10-Day Central Japan with Ise Shima

38 Reviews

10 days 9 nights

Price On Request

You will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Today, we will visit Tsukiji Outer Market – a lively outdoor street market known for its fresh and delicious seafood, produce, and kitchenware. Next, enjoy a fun and simple Sushi-Making Experience, where you can enjoy creating your own sushi, and eating it afterwards! From there, we drive by the Imperial Palace, which offers splendid views of the meticulously maintained front lawn and garden areas, the moat, and the old stone walls. We will visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where visitors can stroll through detailed landscaped gardens, including a traditional Japanese garden with ponds, bridges, and teahouses, an expansive English garden featuring wide lawns and blossoming flowers, and a French-inspired garden with symmetrical designs and ornate elements. Last, we explore the eccentric district of Harajuku. Harajuku's Takeshita Street is well-known for fashion, showcasing an interesting mix of styles, trends, and unique shops.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

NOTE: For Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, on gluten-free diets, have seafood allergy, or don't eat raw fish, please contact us for other ingredient options.

After breakfast, we will navigate public transport on a half-day Tokyo walking tour. We will ascend Tokyo Skytree to the observation deck, which offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the Tokyo cityscape. Then, visit Tokyo’s oldest temple complex – Asakusa Sensoji Temple, featuring the Kaminarimon Gate, in which hangs an enormous red lantern. Leading up to the temple is Nakamise Street, which is lined with shops selling all manner of Japanese souvenirs. The rest of the afternoon is free for leisure.

Breakfast

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Today we will visit Arakurayama Sengen Park and take in the panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. Located in the park is the iconic five-storied pagoda—Chureito Pagoda—that overlooks Mt. Fuji and is surrounded by colorful foliage. Depending on weather conditions, we visit the 5th Station at the base of Mt. Fuji for a closer view of the iconic mountain. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of Lake Kawaguchi, where a reflection of Mt. Fuji can be seen on the water if the weather is clear. Then, our group will visit the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, showcasing the remarkable works of Itchiku Kubota, a visionary artist known for reviving and innovating the Tsujigahana silk dyeing technique used in creating stunning Kimono art. Lastly, hop on the bullet train from Mishima to Nagoya.

Breakfast / Lunch

Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier or similar class

After breakfast, head to Ise Shima for a day filled with cultural richness and tradition. Begin your morning with a visit to the Ise Grand Shrine, exploring both the Outer Shrine (Geku) and Inner Shrine (Naiku) to absorb the serene atmosphere and architectural beauty. Geku is dedicated to Toyouke no Omikami, the deity of agriculture, food, and industry. This section of the shrine focuses on providing sustenance and support for the Imperial Family. Naiku is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and one of the most important deities in Shintoism, believed to be the ancestor of the Imperial Family. Naiku represents the heart of the Ise Grand Shrine and is considered the holiest of the two main shrines. Transition to an insightful afternoon, engaging with the Ama divers in a traditional hut, learning about their unique pearl diving traditions and their way of life. Ama divers are remarkable women known for their traditional free-diving techniques used for harvesting pearls, seafood, and seaweed along the coasts of Japan, particularly in areas like Ise Shima. The word "Ama" translates to "sea-woman" in Japanese, signifying their deep connection with the ocean. The practice of Ama diving dates back over 2,000 years. These female divers were historically known for their incredible breath-holding abilities and diving skills without the aid of modern diving equipment. Conclude your day by strolling through Okage Yokocho, where you can indulge in local delights, shop for traditional crafts, and immerse yourself in the charming ambiance of old Japan.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Toba Kokusai Hotel (Japanese Style Room) or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, our group will visit the Miho Museum, a stunning architecture that accentuates the surrounding nature while exhibiting a variety of items from different ancient civilizations. It was designed by the renowned architect, I. M. Pei, and is named after Koyama Mihoko, one of the richest women in Japan and the founder of the museum. Moreover, the museum has been listed as one of the "1000 Places To See Before You Die". We will then continue to Kyoto, a historical city that was spared from air raids and saved from the atomic bomb during World War II for its cultural and historical value. We will visit the famous Kiyomizu Temple, best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. We will explore Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, charming historic streets located in the Higashiyama District of Kyoto, Japan. Lined with traditional machiya houses, these pedestrian-only lanes offer a step back in time, evoking the atmosphere of ancient Japan. Experience a traditional Green Tea Ceremony – an elegant ritual of hospitality once accorded only to the social elite. The experience is made even more special as it is hosted by an elegant Maiko (an apprentice Geisha). Try on Japan’s authentic clothing, Kimono, and gain a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and the beauty of this iconic attire.

Breakfast / Lunch

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

In the morning, we travel to the Arashiyama district to see Tenryuji Temple. Tenryuji is most famous for its Zen Garden, which has been carefully maintained for centuries using the technique of “borrowed scenery” to create a breathtaking landscape. We continue from there to the Sagano Bamboo Forest, where towering stalks of bamboo packed close together create an otherworldly feeling of mystery and awe as you walk the path through the center. Next, we explore Kinkakuji Temple (also called the Golden Pavilion), which is one of Kyoto’s most coveted sights. Shimmering walls wrapped in gold leaf are reflected in the Mirror Pond below; look carefully to see the dainty phoenix sitting on the roof. We will stroll through the Gion Geisha District, a heritage district where stone- paved streets are lined with exclusive ochaya (teahouses). Lastly, we will enjoy dinner with a Geisha.

Breakfast / Geisha Dinner

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

Today, we travel to Fushimi Inari Shrine – the chief shrine of the thousands throughout the country dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of economic prosperity, rice, and foxes. What sets this shrine apart is the sight of thousands of bright vermillion “torii” gates that form long pathways through the forest covering sacred Mount Inari. We will explore Fushimi Sake District, nestled along the banks of the Horikawa and Kamo rivers. This district is home to numerous sake breweries that have been crafting Japan's famous rice wine for centuries. Next, we will travel to the ancient city of Nara, where we will visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and an icon of the city: Todaiji Temple, which is home to the Great Buddha of Nara – a massive, seated image of Rushana-butsu, known as the “Cosmic Buddha”. Outside the temple, spend some time with the friendly wild deer of Nara Deer Park. These adorable creatures are largely accustomed to interacting with people, and some have even learned to bow when asking for the special deer crackers, which can be bought around the park.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class

We will have the morning free for leisure. Then, we visit Osaka Castle—surrounded by expansive gardens and city views. This landmark preserves the legacy of the samurai era while captivating visitors with its stunning architecture. From here, we move onto the colorful, neon-lit entertainment district of Dotonbori. This area is popularly known for being the heart of Osaka’s food culture. Osaka is known as the city of “Kuidaore” or “to eat until you drop”, and you will find Dotonbori to be filled with numerous eateries underneath large, eye-catching billboards, including the famed Glico “Running Man”. Indulge in a food tour of Shinsekai and Dotonbori. Savor Osaka's famous street foods like takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) from local vendors.

Breakfast

Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 am and you are free for leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for departure.

Breakfast