Epic Japan

Day 1
Tokyo Arrival – Ancient Traditions and Modern Heights

• Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) International Airport, your friendly driver will be waiting to whisk you away to your hotel via private vehicle.

• Hotel Check-in & Relax: Settle into your hotel, and enjoy a little time to relax. Check-in time is at 15:00 (3:00 PM).

• Lunch on your own: Explore the amazing food scene surrounding your hotel! You’ll find everything from delicious ramen shops to elegant sushi restaurants and unique cafes. This gives you a chance to experience Tokyo’s culinary diversity.

• Afternoon Adventure with ESG: Meet your local guide, ESG, in the hotel lobby and get ready to dive into Tokyo’s unique blend of old and new.

  • Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street: Step back in time at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, dating back to the 7th century! Marvel at its impressive architecture and soak in the atmosphere of this important cultural site. Wander along Nakamise Shopping Street, a vibrant lane leading to the temple, and find souvenirs, traditional snacks, and local crafts.

  • Tokyo Skytree: Ascend to the top of the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world’s tallest structures, for breathtaking panoramic views of the city! On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji.

• Return to the Hotel: ESG will ensure you return safely to your hotel.

• Dinner on your own: Explore the neighborhood and pick a restaurant that appeals to you.

• Overnight: Enjoy a comfortable night’s rest at your hotel in Tokyo.

Day 2
Tokyo City Tour: A Day of Discovery

(Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel!)

Morning:

• Meeting Point: Meet your group at the hotel lobby.

• Sacred Start: Meiji Shrine Begin your day at the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Facts:

  • Learn about the shrine’s important role in Japanese history and the Meiji Restoration.
  • Explore the tranquil forest surrounding the shrine, composed of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan.

• Urban Oasis: Yoyogi Park Next, stroll through Yoyogi Park, a vibrant green space that provides a welcome contrast to the bustling city. Facts:

  • Enjoy a relaxed walk and watch local life unfold.
  • Yoyogi Park was originally a site for military barracks before becoming the athletes’ village for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
  • Enjoy the different street performances and the overall vibrancy of this park.

Lunch: (On your own)
* Explore the area around Yoyogi Park or your next destination for lunch.
* Discover different authentic Japanese Restaurants.

Afternoon:

• Fashion Forward: Harajuku Street Experience the colorful and unique street style of Harajuku. Facts:

  • Wander down Takeshita Street, known for its quirky shops, crepe stands, and the vibrant fashion of the area.
  • Take photos of the famous Harajuku Kawaii style

• Iconic Intersection: Shibuya Crossing Witness the organized chaos of the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Facts:

  • Watch as thousands of people cross simultaneously when the lights turn green from all directions
  • Take photos and absorb the unique ambiance of this experience.

Evening:

• Return to Hotel: The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel lobby.
• Dinner: (On your own) Enjoy a free evening to explore the culinary delights of Tokyo.
• Overnight: Relax and recharge at your hotel in Tokyo.

Enjoy your Tokyo adventure!

Day 3
Tokyo to Nikko: A Day of Wonders

• Morning: Fuel Up & Gateway to History

  • Breakfast at Your Hotel: Start your day with a delicious breakfast to energize you for a day of exploration.
  • Meet at ESG in the Lobby: Gather with your tour group at the designated meeting point, ready to embark on an adventure!
  • Journey to Nikko: Get ready for a scenic drive into the mountains of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This region is known as the “Light of the Sun” and is a sacred place of beauty and history.

• Exploring Nikko’s Natural Wonders

  • Kegon Waterfall: Prepare to be mesmerized by Kegon Falls! This majestic waterfall plunges down a 97-meter (318-foot) cliff. Take an elevator ride down to the lower observation deck for an up-close and awe-inspiring view of the cascading water. Did you know Kegon Falls is one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls?

  • Lake Chuzenji: Enjoy a photostop at the serene Lake Chuzenji, cradled in the mountains. The lake was formed by volcanic activity and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks, especially beautiful during autumn with the changing colors.

• Lunch on Your Own:

  • Enjoy a delightful lunch at your own pace. There are many options available in Nikko from local restaurants.
  • Enjoy the local taste: Try Soba (buckwheat noodles) or Yuba (tofu skin) which are local specialties in Nikko.

• Afternoon: Unveiling Toshogu Shrine

  • Toshogu Shrine: Step into a world of intricate architecture and rich history at Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. This extravagant shrine is a masterpiece of Japanese art and design. Marvel at the vibrant colors, detailed carvings, and symbolic significance woven throughout the complex. Look out for the famous “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil” monkeys.

• Return to Tokyo & Evening

  • Transfer to Tokyo: After a day filled with wonder, relax on the comfortable journey back to Tokyo.
  • Drop-off at Hotel Lobby: You’ll be conveniently dropped off at your hotel.
  • Dinner on Your Own: Explore Tokyo’s incredible culinary scene for dinner. The options are endless, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors.

• Overnight Stay in Tokyo:

  • Enjoy a restful night in Tokyo.

Day 4
Tokyo to Kyoto – A Journey Through the Heart of Japan

• Morning: Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then, smoothly transition from your Tokyo hotel to the iconic Tokyo Station via private taxi or car.

• Bullet Train Adventure: Brace yourself for a high-speed adventure! You’ll be whisked away to Kyoto on the Nozomi Shinkansen – Japan’s legendary bullet train. This marvel of engineering will cover the distance in approximately 131 minutes, a truly impressive feat!

  • Fun Fact: The Nozomi is famous for its speed and punctuality. Did you know that these trains are rarely more than a few seconds late? Get ready for a super smooth and fast journey.

• Arrival in Kyoto & Welcome! Upon arriving at Kyoto Station, you’ll be greeted by your ESG representative.

• Lunch on Your Own: You’ll be on your own to enjoy lunch. Kyoto is a culinary paradise!

• Afternoon Exploration:

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Step into a world of serenity at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This enchanting path through towering stalks of bamboo will immerse you in the beauty of nature. The sunlight filtering through the bamboo creates a magical atmosphere.

    • Fun Fact: The sound of the wind rustling through the bamboo is considered one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan,” a selection of sounds designed to preserve the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Next, prepare to be dazzled by Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and reflects beautifully on the surrounding pond. It’s a sight to behold!

    • Fun Fact: The Golden Pavilion was originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun, and its gold-covered exterior symbolizes wealth and power.

• Evening: Your ESG representative will drop you off at your hotel, where you can unwind. Enjoy dinner on your own, exploring Kyoto’s diverse dining scene.

• Overnight: Relax and rejuvenate with an overnight stay in Kyoto.

Enjoy your incredible journey!

Day 5
Departure from Kyoto: Sweet Memories Await!

• Morning:

  • Breakfast in Kyoto (Hotel): Start your day with a delicious Japanese breakfast at your hotel, perhaps enjoying some fresh, local ingredients. Did you know that Kyoto is renowned for its exquisite tofu and seasonal vegetables? Savor every bite before you begin your day.
  • Check-out: With bags packed and memories made, check out of your Kyoto hotel.

• Travel to KIX (Kansai International Airport): Enjoy the scenic journey to Kansai International Airport (KIX). The airport is built on an artificial island and is an architectural marvel.

• Departure:

  • Board your Flight: Get ready to board your flight, carrying with you the sweet memories of your Kyoto adventure. Remember the serene temples, the vibrant geisha district, and the delicious cuisine.
  • Homeward Bound: As you take off, reflect on your experiences and the rich culture you’ve encountered. Keep your memories of Kyoto close as you travel home.