Adventure Japan’s Highlights with Our Budget-Friendly 5-Day Japan Group Tour

Konnichiwa (こんにちは)! Welcome to Tokyo, the vibrant capital city of Japan and one of Asia’s foremost economic and cultural hubs. Upon arrival at Tokyo’s international airport, you will transfer independently to your elegantly appointed 4-star hotel situated in a prime, convenient location. This comfortable accommodation sets the stage for your bespoke luxury Japan spring tour. Tokyo is a powerhouse of innovation and culture, boasting world-class museums, art galleries, theaters, and cultural landmarks that showcase Japan’s rich heritage and creative spirit. As a global leader in electronics, automotive, and robotics technology, Tokyo blends cutting-edge advancements with traditional charm. Nestled at the southern edge of the Kanto Plain and surrounded by natural wonders like the iconic Mount Fuji, Tokyo offers urban excitement alongside serene outdoor retreats. With a metropolitan population of approximately 36 million—about one-third of Japan’s total—Tokyo is a bustling metropolis providing unmatched shopping, entertainment, and culinary experiences ranging from Michelin-star fine dining to lively street food markets.

After a delicious breakfast, your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for an immersive small-group tour of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks and cultural gems. Begin your day at the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken—key figures in Japan’s modernization and celebrated poets of traditional Waka verse. Nestled within a tranquil 70-hectare forest, Meiji Shrine offers a peaceful retreat from Tokyo’s urban buzz, featuring over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan in honor of the Emperor and Empress. Take in the spiritual ambiance as you walk through Japan’s largest natural wooden Torii gate, weighing an impressive 13 tons—an iconic symbol marking the sacred transition from the secular world. Don’t miss the striking Sake Barrel Wall, showcasing offerings from sake breweries nationwide, reflecting Emperor Meiji’s appreciation for Western culture. Experience local customs at the Purification Font, where worshippers cleanse their hands and mouths as a sign of respect before prayers—a beautiful insight into Japanese traditions. Next, head to the lively Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections, and visit the beloved Hachiko Statue, symbolizing loyalty and friendship. Explore the historic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, renowned for its vibrant Nakamise shopping street filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs. Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the towering Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower on the planet. Finally, dive into the bustling atmosphere of Tsukiji Fish Market, where fresh seafood delights and local culture abound.

Begin your day with a private transfer from your Tokyo hotel to Tokyo Station, where you’ll board the world-famous Shinkansen bullet train bound for Kyoto Station. This approximately 2.5-hour high-speed train journey offers a smooth, comfortable ride and scenic views of Japan’s urban and rural landscapes—an essential experience for any luxury Japan itinerary. Kyoto, located in the historic Kansai region and former imperial capital, is a cultural treasure trove. Featuring 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and more than 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto beautifully preserves ancient Japan’s charm. The city is renowned for traditional arts such as tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining (traditional multi-course meals), and ikebana (flower arranging), while also being a prime location to spot authentic geishas performing classical arts. Upon arriving in Kyoto, your expert local guide and driver will greet you and escort you to your afternoon sightseeing. Your first stop is the iconic Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its exquisite golden exterior. The top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, creating a mesmerizing reflection in the surrounding pond—a perfect backdrop for serene moments and stunning photographs. Originally built in 1397 as the retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the villa was transformed into a Zen Buddhist temple according to his will. Next, explore Nijo Castle, a magnificent example of Edo-period architecture reflecting Japan’s feudal history. Discover the grandeur of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark and a must-visit on any Kyoto luxury tour. Built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, Nijo Castle showcases expansive grounds and exquisite architecture. This historic site vividly reflects the power, wealth, and sophistication of the samurai clans that dominated Japan during the Edo era (1603–1867).

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital famed for its 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and more than 400 Shinto shrines. Known as the heart of traditional Japanese arts—including tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining, and ikebana (flower arranging)—Kyoto offers an authentic experience and is one of the best places to sightings of elegant geishas. Start your day early at the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to beat the crowds. Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates—known as Senbon Torii—this shrine boasts layers of vibrant orange pathways winding up a lush hillside, creating a breathtaking, photogenic corridor. Founded in 711 AD, Fushimi Inari Taisha is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, sake, agriculture, and industry. Explore the grounds lined with hundreds of mystical fox statues, revered as Inari’s messengers. Many foxes hold keys in their mouths, symbolizing the unlocking of rice granaries. Continue your exploration with visits to Kyoto’s historic sites like the majestic Kiyomizudera Temple, stroll through the traditional cobblestone streets of Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Yasaka Shrine, and wander the atmospheric Gion district, renowned for its preserved machiya houses and geisha culture.