Japan
Japan, an island nation in East Asia, seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovation. A vibrant capital city is famed for its skyscrapers and bustling streets, while Kyoto, the former imperial capital, offers a tranquil retreat with its historic temples and traditional tea houses. Anime, a significant aspect of Japanese pop culture, enjoys a global fanbase with its unique animation and storytelling. Mt. Fuji, an iconic symbol of natural beauty, captivates with its majestic presence. Together, these elements encapsulate Japan's rich cultural diversity, from the historic charm of Kyoto to the dynamic energy of the capital city.
December 20 - 25 & 28 - 29 | Tokyo
- The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
- Executive Suite King + Extra Bed
December 25 - 28 | Kyoto
- Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
- Nijo Suite King + Extra Bed
In December, Tokyo and Kyoto welcome winter with chilly yet mild weather, temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F). While snow is rare, the colder climate is perfect for exploring the festive illuminations and historic sights under clear, crisp skies. Visitors should dress warmly, especially for cooler evenings and the occasional colder snap that can make Kyoto feel a bit chillier due to its geographical setting and humidity. Despite the shorter days, the season offers a unique charm, with the potential for picturesque snowfall in Kyoto, enhancing its scenic temples and gardens.
Arrive at Tokyo-Haneda Airport on Friday, December 20th in the early afternoon.
Upon arrival, independently head through immigration and collect your bags.
You will be greeted at the arrivals hall and privately transferred to your hotel (approximately 20 minutes + traffic).
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.
Check in to your hotel and settle into your accommodations for the remainder of the day.
Why we love it for you: The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo stands out as a luxurious and convenient choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the heart of the city. Its prime location allows easy exploration of Tokyo's main attractions, while the hotel itself offers elegantly designed rooms that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort. Guests can indulge in diverse dining experiences, relax in the exclusive spa and fitness facilities, and enjoy the impeccable service that exemplifies Japanese hospitality. With its commitment to providing a unique cultural experience and ensuring a comfortable stay, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is perfect for leisure travelers seeking an authentic and memorable visit to Tokyo.
Take a full-day tour of this wonderful city with a local guide.
Meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and commence touring.
Start at Tsukiji Fish Market. Your guide will show you the fresh seafood as well as other unique Japanese ingredients.
Enjoy a private sushi lesson. 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.
After that, visit Meiji Shrine which is the most worshipped shrine in Japan. Walk to Harajuku nearby, and you explore the local fashion boutiques of new-to-come designers as well as the draw of Kiddyland, home to famous Japanese character.
Walk through Omotesando, lined with fashion boutiques and gourmet shops. Here, you will also be able to find contemporary architecture designed by leading Japanese and international architects.
End the day in Shibuya, home to the largest pedestrian crossings in the world, and the centre of youth culture. You will be escorted to anime, game, and character-related shops such as Pokemon, Jump, Nintendo, Hello Kitty, etc., according to your interest.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Touring today will be done in a private car.
Booked by a user
Transportation today will be provided.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Booked by Scenset
Please note, as discussed, Scenset is unable to acquire Tokyo Disney tickets on behalf of the client. We will help advise the best route but the client will ultimately be responsible for securing the desired tickets.
Tokyo Disney is a renowned entertainment destination located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, just east of Tokyo. It was the first Disney park to be built outside of the United States, opening on April 15, 1983. The park is operated by the Oriental Land Company under a licensing agreement with The Walt Disney Company. Tokyo Disney includes two theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland, which features classic Disney attractions and themed lands similar to those found in Disneyland Park in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida, and Tokyo DisneySea, unique for its nautical exploration themes and attractions inspired by ocean tales and legendary explorations. Tokyo Disney is celebrated for its high level of service, attention to detail, and seasonal events and decorations, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.
To Be Booked by Client
Touring today will be done in a private car.
Booked by someone
After breakfast, meet your guide and commence touring.
First, head to Ghibli Museum to explore its magical exhibits and exclusive animations that celebrate the art and creativity of Hayao Miyazaki and his team (Tickets Pending- Open for purchase on 10 November, 2024).
After that, if interested, stop at Nakano Broadway which is a multi-story shopping complex highly reputed for a variety of shops such as anime, figurines, posters, bookstores, etc. You can find many anime cells here. Then, visit Akihabara. Your anime-savvy guide will be happy to escort you to the shops you might be interested in.
Then, visit TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum which is currently the most popular museum in Japan, using 520 computers and 470 projectors. TeamLab is a group of various specialists such as artists, programmers, CG animators and mathematicians, etc. Enjoy a multi-sensory experience at the latest museum in Japan.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: In the morning
Touring today will be done in a private car.
Booked by someone
After breakfast, meet your guide and transfer to Hakone (2.5 hours).
Your first stop will be Owakudani, which is an active volcanic vent. If you'd like, try the traditional black egg boiled in the hot spring water which is simply a regular chicken egg that have been boiled in the natural onsen waters. The sulfur in the water turns the egg shells black, though the inside is just a normal hard-boiled egg. It is believed that if you eat one, your life will be 7 years longer.
After that, drive down to Lake Ashi and enjoy a 40 minute shared scenic cruise.
Then, visit historical Hakone checking point and learn the travel regulations during the samurai period.
You'll have the opportunity to visit Hakone Open-air Museum with masterpieces which are harmonized with nature. There are about 120 masterpieces by contemporary sculptors spread across the 70,000 square metre grounds.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Early morning
Arrive at Kyoto Station and meet an English-speaking guide at the platform to begin the tour.
Start at Sanjusangendo, which boasts the longest wooden hall in the world. There are over a thousand Buddha statues, and myth has it that each person can find one with a similar face to theirs.
Next, head to Nijo Castle, which boasts amazing architecture including carvings and wall paintings.
Walk through Gion, known as the geisha quarter. There are many historical townhouses renovated into cafes and souvenir shops.
Touring today will be done by private car.
Booked by a travel agent
After breakfast, head to the lobby to meet your guide and begin your drive to Nara (approximately 1 hour).
On the way, stop at Fushimi Shrine which boasts thousands of red torii gates donated by worshippers. The shrine was used in the Hollywood movie "Sayuri", based on the best-selling novel "Memoir of a Geisha".
Arrive at Nara and start at Todaiji Temple where the Great Buddha is housed in the largest wooden architecture in the world.
Enjoy walking through Nara Park with some wild deer which are considered as the messengers of God's.
Next, walk through Naramachi, Nara's old residential district. Visit a local sake brewery and enjoy a freshly brewed sake tasting!
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and transfer to Kyoto Station where you will be escorted to the bullet train platform to Tokyo.
Booked by Scenset
Arrive at Tokyo Station and meet your English-speaking driver at the platform and privately transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy your final afternoon in Japan at your leisure.
After breakfast, meet your English-speaking driver in the lobby for your transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Booked by Scenset
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.
If you like what you read and are ready to proceed with this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, payment details can be provided. We would be thrilled to secure all the reservations and ensure everything is taken care of, including special surprises along the way.
Please note that we are unable to hold any services and nothing should be considered confirmed. All services are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
-10 nights accommodation
-Daily breakfast
-Trains as detailed
-All airport transfers
-All touring as detailed
-Private guide for all touring
-Private vehicle for all touring
-Refreshments in the touring vehicle
-Scenset trip planning deposit
-All taxes, service charges, and entrance fees
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.