Journey through Japan on this fascinating Independent tour. A “prefecture” and capital of Japan, Tokyo is the world’s most populous metro area and home to unlimited choices—shopping, dining, entertainment, historic temples and sites, peaceful gardens, and excellent museums. Your full day private guided sightseeing tour includes Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument built within a man-made forest, and a visit to one of the city’s most dazzling temples, the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Browse the bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade and then visit the Samurai & Ninja Museum, where you can learn about Japanese history and see authentic swords and armor. You’ll also ascend the Tokyo Skytree for spectacular views over the city. During your free day you may choose a trip to Mount Fuji. A highlight of your vacation is the shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Kyoto. Reaching nearly 200-miles-per-hour, this is by far the most entertaining way to travel between cities. The “cradle” of Japan’s cultural heritage, Kyoto, was the country’s capital and residence of the emperor from the 8th until the 19th centuries. Your private guided sightseeing tour includes visits to Sanjusangendo Temple, and the beautiful Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Built on a lake and surrounded by a thick forest, the image of the temple’s reflection in the water is a can't-miss photo opportunity and memorable scenic view. You’ll also walk through Gion and explore the thousands of Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Take some I-time for a visit nearby Nara or to explore Nishiki Market.
Tokyo to Kyoto trip; 7 days
Highlights:
- Private Guided Tokyo City Tour - Explore Tokyo’s must-see sights with your own guide. Visit the serene Meiji Shrine nestled within a man-made forest, admire the historic Asakusa Kannon Temple, wander the vibrant Nakamise shopping arcade, and delve into samurai history at the Samurai & Ninja Museum. Finish the day with sweeping city views from the Tokyo Skytree.
- Bullet Train Journey to Kyoto - Experience Japan’s iconic Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. Reaching nearly 200 mph, it’s not just efficient—it’s an exhilarating way to see the countryside Zip by.
- Kyoto’s Cultural Gems - Enjoy a private guided tour of Kyoto’s highlights: see the radiant Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) reflected in its tranquil pond, wander through the thousand red Torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and witness the solemn statues in Sanjusangendo Temple. End with a walk through the historic geisha district of Gion.
- I‑Time: Customize Your Exploration - Enjoy built-in free days to craft your own adventures: you could climb Mount Fuji, visit nearby Nara, explore vibrant Nishiki Market, or add excursions like tea ceremonies and city strolls—all supported by your local host and including metro passes.
Day 1: ARRIVE IN TOKYO, JAPAN
Welcome to Japan! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: TOKYO
Today, hop on Tokyo’s subway system for a private guided sightseeing tour of the city. Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest.
• At Tokyo Skytree, ascend to Sorakara Point on floor 450 at some 450 meters/ 1500 feet, the highest point visitors can explore. Here you’ll marvel at the stunning panoramic views over the city and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.
• Tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum for a hands-on history lesson of Japan’s famous warriors, including the armor, weapons, and swords from the Medieval era.
• Lastly, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: TOKYO
Enjoy a full day at your leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 4: TOKYO–KYOTO
Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to historic Kyoto, former capital of Japan.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 5: KYOTO
Your private guided sightseeing tour uses efficient public transportation to take you around the city. Start at stunning Kinkakuji, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered with shimmering gold leaf.
• Next, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, which is also known for its high concentration of machiya-style merchant houses.
• Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms said to have the power to save 25 worlds.
• Finish with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gate.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: KYOTO
Enjoy a full day at your leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 7: KYOTO
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meal: Breakfast
Please contact our Travel Advisors for details.
Tour Code: GJ
