airport in Osaka for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Washington Shinjuku Hotel, Tokyo

This tourist class hotel is located in the center of Shinjuku close to various shopping and entertainment venues.

Kyoto Tower Hotel, Kyoto

This superior tourist class hotel is located at the base of Kyoto Tower.

Tokyo Bay Dinner Cruise 7:00 PM

Day #3

AUD$131

This evening, experience a delightful dinner cruise, while sailing into Tokyo Bay on a luxury yacht. Savor a multi-course dinner, that includes a selection of international favorites and a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage. Marvel at the spectacular views of the Tokyo Bay and admire the twinkling lights of the city. Cruise underneath the famous Rainbow Bridge, see the illuminated Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan and the Eiffel Tower-inspired Tokyo Tower. View Odaiba, the artificial island in Tokyo Bay with its plethora of restaurants, shops and entertainment complexes.

Please note that transportation to & from the hotel is not included. Meeting location is at Hinode Terminal Boarding Point 2-7-104, Kaigan,Minatoku,Tokyo Japan 105-0022. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to a departure time. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours.

Full Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone with lunch

Day #4

AUD$215

Travel along the scenic roads of rural Japan with its striking natural scenery. Ascend to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and one of the most beautiful conical volcanoes in the world. Stop to admire the gorgeous landscape (weather permitting) of the park and lake Ashi. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing cruise around placid Lake Ashi. Ascend to the summit using a cable car, to marvel at sweeping views of Hakone National Park and gain a whole new appreciation of this iconic mountain. Spend time at leisure to explore the surrounding area on your own before returning to your hotel in Tokyo.

Pick up from Shinjuku Washington Hotel (3-2-9 Nishi-Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 160-8336, 3d floor) or Keio Plaza Tokyo (2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 160-8330). Pick up time to be advised locally. Drop-off at Shinjuku Station. Approximate tour duration is 11 hours.

*Note If the volcanic warning condition is at a high level, the itinerary may be modified and advised locally.

Full Day Nikko Tour with lunch

Day #5

AUD$230

Nikko a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the entrance of the Nikko National Park, has served as a center for Shinto and Buddhist worship for centuries. It is home to several temples and shrines, including the Futarasan Shrine and the Rinnoji Temple. Visit the Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of the first shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, a gorgeous complex of colorful structures featuring the superb craftsmanship of Japan’s 17th-century artisans. After an authentic Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant continue to Lake Chuzenji, created 20,000 years ago by an eruption of Mt. Nantai. Afterward, visit the 318 foot Kegon Falls, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Nikko. The tour concludes near Shinjuku Station, one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping and entertainments districts.

Pick up from Keio Plaza Tokyo (2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 160-8330). Pick up time to be advised locally. The pick-up transfer will take you to Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal at 105-0013 Tokyo, Minato, where you will board another bus heading to Nikko. Drop-off at Shinjuku Station. Approximate tour duration is 12 hours.

Due to local conditions, from approximately Oct 10 to Nov 10 Kegon Falls will not be visited. Alternate sightseeing will be provided.

Traditional Kyoto Townhouse Dinner

Day #7

AUD$91

This evening, experience the atmosphere and hospitality of a genuine 160-year-old Kyoto townhouse and get a sense of everyday life in old Kyoto. Explore the flavors that make Kyoto cuisine special during your 12-course dinner. Your meal features traditional Kyoto-style Obanzai home cooking, served as kaiseki cuisine style.

Pick up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours.

Nara Tour 1:40 PM

Day #8

AUD$115

ravel via the Nara Keinawa expressway to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, repository of Japan’s cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures. Arrive at the exquisite Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home of the impressive Great Buddha bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. You then continue to Nara Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. The tour concludes with a visit to the famous and beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, displaying over 3,000 antique hanging bronze lanterns.

Please note that pick-up from the hotel not included. Meeting location is Avanti Kyoto Sunrise Desk (Kyoto Station, Hachijo Exit). Meeting time will be advised locally. Drop-off at the hotel. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.

For most Australian and New Zealand passport holders you will not require a visa for travel to Japan.

Visas

If you’re visiting for tourism, and less than six months, you don’t need a visa. Permission is granted on arrival. You can’t extend this period. In other circumstances, you’ll need a visa.

You don’t need a visa if you’re visiting for less than 90 days:

• as a tourist
• for a business trip or conference
• to visit friends and family

To qualify, you need to show you have:

• enough funds
• an onward or return ticket
• confirmed accommodation in Japan