Tours from Tokyo

14 Day Complete Experience Tour

This tour is specifically designed for first time visitors to Japan. The "Complete Experience" name is appropriate as it includes all of Japan's popular highlights in just 14 days.

*inclusions shown in the bullet points - package does not include airfares

Day 01 - Arrive Tokyo

Welcome to Japan!

Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda International Airport clear customs with your luggage and make your way to the Arrivals Lobby.

We have booked a private car transfer to the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. We have also included the Meet and Greet Service, so look for someone holding a sign with you name on it in the Arrivals Hall.

Your accommodation at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel is a two minute walk across the road from the Takanawa Exit of Shinagawa Station. Shinagawa is the ideal place to stay for its convenient access to wide range of restaurants and shops. Shinagawa Station is a major stop on the JR Yamanote Line loop system which circumnavigates Tokyo.

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 1/4

Day 02 - Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo

Enjoy your first morning in Tokyo. Most of our clients arrive on an evening flight so take some extra time to relax in the morning. We recommend a simple day of exploring for our travellers who be experiencing Japan for the first time.

Using your Suica Cards, take a day trip to the seaside town called Kamakura. Located just 45 minutes from Shinagawa Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, Kamakura is one of Japan's most popular sightseeing destinations, famous for a number of temples, shrines and beautiful Japanese gardens.

Surrounded by wooded mountains on three sides and Sagami Bay on the south, Kamakura was once the capital of Japan from 1192 to 1333.

Many of the wonderful sites in Kamakura are within walking distance of Kamakura Station, so one can easily spend the day exploring the many temples, shrines, parks and gardens. Some of the sites you might like to visit include:

The Great Buddha, a giant bronze statue of Buddha which stands at 13.35m tall and is the second largest in Japan. The Buddha once was housed inside a temple, but late in the 15th century, a large tsunami washed away the wooden structure and the Buddha has remained outside ever since.

Komachi-dori St, leading out from Kamakura Station, is a strip of shops which has many great places to buy souvenirs and a number of good places to buy some snacks, from nuts and crackers, to cute little cakes and sweets.

Hasedera Temple, situated high on a hill, whose main temple has a fine view of the coastal city. The temple is home to a wooden statue of Kannon, the 11-headed goddess of mercy which stands at 9m high.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, whose iconic Shinto shrine is Kamakura's geographical and cultural centre and attracts many visitors with its beautiful peony gardens and two museums, the Museum of Modern Art and the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures.

Hokoku-ji Temple, the must-see Zen temple in Kamakura. Behind the temple is a magnificent bamboo garden which is tranquil escape. Towards the back of the bamboo garden is a small tea house where you can enjoy a special cup of green tea while taking in the beauty of the serene surroundings.

Return to Tokyo in the late afternoon.

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 2/4

Day 03 - Tokyo Tour

Using your Suica Card board a JR Yamanote Line train from Shinagawa Station to Shinjuku Station. (21 mins) At Shinjuku Station, take the East Exit and follow the signs to a 2nd Exit named Kabuki Cho. The Hato Bus parking bay is located on the opposite side of the Studio Alta Building. Easy to navigate maps with photos and directions will be provided.

This is the meeting location for your 1-Day Tokyo Tour including lunch. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour's departure time and allow yourself plenty of time to find the pick-up spot.

At 08:40m you will be collected for your 1 Day Panoramic Tour of Tokyo operated by Hato Bus with an English-speaking guide and transported by coach to the following sites:

Meiji Shrine - Look upon beautiful Japanese architecture nestled in a quiet, dense forest located in the metropolis.

Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge) - Admire the view at this National Garden that was formerly a private garden of the Royal Family. Enjoy the view of Nijubashi Bridge, which is said to be the face of the Imperial Palace, as well as the view of the Imperial Palace itself.

Odaiba - With plenty of popular sightseeing spots and large shopping facilities, this area has a lot to offer everyone from kids to adults. The Odaiba Statue of Liberty (replica), which commemorates the friendship between Japan and France, can be seen standing by the Rainbow Bridge.

Enjoy a buffet style lunch At Grande Alie restaurant at Villa Fontaine Grand, Haneda

Asakusa Kannon Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street - Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, offers plenty to see including the bright red Kaminarimon Gate, a statue of the god of thunder, and a five-story pagoda. The bustling street known as "Nakamise" stretches for about 250m from Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple and is filled with a variety of souvenir shops.

Visit Tokyo Skytree and enjoy a panoramic view of the famous Tokyo skyline from the observation deck, the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower at 634 meters, take in the 360-degree view of Tokyo's cityscape.
Your Tour will disband at Tokyo Station at around 6pm.

From Tokyo Station board a Yamanote Line train to Shinagawa Station. (15 min)

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 3/4

Day 04 - Tokyo

Continue your exploration of Tokyo by taking a Yamanote Line to Ueno Station. Use the Central Exit and visit the Ameyoko Ueno Markets which run from Ueno Station to Okachimachi Station. This area has over 500 shops that sell everything from basic foods to high-class imported goods at reasonable prices, and thus it is always crowded with shoppers.

In the nearby Ueno Park, is a number of places to visit including the first zoo in Japan which is renowned for its giant pandas, the Shinobazu Lake which is famous for its lotus flowers. Within the Park is a number of cultural institutions such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo Cultural Hall, National Western Art Museum, National Science Museum and Tokyo National Museum, all offering recreation and relaxation for the citizens.

Return to Ueno Station and then take a Yamanote Line train to Akihabara Station. Akihabara boasts the largest area of electronic appliances and devices in the world. Here, the very latest in technology and system compatibility is available to both the Japanese and foreign market. In recent years Akihabara has become home to a number of shops specialising in Japanese animation Anime and Manga which is growing increasingly popular around the world.

Next, board a Subway Hibiya Line train from Akihabara station to Ginza station (13 mins). The Ginza district, Tokyo’s most famous shopping and entertainment district which is open until late at night. Make sure you visit the basement of any department store for a lavish food court where foods are prepared on the spot and beautifully wrapped and presented for sale. We also recommend a visit to the Sony, Apple and Nissan Show Rooms.

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 4/4

Day 05 - Tokyo - Hakone / Mt Fuji

Check out of the Shinagawa Prince Hotel and board a bullet train from Shinagawa Station to Odawara Station. (35 min)

At Odawara Station, using your 3 Day Hakone Free Pass which entitles the holder to 3 days of unlimited travel on a variety of local transport including the unique mountain railway, bus, cable car, ropeway and cruise boat. Use your pass to also gain discounted entry at the regions many hot springs, museums, galleries, gardens, temples and shrines.

From Odawara Station board the Hakone Tozan Bus for Hakone-machi and get off at Hakone Hotel-Mae bus stop. (55 min) Your accommodation at the Hakone Hotel is right outside the bus stop. Make sure you visit the hotel's volcanic onsen (hot spring) which is a perfect way to relax after a busy travel schedule.

Located between Mount Fuji and lzu Peninsula, encircled by forested mountains and deep ravines, extraordinary views (weather permitting) from Hakone of Mount Fuji and the Japan Alps make this a magnificent scene to remember.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring the many sights of this spectacular resort town.

Stay: Hakone Hotel - 1/2

Day 06 - Hakone / Mt. Fuji

Using your "Hakone Free Pass" and the provided tourist maps & brochures explore some of the many sites of the Hakone region, including:

Lake Ashi: The 400,000 year-old volcanic crater lake that never freezes! Ashiko is a popular place for fishing, boating and water sports. Use your Hakone Pass to cruise the lake by pirate ship. On a clear day you will be able to take pleasure in Mt. Fuji's inverted reflection.

Owakudani (Greater Boiling Valley): Accessible by ropeway this entire gorge reeks of sulphurous fumes, spewing clouds of steam from crevasses among bubbling hot springs.

Ancient Cedar Avenue: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this superb 2km flora-lined winding passage; once the pathway to Tokyo.

Stay: Hakone Hotel - 2/2

Day 07 - Hakone - Takayama

Check out of Hakone Hotel and board a Hakone Tozan bus to Odawara Station. (55 min) From Odawara Station board a bullet train to Nagoya. (70 mins) Change trains within Nagoya Station and board a Limited Express (Wide View) Hida train to Takayama. (150 mins)

This magnificent train journey through the Japanese Alps is often compared to the Alps of Europe. It may well be one of the highlights of your trip to Japan.

Takayama is a traditional medieval town located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. Most of the attractions are concentrated in the old part of town, within minutes of each other.

Your accommodation at the Hida Hotel Plaza 5 minute walk from the station. Make sure you try their rooftop and indoor Japanese-style onsen bath which is free for guests to use.

After check in, enjoy an afternoon stroll around this museum like town with a number of attractions including a variety of small museums devoted to traditional crafts embodying the town's long standing tradition of fine craftsmanship. Visit the old private houses that lie in the area between Miyagawa River and the famously lush and picturesque Shiroyama Park. This quiet, residential area has shops selling traditional wares, antique shops, Japanese-style inns, sake breweries and restaurants serving local specialties.

Stay: Hida Hotel Plaza - 1/2

Day 08 - Takayama - Shirakawago - Takayama

Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day!

From 08:00am meet at the Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal which is located next to Takayama Station. Present your reservation confirmation at the counter and receive your ticket. Board your Tour from Bus Stop #7 at 08:30am.

*Please note this Tour is conducted in Japanese, so smile and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

First stop is the remote Gokayama Ainokura Village which is home to approximately 20 thatched roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Stroll around these historic buildings which mostly remain private residences, but some have been converted into museums and cafe's. Ainokura was declared a UNESCO Site in 1995.

Next stop is Shirakawago, another UNESCO site with 114 gassho-zukuri traditional houses surrounded by rice fields and a river flowing through the town. Admission to the Museum and a shuttle bus ticket to the Observation Deck where a spectacular panoramic view of the valley and mountains can be enjoyed.

During your time in Shirakawago, stroll around and purchase your lunch from one of the many eateries and enjoy the fresh atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.
Depart Shirakawago at 3:00pm to arrive back in Takayama at 15:50.

Kobe beef is very famous, but for dinner tonight we recommend you explore Takayama and try one of the many restaurants which specialise in the local Japanese "hida beef" which is delicious in sukiyaki or grilled on a hotplate.

Stay: Hida Hotel Plaza - 2/2

Day 09 - Takayama - Hiroshima

Check out of your accommodation and board the Limited Express Hida train from Takayama Station to Nagoya Station. (2.5 hrs) Change trains within the station and board a bullet train to Hiroshima. (3 hrs)

Your accommodation at the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima is a 2 minute walk from Hiroshima Station.

Hiroshima was a city left in ashes after the Atomic bomb was dropped. Hiroshima has made a remarkable recovery and has been rebuilt as a modern thriving city. The area which felt the full force of the bomb has been transformed into a Peace Memorial Park with gardens of great beauty and nearly forty memorials to the victims of the atomic explosion. Hiroshima is now known as the "International City of Peace" dedicated to a total ban on the use of Atomic weapons. A visit to the Peace Memorial Park should be included in every Hiroshima itinerary. To visit the Park, board a tram in front of Hiroshima Station and get off at Genbaku Dome-mae (Atomic Bomb Dome) stop. (15 mins)

Visit a number of exhibits including the Atomic Bomb Dome: Positioned below the epicentre, this skeleton of melted steel and concrete has been left as it was after the bomb was dropped. It stands as a stark reminder of the city's August 6, 1945 bombing.

The highlight of the Park is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This state of the art museum focuses on Hiroshima both before and after the explosion. It also tells the story of Hiroshima's rapid rebuild into the beautiful city it is today.

On the way back to station, make sure you visit Hiroshima Castle. This castle was first built in 1589 until its destruction in 1945. Having been rebuilt in all its glory, it is now used to exhibit historic artefacts from Japan's feudal past.

Stay: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima - 1/2

Day 10 - Hiroshima / Miyajima Island

Enjoy a day of exploration upon the sacred earth of Miyajima Island (Shrine Island).

From Hiroshima Station board the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. (26 min) Miyajima is reached by JR ferryboat (10 mins / using your Suica Card) from Miyajimaguchi Pier, a few minutes walk from Miyajimaguchi Station.

The entire 30 sq. km. island is designated by the Japanese government as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The must-see Itsukushima Shrine, built in the sixth century, is dedicated to the maritime guardian goddesses. The shrine buildings are connected by corridors which stretch out over the water giving it the appearance of floating on the sea at high tide. The giant red wooden O-Torii (Grand Gate) is the most noted symbol of Miyajima.

Be sure to take the 1.7km ropeway (JPY 1,800 round trip) to Mount Misen's summit to absorb one of the three most spectacular panoramic views in Japan. Keep your eye on the summit's mischievous monkeys before descending on a peaceful walk through the ancient forest.

Return to Hiroshima early evening to feast upon the city's popular delicacy Okonomiyaki - a savoury, layered noodle pancake cooked on an iron hotplate at your table. The locals are very proud of their contribution to Japanese cuisine!

Stay: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima - 2/2

Day 11 - Hiroshima - Kyoto

Check out of the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima and board a bullet train to Kyoto Station. (2hrs)

Your accommodation at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo is a 2 minute walk from Kyoto Station.

After check in, commence exploring the sights of Japan's old capital and using your Suica cards board a Subway Karasuma Line train 2 stops to Shijo Station, the busiest shopping district in Kyoto. There are a number of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore. From Shijo Station, walk down to Nishiki Food Market. (10 min) Here you can try various Japanese food from traditional sweets to fresh seafood.

In the late afternoon walk towards Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. Gion is the one place in Japan where you may see a Maiko or Geisha walking between appointments. As darkness falls watch the traditional lanterns gradually come to life and wander down the tiny alleys exploring the many restaurants and bars offering a variety of tempting cuisines.

Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo - 1/3

Day 12 - Kyoto

Today you will be collected by your tour guide, to commence your exploration of the ancient city of Kyoto.

Please make your way to the Sunrise Tours Desk (B1F) within the Avanti shopping complex and arrive 10 minutes prior to the official pick up time. The Avanti shopping complex is directly opposite the Hachijo East Exit of Kyoto Station. At 08:30am, you will be collected to join your Kyoto Morning Tour operated by Sunrise Tours. Your English-speaking local guide will take you by bus to Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion and the Kyoto Imperial Palace (on Mon., or Tue. if Monday is a public holiday, May 14-17, late Dec.-early Jan., visit Higashi Honganji Temple instead). The tour will disband at approximately 1:30pm.

In the afternoon, board a local bus to the base of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Walk up this attractive winding road lined with colourful souvenir and craft shops. Kiyomizu-dera is famous for its giant wooden stage overlooking panoramic views of Kyoto and its main hall purely constructed of wood and sustained by huge columns and beams without the use of a single nail, screw or bolt.

Be sure to visit the Sky Plaza Observation Deck on top of Kyoto Station for a free panoramic view of the surrounding area of Kyoto. This modern station also contains a large shopping mall, specialty shops and restaurants.

Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo - 2/3

Day 13 - Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto

A full day of sightseeing awaits you in Nara. But first, take a trip to visit Kyoto's famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Anyone who has seen Memoirs of a Geisha will be familiar with the thousands of red Torii gates which stretch towards Mt Inari.

From Kyoto Station, board the JR Nara Line to Inari Station. (5 min) Follow the signs and the walking path leading up to the shrine. It is one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in Kyoto and is famous for its thousand red torii gates which lead up the mountain. The shrine is dedicated to Inari - the Shinto god of rice, commerce and business. Each of the torii gates have been donated by different Japanese businesses.

From Inari Station continue on to Nara. (70 min) Here, you can find peace of mind and natural beauty as you uncover the many treasures of Japans former capital (710-784AD).

From Nara Station all of the sightseeing is within comfortable walking distance. Walk through the town towards Nara Park. Should the weather be kind you may like to have your lunch in the picturesque Nara Park amongst the many tame deer that roam the area. At the end of the Park is the World Heritage listed cultural asset Todaiji Temple - the worlds largest wooden building, which houses the Giant Buddha that soars 16 metres in height. Return to Nara Station via Nara-machi, an old precinct full of traditional houses, shops and tearooms in calm and pleasant surroundings, giving a good contrast to the great temples and old burial mounds.

Board a JR Nara Line train back to Kyoto Station in the evening.

Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo - 3/3

Day 14 - Kyoto - Airport

Check out of your accommodation and leave your luggage in storage at the porter's desk for your later return.

Spend your last morning in Kyoto completing any final sightseeing or shopping.

For those departing from Narita-Tokyo, board a bullet train from Kyoto to Shinagawa Station. (2.5 hrs) Within Shinagawa Station board the Narita Express Train to Narita Airport. (65 min)

For those departing from Haneda-Tokyo, board a bullet train from Kyoto to Shinagawa Station. (2.5 hrs) Within Shinagawa Station use your Suica Cards and take a Keikyu Line train to Haneda International Airport. (20 min)

For those departing from Osaka, board the Haruka train from Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport. (80min)

Be sure to check in for your scheduled flight at least 2 hours prior to its departure.