Spring Adventure in Japan
Welcome to Japan, one of the world's most fascinating destinations. Here you can find a perfect blend of the modern and traditional, where futuristic neon signs stand side by side with ancient temples.
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.
May 17th - 21st | Tokyo
May 21st - 22nd | Hakone
May 22nd - 25th | Kyoto
May 25th - 27th | Osaka
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 Tokyo.
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.
We have put together this Destination Guide for you, full of unique insights and ways to get excited before you travel, such as:
- Spotify playlists
- Dishes to try
- Helpful phrases
- Packing guide
- Tipping guides
Plus more!
You are scheduled to land into Haneda/Narita airport at a time to be confirmed.
Proceed by private transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Note: Only one transfer has been included. If you arrive on separate flights, an additional transfer will be needed.
MESM, Two Chapter 2 Garden View King Rooms with Balcony
- Daily Breakfast Included
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!
Because open public wifi in Japan is very limited, a pocket wifi router will be provided 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 provide an 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 pop it in the post box at the airport on the day of departure from Japan.
To make your travel experience smoother and more convenient, you will receive four welcome cards pre-loaded with a certain amount of credit at your orientation. These cards can be used instead of train tickets or cash for transport on local and inner-city lines. To use them, simply tap them on the scanner as you enter the train station or bus. If you ever need to add more credit to your card, you can easily do this at the charge machines in a train station—the machines have English support too.
Today, enjoy exploring the city of Tokyo!
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Touring today will be done by private vehicle.
Spend the day with your guide exploring the exciting Western neighborhoods of central Tokyo. Your guide will take you to 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 visiting the shrine, enjoy the vibrancy of Harajuku. The trendy neighborhood boasts a wide variety of fashionable cafes and boutique shops. 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 a short distance from Harajuku, and you can enjoy trying to identify the unique features of its buildings. The area features some outstanding designs by many great modern architects, including Tadao Ando's Omotesando Hills development, as well as Prada's flagship store.
This afternoon, head to Shibuya for a taste of modern Tokyo. One of the city’s most colorful districts, observe the famous Shibuya crossing and find your favorite of the many great game arcades. You can create personalized memories in the popular Purikura photo booths by offering uniquely Japanese arcade games and machines.
Shibuya Sky is an extraordinary observation deck atop Shibuya Scramble Square, one of Tokyo's tallest buildings. With its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a 360-degree view, it offers visitors an unparalleled vantage point to take in the vibrant cityscape of Shibuya.
Experience the way locals eat and drink in Tokyo on this exciting tour. You will visit 3 very different but authentic izakaya - Japanese-style gastro pubs. Visit Ebisu, an area known for izakaya and named after the famous beer. You will enjoy a variety of food and drinks that local Japanese people eat on a daily basis, including yakitori grilled chicken skewers, draft beer, sashimi, Japanese cocktails, fried noodles, plum wine, and more! After eating and drinking to your heart's content, the tour will finish with some Japanese sweets. From salty foods and refreshing drinks to delicious desserts, you are sure to find yourself full and satisfied after this tour!
Food & drink is included
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Touring today will be done by private vehicle.
Spend today exploring more of Tokyo with your guide. Start the day at Tsukiji market, where you will be able to discover its bustling Outer Market. Although Tokyo's main fish market moved to its new home in Toyosu a few years ago, Tsukiji remains a vibrant marketplace and many of its original shops and restaurants remain.
Afterwards, head on to Hamarikyu Garden. Located right by Tokyo Bay, it features tidal seawater ponds, as well as a tea house on an island, where visitors can take a rest and enjoy the scenset. The traditionally styled garden stands in stark contrast to the skyscrapers of the neighboring Shiodome district.
Continue to 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.
End the day in the iconic streets of Asakusa, 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 souvenir shops and traditional stores.
No experiences have been arranged for today, and you are free to explore Tokyo at your leisure.
We'll be happy to make suggestions on what to do, upon confirmation of your trip.
Because luggage space on trains is very limited and to allow you to travel comfortably, your luggage will be sent ahead from Tokyo to Kyoto overnight. We suggest packing small overnight bags as you will be without the bulk of your luggage for your stay in Hakone.
Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Touring today will be done by private vehicle. You will travel to Hakone with touring along the way.
Set out on the circular tour of the Hakone area by mountain train, funicular railway, cable car, and boat. Weather permitting, there are great views of Mount Fuji from the cable car and from Lake Ashi.
If you’re feeling energetic, the old cobbled Tokaido Road to Hakone-Yumoto can be walked in full in the afternoon, or you can choose to return by boat across the lake.
FuFu Hakone, Two FUFU Luxury Premium Suites
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner Included
Meet your English speaking driver in the hotel lobby and proceed by private transfer to Odawara Station.
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.
Be ready for an afternoon touring the wonders of Eastern Kyoto. Start with Kiyomizu temple, also known as Kiyomizu-dera. This impressively beautiful temple complex sits in the hillside and looks out over the city. The red pagodas and wooden structures emerge from staggered heights, meaning every area of the temple has a unique visual draw.
As you head West, leaving Kiyomizu-dera, the paved streets of Sannenzaka 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!
End the tour in the old streets of Gion. Marvel at the old structures and cobbled streets, lined with beautiful lanterns. You might even catch a glimpse of Kyoto's apprentice Geisha on their way to their evening appointments!
Ritz Carlton, Two Grand Deluxe Kamogawa River Rooms
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Touring today will be done by private vehicle.
Today, your guide will meet you and take you on a guided tour of Kyoto's Western wonders. Start with 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.
You then have an exciting tea ceremony experience at a 100 year old home.
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.
Finish the day at 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!
No experiences have been planned for today, and you are free to explore Kyoto at your leisure.
Suggestions will be provided upon confirmation of your trip.
Because luggage space on trains is very limited and to allow you to travel comfortably, your luggage will be sent ahead from Kyoto to the airport overnight. We suggest packing small overnight bags as you will be without the bulk of your luggage for your stay in Osaka.
Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Touring today will be done by private vehicle. Travel will be to Osaka via the ancient city of Nara.
On your journey departing Kyoto, stop off at Fushimi Shrine which boasts a thousand of red torii gates donated by worshippers. The shrine was the filming location for the movie "Sayuri", based on the best-selling novel "Memoirs of Geisha".
Your first stop in the ancient capital of Nara will be Todaiji Temple, where the Great Buddha is housed in the largest wooden structure in the world.
End your day at Nara Park, 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. Food for the deer is for sale around the park. The deer are tame and even polite, but can be aggressive at times!
After your tour has finished, head to your hotel and check in.
W Osaka, Two Marvelous King Suites
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Touring today will be done by private vehicle.
Today enjoy a tour of the bustling city of Osaka. First, explore the Umeda area and the northern ward of Osaka. Here, you can see the city from above, at the futuristic Shin Umeda City Building, and below, in the underground shopping malls and arcades.
From here, visit Osaka Castle, built atop a tall stone foundation. The impressive structure deceives, appearing to be five stories on the outside, but actually containing eight within! Inside, as well as more floors, you can find interesting exhibits detailing local history and explaining artifacts. Equally attractive to the iconic castle architecture are the expansive castle grounds, containing moats and gardens in which you can luxuriate.
Towards late afternoon, head on to Dotonbori, where you can experience Osaka’s famous food and entertainment culture. Dotonbori’s main street offers a plethora of iconic Japanese street food, including the well loved takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and the crazy array of neon signs, restaurants and shopfront adornments is a sight to behold! It is well worth a stop on the Ebisu Bridge where you can snap a photo with the famous Glico Man sign.
For shopping, some famous names stand along this buzzing street but for something a bit different you might like to head down Shinsaibashi Suji Shopping Street, which runs perpendicular to Dotonbori from Ebisu Bridge.
Proceed by private transfer to Shin-Osaka Station, where an assistant will help you onto the bullet train.
Depart on your long haul flight home in the evening (booked independently).
Disembark the train and meet your English speaking assistant on the platform. Proceed by private transfer to Haneda airport.
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 NOTE:
- Guide & vehicle availability is very limited, especially in Kyoto. All services and hotels are subject to confirmation at the point of booking and are not being held.
- The cost shown is per couple. Total costs for four people including the trip planning fee is will be provided.
- We have costed in for one arrival transfer in Tokyo. Depending on flight itineraries additional transfers may be required, which will incur a supplemental charge.
Travel Insurance
- We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your trip from any unforeseen circumstances. A travel insurance provider offers great, whole-trip travel insurance for both international and domestic trips with 24/7 support – including weekends and holidays. Get a quote now.
This link may result in us earning a commission or fee at no additional cost to you.
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.
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.