Explore Japan
Japan is a destination like no other, where a vision of the future intermingles with traditions of the past. It's not uncommon to interact with a robot in a hotel lobby, before crossing the street and entering a 1,000 year old temple. While a trip to Tokyo and Kyoto will be the foundation of any itinerary, we also recommend spending a couple of nights at a hot spring resort, where you can relax and experience the Japanese countryside.
From the bustling city of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Kyoto, Japan is full of awe-inspiring sights and experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're interested in exploring historic temples, sampling delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in Japanese pop culture, Japan is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking adventure and inspiration.
Today, arrive in Japan and settle into a hotel in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a city that seamlessly blends traditional and modern culture. Known for its incredible food scenset, with everything from Michelin-starred sushi to mouth-watering street food, Tokyo is the heart of Japan and the intersection of cutting edge technology, fashion, history and of course... food!
Meet your private driver at the Tokyo airport who will transport you to your hotel for check in.
Booked by Scenset
Check into your hotel and get ready to explore!
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Kitano Hotel offers a serene haven where guests can immerse themselves in the city's rich culture while enjoying unparalleled luxury and hospitality. With its blend of traditional Japanese charm and contemporary comforts, it's the ideal retreat for those seeking a truly unforgettable experience in the bustling capital.
Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide by private car.
Please note that the day is adaptable to your preferences and the guide's discretion based on crowds, timing, and traffic. The below sights are subject to change. Your guide will discuss the schedule for the day with you.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: To be confirmed
Booked by Scenset
Touring today will be done in a private car.
Booked by a travel agent
This afternoon, you have entrance tickets arranged to visit the immersive teamLab art exhibit in Tokyo.
teamLab (f. 2001) is an international art collective. Their collaborative practice seeks to navigate the confluence of art, science, technology, and the natural world. Through art, the interdisciplinary group of specialists, including artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects, aims to explore the relationship between the self and the world, and new forms of perception.
In order to understand the world around them, people separate it into independent entities with perceived boundaries between them. teamLab seeks to transcend these boundaries in our perceptions of the world, of the relationship between the self and the world, and of the continuity of time. Everything exists in a long, fragile yet miraculous, borderless continuity.
Entrance tickets are included.
Booked by Scenset
The Imperial Palace, also known as the Tokyo Imperial Palace, is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and the imperial family. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and serves as a symbol of Japan's rich history and cultural heritage. Although the palace is not open to the public, visitors can explore the surrounding gardens and enjoy the stunning views of the palace's historic buildings and moats. The Imperial Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture, history, and architecture.
Harajukuโs Takeshita Street - This narrow, crowded street is lined with shops that sell the latest fashion trends, sweets, and other interesting items. It is in this area that some of the outrageous fashion that Japan is known for is scenset.
As the trendy streets of Harajuku end, the amazing architecture of Omotesando begins. With seemingly endless modern, cutting-edge architecture, great shopping, and delicious restaurants, Omotesando is Tokyoโs Champs-Elysรฉes Boulevard. Many of the buildings along this street were designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects such as Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.
Akihabara, also known as "Electric Town," is a bustling district in central Tokyo that is famous for its electronics stores, anime shops, and video game arcades. The neighborhood is a hub for technology enthusiasts and pop culture fans, with countless stores selling everything from the latest gadgets and electronics to vintage video games and anime merchandise. Akihabara is also known for its colorful streets and vibrant atmosphere, with countless neon signs and cosplay costumes adding to its unique character. Whether you're a tech lover, a gaming enthusiast, or simply looking for a taste of Tokyo's vibrant pop culture scene, Akihabara is a must-visit destination that has something for everyone.
The Kitano Tokyo
1x Deluxe King Room & 1x Deluxe Twin Room
- Breakfast Included
Booked by an individual
Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide by private car.
Please note that the day is adaptable to your preferences and the guide's discretion based on crowds, timing, and traffic. The below sights are subject to change. Your guide will discuss the schedule for the day with you.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: To be confirmed
Booked by Scenset
Touring today will be done in a private car.
Booked by a third party
After breakfast, a private guide will meet you at your hotel and bring you to tour the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market. Tsukiji is one of the largest and busiest fish markets in the world, known for its wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, seafood products, and sushi ingredients.
Next, experience a private sushi class where a master sushi chef will show you how to make your own nigiri lunch using the finest ingredients from the local fish market.
Booked by Scenset
Meiji Shrine was built nearly 100 years ago to commemorate Emperor Meijiโs contribution to modern Japan. The shrine is entirely surrounded by a forest, with an area of 70 hectares of land and over 120,000 trees, all of which were donated to the shrine from different parts of Japan.
Although rather young compared with other shrines, Meiji shrine has its own dramatic story to tell. While the original construction of the shrine was completed in 1926, the shrine was destroyed during the bombings of World War II and rebuilt in 1958.
If youโre lucky, youโll spot a couple on their wedding day, making their way through the shrineโs grounds on their way to their ceremony.
Sensลji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, having been built in 645AD.
Unfortunately, after remaining relatively unscathed for 13 centuries, it was destroyed during WWII. Sensoji was rebuilt after the war and has become a symbol of rebirth of the city and the nation. Nowadays, millions of people step through the Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate, famous for its huge lantern, and stroll along Nakamisedori, the street leading to the temple, filled with small shops selling all manners of goods.
Located in the heart of Tokyo, the vibrant Asakusa district is a captivating blend of old and new, where ancient traditions and modern attractions seamlessly coexist. Stepping into Asakusa feels like a journey back in time, with its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and historic landmarks. The district is most renowned for Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its magnificent red gate (Kaminarimon) and explore the bustling Nakamise shopping street, filled with stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts.
Beyond its cultural treasures, Asakusa offers a vibrant atmosphere with its lively marketplaces, traditional restaurants serving mouth-watering local delicacies, and the chance to experience traditional Japanese festivals and events throughout the year. Whether it's immersing in rich history, shopping for unique souvenirs, or savoring the flavors of Japan, Asakusa offers a captivating experience that showcases the essence of Tokyo's rich heritage.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the late afternoon and enjoy the vibrant culture and culinary delights of Meguro. This dynamic district is home to thriving and trendy restaurants, creating a lively and unique atmosphere. Discover the hidden gems of this Tokyo neighborhood, including a secret restaurant, a local teppanyaki spot, and one of the most popular ramen joints. Conclude your adventure by taking a taxi back to your hotel.
Booked by Scenset
Enjoy today at your leisure to explore Tokyo. Today could be a good day to visit the Ghibli Museum!
Advanced ticket purchase is required.
The Ghibli Museum is the animation and art museum of Studio Ghibli, one of Japan's most famous animation studios. They have produced many feature-length films with worldwide distribution such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Located in Mitaka, just outside of central Tokyo, the museum is a must-see for fans of the films. The museum itself is whimsically designed in the distinct style of the studio's films, and many of their famous characters are there, including a life-sized robot from Castle in the Sky on the rooftop garden.
Please note that tickets must be purchased independently. You may visit the museum website to purchase. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. (JST) on the 10th of each month for the following month. For example, tickets for July 1st through 31st go on sale on June 10th. Tickets are good only for the specified date and time of entry, with no set exit times.
Below are some suggestions of things to do and see around Tokyo today.
Any entries or tickets will be provided directly. Please check visiting hours and if reservations are necessary in advance.
In Shibuya one can witness (and experience) the world's busiest intersection, as well as one of Japan's most endearing symbols of loyalty - the statue of Hachiko.
The Shibuya scramble is located in the heart of Shibuya's shopping district. Due to its proximity with many popular stores, Shibuya Station, and the location of countless delicious eating spots, the intersection regularly sees thousands of people cross each time the traffic lights turn red and the pedestrian lights turn green.
Also located in Shibuya is the bronze statue of the dog Hachiko. Hachiko was well known for his loyalty in waiting for his master for nearly 10 years, arriving at the station daily in anticipation of his master's return from work.
Soon after, a statue was erected in his honor. Unfortunately the statue was melted down during World War II, but the current replica was commissioned shortly after.
Full of temples, restaurants, and traditional artisansโ shops, Yanaka is perfect for a walking tour. Take a stroll through the neighborhood and taste the flavors of Yanaka through its delicious array of street food.
Kichijoji is a trendy neighborhood located just west of central Tokyo in the same area as Ghibli Museum. It is considered by many as the best neighborhood to live in in Tokyo. It offers a good balance of commercial business and nature, namely Inokashira Park, within a relatively small space.
There are three popular shopping areas in Kichijoji.
Sunroad
- Hours vary depending on shop, typically morning to evening
- The Sunroad Shopping Arcade is a single, covered shopping street that starts almost immediately north of Kichijoji Station. A wide variety of shops line both sides of the street, giving one a feel of being in a local neighborhood.
Harmonica Yokocho
- Hours vary depending on shop, typically late afternoon to late night
- Harmonica Yokocho (lit. harmonica lane) is named for its network of narrow lanes resembling the cross section of a harmonica. It is located immediately north of Kichijoji Station and crammed with dining establishments, bars and shops.
Daiyagai
- Hours vary depending on shop, typically morning to evening
- Daiyagai is a covered shopping street parallel to the station just beyond Harmonica Yokocho. The shops here offer a variety of goods from cooked food to daily necessities and fashion. One of the more popular shops is a butcher that sells cooked food on the first floor and has a wagyu steak restaurant on the second.
After breakfast and checkout, a guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the base of Mount Fuji to begin your tour.
Booked by Scenset
Enjoy the first half of the day with a privately guided tour of the Mount Fuji area. Visit iconic viewpoints and learn about the history of the area from a local expert.
Booked by Scenset
Continue on to your hotel in Hakone for check in.
Booked by a travel agent
Gora Kadan is located on the grounds of Kanโin-no-miya Villa, the former summer villa of a member of the Imperial Family in the town of Gora in Hakone. In this villa, which blends Japanese tradition along with modern design elements, hot spring waters that flow freely from the source and an authentic kaiseki cuisine prepared with strictly selected seasonal ingredients.
Gora Kadan
Kadan Suite with Panoramic Wooden Bath Ajisai / Rindo
- Breakfast and Kaiseki Dinner included
Booked by someone
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the facilities at Gora Kadan.
- Head to Kadan Spa for spa treatments
- Spend time at the gender-separated Public Spa or reserve an open-air bath flowing directly from the source with a steam sauna attached for about 40 minutes at no additional charge with the Family Spa
- Relax in the warm water Swimming Pool and Outdoor Hot Tub
- Detox in the Bedrock Bath
- Work off all of the delicious food you've eaten at the Fitness Gym
This evening, enjoy dinner at the Kaiseki Kadan restaurant on-property.
The former Kanโin-no-miya Villa built in the early 1900s in the Showa period tells us a distinguished history of the Imperial Family to the modern days.
In this venerable villa, we hope you enjoy our kaiseki cuisine made with ingredients at the peak of their freshness and cherish the nature of Hakone to your heart's content.
Kaiseki has three basic principles: to use ingredients at the peak of their freshness, to cherish the true flavors of each ingredient, and to cook while being mindful toward those who eat them. The team at Kaiseki Kadan prepares seasonal menus that differ each month so that you can enjoy new flavors in different seasons every time you visit.
Dinner is included in your stay.
Booked by Scenset
You're off to Kyoto today! Hop on a train and settle in to Japan's cultural hub.
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and transfer to Odawara Station.
Booked by Scenset
Board the first class car of your train to Kyoto.
Booked by a travel agent
You will be greeted at Kyoto Station and escorted with your bags to a private car, where the driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
Booked by a travel agent
The Grand Tournament is a series of Sumo tournaments that take place around Japan featuring the top flight wrestlers from around the country.
From July 14th - 28th, the July Tournament will be taking place in Nagoya at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.
Tickets will be provided. Round-trip transportation costs will be added to your balance payment.
Booked by Scenset
Kyoto is the nationโs former capital and was the residence of the emperor from 794 until 1868. With 2,000 religious buildings, including 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens, and associated architecture, it is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan and has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Kyoto represents the โJapan of oldโ and beyond the high-rise skyscrapers built as a monument to progress, the real monument to Japanโs historical and cultural past can be found in the cityโs narrow alleyways where tea houses abound and kimono-clad geisha hurry around.
Within the historic streets of Kyoto is the Ace Hotel. Here, you can immerse yourself in the city's timeless charm and vibrant energy. With its blend of contemporary design, curated amenities, and a nod to Kyoto's rich cultural heritage, Ace Hotel offers a captivating retreat that promises to inspire and delight.
Take a full-day tour of the cultural city of Kyoto with your local guide.
Please note that the day is adaptable to your preferences and the guide's discretion based on crowds, timing, and traffic. The below sights are subject to change. Your guide will discuss the schedule for the day with you.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Touring today will be done by private car.
Booked by someone
Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, is one of Japanโs iconic sites. The temple grounds first began as a small villa in 1224 and was converted to a Zen temple shortly after. Like so many other historical landmarks in Japan, the temple has unfortunately suffered destruction from fires in its history. The building, as it stands today, is a historically accurate reconstruction of the temple before it burned down from arson in 1950.
The bamboo forest offers paths for walking or biking. It is a must-see for those visiting Arashiyama. The bamboo grown here has been used for centuries for creating crafts, such as tea whisks, sake cups, baskets, and many others.
With a history dating back nearly 700 years, Tenryuji is one of Arashiyama's most visited sites, and for good reason. While the building complex has suffered from fire damage throughout history (like much of Japan), the stunning gardens remain in their scenset form. As you stroll through the garden, both from within the temple and on the garden paths, you'll move from the pond, which symbolizes a large lake, up the mountain and into the forest (where multiple cherry trees can be found). As you exit the temple, you'll come to the famous bamboo forest.
After, visit Iwatayama Monkey Park. Transfer back to Kyoto city center, and walk through Gion, known as geisha quarter. There are many historical townhouses renovated into cafe and souvenir shops.
Gion is a historic district located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. The area is famous for its well-preserved traditional architecture and for being the center of Kyoto's geisha culture.
Stroll through the narrow streets lined with tea houses, shops, and restaurants, and catch a glimpse of the geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) as they move between their appointments. The district is also home to several historic temples and shrines, including the Yasaka Shrine, which is one of the most famous in Kyoto.
Pontocho is possibly the city's most atmospheric dining locale. It is a thin, slightly crooked lane that runs one block west of Kamogawa River. The alley is a mix of dining opportunities ranging from inexpensive noodle and yakitori shops to high-end traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine. The shops line both sides of the alley.
Booked by a scenset participant
Enjoy a full-day tour to the city of Nara.
Please note that the day is adaptable to your preferences and the guide's discretion based on crowds, timing, and traffic. The below sights are subject to change. Your guide will discuss the schedule for the day with you.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Booked by Scenset
Today's touring will be done via private car.
Booked by a travel agency
Your first stop in the ancient capital of Nara will be a temple, where a large Buddha statue is housed in the largest wooden structure in the world.
Nara Park is a large park in the center of the city. It was established in the late 19th century and is surrounded by many of Nara's most famous sightseeing spots. The park is home to over one thousand deer. Once considered the messengers of the gods, they are now a symbol of the city and are now known as a natural treasure. Deer crackers are for sale around the park. The deer are tame and even polite, but can be aggressive at times!
Naramachi is the old merchant district of the city. There are many traditional residential buildings and warehouses that have been preserved and are open to the public. A wide variety of boutiques, shops, cafes, restaurants and museums scattered throughout the district's narrow streets. It gives a wonderful feeling of old Japan. The area is also known for the World Heritage Site of Gangoji Temple. There is a small sake brewery where visitors can sample the goods and a small traditional toy museum that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel for your private transfer to Kansai airport in Osaka in time for check-in for your flight to Tokyo, and then your flight home.
You can depart from either Osaka or Tokyo. If your flight leaves from Tokyo, we'll arrange a bullet train back to Tokyo from Kyoto.
Time: will be provided
Booked by Scenset
Take your long-haul flight home.
Booked Independently
If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, then you may either complete the secure payment link or arrange a bank transfer as detailed below.
Once payment has been received, we will begin confirming the itinerary and let you know of next steps!
Should you wish to pay by wire, the total trip cost will be provided with full payment due at time of booking.
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Beneficiary
- Beneficiary Name: UNTRVLD, Inc.
- Account Number: 202314543995
- Type of Account Checking
- Beneficiary Address 3101 Park Boulevard, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Receiving Bank Details
- ABA Routing Number: 091311229
- Bank Name: Choice Financial Group
Mercury uses Choice Financial Group as a banking partner.
- Bank Address 4501 23rd Avenue S Fargo, ND 58104
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