Japan

Kyoto

Sightseeing

Sedan 1‑2 pax Minivan 1‑4 pax

Half Day Traditional

The city of Kyoto hosted the Imperial Japanese Household for more than a millennium, and boasts the fascinating monuments to prove it. On this 4 hour tour, experience this historical majesty firsthand. The first major stop is Nijo Castle, built by the Shoguns in the 17th century. Although most of the palace buildings are more recent, they are nonetheless mystifying. The double moat and stone walls date from the original structure. Next, visit one of the best examples of the Shinto shrines that populate the city, the Heian Shrine. A 19th century reproduction, its brilliant red arches and sweeping green roof evoke a notion of ancient Japan. Conclude with a visit to Gion, the city’s best preserved traditional area. Some of the best examples of classic, yet not monumental, Japanese architecture are found here, as well as geisha shows, tea houses, and other forms of traditional Japanese entertainment. 

4 hrs

$1020 —  $1340

Half Day Buddhist Temples

Kyoto holds a central place in Japanese history, especially when it comes to the country’s Buddhist tradition. A variety of temples showcasing a range of interesting and exquisite architecture can be found. Experience the best of the best on this 4 hour tour. First, visit the Ryoan-ji Temple. Home to a number of spectacular gardens, its true masterpiece is the Dry Zen Garden. Next is the Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, one of the most impressive Buddhist shrines in the city. Named for its two upper floors covered in pure gold leaf, it also features serene Zen gardens. Finally, drive across town to Kiyomizu-Dera. Built from wooden beams without the use of nails, its veranda extends out from the mountainside over an immense wooden framework, and affords panoramic views of Kyoto below. The temple grounds also feature a pagoda and sacred waterfall.

4 hrs

$1020 —  $1340

Half Day Nara

Once a capital of medieval Japan, and today a bustling modern city, Nara is one of Japan’s cultural treasures. Visit its stunning temples with this 6 hour day trip from Kyoto. Just a short drive through the countryside south of Kyoto leads to Nara Park, an expansive green space set aside at the city’s eastern edge. Most of the major monuments are found here, as well as herds of wild deer that roam the park as a protected species. Traditionally considered sacred by the local population, The deer will often bow to visitors. The most spectacular of Nara’s Temples is the Todai-ji Bhuddist shrine, the largest of its kind in Japan. The 18th century building was once one of the largest wooden structures in the world, and houses a 50 foot tall statue of Buddha.  The last stop is the Kagusa Shrine.  Dedicated to traditional Japanese Shinto deities, its secluded forest location is marked by pathways featuring hundreds of carved stone lanterns.

6 hrs

$1020 —  $1340

Full Day City

Explore Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan and its former capital of over a thousand years on this 8 hour sightseeing tour. With over 2,000 temples and shrines, picturesque Japanese architecture is inescapable. The first major stop is Nijo Castle, built by the Shoguns in the 17th century. Although most of the palace buildings are more recent they are nonetheless mystifying. The double moat and stone walls date from the original structure. The city also features many shrines dedicated to Shinto, Japan’s traditional religion, of which the Heian Shrine is the most spectacular. A 19th century reproduction, its brilliant red arches and sweeping green roof evoke a notion of ancient Japan. Buddhist heritage is next, with the Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the golden pavilion Kinkaku-ji. Afterward, a trip through Gion, the city’s best preserved traditional area will transport visitors back in time. Finally, ascend to Kiyomizu-Dera. Built from wooden beams without the use of nails, its veranda extends out from the mountainside over an immense wooden framework, and affords panoramic views of Kyoto below. The temple grounds also feature a pagoda and sacred waterfall.

8 hrs

$1400 —  $1815

Transfers

Sedan 1‑2 pax Minivan 1‑4 pax
Rail Station - Hotels $255 —  $565
Osaka Airport - Hotels $735 —  $955

Tokyo

Sightseeing

Sedan 1‑2 paxLuxury Sedan 1‑2 pax Minivan 1‑6 pax

Half Day City - Modern

Take on the neon vibrance and frenetic atmosphere of Tokyo, Japan’s capital and the world’s largest metropolis on this 4 hour tour. The tour begins with Akihabara, known as “electric town” for its bight signs and technology vendors.  Here you will also find the heart of Japan’s manga and anime culture. Next is a drive through Ueno Park, where the urban sprawl is given a much need break in favor of gardens, museums, and forested pathways. Afterward, drive past the Tokyo Dome and the National Diet Building, which hosts Japan’s government. Finally, experience the bustle of modern Japan at the Ginza shopping district, where the biggest brands worldwide clamor for attention with fantastic showrooms.

4 hrs

$955 —  $1210

Half Day City - Historical

Despite a turbulent first half of the 20th century, in which Tokyo suffered heavy destruction, enough fascinating sites remain to evoke the sense of traditional Japan. Start in the heart of the city, with the Imperial Palace. A rare refuge of green tranquility amongst the urban sprawl, the complex is purportedly the most valuable real estate in the world. Most of the buildings are modern constructions, but a few preserved structures remain. Next, visit the neighborhood of Asakusa. Full of temples and host to frequent festivals, it manages to be both a lively and traditional environment. Its most famous landmarks are the Senso-ji Buddhist temple, and the Kaminari-mon Gate, with its giant lantern. Finish the tour with a stop at the Tokyo National Museum, where the nation’s largest collections of art and artifacts tell the story of Japanese culture.

4 hrs

$955 —  $1210

Full Day City

Start in the heart of the city, with the Imperial Palace. A rare refuge of green tranquility amongst the urban sprawl, the complex is purportedly the most valuable real estate in the world. Most of the buildings are modern constructions, but a few preserved structures remain. Next, visit the neighborhood of Asakusa. Full of temples and host to frequent festivals, it manages to be both a lively and traditional environment. Its most famous landmarks are the Senso-ji Buddhist temple, and the Kaminari-mon Gate, with its giant lantern. Next is a drive through Ueno Park, where the urban sprawl is given a much need break in favor of gardens, museums, and forested pathways. Finally, experience the bustle of modern Japan at the Ginza shopping district, where the biggest brands worldwide clamor for attention with fantastic showrooms.

8 hrs

$1315 —  $1790

Full Day Nikko

Located in the secluded, hilly forests north of Tokyo, the town of Nikko is renowned for its bucolic tranquility and monumental memorials to one of Japan’s most legendary leaders. On this 10 hour tour, visit the shrine of the Tokugawa Shogun and the natural vistas that surround it. After Arriving from Tokyo, enjoy a drive into the hills above town to discover Lake Chuzenji, via the Irohazaka Road, one of the most exciting and beautiful drives in the world. The main attraction in Nikko proper is the Tosho-gu shrine complex. Built in the early 17th century to commemorate the Shogun Ieyasu and his descendants, it boasts several gates of exemplary Japanese architecture, as well as a towering 5 story pagoda and intricate carvings of the fabled “3 wise monkeys.” After experiencing the wondrous site and its environs, return south to Tokyo.

10 hrs

$1995 —  $2595

Full Day Kamakura

Explore one of Japan’s medieval capitals on this 8 hour journey. Drive south along the shores of Tokyo Bay and through the port of Yokohama on the way to Kamakura, where impressive temples and fascinating history await. Begin with the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine. Founded in the 11th century, it grew to become the centerpiece of the city under the reign of the Minamoto Shoguns, and features prominently in Japanese Folklore. It is primarily dedicated to Shinto, Japan’s traditional religion, but Buddhist sites are present as well. The Shrine’s most prominent feature is its Sando, or central path, that runs uninterrupted from the coast tot he temples, crossing city and garden alike. After viewing the various shrines and artifacts, continue to nearby Hase-dera, where an impressive Buddhist temple is nestled amongst the trees, before returning to Tokyo.

8 hrs

$1730 —  $2030

Full Day Hakone & Mt. Fuji

Perhaps Japan’s most seminal icon, the snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji, is within reach with this 8 hour tour. Drive west out of Tokyo to the town of Gotemba at the foot of the mountain, before ascending over 8000 feet to experience a breathtaking panorama of the countryside with the Pacific Ocean beyond. After descending, discover the Hakone area and its unique range of historical and natural wonders. First, explore the Owakudani, or “Boiling Valley,” where volcanic activity creates a landscape of geysers and hot springs. Next, at Lake Ashi, enjoy the brilliant scenery from a cruise on the tranquil waters, as well as the Hakone Shrine, home to over 300 years of history. Finally, begin the return trip to Tokyo and visit the Hakone Sekisho, a recreation of a feudal-era border crossing.

8 hrs

$1640 —  $2150

Transfers

Sedan 1‑2 paxLimo 1‑2 pax Minivan 1‑6 pax
Narita Airport - Tokyo Hotels $660 —  $805
Haneda Airport - Tokyo Hotels $390 —  $540
Tokyo central rail station - Hotels $240 —  $360

Prices are US$ and per car unless otherwise noted. Coaches for groups available on request. See our Terms & Conditions.