Ancient Japan Journey
Customize with AI7 Nights / 8 Days
Tokyo (5 N) · Osaka (2 N)
Highlights
Experience the unique culture of Japan with a private walking tour in Arashiyama, exploring the serene bamboo grove, visiting the stunning Tenryu-ji temple, and sampling local delicacies.
Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Kyoto's most revered shrines and temples, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera, on a guided afternoon tour.
Take in the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Hakone, cruising across Lake Ashi, and riding the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway for a panoramic view of the area, before returning to Tokyo on the Shinkansen.
All key logistics handled: visa assistance, travel insurance, and private transfers throughout, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey for the whole family.
Detailed plan
Day 1 : Tokyo
Transfer
One way transfer from Narita Airport (NRT) to Tokyo Hotel
PRIVATE TAXI
One way transfer from Narita Airport (NRT) to Tokyo Hotel
Airport Transfer
Hotel Check-in
Shinjuku Granbell Hotel
Hotel Check-in
Shinjuku Granbell Hotel
4-star · 2-14-5 Kabuki-cho
Duration: 24h
Activity
Flavors of Japan Food Tour - Tour
Activity
Flavors of Japan Food Tour - Tour
Experience some of Japan’s most amazing flavours and important ingredients. Guests can develop a deeper understanding of why Japanese cuisine is so exquisite and unique. Learn about the famous foods from different regions of Japan, the process of how they are made, and why they come from those areas. We visit many speciality shops and discover the history of one of Tokyo’s oldest and most important culinary neighbourhoods, a great tour for guests looking for an easy pace. Languages English
Day 2 : Tokyo
Duration: 24h
Activity
Discover the Highlights and Hidden Gems of Tokyo - Half-Day Private Walking Tour - Tour - 4 hours
Activity
Discover the Highlights and Hidden Gems of Tokyo - Half-Day Private Walking Tour - Tour - 4 hours
Spend time with one of our hosts and discover Tokyo's wonders as you explore the city together. Each neighborhood in Tokyo has its own distinct flavour, so perhaps you would like to zoom in on one of these microcosms and absorb its unique sights and sounds. Perhaps you'd like to d iscover the highlights of the neighbourhood you're staying in, or simply wander the lantern-lit streets of Tokyo's older districts. Within 24 hours of booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your answers, you'll be matched with a like-minded local host. Your host will communicate directly with you to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree a time and place to meet. Your itinerary is flexible , so you can always change your mind about what you want to do during the experience. Here is a suggested itinerary of what you can do on the day of your tour: Itinerary 1) Start off your day at Sensō-ji, the oldest and most famous temple in Tokyo. 2) Find the perfect souvenir while browsing around the shops of the oldest shopping street in Japan, in the Nakamise Shopping Street, Asakusa district. 3) Sumida Park. Take a walk in this hidden gem right next to Sensoji temple for a beautiful view on Tokyo's shita-machi (the old city). Hidden gem not to be missed during cherry blossom season. 4) Visit Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center to discover more about Japanese craftsmanship and all the hidden techniques behind its century-long tradition? 5) Next stop is Shibuya Crossing, ready to experience first hand the hustle and bustle of one of the most crowded districts in the world? 6) Kabukicho's narrow alley is crammed with bars and small eateries. Many of the buildings are made of wood and date back to the Showa era. It's a dim, quirky place filled with unique tachinomiya (standing bars) and the smallest ramen stands you'll ever see. 7) In the very heart of Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku ward, Hanazono is considered the most important shrine of Shinjuku, guarding its inhabitants, merchants, craftsmen and artists. Important information As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Duration: 24h
Activity
Made In Japan Shopping Tour Tokyo Cultural Curiosities Experience - Shared Tour
Activity
Made In Japan Shopping Tour Tokyo Cultural Curiosities Experience - Shared Tour
Spend your day with us browsing Ningyocho, a charming neighborhood known for its special, traditional souvenirs and goods made right here in Japan and get some insight to the foods and snacks the Japanese people eat and typical items they use in everyday life. Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour: All the bars, restaurants you visit on your tour are 100% owned and run by locals. On this tour you will visit the various 100+-year-old family-owned businesses and help maintain and support unique Japanese crafts, food, and culture, which will help keep these important traditions alive. Spend your day with us browsing for traditional souvenirs and goods – made right here in Japan! Gain some insight into the foods and snacks that Japanese people eat and the typical items they use in everyday life. We’ll start the tour in the neighbourhood of Ningyocho, a district known for its old traditions and, as you’ll soon discover, some very tasty treats. We’ll visit several shops that have been around for over 100 years, many of which are still family-owned and operated and specialise in unique goods made right here in Japan. To kick things off, we’ll try some Ningyoyaki cakes, a true Tokyo specialty. This is a small sponge cake with sweet red bean filling and made in different shapes. We’ll also visit a shop that specialises in a traditional snack: senbei (rice crackers), a favorite in many Japanese households. There are many other shops selling Japanese sweets, snacks, or drinks around this street. We especially recommend the Wagyu beef sukiyaki croquettes made by the famous sukiyaki restaurant Imahan. On a small street lined with izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) where neighbors stop by, there is a Japanese-style hotel, an old-fashioned ryokan. Your Tokyo tour will next lead you to one of the eight shrines where virtue, longevity, learning, and wealth are worshipped. Once we’ve exhausted Ningyocho, we’ll visit another neighbourhood nearby, Nihonbashi. The district of Nihonbashi was a hub for merchants during the Edo period. Today, it is predominantly a financial district that houses trading firms and even the Tokyo Stock Exchange. And although Nihonbashi is very much a modern neighbourhood, it features many traditional Japanese shops hidden in its alleyways and even within its department stores. We’ll visit a Japanese traditional Washi paper store that was established in 1653 (the Edo Period). You’ll get to browse through their museum to watch archives that contain thousands of ancient documents from 360 years of history and Japanese traditional paper. You can purchase high-grade handmade paper products and fine products used by discerning artists from all over the world. We will pass by "Avatar Robot Cafe", an experimental cafe where employees who have difficulty leaving the house provide services by remotely controlling a robot. We’ll also discover a toothpick shop that has been in business since 1704, where you will be able to check out delicate handmade toothpicks, plus other handmade items carved from Kuromoji or Lindera umbellata trees. Also, we may visit the kitchen knife shop, brush shop, gold flake shop or Dashi (soup stock) Shop.
Day 3 : Tokyo
Duration: 24h
Activity
Mount Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour Return by Shinkansen - Tour with lunch
Activity
Mount Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour Return by Shinkansen - Tour with lunch
Escape the hustle and bustle of the capital for the day, discover an alternative side to Tokyo and relish the picture-postcard landscapes. Enjoy a day full of surprises and adventures. A trip up to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station , at a staggering 2,300 meters above sea level, will offer you captivating perspectives. Cruise along Lake Ashi, a crater lake along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mt. Hakone, formed by a powerful volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago. The lake is famous for its picture-postcard views of Mt. Fuji towering in the distance. Admire the superb views as you glide along the waters on a relaxing boat ride. Soar above the trees and admire the panoramic views of the surrounding Hakone National Park as you ride to the peak of Mt. Komagatake in only seven minutes on the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway . Here you will enjoy 50 minutes to explore the area and visit the original spiritual Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya that nestles at the mountaintop. Afterwards, leave Hakone behind and head towards Odawara by bus. We arrive at Odawara Station between 5pm and 7:30pm. Board the Kodama Shinkansen in the non-reserved section for the full adventure! The train will first stop at Shin-Yokohama and then Shinagawa stations. We'll be arriving back at Tokyo Station between 6pm and 8pm. Once you arrive, you'll be ready to explore the wonders of Tokyo on your own! Head out from the vibrant Tokyo Station and discover the city at your own pace. Traffic congestion is always an adventure! Your arrival time to Tokyo Station may vary depending on the season and the day of the week, making every journey unique. And, just so you know, the return time may be later than scheduled. (Estimated arrival time to Tokyo Station: 8pm-10pm) We are delighted to announce that our guide's explanations can now be enjoyed using an amazing free app! All you need to do is download the app onto your smartphone (Wi-Fi only needed when downloading the app; Wi-Fi at the meeting location may be used). And the great news just keeps on coming: you can also continue to use the multilingual audio guide service separately as usual! Options • With Lunch: It includes Japanese-style beef hot pot, sukiyaki style + 1 plate of fruit, coffee (unlimited coffee) • Without Lunch: It is advisable to prepare your own lunch before the tour departs, as there are no cafes, restaurants or food vendors available at the lunch venue. Important information • A vehicle without Wi-FI may be used (depending on the number of tour participants, the vehicle may be changed to a mid-size or small-size bus, van, minivan, taxi, etc.) • From 2022, a portion of the sales will be donated for the conservation of Mt. Fuji as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. • No alternative destinations are planned when the tour reaches beyond the 1st station. When the tour has to turn back at the 1st station, or when the Fuji Subaru Line is completely blocked, the tour will visit Lake Kawaguchi or the Fuji Visitor Center. Please note that this alternative itinerary may be omitted from the tour depending on traffic conditions. • Credit for images copyrighted by ©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO/©Odakyu Electric Railway/©Akira Okada
Day 4 : Tokyo
Hotel Check-in
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
Hotel Check-in
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
4-star · 4-10-30 Takanawa Minato-ku
Duration: 24h
Activity
Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto - One-Way Ticket - Standard ticket
Activity
Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto - One-Way Ticket - Standard ticket
Traveling by bullet train in Japan is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to get around. The Shinkansen, known for its speed and reliability, allows passengers to reach their destinations quickly while enjoying a smooth and comfortable ride. Ticket Options • Standard Car • Green Car Green Cars offer a little more comfort than standard cars and are the equivalent of first class travel in Japan. They have the convenience of extra luggage space , a benefit not available in standard cars. Usually marked with a four-leaf clover, Green Cars are easy to spot. The design of Green Cars focuses on providing privacy and a quiet atmosphere. This makes them ideal for passengers who want to work, read or simply enjoy a peaceful journey. Departure time Options • Nozomi 21: Depart Tokyo at 9:30am and arrive at Kyoto at 11:45am • Nozomi 33: Depart Tokyo at 12:30pm and arrive at Kyoto at 2:45pm • Nozomi 55: Depart Tokyo at 5:30pm and arrive at Kyoto at 7:45pm Important information • Please note the difference between reserved and non-reserved seats. Some carriages have non-reserved seats, and the others have reserved seats. You can reserve seats on ticketing machines in JR stations. • If your bag is no bigger than 160 cm, you can store it in the luggage rack. You can bring two pieces of baggage on board for free of charge (excluding small bags). Each piece should not exceed 30 kg . Passengers with larger baggage ( between 160 cm and 250 cm in total dimensions) must reserve a seat in the oversized baggage area before boarding (not included in the ticket). Items exceeding 250 cm in total dimensions are not allowed on the Shinkansen. • It is advisable to refrain from using your mobile phone on the train, except for the designated phone area on the Shinkansen. Keep it quiet and use headphones.
Duration: 24h
Activity
Kyoto Afternoon Tour Fushimi Inari Taisha Sanjusangen-do Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Tour
Activity
Kyoto Afternoon Tour Fushimi Inari Taisha Sanjusangen-do Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Tour
Take this half-day afternoon tour of some of Kyoto's most distinctive shrines and temples, including t he World Heritage-listed Kiyomizu-dera Temple , and discover why this ancient political capital of Japan is now its history and sightseeing capital! On this tour you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Visit one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. This place is famous for its thousands of bright red Torii gates , called Senbon Torii. It is d edicated to Inari, the deity of a good harvest and success in business, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head of all of Japan's Inari shrines. Sanjusangen-do Temple's main hall houses around 1,000 life-size statues of Buddhist Kannon deities dating back to the 13th century, with all that see this sight being blown away. It is located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, it houses a representation of what is immortal. The road leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple is lined with rows of souvenir shops, great for shopping. After the tour, you will be dropped back off in Avanti (across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit). Important Information Participants will need to walk from the parking lot to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (about 15 minutes one-way). The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations. There will be no designated seats.
Day 5 : Tokyo
Duration: 24h
Activity
Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Private Walking Tour - Tour - 6 hours
Activity
Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Private Walking Tour - Tour - 6 hours
Enjoy a dreamy day trip to the tranquil district of Arashiyama, home to the famous Bamboo Grove and some very cheeky monkeys! Visit some of the temples and explore the riverbanks around the Togetsukyo Bridge . Venture to the well-preserved, Saga-Toriimoto Street and smaller sites like Gioji. Sample an authentic meal at a neighbourhood eatery - we find that lunch always seems to roll around eventually. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do. Route example 1. Arashiyama - Explore the beautiful scenery of the Arashiyama district with its magical bamboo grove with a knowledgeable host by your side. 2. Jōjakkōji Temple - Discover hidden gems away from the crowds like the Jojakko-ji Temple, a quiet and pleasant temple surrounded by beautiful nature on the mountainside of Ogura mountain. It offers spectacular overlook views of Arashiyama from its 12 m tall pagoda. 3. Arashiyama Monkey Park - Visit the monkeys at the Arashiyama Monkey Park - they’re cheeky things though, don’t be fooled by those adorable faces. 4. Tenryuji Temple - One of the main highlights of this area, Tenryu-ji was ranked first among the city's five great Zen temples, and is registered as a world heritage site. Take the chance to learn more about Japanese Buddhism while relaxing in its beautiful landscape garden, created by the famous garden designer Muso Soseki. 5. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple - One of the underrated -but worth visiting- temples on the outskirts of Arashiyama, it houses a collection of 1200 unique and whimsical statues which reward adventurous visitors. 6. Daikaku-ji Temple - Former imperial palace, now converted into a temple, Daikakuji played a role in several historical events. Would you like to discover more about Japanese culture and literature? Ask your host to tell you more about “The Tale of Genji”, the first novel in Japanese literature, taking place right here, at Daikaku-ji. 7. Okochi Sanso Garden - One of the top sights in Kyoto, the main house here is a marvellous example of traditional Japanese architecture. The entrance ticket includes a taste of Japanese Matcha tea and wagashi (traditional sweet). Take your time to explore the beautiful garden, and you will find out why the imperial family built retreats in Arashiyama solely for its scenery. As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your guide based on your interests and preferences.
Duration: 24h
Activity
Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Food Tour - Tour
Activity
Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Food Tour - Tour
The Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour - Green tea fans will love our tour to the town of Uji in Kyoto — the home of Matcha. A trip to Uji will give you many chances to experience and taste Matcha and other types of green tea in a variety of beverages and foods. The green tea and matcha (powdered green tea) produced here in Uji are famous for their quality not only in Japan, but also all over the world. Also while visiting Uji you can see the gorgeous and famous Byodoin temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This special tour takes you away from the overcrowded tourist areas of Tokyo for a beautiful visit to the historic resort area of Kyoto’s ancient noble families.
Day 6 : Osaka
Transfer
One way transfer from Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka Hotel
PRIVATE TAXI
One way transfer from Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka Hotel
Airport Transfer
Hotel Check-in
Holiday Inn Osaka Namba
Hotel Check-in
Holiday Inn Osaka Namba
4-star · 5-15 Soemon-cho
Duration: 24h
Activity
Osaka Afternoon Walking Half-Day Tour - Tour
Activity
Osaka Afternoon Walking Half-Day Tour - Tour
Enjoy seeing Osaka's famous sightseeing spots in a short time. Visit some of Osaka's most iconic sights, and experience both traditional and modern Osaka. Be in awe of Osaka Castle's grandeur. Revel in the superb scenery from the castle tower. Take a riverboat cruise for a breathtaking view of Japan's water city, Osaka. About Initiatives for Sustainability This tour promotes Environment(Eco)-friendly efforts as stated under Sunrise Tours' Sustainable Development Goals. We advocate for responsible travel, and urge one and all to become responsible travelers.ç Board the Aqua Liner Enjoy seeing the seasonal scenery with a cruise along the Ogawa River aboard the Aqua Liner water bus. See a view of the famous places and historic spots of Osaka from the river. Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park Osaka Castle was founded in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a remarkable shogun in the Sengoku period, and is known as the symbol of his power. Important information This tour uses public transportation with non-reserved seats. Please note that seating is not guaranteed. On the outbound trip to Osaka Castle, the tour may use Temmabashi Station instead of Osakajokoen Station. If the Aqua Liner is out of service due to bad weather, temporary operation suspension, or other operational concerns, the tour will visit the Osaka Museum of History instead. If the Aqua Liner is unavailable on a Tuesday, when the Osaka Museum of History is closed, refunds of JPY 2,000/Adult and JPY 1,000/Child will be issued by the guide on the tour day. From April 11, 2025, as the Aqua Liner boarding schedule will be changed, the duration will be changed from 40 to 55 minutes.The order of the itinerary and arrival times may differ depending on congestion at destinations or other reasons.
Day 7 : Osaka
Duration: 24h
Activity
Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour - Shared tour without lunch
Activity
Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour - Shared tour without lunch
Come and explore two World Heritage Sites with us and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen ride between Kyoto and Hiroshima. We will visit the World Heritage Sites of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima and Hiroshima's Atomic Bomb Dome on this full day tour. Discover the main building of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which was newly reopened after renovations in April 2019 and later you can look forward to seeing wild deer in the untouched abundant nature of Miyajima. Throughout this tour you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Itsukushima Shrine - The first shrine buildings here were probably erected in the 6th century. The present shrine dates from the 13th century . At high tide, the famous vermillion torii gates that symbolise the shrine appear to float above the surface of the sea. Hiroshima's Atomic Bomb Dome is the only strucnture left standing near the hypocenter of the first atomic bomb which exploded on 6 August 1945, and it remains in the condition right after the explosion. Important information The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations. There will be no designated seats.
Day 8 : Osaka
Transfer
One way transfer from Osaka Hotel to Kansai Airport (KIX)
PRIVATE TAXI
One way transfer from Osaka Hotel to Kansai Airport (KIX)
Airport Transfer