Festive 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.
December 20th - 24th | Tokyo
- Mandarin Oriental, Deluxe Premier Twin booked from the 20th-24th to allow for guaranteed early check in & late check out in one room.
December 21st - 23rd | Tokyo
- Mandarin Oriental, Deluxe Corner King booked for two nights. Check in is in the afternoon, and check out is at noon.
You are scheduled to land into Haneda or Narita airport in the early morning.
Upon arrival in Tokyo, an English-speaking assistant will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you to your private transfer.
From Haneda, it's about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. From Narita it's about 70 minutes.
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.
To guarantee early check-in, we have booked one room starting the night of the 20th.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo’s visionary design and award-winning service have been recognized as the epitome of sophisticated luxury in the city. Perfectly situated in Tokyo's prestigious financial district, the first Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Japan combines contemporary and time-honoured architectural splendour. The site offers stunning city skyline views and convenient access to banquet and conference facilities in the nearby Mitsui Main Building, a Japanese cultural-heritage property.
December 20th - 24th | Tokyo
December 21st - 23rd | Tokyo
- Mandarin Oriental, Deluxe Corner King
- Breakfast Included
Spend the morning relaxing after your long journey.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the afternoon, and set out for a guided tour. You will tour today in a private vehicle.
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.
Catch the best views of Tokyo at this 360° open-air observation deck at the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. Shibuya Sky is approximately 230 metres above ground and is the highest point in the district of Shibuya.
The ‘Sky Edge’, a corner where you can look down at the cityscape below without any obstructions and is a particularly good photo spot that provides a panoramic view of the city.
In addition to the breathtaking views, the rooftop also features hammocks for cloud watching and an observation compass to help you identify major landmarks in the distance such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Stadium and even Mt Fuji (on a clear day). At night, you'll be able to see a light show called the 'Crossing Light' as 18 beams illuminate the city sky.
Shibuya is the centre of youth culture, and you can explore stores focusing on anime, video games, and character-related shops such as Pokemon, Jump, Nintendo, and Hello Kitty. We can tailor this according to your interests.
Travel with your guide to Meguro, for an exciting food & drink tour.
Explore the vibrant culture and food throughout Meguro. Filled with thriving and trendy restaurants, Meguro offers a fun and unique atmosphere that attracts Tokyo's coolest crowd. You will be shown everything this unique side of Tokyo brought to a secret restaurant, local teppanyaki and one of the most popular ramen stops in the entire neighborhood.
Upon conclusion of the tour, you will transfer back to your hotel by public transport in the evening.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning, and set out for a guided tour. You will tour today in a private vehicle.
Start at the Imperial Palace, for a glimpse of historical Japan.
Meiji Shrine was built nearly 100 years ago to commemorate Emperor Meiji’s 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 you’re lucky, you’ll spot a couple on their wedding day, making their way through the shrine’s grounds on their way to their ceremony.
Harajuku’s 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 originates.
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 Tokyo’s Champs-Elysées Boulevard. Many of the buildings along this street were designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects such as Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.
Experience a private tea ceremony in a heritage house. A tea master will show you how to serve tea, using special utensils. Sweets will be served to accompany your tea.
During this experience, you can also dress in traditional Japanese kimonos. Should you wish, we can also arrange for you to try calligraphy, or origami.
You will be transferred back to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning, and set out for a guided tour. You will tour today in a private vehicle.
Explore the outer market of Tsukiji. Your guide will show you fresh seafood, as well as kitchen utensils & key ingredients in Japanese cuisine.
Head to a sushi restaurant for a hands-on sushi-making class. A master chef will show you how to slice sashimi and make nigiri. With detailed instruction, you will make your own nigiri for lunch, using fresh ingredients from the market.
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.
Sensōji 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 the 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.
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.
You will be transferred back to your hotel upon conclusion of your tour in the late afternoon.
To guarantee a late check-out, a room has been booked until December 24th.
Meet your English speaking driver in the hotel lobby at a time to be determined and proceed by private transfer to Narita or Haneda Airport.
Fly from Tokyo to Manila, The Philippines, late at night (booked independently).
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.
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PLEASE NOTE:
- Pricing is accurate as of today, but is subject to change at the time of booking.
- Pricing above is based on credit card payment. Should you prefer to pay by wire transfer total costs will be reduced.
- All hotels are available at the time of quoting, but we are NOT currently holding rooms.
If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, simply let us know. We would be thrilled to secure all the reservations for you and make sure everything is taken care of, including special surprises along the way.
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