INTRODUCTION TO JAPAN: TOKYO, HAKONE, HIROSHIMA AND KYOTO (May 16 departure from USA with return on May 26, 2027)

DAILY ITINERARY

**Day 1: Monday, May 17, 2027 – Arrival in Tokyo**

Upon your arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, you will be warmly greeted by an English-speaking guide who will assist with your whole journey. Your hotel room will be available after the regular check-in time. After checking into a hotel in Tokyo, where you will stay for four nights, the rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in at your leisure.

**Day 2: Tuesday, May 18, 2027 – Tokyo City Exploration**

Your day begins as you meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby. Embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Tokyo by coach. Your morning includes a visit to the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, followed by the historic Senso-ji Temple and the charming Nakamise Shopping Street. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant electronics district of Akihabara and the serene Imperial Palace Plaza. You will then return to your hotel. In the evening, your guide will meet you again in the lobby to transfer you by coach for dinner at a local restaurant, after which you will return to your hotel.

**Day 3: Wednesday, May 19, 2027 – Tokyo's Culture and Nature**

After meeting your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby, you will set off for another full day of Tokyo sightseeing by coach. The morning will take you to the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine and the contemporary Mori Art Museum. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, a traditional Japanese garden. Afterward, you will return to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.

**Day 4: Thursday, May 20, 2027 – Leisure Day in Tokyo**

Today is entirely at your leisure, allowing you to explore Tokyo independently, revisit favorite spots, or simply relax at your hotel.

**Day 5: Friday, May 21, 2027 – Journey to Hakone**

After checking out of the hotel, your main baggage will be sent directly to your hotel in Kyoto by truck. Please prepare a separate overnight bag for your one-night stay in Hakone. You will meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Hakone by coach. Your itinerary includes a visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum. Following lunch at a local restaurant, you will experience the breathtaking views from the Komagatake Ropeway and enjoy a scenic Lake Ashi Cruising Boat ride from Hakone-en to Hakonesekisho. Upon arrival in Hakone, you will check into a hotel for one night, where dinner will be served.

**Day 6: Saturday, May 22, 2027 – Bullet Train to Kyoto & Kiyomizu Temple**

After checking out of the hotel, your English-speaking guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to transfer you by coach to Odawara Station. From Odawara, you will board a bullet train bound for Kyoto. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, you will embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto by coach. This includes lunch at a local restaurant and a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu Temple. Afterward, you will proceed to your hotel, where you will stay for four nights, and check in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

**Day 7: Sunday, May 23, 2027 – Kyoto's Golden Pavilion & Arashiyama**

Meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto by coach. The morning will feature visits to the magnificent Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and the serene Tenryuji Temple. You will have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit the charming Monkey Park Iwatayama. After returning to your hotel, the remainder of the day is free for your enjoyment.

**Day 8: Monday, May 24, 2027 – Nara's Deer & Kyoto's Sake**

Your English-speaking guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a full-day sightseeing tour that combines Nara and Kyoto by coach. You will visit the impressive Todai-ji Temple and interact with the friendly deer at Nara Park. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit a local Sake Brewery for a tasting experience. You will then return to your hotel, with the rest of the day at your leisure.

**Day 9: Tuesday, May 25, 2027 – Hiroshima & Miyajima Excursion**

Today, you will meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and proceed on foot to Kyoto Station. You will then depart Kyoto for Hiroshima by bullet train. Upon arrival, you will begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Hiroshima by coach. This includes a ferry ride from Miyajima-guchi to Miyajima Island, where you will visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy a stroll (lunch will be on your own here). After taking the ferry back to Miyajima-guchi, you will visit the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Afterward, you will arrive at Hiroshima Station and take a bullet train back to Kyoto. Upon arrival, you will return to your hotel on foot, and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

**Day 10: Wednesday, May 26, 2027 – Departure from Japan**

After checking out of your hotel, you will meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby. You will be transferred by coach to either Kansai or Itami Airport for your departure flight from Japan.