New Tour “All the Colors of Japan” (10 days/9 nights) (SOLD OUT)

Tour start date(s):	2024-10-02
Duration:	10 days/ 9 nights
Location:	Tokyo (arrival, 4 nights) - Nikko-Kamakura-Yokohama-Mount Fuji - Kyoto (4 nights) - Uji-Nara-Arashiyama - Osaka - Tokyo (1 night, departure)
Price (including tax):	DBL: 2820 USD; SNGL:3580 USD

New Author’s Tour “All the Colors of Japan” (10 days/9 nights)

Tokyo (arrival, 4 nights) - Nikko - Kamakura - Yokohama - Mount Fuji - Kyoto (4 nights) - Uji - Nara - Arashiyama - Osaka - Tokyo (1 night, departure)

WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR UNIQUE:

• Arrival and departure from Tokyo Airport (cheaper tickets compared to departing from another city)
• Eight lunches included in the tour price
• Climb Mount Fuji - Japan's symbol
• Dragon Head Waterfall (Ryuzu), surrounded by mountains and golden autumn forests
• Visit Uji, where the most elite tea is produced
• See the Phoenix Temple in Uji (a UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Visit the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
• See the Giant Buddha in the samurai capital Kamakura
• Visit a sake brewery and enjoy a sake tasting
• Walk through Yokohama’s gardens with wonderful pagodas and houses from all over Japan
• Explore the city of a thousand temples - Kyoto, and walk under the magical red Torii gates of Fushimi Inari
• Stroll through the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama and the Moon Bridge
• And much more!

JOIN US FOR A UNIQUE TOUR OF AUTUMN JAPAN!

Day 1: Tokyo

Arrival at Tokyo Haneda or Narita Airport. Transfer to the hotel via shared shuttle taxi with a Japanese driver. Transfers operate from 6:00 to 20:30. If you need a transfer outside these hours, it can be arranged upon request with an additional fee. Self check-in with passports. Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo.

Day 2: Tokyo - A City of Tomorrow and Legendary Past

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide at the hotel reception. Enjoy an exciting bus and walking tour of Tokyo. Visit Senso-ji Temple, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Tokyo. Enjoy street food (dango) and buy great souvenirs. Explore Tokyo Skytree, the most popular tourist area of Asakusa with its wonderful atmosphere. Shibuya Crossing, one of Tokyo's most recognizable landmarks, featured countless times in films, shops, and blogs. During peak hours, it can be crossed by 1,000 to 2,500 people in two minutes. Odaiba, a futuristic district in Tokyo Bay, and the Rainbow Bridge. See the 18-meter Gundam robot, a hero of the popular anime series often referred to as Japan's "Star Wars.” Ginza, formerly a district of silver craftsmen, now a masterpiece of high fashion with unique architecture from Prada and Chanel, and the best Japanese boutiques where the spirit of luxury reigns. Lunch during the tour. In the evening, explore the neon-lit Akihabara, the center of modern technology and anime culture with luxurious electronics, games, and gadgets! Return to the hotel. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 3: Nikko - Medieval Japan. Imaginary Elephant and Three Monkeys

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide at the hotel reception. Transfer by bus to Nikko. See the masterpiece of Japanese architecture - the colorful five-story pagoda and intricate carvings illustrating the saying "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." The details, rich carvings, and bright colors are indescribable; you have to see them for yourself. The five levels represent the five elements of existence: earth, water, fire, air, and void. The carvings covering the walls of the Toshogu Shrine can be admired for hours. The most famous carved composition at Toshogu is the three wise monkeys: one "sees no evil," another "hears no evil," and the third "speaks no evil." The Nemuri-neko (Sleeping Cat) is depicted with two sparrows. The coexistence of these animals became a symbol of a peaceful future for a united Japan. One of the most whimsical carvings is the "Imaginary Elephant," Sozo-no-Zo. Lunch in Nikko.

Similar to the neighboring Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple is dedicated to the gods of the three mountains rising right behind it. The building’s decor features intricate gilded carvings. Founded in 766 by the monk Shodo Shonin, Rinno-ji is undoubtedly Nikko's main Buddhist temple and a place for ascetic training for monks of the Tendai sect. The temple is surrounded by majestic cedar trees and is especially beautiful in autumn.

We will definitely enjoy the AUTUMN COLORS at Ryuzu Waterfall, Dragon Head, the most picturesque mountain waterfall in Nikko. Return to the hotel in Tokyo.

Day 4: Samurai Capital Kamakura. Giant Buddha. Yokohama Gardens

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for an excursion to the ancient samurai capital of Kamakura and the scenic garden in Yokohama.

The bronze statue of the Great Buddha in Kamakura, or Kamakura Daibutsu, dates back to the 13th century. It is the second tallest Buddha statue in Japan and the largest standing outdoors. The statue is 11.3 meters tall and weighs 121 tons. Originally, the statue was housed inside a temple, but during the 14th and 15th centuries, typhoons, tsunamis, and earthquakes gradually destroyed the building. By 1498, people accepted the inevitable and left the statue outdoors.

We will walk down Komachi-dori Street, lined with traditional restaurants, cafes, confectioneries, souvenir shops, and clothing stores selling everything from fashionable items to elite kimonos. Lunch during the excursion is included.

Then we will transfer to Yokohama to visit the most unusual GARDEN in Japan - Sankei-en, which features 17 historic buildings from different regions of Japan. One of the park's most impressive structures is the three-story pagoda of Tomyo-ji Temple, originally built in 1457 in Kyoto. The pagoda stands on a hill and is visible from almost any point in the garden. Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo.

Day 5: Mount Fuji - Symbol of Japan and Historic Village

Breakfast at the hotel and departure with luggage. Ascend by bus to the 5th station of the sacred Mount Fuji (approximately 40 minutes, ascent is weather and road condition dependent). From this station, located at 2,305 meters, summer climbers ascend to the peak of Fuji, which soars 3,776 meters above sea level.

If weather and road conditions do not allow an ascent to the 5th station of Fuji, we will visit the Eight Springs of Fuji (Oshino Hakkai) in Oshino, with traditional-style houses and ponds with the purest water from Fuji. This architectural complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visit the ensemble of historic and samurai houses, "minka," at the foot of Fuji, where you can learn about the daily life of medieval Japan. Eighteen houses with thatched rice-straw roofs create a fantastic landscape of old Japan against the backdrop of Fuji. There will be an opportunity to dress in geisha and samurai costumes (for an additional fee).

Transfer to the train station and travel to Kyoto by bullet train (Shinkansen). Meet the guide at the carriage. Check-in and overnight at the hotel in Kyoto.

**Day 6: Kyoto - City of a Thousand Temples. The Golden Pavilion. Sake Tasting. The Enchanting Torii Gates of Inari**

 

Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll head to Arashiyama, a signature area of Kyoto. Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Moon Bridge,” is perhaps the most famous landmark in the area. It offers a panoramic view of the Arashiyama Mountains. Originally, the bridge was named “Horin-ji” as it led to the temple of the same name. It was renamed during the Heian period (794–1185), when Emperor Kameyama remarked that “the moon seems to walk across the bridge” during a moon-viewing festival.

 

The Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable sights. Nearby is the Nonomiya Shrine, where imperial princesses underwent purification rites before serving at Ise Jingu, Japan’s most important shrine. Many young Japanese women come here in traditional attire to pray for a happy marriage. You’ll have wonderful photo opportunities.

 

Visit the exquisite Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. The pavilion (except for the lower floor) is covered in pure gold leaf. It serves as a shariden, a repository for Buddhist relics. The pavilion is surrounded by a garden, created in the late 14th century. For centuries, Kinkaku-ji has been reflected in the Mirror Lake, which is aptly named Kyo-koti (“Mirror Lake”). From the pavilion's gallery, we can see two main islands - Turtle Island and Crane Island.

 

We’ll visit a sake brewery for a tasting session. Lunch is included.

 

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is the principal shrine dedicated to Inari, the goddess of harvest and success. The seemingly endless line of bright orange torii gates leads up Mount Inari, creating an impressive view, one of Japan's most famous. According to legend, a person can cleanse themselves of sins by passing through the torii gates. Overnight at the hotel in Kyoto.

 

**Day 7: Kyoto: Uji - The City of Elite Tea. The Phoenix Temple**

 

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide in the hotel lobby. Transfer to Uji. The Byodoin Temple in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, is well-known - it features the Phoenix Pavilion, engraved on the 10 yen coin and adorned with phoenix figures, one of which is depicted on the 10,000 yen banknote. The temple houses many buildings and statues listed as national treasures, reflecting the culture from around 1,000 years ago. In 1994, Byodoin was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a "cultural property of ancient Kyoto.”

 

Uji is also the capital of elite Japanese tea. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase excellent green tea and matcha, as well as unique sweets made with green tea. Don’t miss the chance to try exquisite green tea ice cream! Lunch during the excursion is included. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in Kyoto. Overnight at the hotel in Kyoto.

 

**Day 8: Nara’s Handheld Deer and the Giant Buddha. Osaka**

 

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide in the hotel lobby. Transfer to the ancient capital of Nara. In the vast Nara Park at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, you’ll find playful and friendly deer. The park is dotted with temples, and there’s a lake home to turtles and carp. The temples and shrines of Nara are unique and much older than the often-rebuilt buildings in Kyoto. We’ll see the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, weighing about 300 tons. The size of the statue is awe-inspiring, and the temple housing it was once the largest wooden building in the world.

 

Transfer to Osaka. This city, with a population of nearly nine million people, has an economy stronger than that of Hong Kong and Thailand combined. Osaka is rightly considered Japan’s culinary capital and is also known for its excellent shopping opportunities. We’ll view the Osaka Castle from the outside. The city, originally known as Naniwa, existed long before Kyoto and Tokyo. It’s known by this name since the late 4th century when Emperor Ojin built the country’s first city here, with an imperial palace surrounded by ramparts and moats.

 

We’ll visit Osaka’s most bustling shopping street - Dotonbori, where you’ll have time to visit shops with the best prices. Overnight at the hotel in Kyoto.

 

**Day 9: Kyoto - Tokyo**

 

Breakfast at the hotel. At 11:00 am, departure on the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto to Tokyo (2.5 hours). Lunch on the train (bento, which each person can choose as they wish). Arrive in Tokyo. Meet the guide who will assist with check-in at the hotel. Enjoy free time in Tokyo to explore the wonderful shops and the city’s beautiful evening lights. Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo.

 

**Day 10: Tokyo, Departure**

 

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Tokyo Airport (Haneda or Narita). Transfer from the hotel via shared shuttle taxi with a Japanese driver. Transfers are available from 6:00 am to 8:30 pm. If you need a transfer outside these hours, it can be arranged upon request with an additional fee.

 

**TOUR COST:**

 

- ½ Double: $2,820 USD

- Single: $3,580 USD

 

**Included in the price:**

 

- Accommodation in centrally located hotels with breakfast: 4 + 1 nights in Tokyo, 4 nights in Kyoto

- 8 lunches during excursions

- Excursion program with Russian-speaking guides

- Entrance fees according to the program

- Transportation according to the program (comfortable bus and Shinkansen Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo)

- Transfers on shared shuttles to and from Tokyo airports (Narita or Haneda)

 

If booking additional nights in Tokyo before or after the tour, you can use your transfer included in the tour.

 

**Not included in the price:**

 

- City taxes in hotels

- Airfares

- Tips for guides and anything not specified in the program

 

**Note:**

 

Please bring small and convenient wheeled suitcases and minimal luggage. You will be traveling by Shinkansen, and it will be easier to move with compact luggage. Also, you will have many opportunities for excellent shopping, so it’s better to have extra space in your luggage.

Inform your bank that you are traveling to Japan, as you will need to withdraw cash from ATMs (most souvenir shops and small restaurants in Japan only accept cash).