Impressions of Japan (Bus trip 9 days / 8 nights from Tokyo / to Kyoto)

Itinerary

1st day: Flight to Tokyo

2nd day: Tokyo

Use the rest of the day for exploration on your own. In the afternoon, your rooms are ready to be checked in. 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Viainn Asakusa or Hotel Lungwood (3 stars)

Day 3: Excursion to Nikko (optional)

Discover Tokyo on your own or book the optional Nikko Bus Tour: Visit the extensive shrine and temple area (UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit Taiyuin Temple and Nikko’s main shrine, Toshogu. Above all, pay attention to the woodcarving art. In the early evening return to Tokyo.  (Breakfast)

Day 4: Tokyo – Fuji-Hakone National ParkThe metropolis presents itself with very different faces and some superlatives. The prelude is the Meiji Shrine. The memorial, embedded in a large park, is reminiscent of Emperor Meiji and symbolizes the strong connection of the imperial house with the Shinto, the ancient natural religion of Japan. In the district of Shinjuku, the world’s tallest town hall, designed by star architect Kenzo Tange, offers spectacular panoramic views from an observation deck over 200 meters high. Strolling through the upscale neighborhood of Ginza, you can enjoy the fashionable flair of elegant boutiques and shops. On the banks of the Sumida River, take a look at Tokyo’s “Sky Tree” TV tower, currently the second tallest building in the world at 634 m. In the traditional district of Asakusa, mingle with the faithful in the Buddhist Kannon Temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. The way there leads through the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street and through the Thunder Gate with its 750 kg lantern. In the late afternoon, travel by bus to Fuji Hakone National Park and your picturesque hotel. In the evening you should not miss the opportunity to relax in a typical Japanese onsen (thermal bath). 1 night in Hotel Jiragonno or Tominoko (3 stars). (Breakfast)

Day 5: Fuji-Hakone National Park – Matsumoto – NaganoBus ride through the area of the Five Lakes. On a clear day, here are fantastic impressions of the holy Fuji-san, which was included as a World Natural Heritage in the list of UNESCO World Heritage. Afterwards drive to Matsumoto, where you will visit one of the most beautiful preserved castles in Japan. The plant, also called “Krähenburg” because of  its black paint, dates from the 16th century. In the afternoon, continue to Nagano. Here is a visit to the Zenkoji Temple, a popular Buddhist pilgrimage destination, on the program. 1 night in Nagano at the Metropolitan Hotel (3 stars). (Breakfast)

Day 6: Nagano – Yamanouchi – Shirakawa-go – Takayama. In the morning it is scheduled a bus ride to the “Jigokudani Monkey Park” near the hot springs of Yamanouchi, where you may be lucky enough to observe the local snow monkeys (macaques) in a bath in the springs. The picturesque village of Shirakawago with its thatched-roof farmhouses has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in its entirety. Nowhere else can you experience the old Japan on a walk more beautiful and impressive than here. In the evening, you will reach Takayama at the foot of the Japanese Alps and enjoy the panorama of the 3,000 meter high mountain range with a clear view. 1 night in Hotel Spa Alpina or Grantia Hidatakayama (3 stars). (Breakfast)

Day 7: Takayama – KyotoIn the charming town of Takayama, much of the architectural charm of the past has been preserved. You will visit the old provincial government, which offers interesting insights into everyday culture and society under the Tokugawa shogunate, and stroll through the old town with sake breweries, miso shops, and quaint streets. In the afternoon we continue to Kyoto. 3 nights at the Hearton Hotel (3 stars). On some dates, one of the three nights is spent in Greater Kyoto (for example, in Kusatsu or Osaka). (Breakfast)

Day 8: Kyoto. The ancient imperial city, with its wealth of great cultural assets, is also the highlight of your trip to Japan. An eventful history has left the city with its unique cultural heritage, and the most beautiful temples, zen gardens, and Shinto shrines will captivate and enthrall you today , These include the Ryoanji Temple with its famous Zen Garden, the charming Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) and the Nijo residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate, where you will feel transported back to the palace life of yesteryear. In the afternoon, travel by coach to Fushimi Inari Shrine, whose sheer endless gate-gate galleries invite you for a walk. At the end of the day, the numerous shops and department stores in the bustling Shijo-Karawamachi district invite to a shopping spree. There is still the opportunity to visit the traditional Kyoto market street Nishiki -Dori – nowhere else can the sheer endless variety of famous Japanese cuisine so close and impressive explore. (Breakfast)

Day 9: Excursion Nara (optional) Free day or optional excursion to Nara: Marvel at the world’s largest bronze statue “Daibutsu” in the Todaiji Temple, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Along the way to the Kasuga Shrine, you will be captivated by the atmosphere of thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, and on your walk, through Nara Park, you will see tame deer. In the afternoon you return to Kyoto with many new impressions. (Breakfast)

Day 10: Kyoto – Osaka – return flight from Osaka. End of the journey.

Our packages include:

• flight from Bucharest to Tokyo and return
• transfer arrival in Tokyo from the Airport to Hotel and return
• tour of Japan by bus and accommodation with breakfast included for 8 or more nights

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