Private Tour
Highlights of Japan - 8 Days / 7 Nights
Japan remains something of an enigma to people in the Western world. When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Images of ancient temples or futuristic cities? Visions of mist-shrouded hills or lightning-fast bullet trains? Suit-clad businessmen or kimono-clad geisha?
Japan is a land where traditions meet modernity, a poetic blend of eastern culture and high technology. Because of this unique synthesis of East and West into a culture that is distinctly Japanese, Japan’s history, food, people and their way of life are a joy to explore and experience.
Private, Local Guides!
Whether you are a single person, a couple, or a group, you'll have your own guide and driver for all airport pickups, drop offs, and daily excursions.Choose Your Dates!
This is not a fixed-departure-date tour. Just let us know the dates that work best for you and we will arrange everything.Customizable!
Need more time? Less time? Want to see or do something that isn't included? The options are unlimited, so talk to us about the different possibilities and our recommendations.Great Accommodation!
We've scouted the best hotels in the best locations of all categories. We'll recommend accommodation to suit your budget and travel style.- Tsukiji, the World's Largest Fish Market
- Hiking around Mt. Fuji
- Traditional Ryokan and Onsen (Japanese Hot Spring Bath) Experience
- Travel by Shinkansen, Japan's iconic Bullet Train
- Kyoto's Kitchen, a shopper's paradise for seasonal foods and kitchen tools
Private Tour
Highlights of Japan - 8 Days / 7 Nights
This trip is ideal as a combination with another Asian country or a quick getaway from home. Explore the major historic and iconic sites with our local expert guides, while enjoying some free time to wander around the bustling local streets. Customize your trip with a large variety of handpicked activities that allow you to feast on local cuisine and soak up on local culture!
-
Day 1Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist with transfer by shared shuttle bus or private car or the Narita Express Train to your hotel. Rest of the evening is free at leisure.
Overnight at Tokyo
-
Day 2Full Day Guided Tokyo City Tour
Spend the day visiting some iconic historic sites around the city with your private guide using public transportation. Soak up the atmosphere of Old Tokyo and feast on your favorite traditional street snacks as you explore Tokyo’s oldest temple.
Overnight at Tokyo
-
Day 3Half Day Guided Fish Market and Sushi Making Lesson
A trip to Japan is not complete without visiting the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji! Take your time exploring this enormous seafood market, including a section on fresh vegetables and fruits. Later, you will prepare your own sushi lunch at a typical Japanese home. Your friendly local host will not only share her sushi making skills, but also answer any questions you have about Japanese culture. Afternoon is free for you to explore this exciting city on your own.
Overnight at Tokyo
-
Day 4Mt. Fuji and Hakone Guided Tour by Private Car
Most day hikers start their trip at Mt. Fuji at the 5th station, the highest point where vehicles can drive up to at 7,545ft. After hiking around, continue to Hakone for a refreshing “onsen” (Japanese hot spring bath) at a traditional ryokan. This evening enjoy a traditional Japanese meal prepared fresh by your roykan.
Overnight at Hakone
-
Day 5Hakone to Kyoto by train
Spend the morning exploring Hakone on your own and hopefully catch the majestic view of snowcapped Mt. Fuji before continuing to Kyoto by Shinkansen bullet train (about 2 hours).
Overnight at Kyoto
-
Day 6Full Day Guided Kyoto City Tour
Kyoto, a former imperial capital city for over a thousand years, is a UNESCO World Heritage site as it is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan. Explore this enchanting city with your expert local guide as you learn about its rich heritage history. Discover “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, a lively market where you can pick up seasonal local foods or kitchen tools like knives and cookware.
Overnight at Kyoto
-
Day 7Half Day or Full Day Guided Tour of Kyoto
Whether you’re an avid foodie, amateur artist or just want to soak up more historical sites, you can choose from a variety of our favorite hand-picked activities with our dedicated local experts. We also highly recommend you spend some time exploring the historic districts on your own.
Overnight at Kyoto
-
Day 8Depart from Osaka or Tokyo
From Kyoto, take the Limited Express Haruka train to Kansai International Airport (75 min) for your flight back home. If you’re flying out from Tokyo, it’s about 4 hour train ride to Narita International Airport.
Private Tour
Highlights of Japan - 8 Days / 7 Nights
Our private tours include the things that make it so you don’t have to worry about logistics for your trip.
This Tour Includes
- Airport Transfers
- Accommodation, including all Taxes and Service Fees
- Private, Local, English-speaking Guides for Tours and Activities
- All Tours and Activities as described
- Entrance Fees to Sights
- Japan Rail Pass for unlimited Shinkansen bullet train ride for 7 days
- IC Pasmo card with pre-loaded credits for City Public Transportation
This Tour Does Not Include
- International Airfare
- Visa Fees
- A visa is not required for American and Canadian citizens for short-term tourist and business trips of up to 90 days. However, you must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passports must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. Note: All foreign nationals are required to provide fingerprint scans and to be photographed at the port of entry.
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for Guides and Drivers
Itinerary Add-Ons to Consider
Narita Airport in Tokyo or Kansai Airport in Osaka is well connected with many major Asian cities. Consider a pre- or post-tour extension to this itinerary in either Hong Kong or Thailand, both with many direct flight options from Japan. It’s quite easy to add a couple of days in Bangkok to indulge in authentic local food at our secret locations or Hong Kong, another vibrant modern city with colorful traditions and tantalizing cuisine.
Bangkok Getaway
Starting Price : $900 / Person
Explore authentic century old neighborhoods including one of the world's largest Chinatown established in 1782 and a Thai-Portuguese Quarter. Discover hidden small eateries known only to local foodies, sample unique snacks and dishes you will never find on your own!
Hong Kong Discovery
Starting Price : $1200 / Person
Discover this vibrant city that never sleeps! One of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, Hong Kong's dazzling skyscrapers and colorful traditions offer some of the most unique fusion of the new and old. Explore authentic neighborhoods, local street markets and mouthwatering foodie experiences.
Private Tour
Highlights of Japan - 8 Days / 7 Nights
Here’s an explanation of what to expect and the planning process with a Red Lantern Journeys travel consultant.
The price for this trip will vary based on many factors including:
- Dates of travel – high vs. low vs. shoulder season
- Your preference of hotel standards – 3, 4, or 5-star categories. We’ve scouted the best hotels and the best locations in each category and will make our recommendations based on your budget and travel style. We’ll even try to book specific room categories to avoid street noise or other inconveniences.
- The number of people in your group
- Customization of tours and activities
- How far in advance you book the trip
-
Personal Travel Consultant
Your personal travel consult to work with you to prepare your itinerary, recommend tours and activities and accommodation and explain the reasoning behind every aspect of your tour.
-
Private Vehicles with Driver and Guides
You'll have your own private, chauffeur-driven vehicle for all of your airport transfers and daily excursions. These will also include your personal, English-speaking guide who is licensed and will provide the insights to make each of your tours an exceptional experience.
-
Hotel Recommendations
We've inspected hundreds of hotels and can recommend accommodation that fits your style and budget.
-
Activity Recommendations
We have access to a wide range of activities to make your trip truly memorable. Activities range from visiting iconic sights to meeting local personalities, adventure sports, and exclusive dining experiences!
Private Tour
Highlights of Japan - 8 Days / 7 Nights
The Best Time to Do This Itinerary
Weather-wise, Spring (March through May) and Fall (October through mid-December) are the best times to visit most of Japan. Summer from June to September can be quite hot and humid. December can have slightly cool weather, but clear skies. Japan is also a great ski destination in Winter. There are many festivals throughout the year, but travel during those times should be booked very far in advance to ensure access to quality hotels and ryokans–especially during cherry blossom festivals!
Private Tour
Highlights of Japan - 8 Days / 7 Nights
Customize This Itinerary
This trip is ideal as a combination with another Asian country or a quick getaway from home. Explore the major historic and iconic sites with our local expert guides, while enjoying some free time to wander around the bustling local streets. Customize your trip with a large variety of handpicked activities that allow you to feast on local cuisine and soak up on local culture!
Submit Your Inquiry Here
Copyright © Red Lantern Journeys. All Rights Reserved