Your 7-day best of Japan tour captures the essence of city life along the famous streets of Tokyo and Kyoto. Follow specialist guides on custom-tailored tours that reveal opulent palaces and the intricate work of dedicated artisans. Enjoy the polished life of modernity, the traditional charms of the past, and a calming ambiance inspired by tradition while you discover Japan's timeless allure and majesty.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Tokyo – Arrive in Tokyo, Vibrant and Colorful Capital of Japan
As your plane descends over the Tokyo metropolis, the brilliance of the city lights draws open your eyes. Your transfer will greet you at Narita Airport to take you to your luxury hotel located in the heart of the city. From Narita Airport, the trip into Tokyo proper takes you along the roads and railways that form the backbone of this timeless city. Once you settle into your luxurious hotel room, take some time to relax. You will want to be well rested for the captivating experiences that await you in the week ahead.
What's Included:
Day 2
Tokyo – Explore Tokyo’s Fish Market, National Diet and Tokyo National Museum
Day 3
Tokyo – Embrace Views from Tokyo Tower and on a Sumida River Cruise
Day 4
Mt. Fuji – Visiting the Lakes, Towns, and Bathhouses of Mt. Fuji
Day 5
Nara – Transfer to Nara, Japan’s Former Capital
Day 6
Kyoto – Traverse Shogun Palaces and the “Golden Pavilion”
Day 7
Kyoto – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Vacation like a Tokyo’s elite in the resort town of Hakone, known for its gorgeous scenery on the slopes of Mt. Fuji and the soothing comforts of the local hot springs
- Visit Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market, for the frenetic ambiance where giant tuna are auctioned in an impressively competitive and quick manner
- Tour Tokyo’s halls of government strolling the grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace and entering the National Diet, home to Japan’s House of Representatives
- Walk through Kyoto’s storied Gion District, long the home of iconic Yasaka-zukuri architecture and the enigmatic Geisha
- Enjoy a half-day tour of Nara including Daibutsu, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha standing over 52 feet tall
- Visit the grand castles and villas of Japan’s great shoguns, Japan’s ancient military commanders, including the impressive fortifications and gardens of Nijo Castle
Detailed Description
Your tour will begin in Tokyo, which became the current capital in 1868 and during the great Meiji Restoration, it was hurled into the industrialized age and hasn’t slowed since. You’ll have direct access to the Tsukiji Fish Market, where the frenzied atmosphere and high stakes bidding make this fish market an experience akin to the “Wall Street of tuna.” Between a tour of the National Diet Building and the grounds of the Imperial Palace, you’ll see the two sides of power that comprise Japan’s constitutional monarchy. Between boat rides, observation decks, and garden strolls, there will be no shortage of opportunities to savor Tokyo’s blend of manmade and natural scenery. Then, you'll stop for an interlude at the lakeside town of Hakone. It is situated in the shadow of Mount Fuji, which makes the perfect getaway for Tokyo urbanites in need of a change of scenery. You’re guaranteed to find peace along the undeveloped banks of Lake Ashi, the picturesque views of Fuji, and the healing hot springs of Hakone.
Finally, your tour will conclude in Kyoto, which was the capital from 794 to 1868 and for this reason, it is often called “The 1,000-Year Capital.” The city is appropriately brimming with palaces, temples, and culture. As you tour the grand castles and manors of mighty shoguns and emperors, it might be easy to think that these men alone held all the power. Although, as you visit the Geisha of Gion, to whom wealthy Japanese magnates flock, or Kinkaku-ji temple, passed from shogun to clergymen, keep in mind that power and influence come in many forms. From Kyoto, there will be a day trip to the ancient capital of Nara (the capital from 710-794). Nara is world-renowned for its Great Buddha Statue and the enormous Todai-ji temple — once so influential that the seat of government was moved away in an early exercise of the separation of church and state. Time and time again on this trip you find the stories of these great capital cities captivating and stimulating.
Consider learning more about your Japanese travel agents who strive to ensure an immersive and memorable experience in Japan from the moment you land.
Starting Price
$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.84 stars based on 677 reviews.
Our trip to Japan was well planned and well thought out. Zicasso's travel designer made us feel very well taken care of. We are grateful to the travel designer for his effort in putting together this wonderful trip for us. We loved interacting with our excellent guides. Their expertise truly enhanced our experiences. All our travel assistants were extremely helpful and very thoughtful.
Reviewed By Alok G.
Yet another fantastic family trip, courtesy of a Zicasso partner! My family of six just returned from our 10-day trip to Japan, as coordinated with Zicasso's travel company, and we have nothing but wonderful stories and memories to report!
Our agent arranged every detail to perfection, from transportation to guides to activities. All four kids and both parents had a fantastic experience. The guides he selected were incredibly knowledgeable and personable, and the hotels and transportation were spot on. I have nothing to say but that it was a seamless, A+ experience.
Thank you to our agent and travel companyI!
Reviewed By Sara G.
Our travel expert was professional, accurate, timely, and patient. It was wonderful working with her. Zicasso really made creating a customized itinerary effortless.
Reviewed By Suzy A.
Zicasso's travel designer had less than three months to bring an amazing trip to life. Our goal was to experience the history, art, culture, and people of Japan. Mission accomplished!
There were so many highlights shared by our exceptional guides and drivers, who felt like friends and family by the trip's end. Some experiences surprised us with their creativity, joy, and value (slapstick sumo skits in Tokyo, the samurai sword experience, sushi class, open-air and Venetian glass museums in Hakone, and especially the Himeji Castle master carpenter tutorial). Though in our late 70s, walking five to seven miles per day and climbing 766-oot sacred Mount Inari weren't an issue.
The veracity of this review is paramount... the only experience we would forgo was spelunking (crawling) in the cold, wet lava cave, as in our ignorance, we were out of our element. We found joints we did not know we had! We are focused on collecting memories, not things. This fabulous trip achieved that goal. Thank you!
Reviewed By William H.
I was very pleased with our trip, the accommodations, and the personal touch. Zicasso's travel specialist was excellent and even when we had some hiccups during the trip, he was there to make an adjustment. I was very pleased. Some really nit-picky tips for future travelers from out of town.
The Shinkansen is a fun ride and everyone should do it. However, when you need multiple tickets at a time, remind the passenger that you put all the tickets into the ticket turnstile at one time, not individually.
We had to visit in July, but I think the best time to visit Japan would be in the three other seasons because of the heat and humidity (with the exception of Hokkaido).
There are still some places that need cash, like public baths etc. I would carry a little on you. Also, visiting the public baths was one of the truly authentic Japanese experiences we had. If a traveler is into the authentic experience, don't underestimate that experience.
You can get "shrined out." They are great and we appreciated every one. We even caught a monk actively praying at a fairly remote one, which was tremendous. I'm not sure if it's possible to know approximate times, but seeing this happen as a traveler was immensely gratifying. It was 6.30am on a Saturday. So if there is a way to figure out an approximate schedule, you will have elevated your travel game above all the rest. It would be a differentiator for you.
Letting travelers know about the bento boxes and grab-and-go foods is a plus. I was so impressed by them and that info should be shared with every traveler, especially the kiddos.
The Japanese do some things really well and a side list of them might be helpful for tours. For example, we stopped for some anime magazines, kitchen knives, street food, and a baseball game, baths, and hot springs. I'd lean into this and provide some lists for people to pick from, especially the kitchen knives.
Explain the concept of luggage forwarding and the approximate costs. It's a uniquely Japanese thing, and it's awesome and affordable, but needs some getting used to.
Google Translate and the app to read the signs (I forgot its name) is a must. Share the links early and often.
I have so many more ideas, but we will start there. I hope it helps.
Reviewed By Matthew F.
Zicasso's travel agent was absolutely fantastic! She created a trip of a lifetime! Furthermore, when our plans changed or we needed something, she was there and helped with ease. We would work with her again, and Zicasso, in a heartbeat.
Reviewed By Erica M.
