ARRIVAL
Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival, check in to the group’s hotel and take some time to rest after your journey. For those arriving today, we suggest flying into Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT), from there you will be transported to the hotel.

MEAL
Welcome Dinner
After settling in, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner to toast to the week ahead. The restaurant will be confirmed closer to departure, but expect an introduction to authentic Japanese flavors in a warm and lively setting.

MEAL
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

ACTIVITY Tsukiji Fish Market
Start your morning exploring one of the world’s most iconic markets. Your food tour will include tastings of fresh sashimi, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), ramen, mochi, dango, and other street food specialties. Come hungry and ready to experience Japan’s culinary heart! You will have free time to explore

ACTIVITY Meiji Shrine
Step into a serene world at Meiji Shrine, passing through its towering 40-foot torii gate into sacred grounds dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. Participate in a Shinto purification ritual and witness prayers and traditions that have been practiced for over a century.

FREE TIME
The rest of the day is yours to explore.

MEAL
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

ACTIVITY Sushi Making Class
Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on lesson with a local chef, mastering techniques to prepare fresh nigiri or rolls. Expect tips on knife skills, plating, and sushi etiquette—then enjoy your creations for lunch. Vegetarian fillings can often be arranged, but cannot be guaranteed. These are perfect moments to capture cute photos and videos.

ACTIVITY Visit Asakusa
Step into old Tokyo around Sensō-ji, the city’s oldest temple. Enter through the lantern-lit Kaminarimon Gate, browse Nakamise Street for traditional snacks (try ningyō-yaki sponge cakes, melon-pan, or taiyaki). Walk along the Sumida River for postcard views of Skytree, or pop over to Kappabashi-dōri (Kitchen Town) for beautiful ceramics and chopsticks.

ACTIVITY Sunset Tokyo Skytree Tour
Ascend to the Tembo Deck (350 m) and Tembo Galleria (450 m) as the city turns gold, then neon. Check out the glass floor and explore Tokyo Solamachi for souvenirs or an easy dinner right after your viewing window.

MEAL
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

ACTIVITY Mt. Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes
A full-day escape (typically 8 hours) to the Fuji area. Weather permitting, you may visit the 5th Station on Fuji’s slopes; otherwise enjoy Lake Kawaguchi viewpoints, Oishi Park, and the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway or an optional short lake cruise. Many travelers love a hearty bowl of hōtō noodles for lunch (a local specialty). If skies are cloudy, your guide will pivot to beautiful alternative stops like Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureitō Pagoda) for sweeping town-and-Fuji vistas when visible. Free time will be given during your visit to allow you to explore and take pictures upon your own time.

MEAL
Lunch
Enjoy a local Japanese lunch during our visit through Mt. Fuji.

ACTIVITY
(OPTIONAL - Not included, but En Route coordinated) Tokyo Car Meet Experience
For enthusiasts, join a guided visit to a late-night car meet showcasing JDM legends and supercars. Expect a respectful, look-don’t-touch environment; bring a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and be prepared for late hours. Exact location varies and is arranged by local experts for safety and authenticity.

MEAL (Included)
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

TRANSPORTATION Shinkansen to Kyoto
Board the bullet train bright and early (~2h40). Pick up an ekiben (bento box) at the station and watch the scenery fly by—on clear days you might glimpse Fuji from your seat. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and settle in.

FREE TIME First Taste of Kyoto
After a travel day, feel free to explore Kyoto or just relax! Things to see or do: Nishiki Market (snacks, pickles, mochi, matcha treats), stroll the lantern-lit Pontochō Alley, or explore Gion’s wooden townhouses at dusk (be mindful of local photography etiquette). Optional add-ons: an early-evening visit to Fushimi Inari’s vermilion gates or a short cultural show at Gion Corner.

MEAL
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

ACTIVITY Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience
Choose your kimono (fitting and optional hairstyling typically take 40–60 minutes), then enjoy photos around Higashiyama. Once everyone is dressed and ready, we will head to a traditional tea ceremony. In the tea room, learn to whisk matcha as your host teaches etiquette, posture, and the quiet ritual flow that makes chanoyu so special. After, feel free to walk the streets, enjoy the local street food, and take more pictures! At the end of this activity, we will return the kimonos.

MEAL
Breakfast at the hotel.

ACTIVITY Scenic Kyoto Boat Ride
Head to Kameoka for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, a traditional wooden boat glides through gentle rapids and forested gorges toward Arashiyama, a gorgeous, camera-ready perspective of Kyoto’s wild edge.

ACTIVITY Arashiyama Visit Once in Arashiyama, explore the Bamboo Grove, Tenryū-ji’s Zen garden, and the Togetsukyō Bridge. If you’re up for a short hike, the Iwatayama Monkey Park offers panoramic views. Enjoy free time to grab lunch or explore the area. Lunch ideas: soba, yuba (tofu skin), or a casual riverside set meal.

MEAL
Farewell Dinner
Return to central Kyoto to freshen up, then reunite for a celebratory farewell dinner. Expect seasonal Kyoto flavors and a final kanpai to the friendships, photos, and stories you’ve collected this week.

MEAL (Included)
Breakfast at the hotel.

DEPARTURE
After breakfast, group transportation will take you to the nearby airport. If departing directly from Kyoto, Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the recommended option. Say sayonara to Japan, taking with you a week of incredible memories, flavors, and friendships.