Explore Japan on foot
Discover the rich culture of Japan
Bike around the country
Custom tour | |
Open - Custom Tour | |
7 nights, 8 days | |
Minimum 2, Maximum 14 participants | |
Per Person prices starting at US$ 3,710~ double occupancy for two travelers | |
You will be met at Narita International Airport by a member of our staff who will take you to your first destination and hotel. Detailed materials as well as support from our experts in Japan will be available for this independent tour. No tour leader will be supplied. | |
Old and modern sights in Tokyo, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, The Shogunal Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls in Nikko, hot spring baths in both Nikko and Hakone. | |
Age restrictions: Everyone younger than 20 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian |
Tokyo
After a long flight to Japan, you will be met by one of Rediscover Tours staff who will take you to your hotel in Tokyo and will give you an orientation.
Tokyo
You will start off your day with a visit to enjoy the beauty of Rikugien, an 18th century landscape garden and arguably the most beautiful Japanese garden in Tokyo. Next you will visit the Meiji Imperial Shrine, where you can relax in the forested setting and enjoy the traditional Shinto architecture of this oasis nestled within one of the world's busiest modern metropolis. Finally, you will end your day in Ginza, the upscale downtown district with huge department stores, fancy restaurants, the Sony Building where you can look at the company's newest cutting-edge gadgets, and more.
Kamakura
Today you will take a day trip to Kamakura which was the home of the Shoguns from 1192 to 1333. Here you will find remnants of the Kamakura Period in various temples and shrines including the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
Nikko
Upon arriving in the small mountain town of Nikko, you will go to Toshogu shrine, its most famous sight. This lavishly decorated Shinto Shrine, one of the most well-known in Japan, is also the mausoleum to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the most famous Shogun in Japanese history. In addition, there are a number of famous wood carvings at Toshogu, including the three monkeys embodying the phrase, "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil." You will also see Rinnoji Temple, which was founded by Shodo Shonin, who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century. At the end of the day, you will stay the night and dine at a Japanese style ryokan.
Tokyo
The first stop today will be the picturesque Kegon Falls, located in Lake Chuzenji in Okunikko. This waterfall is 97 meters (320 feet) high and one of the tallest in Japan. This will be followed by a visit to Futarasan Shrine, founded in 767 by Shodo Shonin (the same monk who founded Rinnoji). This shrine is dedicated to three mountain deities and houses two swords that are national treasures. After returning to Tokyo, you will have the chance to explore freely and see some of the modern sights of the city. Destination suggestions within the city include: the Shiodome District (breathtaking skyscrapers and a reconstruction of the old Shinbashi train station), Akihabara (the flashy and famous electronic goods district), Odaiba (a futuristic island entertainment district in the bay), or Shibuya (a trendy shopping and entertainment district south of Shinjuku). You can also use your rail pass to visit nearby cities such as Yokohama.
Hakone
Today you will be going to Hakone, which is one of the finest hot spring resorts in Japan. This area has been popular as a hot spring resort for hundreds of years. Lake Ashi, Hakone - Tokyo and BeyondIts natural beauty and abundance of hot spring baths make it an ideal spot to relax after spending time in the capital, just as feudal lords did hundreds of years ago. While in Hakone you will have the chance to walk parts of the old Tokaido highway which connected Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto in times past, ride the scenic Tozan Railway through the mountains, and visit the breathtaking Lake Ashinoko. Additionally, you will be staying overnight at a ryokan with hot spring baths and delicious food.
Tokyo
Today you will head back to Tokyo for your final night in Japan.
Today will be your last day in Japan and your last chance for sightseeing and shopping. Please make sure you arrive at Narita Airport or Haneda Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight. Your tour organizer will have exact directions to the airport.