Your 7-day best of Japan tour captures the essence of city life along the famous streets of Tokyo and Kyoto. Follow specialist guides on custom-tailored tours that reveal opulent palaces and the intricate work of dedicated artisans. Enjoy the polished life of modernity, the traditional charms of the past, and a calming ambiance inspired by tradition while you discover Japan's timeless allure and majesty.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Tokyo – Arrive in Tokyo, Vibrant and Colorful Capital of Japan
As your plane descends over the Tokyo metropolis, the brilliance of the city lights draws open your eyes. Your transfer will greet you at Narita Airport to take you to your luxury hotel located in the heart of the city. From Narita Airport, the trip into Tokyo proper takes you along the roads and railways that form the backbone of this timeless city. Once you settle into your luxurious hotel room, take some time to relax. You will want to be well rested for the captivating experiences that await you in the week ahead.
What's Included:
Day 2
Tokyo – Explore Tokyo’s Fish Market, National Diet and Tokyo National Museum
Day 3
Tokyo – Embrace Views from Tokyo Tower and on a Sumida River Cruise
Day 4
Mt. Fuji – Visiting the Lakes, Towns, and Bathhouses of Mt. Fuji
Day 5
Nara – Transfer to Nara, Japan’s Former Capital
Day 6
Kyoto – Traverse Shogun Palaces and the “Golden Pavilion”
Day 7
Kyoto – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Vacation like a Tokyo’s elite in the resort town of Hakone, known for its gorgeous scenery on the slopes of Mt. Fuji and the soothing comforts of the local hot springs
- Visit Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market, for the frenetic ambiance where giant tuna are auctioned in an impressively competitive and quick manner
- Tour Tokyo’s halls of government strolling the grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace and entering the National Diet, home to Japan’s House of Representatives
- Walk through Kyoto’s storied Gion District, long the home of iconic Yasaka-zukuri architecture and the enigmatic Geisha
- Enjoy a half-day tour of Nara including Daibutsu, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha standing over 52 feet tall
- Visit the grand castles and villas of Japan’s great shoguns, Japan’s ancient military commanders, including the impressive fortifications and gardens of Nijo Castle
Detailed Description
Your tour will begin in Tokyo, which became the current capital in 1868 and during the great Meiji Restoration, it was hurled into the industrialized age and hasn’t slowed since. You’ll have direct access to the Tsukiji Fish Market, where the frenzied atmosphere and high stakes bidding make this fish market an experience akin to the “Wall Street of tuna.” Between a tour of the National Diet Building and the grounds of the Imperial Palace, you’ll see the two sides of power that comprise Japan’s constitutional monarchy. Between boat rides, observation decks, and garden strolls, there will be no shortage of opportunities to savor Tokyo’s blend of manmade and natural scenery. Then, you'll stop for an interlude at the lakeside town of Hakone. It is situated in the shadow of Mount Fuji, which makes the perfect getaway for Tokyo urbanites in need of a change of scenery. You’re guaranteed to find peace along the undeveloped banks of Lake Ashi, the picturesque views of Fuji, and the healing hot springs of Hakone.
Finally, your tour will conclude in Kyoto, which was the capital from 794 to 1868 and for this reason, it is often called “The 1,000-Year Capital.” The city is appropriately brimming with palaces, temples, and culture. As you tour the grand castles and manors of mighty shoguns and emperors, it might be easy to think that these men alone held all the power. Although, as you visit the Geisha of Gion, to whom wealthy Japanese magnates flock, or Kinkaku-ji temple, passed from shogun to clergymen, keep in mind that power and influence come in many forms. From Kyoto, there will be a day trip to the ancient capital of Nara (the capital from 710-794). Nara is world-renowned for its Great Buddha Statue and the enormous Todai-ji temple — once so influential that the seat of government was moved away in an early exercise of the separation of church and state. Time and time again on this trip you find the stories of these great capital cities captivating and stimulating.
Consider learning more about your Japanese travel agents who strive to ensure an immersive and memorable experience in Japan from the moment you land.
Starting Price
$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.84 stars based on 653 reviews.
The trip was fantastic. The communication with Zicasso's travel agency was excellent. Everything worked out as planned and all expectations were exceeded.
Reviewed By Kenneth A.
Zicasso's travel expert was wonderful. She made great suggestions that were nuanced for our preferences. She was also very quick to respond to my emails.
Reviewed By James O.
Overall, we had the most informative and enjoyable trip of a lifetime.
Two people in particular should be commended. One of our Zicasso trip planners provided excellent pre-trip advice. He promptly responded to all of our emails and made itinerary changes when we requested them. Our first guide was the most incredible human being; prompt, kind, generous, and efficient. Her restaurant selections were all five-star. The information she provided was most enlightening. She was careful to explain, in advance, our daily activities, including important timelines.
Reviewed By Theresa H.
We just returned from a fantastic trip to Japan, our third family adventure with Zicasso. Our travel company provided excellent support throughout the planning process and outstanding resources for use during our trip. The accommodations in three cities were amazing and the mix of one-day guides, plus flexibility to wander and discover on our own, was ideal. Our entire experience was seamless. Thank you!
Reviewed By madelyn A.
Zicasso's travel specialist and her team planned an absolutely outstanding 16-day trip for me and my family. We visited Tokyo, Ghibli Park (near Nagoya), Kanazawa, Kyoto (with day trips to Nara and Osaka), and then wrapped things up with two nights at a beautiful and luxurious ryokan in Hakone.
Communication leading up to the trip was clear and efficient, and whenever we had a question during the trip, we were able to get quick answers from our travel company's rep in Japan.
I would absolutely book another trip with this company.
Reviewed By Max R.
As a family of four with a deep passion for travel, visiting Japan had been on our bucket list for years, and this year, we indulged ourselves with a Zicasso trip. It was nothing short of magical!
From the very start, the planning process was thoughtful and personalized, and the detailed preparation we received before our departure made us feel confident and excited.
Once we arrived, every part of the trip felt curated with care to our needs and family interests, with our personal highlight the origami experience our son had been dreaming about!
From biking through the vibrant streets of Tokyo to soaking in the beauty of the bamboo forest in Arashiyama to walking through the living history of Kyoto or admiring the Osaka Castle, every day of the trip was unique!
A special thank you to the Zicasso travel company's entire team, who were always just a message away. When we had to adjust cities and accommodations due to our flight schedule mid-trip, our travel specialist stepped in with calm and expert support, turning what could have been a stressful situation into a smooth transition. We truly felt cared for every step of the way.
Whether it was indulging in sushi at nearly every turn, embracing our inner geeks at Nintendo World (not even the rain could stop us!), or simply being present in the magic that is Japan, this Zicasso trip was unforgettable!
Reviewed By Rica T.
