Japan Highlights Holiday

Day 1: Tokyo

FLY AUCKLAND TO TOKYO

Fly from Auckland to Tokyo Narita direct with Air New Zealand. (Other flight options are available - just ask us).

On arrival in Tokyo you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car.

Expert tips

Alongside your Japan Rail Pass, a Suica or PASMO travel card is the other essential thing you will need in Tokyo. It's a rechargeable smart card which will allow you to travel on Tokyo's Metro lines.

Activities and Services

Included

Economy Class Flights from New Zealand.
Airline Taxes.
Check-in Baggage Allowance,
Arrival transfer by Private Car.
Overnight Accommodation.

Excluded

Tokyo accommodation Tax (approx NZ$2-4 per person per night payable locally).

Day 2: Tokyo

TOKYO - FULL DAY TOUR

Enjoy an efficient, one-day tour of Tokyo accompanied by an English-speaking government-licensed guide. Your guide will introduce both modern and traditional aspects of Japan's dynamic capital.

Due to the enormous size of Tokyo, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, a one-day tour is best focused on one or two areas.

Tokyo is where you can experience both modern and traditional, and your experienced private guide will help you efficiently enjoy a full day in this dynamic Japanese capital.

Let us know what you would like to experience, and we will customise a six-hour tour that's best for you!

Expert tips

Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customised itinerary.

You will be able to design your tour by choosing 3-4 spots to focus on from the below.

Asakusa
Imperial Palace
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shibuya Crossing (Pass by)
Tsukiji Fish Market
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Akihabara
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Hama Rikyu Gardens
Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo Skytree
Senso-ji Temple
Edo-Tokyo Museum
Rikugien Garden
Yoyogi Park
Takeshita Street
Roppongi Hills, Shop & Restaurant
Odaiba District
Shibamata
Tokyo DisneySea
Takaosan Yakuo-in Yuki-ji Temple
Nezu
Shinjuku Golden Gai

Activities and Services

Included

Full Day Tour.
English Speaking Guide for 6 hours
Overnight Accommodation.

Excluded

Tokyo accommodation Tax (approx NZ$2-4 per person per night payable locally).
All entrance fees and public transportation fees as mentioned in the itinerary

Day 3: Tokyo

TOKYO - DAY AT LEISURE

Enjoy the day at leisure in Tokyo to explore independently.

Included

Overnight Accommodation.

Excluded

Tokyo accommodation Tax (approx NZ$2-4 per person per night payable locally).

Day 4: Hakone

TRAVEL TO HAKONE

Today you will need to make your own way to Shinjuku Station in order to catch the Romance Car directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Armed with your Hakone Free Pass you will be able to travel by Funicular Railway, Cable Car, Bus and even by Pirate Ship to explore this beautiful area of hot springs, pine clad hills and lakes in the shadow of Mount Fuji.

Expert tips

We have included a Romance Car upgrade for your journey to Hakone today. The Romance Car offers panoramic windows, in seat service and a faster service to Hakone than the regular train.

On arrival at Hakone-Yumoto we suggest you set off to explore the Hakone region first, rather than going to the hotel to check-in.

Japan has a superb luggage forwarding service which can be used to forward your bags onward to your next destination.

This can usually be organised directly with your hotel. Please see our information regarding luggage forwarding.

We highly recommend doing this in conjunction with your Japan Rail Pass as Japanese Railways Stations are often large and busy, so having only hand carry bags with you will make your journeys so much easier.

Activities and Services

Included

Romance Car from Shinjuku (Tokyo) to Hakone.
2-day Hakone Free Pass.
Dinner in Hakone.
Overnight Accommodation.

Day 5: Kyoto

TRAVEL TO KYOTO

This morning, make your way to the Railway Station and on to Kyoto by Bullet Train.

On arrival in Kyoto make your own way to the hotel.

This evening, make your own way to Gion and meet your guide in front of Gion Omoide Museum (connected to the Izutsu Yatsuhashi pastry shop) for a walking tour of Gion.

Experience one of the most popular walking tours in Kyoto, joined by nearly 5,000 guests annually. This 100-minute guided walk is led by a licensed English-speaking guide and takes you through nighttime Gion.

The tour begins at Gion Omoide Museum, connected to a traditional pastry shop.

Walk down the classic cobblestoned streets next to the Shirakawa River, and admire the scenery that was featured in the book and film, Memoirs of a Geisha.

As you walk beside this beautiful stream, the guide will tell you about the history of geisha and give you a detailed explanation in regards to their kimono, hairstyle, traditional rules, and what their daily life is like.

Although it is not guaranteed, during the walking tour guests often encounter geisha walking along the street.

Expert tips

Kyoto is without doubt the highlight of any trip to Japan. It can be a little bit overwhelming with so much to see, and a bit of planning will go a long way to ensuring you see the best sights, don't spend time getting lost and don't get 'templed-out'.

Activities and Services

Included

Breakfast.
Breakfast included in Hakone.
2-day Hakone Free Pass.
Rail Tickets Odawara - Kyoto.
100 minutes Guided Group Walking Tour (shared).
Overnight Accommodation.

Excluded

Kyoto accommodation Tax (approx NZ$3 per person per night payable locally).

Day 6: Kyoto

KYOTO - FULL DAY TOUR

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto.

Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries.

Today's tour, accompanied by an English-speaking guide is flexible to suit your interests. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalised itinerary for you.

We have suggested some of the best things to see in Kyoto.