Imperial Trails of Japan: 21N/22D
Day Wise Itinerary
- Arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) International Airport. After immigration, transfer to your hotel by airport limousine bus or private transfer.
- Rest and acclimatize. Evening free to explore nearby areas.
- Visit Senso-ji Temple (free entry) in Asakusa and stroll through Nakamise Street. Continue to the Sumida River promenade for cherry blossoms.
- Later visit Ueno Park, Tokyo’s most popular sakura spot, and Tokyo National Museum (paid). Evening at leisure.
- Explore Meiji Shrine (free), Harajuku, and Takeshita Street. Proceed to Shibuya Crossing and visit Shibuya Sky Observatory (paid).
- Evening in Shinjuku Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho.
- Visit teamLab Planets / Borderless (paid, pre-booking required), Gundam Statue, and Odaiba Seaside Park. Return to central Tokyo in the evening.
- Optional excursion to Nikko (UNESCO shrines, paid) or Kamakura (Great Buddha, paid).
- Overnight in Tokyo.
- Travel by Romancecar / JR Train to Hakone. Enjoy the Hakone Round Course: Ropeway, Owakudani, Lake Ashi Cruise, and Hakone Shrine (free).
- Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum (paid). Overnight in a ryokan with onsen.
- Transfer to Odawara Station and board the Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari / Kodama) to Kyoto (approx. 2.5 hours).
- Check in and enjoy an evening walk in Gion District.
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple (paid), walk Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka, explore Maruyama Park (cherry blossoms), and Yasaka Shrine (free).
- Evening free.
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (free), Tenryu-ji Temple (paid), Togetsukyo Bridge, and optional Monkey Park (paid). Return to Kyoto.
- Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) (both paid). Walk the Philosopher’s Path, one of Japan’s best cherry-blossom walks.
- Travel by JR train to Nara. Visit Nara Park (free), Todai-ji Temple (paid), Kasuga Taisha Shrine (paid inner area), and Kofuku-ji (paid). Overnight in Nara.
- Travel by JR train or road to Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle (paid museum). Evening at Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.
- Full-day visit to Universal Studios Japan (paid, full-day pass).
- Visit Kuromon Market, Umeda Sky Building Observatory (paid), and walk along Kema Sakuranomiya Park, one of Osaka’s top sakura locations.
- Board the Sanyo Shinkansen to Himeji (30 minutes). Visit Himeji Castle (paid). Continue by Shinkansen to Hiroshima (1.5 hours).
- Visit Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome (free), and Peace Memorial Museum (paid). Evening free.
- Ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine (paid) and explore the island. Return to Hiroshima.
- Travel by Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, then change to Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa. Evening walk in Higashi Chaya District.
- Visit Kenrokuen Garden (paid), Kanazawa Castle, Nagamachi Samurai District, and 21st Century Museum (paid sections).
- Travel by Limited Express Train through the Japanese Alps. Explore Sanmachi Old Town and Takayama Jinya (paid).
- Bus to Shirakawago (UNESCO village). Explore farmhouses (paid interiors optional). Continue to Nagoya by train.
- Travel by Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi / Hikari) to Tokyo or Osaka for international departure.
Inclusions
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Private tour for you and your group. -
14 nights accommodation at a hotel or similar
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Tours as per above mentioned itinerary [PVT / SIC]
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Daily breakfast
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English-speaking driver
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Entry fees as per itinerary
Exclusions
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International Flight (Return) -
GST & TCS
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Visa and Insurance
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Tipping and Personal Expenses
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Meals (lunch, dinner): $ 10 - 15 / meal (without transfer)
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Guide
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Luggage van (if needed)
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Extra hour transport at $ 20 - 40 / hour
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Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions
General Question
Your passport is essential for all international travel. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality, your destination country, the purpose of your visit (tourism, work, study), and the length of your stay. Always check the official government travel website of your destination country well in advance of your trip.
Generally, booking flights 2 to 4 months in advance for international travel and 1 to 3 months for domestic travel often yields good prices. However, prices fluctuate constantly. For accommodations, booking well ahead, especially for peak season, is usually best for selection, though last-minute deals can sometimes be found. Flexibility with your travel dates is the biggest factor in finding lower prices.
A combination is usually best. Use an ATM (at a secure bank location) for local currency as it often gives the best exchange rate, but be aware of foreign transaction fees from your bank. Use a credit card (preferably one with no foreign transaction fees) for larger purchases like hotels and restaurants. Carry a small amount of local currency cash for small vendors or emergencies. Always notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations.
First, check your airline's app or website for rebooking options. If you can't rebook yourself, get in line to speak with an agent, but also try calling the airline's customer service number simultaneously, as phone agents can often rebook faster. Know your passenger rights, which vary by region
Pack all essentials and valuables: passport, wallet/money, electronics, prescription medications, a change of clothes (in case of checked luggage delay), and any necessary chargers. This ensures you have what you need even if your checked bag is lost or delayed. Remember to follow airline restrictions on liquids.
For international and expensive trips, yes. Travel insurance can cover unexpected issues like emergency medical expenses abroad (which your regular health insurance may not), trip cancellation or interruption (due to illness, natural disaster, etc.), and lost/delayed baggage. Review policies carefully to understand what is and isn't covered.
Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. Keep your valuables secure (consider a cross-body bag or money belt). Research local scams and customs. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and trust your intuition. Use reputable transportation and accommodations.
When returning to your home country, you must declare any items you purchased abroad, including duty-free goods. Each country has a specific duty-free allowance (a monetary limit and/or quantity limits for items like alcohol and tobacco). Exceeding this limit means you will have to pay a customs duty/tax on the excess value. Always check your home country's customs website before traveling to understand the exact limits.