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.
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. Whilst Tokyo & Kyoto will be the bedrock of any itinerary, we also recommend spending time exploring other smaller cities, as well as the Japanese countryside.
Visitors to Japan now have the option to complete a Visit Japan Web before their arrival. By providing all of the requested information before arrival, it should expedite procedures through immigration & customs when you land in Japan.
Note that this is not compulsory, and the relevant forms will be available when you land, but it will likely allow for a smoother arrival.
Recently, Japanese trains have become more strict when it comes to luggage allowance.
On most lines, the total baggage dimension should not exceed 160 cm (63 inches). More details can be found here
If you have larger pieces of luggage, we recommend sending them to your next destination via the takkyubin service. Your guides and the respective hotel staff will be able to easily facilitate this for you.
Note that you need to send it the day prior, in order for it to arrive on time.
The fee will be provided.
We'll be happy to chat with you about this in further detail.
We'll add your flight information here.
Welcome to the bustling city of Tokyo!
Note: Look out for a sign displaying your name.
Proceed by private transfer to your hotel. From Haneda, this should take about 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Contact number: will be provided
- Duration: Approximately 30-60 minute drive
Booked by Scenset.
One of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Famous for its sprawling neon-lit landscape it is also home to expansive parkland, peaceful shrines and temples, and lovingly tended gardens. On the surface, Tokyo is a mix of digital trends and conspicuous consumption, but dig deeper and you will find a city rooted deeply in the traditional culture. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples stand close to skyscrapers as a reminder of a more contemplative time.
In order for your holiday to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, we have included a private and personalized orientation session, where you will be given everything you need to travel confidently in Japan.
One of our English-speaking staff members will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will go through your itinerary with you, day by day, and answer any questions you may have. You’ll also receive your “welcome pack” of additional information, which should help you travel in Japan more easily!
Included.
Because open public wifi in Japan is very limited, a pocket wifi router will be included for use throughout the trip. This small gadget will allow connection of up to 10 devices, giving super fast broadband wherever you are.
This will allow use of Maps on phones and internet connection at all times, including on trains. The wifi router will be waiting upon arrival at the hotel. To return it, use the stamped, addressed envelope provided and post it at the airport on the day of departure from Japan.
Included.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure, recuperating after your long journey and exploring independently.
Why we love it for you? The Palace Hotel Tokyo enjoys one of Tokyo’s most prestigious addresses, right next to the central Imperial Palace. It has a long history; initially founded in 1947, the hotel reopened in May 2012 after a complete refurbishment taking three years.
The rooms in the Palace Hotel Tokyo are spacious and made with quality materials and attention to detail. Of all the hotels in Tokyo, the Palace Hotel Tokyo alone offers rooms with balconies.
The Palace Hotel
Deluxe King Room w/Balcony
- Booked by someone.
Today, enjoy exploring the city of Tokyo!
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
- Guides Name: will be provided
- Number: will be provided
Touring today will be done by private vehicle and is available until 5pm.
Booked by a client.
Today, enjoy a tour exploring some of Tokyo's northern and eastern districts. Start with the district that has become synonymous with technology; Akihabara. Known as ‘electric town’ not only for its many electronics stores, but also the electric atmosphere from its eccentric dining options and niche-interest stores dedicated to anime, manga, and music groups. With a truly eclectic mix of establishments, you can buy the latest consumer electronics alongside second-hand computer parts and cameras in giant stores like Yodobashi Camera, as well as adorable and often bizarre merchandise on Akihabara’s streets.
Leaving the modern buzz of Akihabara, seek out the traditional aesthetics of the iconic streets of Asakusa. This district is known for the famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, with a striking red structure that’s often used as a symbol of the city. As the oldest temple in Tokyo, Senso-ji is also one of the most visited spiritual sites in the world. Traverse the paths around the temple and discover an enticing mix of souvenir shops and traditional stores.
After that, head south to the centre of sophistication that is Ginza. Boasting upmarket department stores, you can purchase anything from quirky stationery to high fashion in the boutiques they house. Particularly worth perusing are the finest-grade fruits and edible delights available in their basement food halls. A feast for the eyes as well as the palate, the Ginza area hosts wonderful art galleries and exhibitions - which can sometimes be found within the impressive department stores themselves!
End the day at the Imperial Palace Gardens. As the active residence of the Emperor of Japan, most of the Imperial Palace grounds are inaccessible to the public. Fortunately however, you can still enjoy the large and diverse East Gardens. Originally the site of Edo Castle, uncover the gardens’ inherent history, as well as drinking in the beauty of its foliage. Famous for cherry blossoms, azalea, irises and pine, it is lovely at any season.
- Guide name: will be provided
- Number: will be provided
- Start time: Morning
- End time: Afternoon
- Duration: 8hrs
Booked by scenset.
The rest of the afternoon has been left for you to relax and explore at your own pace.
Some recommendations you may enjoy are:
Why not head out tonight for some karaoke? Unleash your inner superstar and sing your heart out at one of the many bars across Tokyo specialising in the iconic karaoke-culture.
This is a suggestion only and no bookings have been made.
Today, continue your exploration of Tokyo.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning.
- Guide name: will be provided
- Number: If you have any problems, please call will be provided
Touring today will be done by private vehicle and is available until 5pm.
Booked by a client.
Spend today with your guide comprehensively exploring the exciting Western neighborhoods of central Tokyo. Your guide will take you to roam the grounds of Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo's oldest and most important shrines. Set in forestland, the shrine's space offers a spiritual contrast to the bustle of the city and neighboring Harajuku. The Inner Gardens are particularly beautiful.
After appreciating the shrine, delight in the vibrancy of Harajuku. The trendy neighborhood boasts a crazy cornucopia of fashionable cafes and boutique shops. A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, try some delicious Harajuku crepes, or escape the busy streets in a cute animal cafe - there's a reason Harajuku is the center of youth culture in Tokyo.
From fanciful fashion to fantastic architecture, Omotesando is only a short distance from Harajuku, and you can enjoy trying to identify the unique features of its buildings. The area features some outstanding design by more of the great modern architects than anywhere else, including Tadao Ando's Omotesando Hills development, as well as Prada's flagship store.
After lunch, head to Shibuya for a real taste of modern Tokyo. One of the city’s most colorful districts, observe the organized chaos of the famous Shibuya crossing and find your favorite of the many great game arcades. Offering uniquely Japanese arcade games and machines, you can create personalized memories in the popular purikura photo booths.
Just north of Shibuya, find Shinjuku, the hot-spot for Tokyo’s exuberant nightlife. Not only home to the famously intimate Kabukicho district, the area is known for its skyscrapers, the impressive Metropolitan Government building, the quiet green of Shinjuku Gyoen Park, and a wealth of shopping centers with nearly every kind of store imaginable. With Shinjuku Station being the world’s busiest station, you also have the opportunity to relish unparalleled people watching.
- Guide name: will be provided
- Number: If you have any problems, please call will be provided
- Start time: Morning
- End time: Afternoon
- Duration: 8hrs
Booked by Scenset.
The rest of the evening has been left for you to relax.
Meet your English speaking driver in the hotel lobby in the morning and transfer to Tokyo Station where you will be escorted to the bullet train to Kyoto in 1st class.
Booked by Scenset.
Because luggage space on trains is very limited and to allow you to travel comfortably, your luggage will be sent to Kyoto ahead of you. Take your luggage to the hotel reception in the morning, and it will be delivered to your next hotel in the evening.
Please note that there is a weight limit of 30kg for each individual piece of luggage. Please bring your luggage, packed and ready to send, to the hotel front desk in the morning.
Tokyo and major cities may be buzzing tumultuously with background sounds from blaring advertisement screens or salespeople screaming out deals outside the stores, but you are also expected to be quiet – especially when on the train, bus, and other public places.
Talking on the train is not banned, but if your voice is loud enough to be heard by those around you, it is considered annoying and rude. People are aware that they are sharing space with others, so keeping any noises at a low volume – including turning the sound off on your smartphone and not receiving calls on board – is considered an understood etiquette.
Kyoto is the nation’s 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 “Japan of old” and beyond the high-rise skyscrapers built as a monument to progress, the real monument to Japan’s historical and cultural past can be found in the city’s narrow alleyways where tea houses abound and kimono-clad geisha hurry around.
As you disembark the train you will meet your guide at the platform. He/She will know from which car you will be exiting.
Note: When trains arrive there can be a crowd of people. If you don't immediately see your driver please wait a few minutes for the crowds to disperse, before calling.
Set out for an afternoon of touring. As you will have a private vehicle, you can leave your luggage in the car whilst you explore.
Booked by Scenset.
Spend this afternoon with your private guide in the East of Kyoto. Start at Kiyomizu temple, also known as Kiyomizu-dera. This impressively beautiful temple complex sits in the hillside and looks out over the city. Red pagodas and wooden structures emerge from staggered heights, meaning every area of the temple has a unique visual draw.
As you leave the temple, descend the paved streets of Sannen-zaka. These streets frame some of Kyoto’s iconic shots, with the traditional buildings housing colourful and lively shops that open onto the wide walkways - this is an excellent area to find souvenirs and gifts! After taking in your fill of this bustling area, head North to Yasaka- jinja.
As the home of the Gion Matsuri, Yasaka-jinja is a significant shrine in Kyoto’s history. The buildings forming the shrine are accented with a brilliant red and the rectangular central structure is a stage with a layered perimeter of paper lanterns, which create a very soothing ambience when lit at night.
- Guide name: will be provided
- Number: If you have any problems, please call will be provided
- Start time: Afternoon
- End time: Afternoon
- Duration: 4hrs
Booked by Scenset.
The rest of the evening has been left for you to relax.
Why we love it for you: The Four Seasons Kyoto stands out as a sanctuary of tranquility in the heart of the historic Higashiyama district, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with the luxury and impeccable service synonymous with the Four Seasons brand. Guests can immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Kyoto through the hotel’s close proximity to key attractions, while enjoying serene views of its own 800-year-old Shakusui-en pond garden. The hotel further distinguishes itself with world-class dining experiences, a state-of-the-art spa, and elegantly designed accommodations that offer a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring the city's ancient charms.
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
- Guide: will be provided
- Number: If you have any problems, please call will be provided
Booked by Scenset.
Touring today will be done by private vehicle.
- Guide name: will be provided
- Number: If you have any problems, please call will be provided
- Start time: Morning
- End time: Late afternoon
- Duration: 8hrs
Booked by Scenset.
Today, your guide will meet you and take you on a guided tour of Kyoto's Western wonders. Start with the stunning Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji, which glimmers majestically in the sunlight. One of the most dazzling structures in Kyoto, the pavilion successfully exhibits a different architectural style on each of its three floors - try to notice the differences as you look at it from across the pond. Tucked away to the side behind Kinkaku-ji are some luscious gardens, which might be the temple’s best-kept secret!
A short journey away, your guide will then take you to Ryoan-ji. A must-see, Ryoan-ji's exemplary Zen Garden is a carefully curated composition of boulders and raked sand, designed to be only partially revealed no matter what angle from which you view the garden. The idea is that only when you reach enlightenment will you be able to see the whole garden in its entirety.
After, embark on a trip to the Arashiyama area, at the base of Kyoto’s Western hills. Famous for its groves of bamboo, the green towers swaying in the breeze, Arashiyama is also home to a famous bridge which has been depicted in woodblock paintings for centuries. Cross over this bridge as you follow the Hozu River, which widens in Arashiyama. Immerse yourself in the old-timey atmosphere of the area, and keep your eye out for the charming kimono and yukata patterns you’re likely to see worn during the Spring and Autumn.
- Guide name: will be provided
- Number: If you have any problems, please call will be provided
- Start time: Morning
- End time: Afternoon
- Duration: 8hrs
Booked by scenset.
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
- Guide: will be provided
- Number: If you have any problems, please call will be provided
Booked by Scenset.
Touring today will be done by private vehicle.
- Guide name: will be provided
- Number: If you have any problems, please call will be provided
- Start time: Morning
- End time: Late afternoon
- Duration: 8hrs
Booked by Scenset.
Today your guide will meet you for a guided exploration of central Kyoto. Make your way to a long, narrow, covered street packed with shops selling local specialties - Nishiki Market. Sometimes called Kyoto’s kitchen, barrels of fresh and pickled vegetables spill out into the street, and the air is fragrant with the savoury smell of sembei crackers being grilled and dumplings steamed. Many of the shops offer free samples, making Nishiki Market a wonderful way to stock up on unique Japanese picnic supplies and delicacies for lunch.
After, visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO site and former residence of the Tokugawa Shogun. As you explore the fascinating interior, you’ll discover the ‘nightingale’ floorboards, so-called because their design causes them to squeak when stepped upon - almost like a chirp.
Immediately outside the castle, you can enjoy strolling around the grounds and beautiful gardens, populated by many maple and gingko trees.
Once you’ve spent some time in central Kyoto, your guide will take you South East, where you can venture up and along the paths of one of Kyoto’s best-known shrines - Fushimi Inari Taisha. The hill on which Fushimi Inari resides is brimming with thousands of strikingly vermillion red torii gates, forming the ‘tunnels’ that provide the iconic photo back-drop.
Whilst you can get your fill of this exquisite sight with a short walk up to the first main area, time permitting we highly recommend wandering through the tunnels all the way to the top of the hill; not only does it become more peaceful, but you will also be rewarded with breath-taking views of Kyoto further up, and a superb summit which is crammed full of tiny torii gates and offerings to the gods.
- Guide name: will be provided
- Number: If you have any problems, please call will be provided
- Start time: Morning
- End time: Late afternoon
- Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Booked by Scenset
The day/evening are yours to explore and relax at your own pace.
Your guide will be waiting for you outside of your accommodation for your private transfer to Osaka airport for your long haul flight home.
- Time: In the morning
- Driver: will be provided
- Number: If you have any problems, please call will be provided
Booked by Scenset.
Thank you for traveling with us.
We hope that we were able to help you build lasting memories of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun.
We wish you a safe journey home!
Scenset invests in making the world a better place. Scenset will offset the fuel used during the trip. On top of that, an extra 10% will be offset to make the trip a carbon-positive experience.
Currently, support is provided for Gold Standard Climate+ Projects from the Gold Standard Foundation.
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.