These repeat clients are heading across the Pacific to the Land of the Rising Sun!

Japan - 9 days/8 nights

These three friends wanted to experience the culture of Japan by splitting their time between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. They'd always had an interest in it, and one of them had gone years before and stayed in hostels, but they decided that they have moved far beyond youth hostels and capsule hotels for this trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tokyo

Today on their first full day in Tokyo they will be enjoying a tour of the city by public transit, one of the best parts of Japan that was something they wanted to experience. They'll check out some of the big hitters: Sensoji (the oldest temple of the city), Asakusa (Tokyo's old town), and Meiji Shrine, among others.

Day 2 - Tokyo

Today they'll experience the Tsukiji Outer Market - a fish market that is famous for its open air market. They'll later learn how to make sushi and finish their day with local food tour.

Day 3 - Tokyo

They don't have anything planned for today, so they'll be able to explore and check out the many video games places in downtown and find unique convenience store food that we don't have in the States.

Day 4 - Tokyo to Hakone

After checking out of their hotel, they'll be transported to Hakone via private car. Hakone is renowned for the Owakudani volcano as well as for having amazing views of Mount Fuji. Tonight they will stay in a traditional Japanese inn to experience the unique accommodation style.

Day 5 - Hakone to Kyoto

On their way to Kyoto, they'll have the opportunity to do a home visit and participate in an authentic tea ceremony. Here they'll learn about the traditional art form and enjoy some tasty tea as well.

Day 6 - Kyoto

Today they are scheduled for a half day tour of Kyoto where they will visit the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Temple, and Kitano-Temanngu, all popular tourist sites and beacons of Japanese history.

Day 7 - Kyoto to Himeji & back again

One of the things that they really hoped to see was Himeji Castle, an iconic castle known also as the "castle of the white heron." This daytrip will also bring them to Kokoen Garden and Mount Shosha before heading back to Kyoto.

Day 8 - Kyoto to Osaka

After checking out from their hotel in Kyoto, they'll be transferred to Osaka. Along the way, they'll stop at Nara Park, most famous as the Deer Park where you can see some of the 1,000 deer that freely roam the lands. They'll also have opportunity to see Kasuga Taisha, a celebrated shrine in the area.

Day 9 - Osaka

Whether or not you're a video game lover, Universal Studio Japan's Nintendo World is a great place to spend your day. They will be enjoying the rides and characters here on their last full day in Japan.

Does this type of trip appeal to you?

Remember, each of the trips I plan I customize to meet my traveler's specifications, so if this type of trip appeals to you, I can duplicate it, or I can modify it to include things that are more appealing to you!