DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Japan
Depart for Japan

DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in dynamic Tokyo in the "Land of the Rising Sun"; transfer to your hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with you Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 5 PM. Following the meeting there will be a light dinner served
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Friday - Tour of Tokyo
On today's tour of Tokyo, witness the contrast of this city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology. Begin your tour at the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a beautiful forested area that honors the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress. Afterward, on to the Imperial Palace, a huge parkland with magnificent gardens, the residence of Japan's Imperial family. View the famous stone arched Nijubashi bridge, that leads to the main entrance to the imperial palace. Continue to Asakusa, once Tokyo's leading entertainment district. Here, enter the massive gates to the ancient Buddhist temple of Sensoji built in the 7th century and the Kannon Temple, one of the most visited spiritual sites in the world. Stroll along bustling Nakamise Street; see endless rows of traditional local snacks and souvenirs. Tonight, discover on your own why Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world for nightlife
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Saturday - Full Day in Tokyo
Spend the day at leisure to explore all of the delights of Tokyo on your own, or, participate in the optional full day tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone.* Upon arrival, ascend to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, located at an elevation of 7,545 feet pausing to admire the gorgeous panorama of the park and lake. After lunch, take off to the summit by cable car to marvel at the sweeping views of Hakone National Park. Enjoy a picturesque boat cruise around pristine Lake Ashi. Spend time at leisure to explore the surrounding area on your own. Afterwards, return to Tokyo*Weather conditions around Mt Fuji are challenging to predict, sometimes clouds will restrict views of the mountain & terrain. Additionally, poor weather conditions can sometimes prevent the ascent to the 5th Station or the operation of the cable car in Hakone. In these situations, alternative sightseeing will be provided.*This optional tour and its inclusions are weather dependent, and subject to change
Optional: Full day Mt. Fuji & Hakone with lunch
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Sunday - Bullet Train to Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Gion District
At the Tokyo Station, board the world-famous shinkansen, or "bullet train" that whisks you to Kyoto - a unique experience! Upon arrival, have lunch on your own. Afterward, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, where you participate in the ritualized art of preparing, serving and drinking green tea. Your sightseeing of Kyoto begins with a visit to the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the "Golden Pavilion' surrounded by trees and nestled on a reflective pond. Conclude the city tour with a walk in Gion, Kyoto's most famous Geisha district; view the shops, restaurants and tea houses where Geisha entertain. Later, check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Monday - Full Day in Kyoto
Time to discover Kyoto on your own, or, join the fascinating optional tour to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. After arriving by train, take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Enjoy views of the striking Itsukushima Shrine best-known for its floating torii gate, dating back to the 6th century. Spend free time on the island with its many shrines and temples before boarding the ferry to Hiroshima. A bus or tram takes you to the Peace Memorial, a historic site near where the atomic bomb exploded, dedicated to the many lives lost in Hiroshima. The burning flame that marks these graves "will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world are destroyed!" This park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. After this solemn visit, board the train back to Kyoto
Optional: Full day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Tuesday - Kyoto City Tour, Drive to Osaka
Embark on a tour of historic Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Start with a stop at Fushimi Inari Taisha, an impressive Shinto shrine that sits at the foot of Mount Inari. Marvel at the ten thousand vermilion torii gates that line the paths up the mountain. Later, depart Kyoto and drive south to cosmopolitan Osaka, Japan's third largest city, known for its cuisine and nightlife. Begin your exploration at Kuromon Market, an Osaka landmark, with vendors selling fresh food and fast-food Japanese-style. Stop for lunch, or just try the tasty snacks. Then, free time to wander along the iconic Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori shopping streets with an array of fabulous selection of fashionable boutiques. Conclude the tour with a visit to dramatic Osaka Castle, built as a display of power in the 16th century, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat. Inside, see an excellent collection of art, armor, and collectibles. Check in to your hotel. This evening, discover Osaka's regional cuisine
Overnight: Osaka
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Wednesday - Full Day in Osaka
The morning is at leisure to enjoy this city on your own, or, embark on the optional tour to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara. In this repository of Japan's cultural heritage, there are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. Arrive at the exquisite wooden Todai-ji Temple, home of the impressive Daibutsu (Great Buddha) bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high and visit the famous and beautiful Kasuga Grand Shrine displaying over 3,000 antique hanging bronze and stone lanterns. Continue to Nara Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. Bid goodbye to your Tour Manager and newfound friends at dinner in the hotel
Optional: Imperial Capital of Nara (AM)
Overnight: Osaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Thursday - Depart Japan
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast