Steeped in history while forging a high-tech future, the Japanese people enjoy a lifestyle of harmonious contrasts. Not quite East, not quite West, Japan’s myriad islands offer everything from Alpine skiing to tropical beaches, supersonic bullet trains to hypnotic, unhurried tea ceremonies.
Nowhere sweeps you off your feet in quite the same way as Japan. The dazzling capital of Tokyo is often people’s first introduction to Japan and to say it is an assault on the senses is an understatement. This is a city that moves at an astonishing rate but take the time to step back and you’ll discover that just like any big city around the world, there is a more sedate side waiting to be explored. Other cities, such as Kyoto and Kanazawa, while by no means small, have an altogether more relaxed feel thanks to their beautiful castles, pagodas and quaint wooden buildings. In Kyoto it’s not uncommon to see kimono-clad geisha shuffling along the narrow streets, a reminder this is a country where traditions are still embedded in everyday life.
A patchwork of bamboo forests, sparkling lakes and hot springs, Japan’s beautiful countryside provides the perfect antidote to its frenetic cities. Here it’s all about taking the time to appreciate the natural environment and really tuning into yourself.
And then of course there’s the food. Without a doubt one of the highlights of any trip Japan, every meal offers something special. From fresher-than-fresh sushi to steaming bowls of ramen and crunchy tempura, there is so much to look forward to.
Let BODHI help you to discover this diverse region with a seamless and personalised itinerary.
Tokyo arrival
Arrival at Narita/Haneda airport
Meeting with your guide in the arrival hall and transfer to your hotel by private coach. (90/60 minutes).
The rest of your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Tokyo: Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar.
After breakfast, meet with your guide in the hotel lobby for a departure to Tokyo Highlight Tour via public transport.
Begin your exploration of Tokyo with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings.
After visiting the shrine, you will pass by private coach through the adjacent Omotesando shopping street, a broad tree lined avenue home to the flagship stores of the world’s top fashion brands.
From here your guide will take you to the Roppongi ward via public transport where you will visit the Roppongi Hills Observation Deck.
The 238 meters tall Mori Tower is the centerpiece of the Roppongi Hills complex in Tokyo’s Roppongi district. The tower houses the entrance to the excellent Mori Art Museum and the elegant Tokyo City View observation deck. On a clear day, you can see Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree and even as far as Mt. Fuji!
Last stop is the nearby Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town where you can soak up the atmosphere of what Tokyo must have been like hundreds of years ago. Visit Sensoji, also known as Asakusa Kannon and Tokyo’s oldest temple. The Broadway leading up to the Temple is called Nakamise and this shopping street has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and souvenirs for centuries.
You will have dinner in Toda Akasaka, a fine dining Japanese restaurant.
Breakfast at hotel
Free time to spend your day in Tokyo (optional activities can be arranged)
Breakfast at hotel and check-out
Meet with your guide at the hotel for a departure to Komyoji temple by private coach.
You will visit to Komyoji temple and have Zazen experience. You can learn the basics of the same sitting meditation that led the Buddha to Enlightenment: folded legs, erect posture, half-closed eyes and a focus on measured breathing that leads to awareness of the way the mind works. A private coach will take you to your hotel. Dinner at hotel.
Overnight in Hakone: Susukinohara Ichinoyu Hotel or similar
Meet with your guide at the hotel for a departure to Kawaguchiko by private coach.
You will visit the beautiful lakeside town of Kawaguchiko, known for its panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the mountain's symmetrical reflection in the lake.
First stop will be a visit to Arakura Sengen Shrine, home to the spectacular Chureito Pagoda, a tall vermillion spire against a backdrop of Mt. Fuji, often used in promotional images for Japan.
*Please note that you need to walk 10-15 minutes after you get off a coach & walk up about 400 steps to get to the observation point.
Next, you head to the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum. The man after whom the museum is named is renowed for the revival of Tsujigahana silk-dyeing, thought to be a lost art. Here, you will see many intricate works of art on beautiful silken kimonos. ( If the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum is closed, you will visit the Kawaguchiko Music Forest instead).
Next stop is Oishi Park, located in the Oishi district on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, has a spectacular location where you can see both the lake and Mt. Fuji at the same time. Just taking a leisurely stroll along the flower-filled promenade while looking at Japan's highest mountain, Mt. Fuji, is a relaxing time.
A private coach will take you back to your hotel.
After breakfast meet with your guide at the hotel for a departure to Hakone Shrine by private coach.
First stop in Hakone will be the Hakone shrine. This shinto shrine was very popular among Samurai during the twelfth century and is hidden away in a dense forest. In fact the shrine is so well hidden that it would be easy to miss were it not for its maginificant torii gates.
Next stop will be Hakonemachi where you will board a Pirate Boat taking you to Togendai. Both are ports on the shores of Lake Ashi, which is in fact an enormous volcanic crater created by an eruption 3,000 years ago. *In case of bad weather, Pirate Boat departure may be subjected to rescheduling or cancellation.
After arriving in Togendai we will continue your journey via Rope Way heading towards Owakudani.
The first thing you will notice when arriving in Owakudani is the smell of sulfur coming from this active volcano. There are walking trails around Owakudani that lead to steam vents and bubbling pools. The eggs they sell in Owakudani are boiled in the volcano’s natural hot springs and are said to prolong life by seven years! *Owakudani is generally accessible by ropeway, however as this area is an active volcanic zone, hiking trails may be closed due to volcanic gasses. People with respiratory problems should consult their physician before visiting the area.
A private coach will take you for a transfer to Odawara station.
Today you will board the famous Shinkansen bullet train, which reaches speeds of up to 300 km/h. taking you to the city of Kyoto.
Arriving at Kyoto station, a private coach will be waiting you to take you to your hotel. End at hotel. Overnight in Kyoto: Karasuma Kyoto Hotel or similar.
After breakfast meet with your guide in the hotel lobby for a departure to Kyoto Highlight Tour by private coach.
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, was originally built as a pleasure villa for the Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga. After his death, it became a Buddhist Temple at his request. With its top two floors completely covered in gold-leaf, it is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
Next, you will have Tea ceremony experience. You will learn all about the various types of tea and the instruments used to prepare it with the support/advice from the professional instructor and interpretation from our assistant. You will see how every movement has a meaning and what serving tea to guests means in Japan.
Next, visit to Kiyomizu Temple, which translates as pure water temple, derives its name from the waters that spring from the east mountains and flow to the site. Progressing through the temple complex, enjoy a variety of sights, including spectacular views of Kyoto city as well as the 13-meter-high wooden veranda of the temple’s main hall, built without using a single nail.
A private coach will take you to your hotel.
After breakfast meet with your guide in the hotel lobby for a departure to Miyama by private coach.
Miyama is a hidden mountain retreat located just 50 km north of Kyoto. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the 26 hamlets that make up Miyama have worked hard to preserve traditional village life in the mountains. The culture of Miyama revolves around responsibly taking and giving back to the environment.
Visit include the Miyama Folklore Museum, Inari shrine, Kamakura shrine, Fumeiji temple and the Little Indigo Museum(closed every Monday, Tuesday & Friday). Soak in the healing mountain air before your tour ends in the afternoon.
A private coach will take you back to your hotel.
After breakfast meet with your guide in the hotel lobby for a departure to the town of Nara by private coach.
During the eighth century Nara was Japan’s capital for 74 years and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still stand today.
Visit Todai-ji, home to a massive bronze Buddha weighing 500 tons, that was casted using a novel technique at the time. Despite being rebuilt at two-thirds its original size, the temple held the record for the largest wooden building in the world for over 1200 years.
Kasuga Taisha, established by the powerful and manipulative Fujiwara clan in 768. Nestled in a primeval forest this photogenic shrine features thousands of bronze and stone lanterns.
A private coach will take you back to your hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
After breakfast, meet with your guide at the hotel for a departure to Himeji by private coach.
First visit Himeji Castle, the newly renovated iconic castle. Nicknamed ‘Shirasagi-jo’ (meaning ‘Castle of the white heron’), is arguably Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size. A UNESCO world heritage site, the castle was never destroyed by war, earthquake or fire and survives to this day as one of the country's twelve original castles.
Next, visit Kokoen Garden, which is a relatively recently constructed Japanese style garden, It consists of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period.
Next, you will transfer to Osaka and head to Umeda Sky Building. You will enjoy the unobstructed 360-degree view of Osaka Bay and even surrounding cities from the open-air observatory.
A private coach will take you to your hotel.
Free time to spend your day in Osaka (optional activities can be arranged).
Overnight in Osaka: Osaka Tokyu Rei Hotel or similar.
Free until your departure time.
Meet with your guide in the hotel lobby for a transfer to Kansai International Airport by private coach. (60 minutes)
price per person in shared double room
Important We require a 30% deposit to confirm a booking, with full payment due 14 days prior to trip departure.
