13 Day Japan Explorer

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Tokyo

Arrive at Tokyo's Narita Airport and make your way into the city by bus or train (self-transfer).
* Optional: a representative of ours can meet you at the airport and assist you with your transfer.
Upon arrival into the city check in to your hotel, the well-located Keio Plaza Shinjuku, and then venture out to explore the metropolis, or rest and recover.

Overnight: Keio Plaza, Shinjuku (Double Room)

Day 2 - Tokyo

Your first full day in Japan! Take a tour or explore on your own.
* Optional half-day and full-day group and private tours of Tokyo are available on request. Tours range from sightseeing to custom tours based on your interests.

Day 3 - Tokyo - Hakone

After a morning spent enjoying Tokyo, depart for Hakone (self-transfer). The train to Hakone takes from 90 minutes to 2 hours.
* Optional: we can arrange for a private car to pick you up from the train station.

Overnight: Hakone Ginyu (Japanese-style "Sora" Room) (Breakfast and Dinner included)

Day 4 - Hakone

Explore beautiful Hakone with the Hakone Free Pass. The free pass allows you to traverse the Hakone countryside via toy train, scenic gondola, and a cruise on Lake Ashi. On clear days the views of Mount Fuji are incredible.
Return to your ryokan to rest, and for another delicious dinner.

(Breakfast and Dinner included)

Day 5 - Hakone - Kyoto

Today you will be heading to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Upon arrival via shinkansen (self-transfer), check in to your hotel and then venture out to explore this fascinating and charming city.
At first glance it may look like almost any other large city, until you begin to explore its old neighborhoods, back alleys, and narrow lanes. You will soon discover why Kyoto is one of the world's most appealing destinations.

Overnight: The Hotel Screen, Kyoto (Semi Suite)

Day 6 - Kyoto and Nara

Visit Nara on your own or take a pleasant guided walking tour of this ancient capital, located an hour from Kyoto by local train.
* Optional half-day or full-day group or private tours of Kyoto and Nara are available on request.

Day 7 - Kyoto and Osaka

Enjoy a day venturing to nearby Osaka, just 35-40 minutes from Kyoto by local train. Osaka - one of Japan's three biggest cities - is Kyoto's black sheep of a cousin.
Less refined on the surface, with a populace famous for being the funniest and liveliest people in Japan, Osaka is a dynamic city and is also well-known for its amazing food scene.

Day 8 - Kyoto - Hiroshima

Board the shinkansen and head west to Hiroshima (self-transfer). Upon arrival check in to your well-located hotel, the Rihga Royal Hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight: RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima (Twin Room)

Day 9 - Kyoto - Hiroshima

Enjoy a full-day tour (approximately 10 am to 6 pm) of Hiroshima and Miyajima. The highlights will include a visit to the World Heritage Miyajima, in addition to the historically essential Hiroshima A-bomb Dome.
In the evening be sure to try some of the local "okonomiyaki," one of Hiroshima's most famous dishes.

Day 10 - Hiroshima to Okinawa

In the morning transfer by train from Hiroshima to Okinawa

Overnight:

Day 11 - Okinawa

A free day in Okinawa. A stay at a beach front resort near Urasoe/Naha can be arranged upon request.

Overnight:

Day 12 - Okinawa

A free day in Okinawa. A stay at a beach front resort near Urasoe/Naha can be arranged upon request.

Overnight:

Day 13 - Okinawa to Tokyo & Onwards

Today you will fly from Okinawa to Tokyo and make the connection to your flight onwards to the US.

Accommodation Information

Keio Plaza Hotel, Shinjuku

TThe Keio Plaza Hotel is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, our luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo.

A cozy bed, a good meal, friendly faces…. These are just some of the comforts that you seek after stepping inside the hotel door.

Located in Shinjuku, in the very heart of the Tokyo metropolis, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo extends top rated services and facilities, features that guests come to expect of a world class hotel.

Hakone Ginyu

Tucked away in the lush mountains of Hakone lies the spa resort of Hakone Ginyu. 'Ginyu' means a person seeking inspiration for a poem by traveling around. Spectacular views of the Haya-Kawa River as well as the Hakone Mountains set the perfect backdrop for poetic inspiration.

The entrance and lobby are located on the top of the building. The essence of Japanese style emanates through the corridors and continues throughout the entire resort. The infinite beauty of the natural surroundings will enable you to forget the stress of everyday life. Leave the comforts of your room and soak in the beautifully crafted stone bath for a relaxing therapy that will melt your aches and pains away. Enjoy the experience and you will want to come back for more.

Kyoto's The Screen

In a hotel as small as Kyoto"s The Screen, what matters most is the attention to detail. It"s not simply the fact that it"s a hybrid style, somewhere between a traditional ryokan and a modern design boutique — though of course that certainly helps.

In the end what makes it special is the sheer variety and richness of the experience; with thirteen rooms by thirteen different designers, it"s meant to provide a subtly different experience to each guest. The common thread is the keen design eye (or, rather, twenty-six of them) throughout.

While some rooms are more classic than others, with tatami floors and shoji screens, they"re all effortlessly stylish and at the same time quite undeniably Japanese. A hotel of this size thrives on intimacy, which is certainly the case at the restaurant"s weekly “candle night,” where lights are extinguished in the name of saving energy.

RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima

A delightful blend of the ancient and modern worlds, Kyoto is a unique and magnificent city.

Conveniently located and easily accessible to Kyoto's major transportation links, the RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto welcomes you with gracious, friendly service.

From warm smiles at the door to tasteful interior décor, every effort has been made to make you feel at home in this 1,200 year-old town.