Japan: Tokyo, Fuji & Kyoto

Tokyo, a ryokan night by Lake Kawaguchiko, Kyoto's shrines, Nara's deer and Osaka. Weekly departures.

Your route

1. 1 Tokyo 2 nights
2. 2 Kawaguchiko 1 night
3. 3 Kyoto 2 nights
4. 4 Osaka 1 night

1. Day 1 Tokyo

   Arrive, briefing.

   Welcome to Japan. Indian travellers need a Japan visa, which we help you arrange. After landing at Narita or Haneda airport, take the shared shuttle to your hotel in Tokyo. Check in and rest. In the afternoon, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a briefing on the days ahead. Take an evening walk around your neighbourhood to see Tokyo's clean streets, convenience stores and neon lights. Carry some cash, as some small shops prefer it. Overnight in Tokyo.

2. Day 2 Tokyo

   Shibuya, Senso-ji, Shinjuku.

   A guided tour of Tokyo's icons. Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, in Asakusa, and walk through Nakamise street for snacks and souvenirs. See the Imperial Palace from its gardens and cross the famous Shibuya crossing, one of the busiest in the world, beside the Hachiko statue. In the evening, explore Shinjuku with its glowing towers, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with the group. Tokyo's trains are clean and punctual, and a prepaid IC card such as Suica makes travel easy. Overnight in Tokyo.

3. Day 3 Kawaguchiko

   Fuji views, lake cruise, ryokan.

   Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area, about two hours. Climb the steps of Arakurayama Sengen Park for the classic view of the Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji behind it, one of Japan's most famous photographs. Take a cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko, with Fuji reflected in the water on clear days. Check in to a traditional ryokan, wear a yukata, soak in the onsen hot spring and enjoy a Japanese dinner. Onsen are shared baths, and tattoos may not be allowed. Overnight in Kawaguchiko.

4. Day 4 Kyoto

   Heritage towns on the way to Kyoto.

   After a traditional breakfast, travel west across central Japan towards Kyoto, with stops along the way. Visit a heritage village near Mount Fuji, such as Oshino Hakkai with its clear spring-fed ponds and thatched houses, and later a motoring museum showcasing Japan's car-making story, as per the day's schedule. Arrive in Kyoto in the evening and check in. It is a long but varied travel day. Japan's expressways are smooth and scenic, with rest stops that sell local snacks and souvenirs. Overnight in Kyoto.

5. Day 5 Kyoto

   Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Golden Pavilion.

   Explore Kyoto, the old imperial capital. Walk through the thousands of red torii gates of Fushimi Inari shrine. Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where tall green stalks sway in the breeze, and Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, reflected in its pond. In the evening, stroll through Gion, the old geisha quarter, with its wooden teahouses. Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking. Fushimi Inari is open all day, and early mornings are quieter and cooler for photographs among the gates. Overnight in Kyoto.

6. Day 6 Osaka

   Nara deer and Todaiji, Dotonbori.

   Travel to Nara, Japan's first capital, and walk through Nara Park, where hundreds of friendly deer roam and bow for crackers. Visit Todai-ji, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, with its giant bronze Buddha. Continue to Osaka and check in. In the evening, explore Dotonbori, with its neon signs, giant crab and street food stalls serving takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Osaka is known as the kitchen of Japan, so come hungry, and ask for vegetarian versions of the local snacks where available. Overnight in Osaka.

7. Day 7 Osaka

   Departure.

   After breakfast, check out of your hotel and say goodbye to your tour leader and fellow travellers. Depending on your flight time, enjoy some last shopping in Shinsaibashi for snacks, stationery or electronics, tax-free with your passport. Transfer to Kansai International Airport, about one hour from the city. Please reach three hours before departure. Keep your passport handy for tax-free shopping, and pack fragile souvenirs in your cabin bag for safety. Your journey from Tokyo's temples to Osaka's towers ends here.

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