Arrive in Kansai airport, welcome and assist by your friendly tour guide. Visit Umeda Sky Building, one of the landmarks of Umeda, is the 19th tallest building in Osaka Prefecture. The 173-meter high building consists of two towers that are connected with each other by the “Kuchu Teien Observatory” on the 39th floor. This observatory (exclude admission) offers unobstructed 360-degree magnificent view of Osaka’s cityscape through the Sky Galley or from the rooftop Sky Walk. You may want to experience the thrill of walking in the sky or explore the Takimi Koji gourmet street, located on basement of the building, a retro food alley which replicates a Japanese townscape of the Showa era (1920s). Next, visit Kuromon Market, a traditional marketplace with about 150 shops selling fresh seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables, snacks, sweets, clothing, souvenirs and more. Thereafter, proceed to Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, the best-known shopping paradise in Osaka.
This morning, enjoy a leisure drive to Kyoto. Go on a walking tour in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and admire the mesmerizing grove of thousands of tall bamboo plants and the surrounding sights. A paved walkway runs through the middle of both sections, forming the famous “Bamboo Alley”. Next, visit the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple), a three-storey Zen temple in Kyoto, with its second and third floors entirely gilded with gold. Formally known as Rokuon-ji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and it was converted into a temple after his death, according to his will. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Continue tour to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, best-known for its wooden veranda (National Treasure) that juts out over the mountain, offering impressive views of the city. The renowned wooden structure was reconstructed in 1633, using a traditional Japanese method of construction, without the use of nails. It was also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Thereafter, proceed to Nagoya. Visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, which introduces the history of the renowned Toyota Company, from a textile loom manufacturer and evolved into a world-leading automotive manufacturer. As many as 4000 exhibition pieces – dynamic displays of original equipment, actual demonstrations by operators, instructive videos and more. Take a look and get a real feel for Toyota’s creations, from the past to the future.
Start your day with a tour to Nagoya Castle, Japan’s first castle to be designated a National Treasure. The castle was completed in 1615 by the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo period. However, it was burned down in the 1945 air raids during the bombing of Nagoya in World War II and was rebuilt in steel reinforced concrete in 1959. The two Kinshachi (Golden Tiger-Carp) that sit on top of the castle roof are a famous symbol of Nagoya city. They were employed in traditional Japanese architecture as a talisman to prevent fires. Thereafter, drive to Takayama. Visit the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum exhibiting more than 30 traditional farmhouses, including Gassho-zukuri-style Farmhouses with their steep thatched roofs resembling clasped hands in prayer. These houses were relocated from different parts of Hida region, the mountainous district of Gifu Prefecture around Takayama, ranging from 100 to 500 years in age and all of them are kept in their original condition. Each house has unique wooden architecture and exhibit tools and utensils used in everyday life in the past. Step back in time and witness how life was like in the mountain farming village centuries ago. Then, proceed to Takayama Old Town (Sanmachi Suji), where you will see beautifully preserved Edo period sake breweries and merchants’ houses with latticed bay windows standing in a row. Take a walk down the street and drop by the Sake Brewery to taste excellent sake and stock up on your souvenirs.
*In summer (from late July until end August), there will be fireworks display over Lake Suwa every night
After breakfast, set off to Kofu. Visit the Takeda Shrine, established in 1919 at the site of Tsutsujigasaki Castle, the residence of local hero Takeda Shingen, one of the strongest feudal warlords in Japanese history. The shrine owns a tachi Japanese sword presented to Yamanashi Prefecture by Sanjo Sanetomi to commemorate the visit by Emperor Meiji in 1880. Step into the treasure house in which a variety of exhibits pertaining to Takeda Shingen are exhibited, including the sword, old battle strategy diagrams, weapons, tools and items of clothing used by him. Then, head to Fujikawaguchiko. Make a stop at Yamanashi Gem Museum, the only gem museum in Japan. 500 different types of 3,000 precious stones and gems collected from Japan and around the world are displayed, including a giant Brazilian crystal with a height of 1.8m and weight 1,270kg. The museum exhibits the gems from raw stone to cut stone and to jewelry products. Here, you can learn how the glittering jewels are created out of uncut stones. There is the museum shop selling all kinds of jewelry and trinkets at a bargain price. Next, visit Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes near Mount Fuji, where you can enjoy fantastic views of Mount Fuji and the beautiful nature. On a still clear day, you can see a perfect mirror image of Mount Fuji reflected in the lake. Thereafter, proceed to Tokyo, the capital of Japan.
This morning, you will head to Tokyo Imperial Palace, the residence of the imperial family, to see the Nijubashi (Double Bridge), two bridges that form an entrance to the Imperial Palace grounds. It is one of the most well-known bridges in Japan. If you are looking at the bridge from the front, the two separate bridges appear as a single two-storey bridge. Next, visit the iconic Tokyo Skytree, a 634-meter-high broadcasting and observation tower, and a major landmark of Tokyo. It is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world. The two observation decks (exclude admission) offer incredible, panoramic views of Tokyo. Try walking on the Galleria’s 110m-long glass floor to experience the illusion of levitating in mid-air. Thereafter, proceed to the famous Senso-ji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo which was built in the 7th century. This Buddhist temple is a popular spot for omikuji, or fortunes. Try wafting incense smoke over your body, it is said to cure any ailments you may have and improve health. At the main entrance gate of Senso-ji Temple, admire the mighty Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate), which is the most famous landmark in Asakusa and a favorite photo spot. Originally built in 942, the gate has been reconstructed several times after being damaged by fire and the current gate was rebuilt in 1960. The name of the gate is painted on the huge red lantern hanging in its center, with the fierce gods of wind and thunder standing guard. The intricate dragon-shaped engraving adorns the base of the lantern. Another two statues, the dragon-tailed gods Tenryu and Kinryu, can be seen from behind after passing through the gate. Next is the Hozomon Gate (commonly called Niomon Gate), originally built in 942 and the current gate was rebuilt in 1964. It stores traditional scriptures and Senso-ji’s treasures. The first storey enshrines two large statures of Nio, the guardian deities of the Buddha. There are also three lanterns and a pair of large sandals. Before leaving the temple grounds, pick up some last-minute souvenirs at the Nakamise Shopping Street, a 250-meter long bustling walkway with 89 stalls selling a variety of souvenirs, traditional snacks and savory street food. After the tour, enjoy your free & easy time in Tokyo.
Free at own leisure till departure transfer to Tokyo airport for homebound flight.
