10-Nights Independent Treasures Of Japan - Independent Tour from $7,649

Itinerary Details

Independent Treasures Of Japan

Day 1: ARRIVE IN TOKYO, JAPAN

Welcome to Japan! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.



Day 2: TOKYO

Today, meet your Local Guide and hop on Tokyo’s subway system for a sightseeing tour of the city. Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. At Tokyo Skytree, ascend to Sorakara Point on floor 450 at some 450 meters/ 1500 feet, the highest point visitors can explore. Here you’ll marvel at the stunning panoramic views over the city and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.

Tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum for a hands-on history lesson of Japan’s famous warriors, including the armor, weapons, and swords from the Medieval era.
After lunch, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo. Explore more of the city with free time this evening.

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Day 3: TOKYO

Enjoy a full day at your leisure.

INSIDER PICKS
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Utilize your included Tokyo Metro Pass to explore more of Tokyo’s unique neighborhoods, take a day trip to Mount Fuji, or visit the street-food markets for local specialties.

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Day 4: TOKYO–KYOTO

Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, former capital of Japan. Use your free time this evening to stroll along the Kamo River or savor a kaseiki dinner, a traditional Japanese multi-course cuisine.

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Day 5: KYOTO

Your guided sightseeing tour uses efficient public transportation to take you around the city. Start at stunning Kinkakuji, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered with shimmering gold leaf.
Next, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, which is also known for its high concentration of machiya-style merchant houses. Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms said to have the power to save 25 worlds. Finish with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gate.

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Day 6: KYOTO

Enjoy a full day at your leisure.

INSIDER PICKS
Take an excursion to nearby Nara or explore more of Kyoto's historic temples and shrines using your included subway and bus pass.

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Day 7: KYOTO–HIROSHIMA

Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima.
Upon arrival, visit Shukkei-en Garden, where natural landscapes are represented in miniature form. Then, take the afternoon to explore the city on your own. We’ve included a day pass to use the local tram system to help you get around!

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Day 8: HIROSHIMA

Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts at Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, which commemorate the lives lost in the WWII atomic bombing. Then, travel by ferry to Miyajima Island. Here, visit Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its floating Torii Gate and enjoy free time to explore the many shops.

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Day 9: HIROSHIMA–OSAKA

Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka. Your guided sightseeing tour starts at Osaka Castle and the surrounding park. Visit Minami, the city’s famous entertainment district, encompassing the districts of Shinsaibashi and Namba and the famed Dontonbori Street. Lunch features okonomiyaki, a delicious pancake dish famous in Osaka. Then, explore this exciting area by foot with your Local Guide. From museums and shopping to theater and dining, this is where the locals come for fun!

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Day 10: OSAKA

Enjoy a full day at your leisure.

INSIDER PICKS
Return to Minami for further exploration or visit the Open-Air Museum of Japanese Farmhouses. Whatever you choose to do, we’ve included a subway and bus pass to help you get around.

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Day 11: OSAKA

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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