9 Days Classic Japan (GCJ9)

Welcome to Japan!

Upon arrival at Osaka Kansai Airport, a tour representative will meet your group at the airport and take the airport shuttle bus to the hotel with you. Take the rest of the day to rest up. Or, if you’re up for it, do some shopping.

(*Please note that while we are doing our best to accommodate early arrivals, hotel check-in time is generally after 3:00 pm. Baggage storage can be arranged at the hotel).

This morning, first visit the Osaka landmark – Osaka Castle Garden Park, surrounded by greenery. The garden commands a beautiful view of the castle tower and the stone wall of a moat. Afterward, make your way to Nara, a city shrouded in legend and thronged with significant sites. Make a special visit to Nara Deer Park, home to the freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara’s nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. Nara’s deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them. Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed.

In the afternoon drive to Kyoto, and visit Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. And it has ancient origins, predating the capital’s move to Kyoto in 794.

Today you will be free at your own leisure to explore this historical city.

This morning, depart Kyoto and head to Nagoya. Stop at the Nagoya Castle (only exterior) for a photograph, then, arrive at the amazing Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology —- which is widely considered to be one of Japan’s best Museums. In the afternoon, transfer to Shizuoka. Overnight in Shizuoka area.

After an early breakfast, soak up the scenery as you journey to Mt Fuji area. Make a stop at the Oshino Hakkai (Springs of Mt.Fuji) is one of the world’s cultural heritage sites where in a scenic setting with 8 ponds, views of Mt. Fuji & vendors of food & souvenirs followed by a cruise on Lake Yamanakako to witness stirring panoramas of Mt Fuji. Have lunch independently during a stop along your travels today, taking the opportunity to try some of Japan’s unique snacks and dishes. In the afternoon, drive to Tokyo. Stop at New National Stadium (Shin kokuritsu kyogijo) for a photograph. The stadium will serve as the main stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as being the venue for track and field events at the 2020 Summer Olympics as well as the 2020 Summer Paralympics. Finally, check-in to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Enjoy a free day in Tokyo to explore this dynamic capital city.

Today is free for leisure or last minutes shopping.

Take the airport limousine bus to the airport for your return flight on your own. Bus schedules will be
provided by your tour guide in advance. Your amazing Japan trip ends.