Japanese Hot Springs Self-Guided Tour - Tokyo, Atami, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka, Hakone

Brief Tour Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

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  Day 1: Arrival To Tokyo 東京

  • Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).
  • Welcome to Japan! ようこそ日本へ
  • Clear customs and get your luggage.
  • Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (step by step details in your Japan Journal).
  • Your Pocket Wi-Fi will be waiting for you at the hotel reception.
  • Check-in at your hotel (rooms available from 3:00pm).
  • Explore the neighbourhood and try local cuisine for dinner.

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  Day 2: Modern Tokyo

  Check your Japan Journal for information on how to get to all points of interests, plus recommendations for shopping, restaurants and attractions along the way.

  • Start your day early at Meiji Jingu, one of the most famous Shinto Shrines in Tokyo.
  • Harajuku, a vibrant district famous for its fashion and youth culture.
  • From Harajuku, walk down Omotesando, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées.
  • Continue your day in Shibuya, one of Tokyo's busiest and most popular shopping districts.
  • Go up to the Shibuya Sky for a stunning panoramic view of the city from above (optional).
  • Explore Centre Gai for souvenirs.
  • Sushi for dinner (ideas in your Japan Journal).

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  Day 3: Parks And Neon Lights

  • Start your day by visiting the Shinjuku Gyoen, a beautiful park that offers a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.
  • Head to Shinjuku's shopping district and explore the many stores and boutiques.
  • Take a short walk to the Met Building, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Tokyo from the observation deck on the 45th floor.
  • Head to Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley filled with small bars and restaurants.
  • Visit the lively and colourful Kabukicho district, which is known for its neon lights, entertainment, and nightlife.
  • End your day with a Guided Food Tour in Shinjuku (optional).

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  Day 4: Traditional Tokyo

  • Start your day early with a visit to the Tsukiji Market for breakfast.
  • Head to Asakusa and visit the Sensoji Temple, which is one of the most famous and oldest temples in Tokyo.
  • Walk along Nakamise-Dori.
  • Discover the Asakusa district for unique Japanese products.
  • Head to Ueno Park and visit some of its many attractions, such as the Tokyo National Museum, the Ueno Zoo, and the Shinobazu Pond.
  • After Ueno, head to Akihabara, which is renowned for its electronics shops and anime culture.
  • End your day in Ginza.

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  Day 5: Atami

  All details on how to get from Tokyo to Atami included in your Japan Journal, with instructions on how to pick up your Shinkansen ticket and reserve your seat.

  • Check out of your hotel in Tokyo.
  • Take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Atami.
  • Check-in at your hotel.
  • Start your day with a visit to Kinomiya Shrine, which is famous for its ancient, massive camphor tree.
  • Head to Atami Castle, a modern attraction offering panoramic views of the town and Sagami Bay.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood, a local specialty, at one of Atami's many seaside restaurants.
  • After lunch, visit the MOA Museum of Art.
  • Spend your mid-afternoon lounging at Atami Sun Beach.
  • Finish your day with a traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.

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  Day 6: Atami to Kyoto

  • Check out of your hotel in Atami.
  • Take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto.
  • Check-in at your hotel.
  • Walk around Gion district.
  • See the Yasaka Shrine.
  • Walk around Maruyama Park.
  • Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
  • Walk through Higashiyama District.

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  Day 7: Serene Kyoto

  • Start your day at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
  • Visit the Okochi Sanso Garden for matcha and wagashi (optional).
  • Walk towards Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street and visit as many temples as you can on your way.
  • Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Get the public transport back to Higashiyama Ward.
  • Walk along Shijo-Dori for delicious food.
  • Explore Hanamikoji Street in the evening.

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  Day 8: Day Trip To Nara

  • Take a train from Kyoto to Nara.
  • Once you arrive in Nara, head to Todai-ji Temple, which is one of the most famous temples in Japan and home to the Great Buddha.
  • Next, visit Nara Park and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the park.
  • Visit some of the many temples and shrines in the park, such as Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
  • On your way back, make sure to stop in Uji, known for its matcha tea.
  • Return to Kyoto in the evening.

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  Day 9: Traditional Kyoto

  • Start your day with a Traditional Kimono Experience and Tea Ceremony. This will give you a glimpse into Japanese culture and tradition, and you'll learn about the preparation and serving of matcha tea.
  • After the tea ceremony, head to Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto's kitchen.
  • Next, visit Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's most important landmarks.
  • Head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. Take a hike up the mountainous path through thousands of vermilion torii gates and enjoy the stunning views of the city below.
  • We recommend ending your day with a Kaiseki dinner serving traditional Kyoto cuisine.

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  Day 10: Kyoto to Fukuoka

  • Check out of your hotel in Kyoto and make your way to Kyoto Station.
  • Take the Shinkansen to Hakata Station in Fukuoka.
  • Arrive in Fukuoka and drop off your luggage at your hotel.
  • Start your exploration of Fukuoka by visiting Ohori Park.
  • After your park visit, head over to Tenjin, Fukuoka’s largest shopping and entertainment area.
  • Try local specialties like Hakata ramen and mentaiko (spicy cod roe).
  • From Tenjin, make your way to Canal City Hakata.
  • End your day at Fukuoka Tower, the city's tallest seaside tower.

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  Day 11: Explore Fukuoka

  • Start the day at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park.
  • After spending your morning at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, take the ferry from the park to Shikanoshima Island and visit the Shikaumi Shrine.
  • Try local Fukuoka dishes such as Motsunabe (hot pot stew) or fresh seafood.
  • After lunch, head to Shiomi Park. Climb up to the Shiomi Park Observatory for panoramic views of the Genkai Sea.
  • In the evening, head to the Nakasu area to experience Fukuoka's famous yatai (food stalls).

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  Day 12: Fukuoka to Osaka

  • Check out of your hotel in Fukuoka and make your way to the train station.
  • Take the Shinkansen to Osaka.
  • After you arrive in Osaka and drop off your luggage.
  • Visit the famous Osaka castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
  • Explore the vibrant Dotonbori district and try local street food.
  • Try some of the local specialities like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (a savory pancake).
  • Do some shopping in the area, which is home to many stores and malls.
  • End your day by visiting the Umeda Sky Building.

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  Day 13: Classic Osaka

  • Start your day by visiting the Shitennoji Temple.
  • Head to the Shinsekai area, known for its retro atmosphere and delicious kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
  • Don't miss Tsutenkaku, an iconic tower in Osaka.
  • Do some shopping in MEGA Don Quijote Shinsekai.
  • Visit the Namba area for its abundant dining and shopping.

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  Day 14: Osaka to Hakone

  • Check out of your hotel in Osaka and head to the train station to catch a train to Hakone. The journey takes approximately three hours, and offers scenic views of the Japanese countryside along the way.
  • Arrive in Hakone and check-in at your ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.
  • Your ryokan has dinner and breakfast included, a private bathroom and a public onsen onsite.
  • Head to the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
  • Visit the Hakone Shrine and enjoy a Lake Ashi cruise.
  • After the cruise, take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley.
  • Try the black eggs, boiled in the hot springs and said to extend one's life by seven years
  • Enjoy a relaxing soak in an onsen, a natural hot spring, at your ryokan.
  • Have dinner at your ryokan and savour traditional Japanese cuisine (included in your stay).

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  Day 15: Back to Tokyo

  • Enjoy breakfast at your ryokan in Hakone (included in your stay).
  • Check out of your ryokan and head to the train station to catch a train to Tokyo.
  • Arrive in Tokyo and check-in at your hotel. Drop off your bags and get ready to explore the city.
  • Enjoy some leisure time in Tokyo for shopping, visiting some of the city's many shopping districts and department stores.
  • Sample some of Tokyo's famous cuisine, such as sushi or ramen, and enjoy a drink or two to cap off your day.
  • Return to your hotel to rest and recharge before your flight back home the next day.

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  Day 16: Departure from Tokyo

  • Check out of your hotel in Tokyo.
  • Transfer to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport.