Central Japan Express

<span style="font-size: 12px;">Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll receive details about the start of your tour.&nbsp;</span>

<div><span style="font-size: 12px;">In the morning, we’ll enjoy an extensive <span style="font-weight: bold;">guided tour</span> of this truly mesmerizing city, lasting approximately five hours. Tokyo’s vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist beautifully with its tranquil, serene spaces.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">We’ll begin with a brief stop at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Zojoji Temple</span>, where you’ll capture one of the most iconic views of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tokyo Tower</span>. The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, intricately carved stone figures believed to be protectors of children, dressed in colorful knit caps, bibs, and windmills.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">Next, we’ll head to the famous <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shibuya Crossing</span>, often hailed as the busiest intersection in the world, followed by a visit to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Meiji Shrine</span>, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">Our journey will continue by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue. We’ll then see the most picturesque parts of the Imperial Palace and its gardens and stop to admire the iconic <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nijubashi Bridge</span>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">As we proceed, we’ll pass through the vibrant <span style="font-weight: bold;">Akihabara district</span>, also known as the “Electric Town,” a hub for Japanese manga and anime culture. We’ll also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s renowned sumo wrestling arena.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">We’ll conclude our tour in Asakusa, visiting the historic Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch will be included</span> at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">At <span style="font-weight: bold;">6:30 p.m</span>., we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the <span style="font-weight: bold;">metro </span>(tickets included) to the lively <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shinjuku district</span>. Here, we’ll enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for <span style="font-weight: bold;">dinner </span>(included). Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.&nbsp;</span></div>

<div><span style="font-size: 12px;">We’ll journey to the stunning Mount Fuji area, traveling through picturesque landscapes along the way.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">Our first stop will be the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arakurayama Sengen</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Park</span>, home to beautiful pagodas and offering the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. From here, we’ll continue to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kawaguchiko</span>, a charming town surrounded by mountains, vibrant flowers, and its namesake lake. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fuji Sengen Shrine</span>, a serene site nestled among towering trees, which marks the traditional starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. During our visit, we’ll take a moment to express gratitude for experiencing such a magical place.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">The tour will also include a delightful <span style="font-weight: bold;">boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko</span>, where you can soak in the area’s tranquil beauty. After, we’ll ascend <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mount Fuji</span> via the scenic road to the Fifth Station, at 2,305 meters, surrounded by breathtaking forests and vistas.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">Note: In winter, the ascent to Mount Fuji may be closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. During this season, we will go as far as permitted.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">We’ll return to Kawaguchiko, with time to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake. Tonight, we’ll stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can relax in the onsen (public bath). <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner will be included</span>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Note: </span>At the planned ryokan, some rooms feature traditional Japanese-style tatami mats, while others are Western-style. Occasionally, accommodation may be arranged in a Western-style hotel.</span></div>

<div><span style="font-size: 12px;">In the morning, we’ll follow a scenic road that winds around picturesque lakes to <span style="font-weight: bold;">visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba</span>, a small village that was destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as an open-air museum. Its traditional houses have been converted into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">Next, we’ll visit the breathtaking <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shiraito Falls</span>, one of Japan’s most stunning natural attractions, with cascading water that spans a height of 20 meters.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">From there, we’ll continue to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nagoya</span>, where we’ll visit the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Toyota Museum</span> (admission included), a must-see destination for car enthusiasts and those curious about automotive innovation.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">Finally, we’ll proceed to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyoto </span>for our overnight stay.&nbsp;</span></div>

<div><span style="font-size: 12px;">We’ll spend the entire day exploring <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyoto</span>, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its rich artistic heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">We’ll include a visit to Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Our tour will begin in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arashiyama</span>, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Bridge over the Moon.” This spot offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">We’ll then visit the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tenryuji Temple</span>, one of Kyoto’s “five great Zen temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a serene walk through its <span style="font-weight: bold;">mystical bamboo forest</span>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">Next, we’ll explore the magnificent <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fushimi Inari Shrine</span>; the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Imperial Palace</span>; and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kinkakuji Temple</span>, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by its spectacular gardens. (The order of the visits may vary.)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;">After the tour, you can enjoy some time to stroll through <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gion</span>, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, known for its lively atmosphere and geishas.&nbsp;</span></div>

<span style="font-size: 12px;">We’ll travel through beautiful rural landscapes to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tsumago</span>, a charming wooden village considered one of the most picturesque in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Japan</span>. You’ll have free time to stroll around and soak in its traditional atmosphere. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch will be included</span> at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll continue to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Matsumoto</span>, a popular tourist city where we’ll visit its impressive <span style="font-weight: bold;">16th-century castle,</span> known as the "The Crow" due to its black color. Following the visit, there will be free time to explore the town. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tokyo</span>, arriving by the end of the day.</span>

<span style="font-size: 12px;">After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.</span>