Konnichiwa, welcome to Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. Upon your arrival at the airport in Tokyo, your driver (not English-speaking) will meet you at the exit and then escort you to the hotel for check-in. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy some time to rest and recover from your journey before beginning your guided exploration of Tokyo the following day. As one of Japan's and Asia's largest economic centres, Tokyo is a hub for Japanese culture, art, technology and innovation. The city is home to world-class museums, art galleries, theatres and cultural venues, while also serving as a global leader in electronics, automotive and robotics industries. Situated on the southern end of the Kanto Plain, Tokyo is surrounded by diverse landscapes, including views towards Mount Fuji, while offering an incredible blend of shopping, entertainment and culinary experiences ranging from Michelin starred restaurants to local street food. Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Tokyo with a visit to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. Founded in 628 AD and dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, Senso-ji remains one of Japan's most visited religious landmarks. Enter through the famous Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), one of Tokyo's most recognisable landmarks, before walking along Nakamise Shopping Street, a lively traditional shopping avenue lined with local snacks, souvenirs and handicrafts. Continue to explore the temple complex, including the impressive Five-Storey Pagoda, the Main Hall, and enjoy views of Tokyo Skytree from the temple, Japan's tallest structure, rising above the city skyline. Next, continue to Akihabara, Tokyo's famous electronics and anime district. Known as the centre of Japanese pop culture, Akihabara is filled with anime stores, gaming arcades, manga shops, themed cafés and the latest electronic products. The district offers a fascinating contrast to the historical atmosphere of Asakusa. The tour continues to the Imperial Palace, the official residence of Japan's Imperial Family. If the palace grounds are inaccessible, visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, located on the former site of Edo Castle. Explore the beautifully maintained gardens, historic stone walls, moats and defensive structures that reflect Japan's feudal past. You will also see the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, one of the most photographed locations around the Imperial Palace. Imperial Palace requires reservation at least one month in advance, is subject to daily visitor quota limitations, and is closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays. Imperial Palace East Gardens are closed on Mondays, Fridays and public holidays. If both the Imperial Palace and Imperial Palace East Gardens are unavailable, visit instead the Imperial Palace Plaza (Imperial Palace National Garden), which serves as a large public park, and Nijubashi (Two-Tiered Bridge). Alternatively, you may visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and Empress Shoken (1849–1914), who played a significant role in the modernisation of Japan during the Meiji Restoration period. Later, visit the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market, formerly the world's largest seafood market. Although the wholesale market has relocated, Tsukiji remains one of Tokyo's most popular food districts. Wander through the bustling market streets filled with fresh seafood vendors, local delicacies, Japanese kitchenware shops and traditional food stalls. After the tour, return to your hotel. Overnight in Tokyo.

Today, head to Hakone and see the views of Mount Fuji from the Mount Fuji 5th Station, Lake Kawaguchi, Owakudani Valley and Lake Ashi. Mount Fuji visibility is weather dependent and cannot be guaranteed. Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and one of the country's most iconic natural landmarks. Famous for its perfectly symmetrical cone shape, Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 metres and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is not only a natural wonder but also a sacred mountain in Shintoism and an enduring symbol of Japanese culture. When picturing Mount Fuji, its snow-capped peak and distinctive silhouette often come to mind. Start your journey to Mount Fuji 5th Station for a close up view of Japan's most famous mountain. Located approximately 2,300 metres above sea level, the 5th Station offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes region, weather permitting. For adventurous travellers, it also serves as the starting point for Mount Fuji climbing routes. Mount Fuji 5th Station is generally inaccessible from early December to late April due to snow conditions. During this period, the visit will be replaced with Arakurayama Sengen Park. Continue to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the most beautiful and accessible lakes in the Fuji Five Lakes region. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeside while taking in the beautiful scene. Lake Kawaguchi is renowned for its clear waters, which often reflect the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji on calm days. In the afternoon, visit Owakudani Valley, one of Hakone's most fascinating volcanic landscapes. You may take the ropeway from Owakudani Station to Togendai Station near Hakone Pirate Ship Port, ascending through a beautiful valley with stunning views of Lake Ashi, lush forests and volcanic terrain. Owakudani showcases the raw power of nature, with active volcanic activity, steaming vents and sulphurous hot springs that were formed by an eruption thousands of years ago. Don't miss the opportunity to try the famous Kuro-tamago (Black Eggs), boiled in the natural volcanic hot spring,on pax account. Later, enjoy a scenic Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi. Designed to resemble historic pirate vessels, these unique ships add a sense of adventure to your sightseeing experience. Cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Ashi while enjoying views of Mount Fuji, the surrounding mountains and the serene volcanic lake. One of the major highlights is the iconic red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, recognised as one of Japan's eight great water based torii gates. After the sightseeing, return to your hotel. This evening, you may choose to experience a traditional Hakone Onsen, at your own expense and need to book in advance. Hakone is renowned for its rejuvenating hot springs, offering everything from indoor and outdoor baths to private and public onsen experiences.

Today, you will take the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto by yourself after your free time exploring Hakone. This fast and comfortable rail journey offers an opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes of urban and rural Japan while travelling between two of the country's most iconic destinations. During your free time in Hakone, you may wish to visit the renowned Hakone Open-Air Museum, Japan's first outdoor art museum dedicated primarily to sculpture. Set within a natural landscape covering approximately 70,000 square metres, the museum features more than 400 sculptures created by artists from around the world, including works by Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin and Pablo Picasso. In addition to traditional sculpture displays, the museum offers interactive installations such as the colourful Symphonic Sculpture, a large net structure woven with vibrant ropes, and the Labyrinth of Contemplation, a sunken maze that combines creativity and playfulness. Families will also appreciate the children's playground housed within a wooden structure, creating an engaging environment for visitors of all ages. Upon arrival in Kyoto, your driver will greet you at Kyoto Station and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to settle in and rest. Located in Japan's Kansai region, Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and remains the cultural heart of the nation. The city is renowned for its tranquil temples, colourful shrines, exquisite gardens, imperial palaces and historic districts. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 1,000 Buddhist temples and over 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is widely regarded as one of the world's most culturally rich cities. It is also famous for traditional Japanese arts and customs, including tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining and ikebana flower arranging. Kyoto remains one of the best places in Japan to encounter geisha, traditional female entertainers known for their refined skills in music, dance, conversation and cultural arts. You may opt to enjoy an evening stroll along the scenic Kamo River, where cafés and restaurants offer riverside terraces with relaxing views. Overnight in Kyoto.

Start the morning bright and early at one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, to experience its beauty before the crowds arrive. Fushimi Inari Taisha is world-famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, known collectively as Senbon Torii (Thousands of Torii Gates). Layer upon layer of vivid orange-red gates line the forested hillside, creating a seemingly endless corridor that winds through the mountain. Founded in 711 AD, Fushimi Inari Taisha is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity associated with rice, fertility, sake, agriculture and industry. Throughout the shrine grounds, you will encounter hundreds of fox statues, believed to be the messengers of Inari. The full round trip hike to the summit takes two to three hours, but many visitors only walk 30 to 40 minutes to the Yotsutsuji intersection because the number of torii gates decreases beyond that point. Continue to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Perched on the hillside of eastern Kyoto, the temple is famous for its enormous wooden stage projecting from the main hall, offering spectacular views over Kyoto and the surrounding landscape. Remarkably, the main hall was constructed entirely without the use of nails and remains one of Japan's most impressive architectural achievements. Kiyomizu-dera is also renowned for its sacred spring waters, believed to grant wishes and blessings. During your visit, explore the Hondo (Main Hall), Jishu Shrine, Otowa Waterfall, and the spiritual Tainai-Meguri Room, each contributing to the temple's long-standing religious significance. The scenery here changes beautifully throughout the year, from spring cherry blossoms and lush summer greenery to vibrant autumn foliage and enchanting winter landscapes. Next, stroll through the beautifully preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. These charming sloping lanes are lined with traditional shops, tea houses, cafés and historic wooden buildings, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Kyoto's past. Browse local handicrafts, sample traditional snacks and soak in the atmosphere of old Kyoto as you wander through these historic districts. Continue to Yasaka Shrine, the guardian shrine of Kyoto's famous Gion entertainment district. Dating back more than 1,350 years, the shrine is particularly popular among visitors seeking beauty, prosperity and good fortune. Yasaka Shrine is best known for hosting the annual Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's most famous festivals, during which the shrine's deities are paraded through Kyoto's streets in a grand procession. Adjacent to the shrine lies Gion, Kyoto's legendary geisha district. As you wander through its cobblestone streets, you may be fortunate enough to spot a Geisha (Geiko) or Maiko (apprentice geisha) dressed in elaborate kimono and traditional makeup. Admire the beautifully preserved machiya townhouses, ochaya teahouses and exclusive ryotei restaurants that define the district's historic charm. Gion becomes especially enchanting at dusk when lanterns illuminate the narrow lanes and geishas make their way to evening appointments. At your own expense, you may try the traditional Kyoto kimono experience and stroll along Gion or around Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, enjoy some free time to continue exploring Kyoto at your own pace, do some last minute shopping or relax before your driver will escort you to the airport for your onward flight. Kyoto is located approximately 65 kilometres from Osaka Airport, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions. If you would like to extend your stay in Japan, additional destinations such as Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima and Hokkaido can be incorporated into your travel plans for a more comprehensive exploration of the country. Thank you for travelling with Fayyaz Travels. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home and look forward to assisting you with your next adventure.