Sunday, April 18
Arrive in Tokyo in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel via JR trains. Rest, dine, and recover from jet lag. Orientation meeting and welcome dinner. Stay in Tokyo for 4 nights.
Monday, April 19
Start your morning by visiting Tokyo’s largest temple, Senso-ji. Visit the glitzy Ginza boulevard.
Tuesday, April 20
Head over to the world’s largest fish market in Toyosu. Meet the famous loyal dog Hachiko in Shibuya and cross the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. Check out the bustle at Shinjuku, the busiest train station in the world. Have dinner at a Deaf-owned restaurant, Fusao, near Shinjuku.
Wednesday, April 21
Go to Ryogoku to see the Edo-Tokyo museum to learn all about the history in Tokyo. Use the free time in the evening to do some shopping.
Thursday, April 22
Take the shinkansen to Kanazawa. Allow the wonders of one of Japan’s top gardens, Kenrokuen, to calm your soul. Amble through the streets of Higashi-Chaya district and ponder what it was like living in Japan under the shogunate 200 years ago. Stay in Kanazawa for 2 nights.
Friday, April 23
Board on early morning train to mountainous Hida region to Shirakawago, a beautiful folk village, to see unique wooden houses built to withhold the harsh winters. Go back to Kanazawa to do some independent sightseeing and shopping.
Saturday, April 24
Take a limited express train straight to Kyoto. Go to Arashiyama to experience the mystique of a bamboo forest. Learn about the Japanese version of dragons by visiting the giant dragon mural in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji. Become in peace by watching the serene landscape around Tenryu-ji. Stay in Kyoto for 3 nights.
Sunday, April 25
Get up early in the morning to see the thousand red torii in Fushimi before the morning tourist rush. Then go to Higashiyama to see the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple. Rent a kimono and walk through cobblestoned streets. Do some shopping in the area and experience the traditional Tea Ceremony. Tour the Gion district at night to hunt for geisha sightings. Dress up in kimono is optional.
Monday, April 26
Take the train straight to Nara, about 50 km south of Kyoto. Bow to the deer, which are free to roam around the Nara Park, and some of them will bow back. Be in awe of the giant and magnificent Buddha Statue in Todaiji. Use the afternoon time off to buy artisan gifts or visit more stunning temples.
Tuesday, April 27
Shinkansen to Hiroshima. After lunch, visit the Peace Memorial Building and learn how much the locals suffered during and after the A-bomb. Chow down the famous Okonomiyaki, the soul food of Hiroshima. Stay in Hiroshima for 2 nights.
Wednesday, April 28
Take the morning ferry to see the scenic Miyajima Island, known as the Island of Gods. See the iconic giant red torii “floating” on the lake during low and high tides. Take your time to amble around the island to discover many treasures hiding.
Thursday, April 29
Take the shinkansen to Odawara, and then switch to a train to Hakone-Yumoto. Stay at a traditional Japanese inn, called a ryokan, and experience a Japanese-style dinner. Bathe in a hot springs. Stay in Hakone for 2 nights.
Friday, April 30
Go on a full-day tour around the mountains of Hakone, seeing the sulphur fumes of Owakudani, perhaps eat their black eggs! Wonder at the mind-bending art of Hakone Open-Air Museum. Marvel at the grandeur of Mt. Fuji by Lake Ashi, weather permitting. Have farewell dinner at Hakone-Yumoto.
Saturday, May 1
Board on early morning train to airport for your afternoon return flight home.
Updated as of January 10, 2025.