Japan
Japan is a place of ancient gods and customs, but is also the cutting edge of cool modernity. High- speed trains whisk you from one end of the countryto anotherwith awe-inspiring punctuality. In the suburbs of a sprawling metropolis, you can catch sight of a farmer tending his paddy field, then turn the corner and find yourselfnext to a neon-festooned electronic games parlour. One dayyou could be picking through fashion in the biggest department store on earth, the next relaxing in an outdoor hot- spring pool, watching cherry blossom or snowflakes fall, depending on the season.
Northern Honshu sees surprisingly few visitors, but its sleepy villages and nicely laid-back cities deserve to be better known. The Golden Hall of Hiraizumimore than justifiesthe journey, and can be easily combined with the islet-sprinkled Matsushima Bay or rural TÅno. The region is also known for its vibrant summer festivals, notably those at Sendai, Aomori, Hirosaki and Akita, and for its sacred mountains including Dewa-sanzan, home to a sect of ascetic mountain priests, and the eerie, remote wastelands of Osore-zan. For obvious reasons Hiroshima is the most visited location inWesternHonshÅ«. On the way there, pause at Okayama to stroll around one of Japan's top three gardens, KÅraku-en, and the appealingly preserved Edo-era town of Kurashiki. The beauty of the Inland Sea, dotted with thousands of islands, is best appreciated from the idyllic fishing village of Tomonoura, the port of Onomichiand the relaxed islands of Nao-shima, Ikuchi-jima and Miya-jima.
Arrive at Narita Airport. You will be welcomed by a representative of Tonichi Travel Service and transferred by Airport Limousine bus (SIC) to Hotel New Otani Tokyo for check-in.(No escort on the bus)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of Tokyo by SIC bus with an English-speaking guide. Visit Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, Akasaka Guest House and Imperial Palace Plaza. Afternoon free at leisure for your own activities. You may walk around this bustling town of Tokyo, such as Ginza, Odaiba, Akihabara and Roppongi.
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion to Nikko National Park by SIC bus with an English-speaking guide along scenic Tohoku Expressway. In Nikko your visit will be made to Toshogu Grand Shrine (World Heritage) with its gorgeous Yomeimon Gate. Continue your drive to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfall via Irohazaka zigzag driveway. Lunch will be served at a restaurant en-route. After sightseeing of Nikko you will be transferred back to your hotel along same Expressway.
Breakfast at the hotel. Separate big baggage transfer to hotel in Kyoto. Please get down your big baggage at the bell desk until 08:00a.m. Full day sightseeing transfer to Mt. Fuji and Hakone. Drive to Mt.Fuji along scenic Chuo Driveway by SIC bus with an English-speaking guide, en route enjoying a breathtaking view of sacred Mt.Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. Continue your drive to Hakone, where you will enjoy aerial cableway ride on Hakone Mountains for a splendid view of Mt.Fuji, if weather permits and relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant en-route. After sightseeing Hakone you will be transferred to Odawara station, from where you will take bullet train to Kyoto. Leave Odawara for Kyoto by bullet train "Hikari" on tourist class on reserved seats. Arrive at Kyoto station and proceed for check-in.
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning is free. Afternoon city tour visiting Kiyomizu Temple, Kodaiji Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Gion District..
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of Nara on foot. Visiting Todaiji Temple, Nara Park(Deer Park), Kofukuji Temple. Afternoon is free.
Departure transfer by MK skygate Shuttle (SIC) with Driver. Leave Kansai Airport for your hometown