Exclusive tour "The Islands of Honshu and Kyushu"

Most tourists prefer to travel along the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route. But we suggest traveling even further - to the southern island of Kyushu! Here you will find picturesque nature, seclusion and a completely different Japan!

If time permits, you should come to Japan for 2-3 weeks. Then you will be able to leisurely travel around the country and see not only the sights from the guidebooks. This tour will allow you to get to know Japan from a different perspective!

Detailed program

Day 1. Arrival in Japan and evening tour of Tokyo

Meeting at the airport with a Russian-speaking guide-driver and transfer to Tokyo by personal transportation (the trip from Narita Airport to the hotel will take approximately 1-1.5 h).

Most hotels have check-in times after 3:00 p.m.So you can leave your things in the hotel luggage room and walk around the city before check-in, have lunch in a restaurant nearby.

Option! Guaranteed early check-in is possible upon payment of the full price for 1 night's stay.

15:00-16:00- hotel accommodation, rest.

Day 2 - Tokyo

Tour time: 10:00-18:00

10:00 Meet your guide at the hotel.

10:00-18:00 Tour of Tokyo by personal transportation with a guided driver.

• If you want to see a traditional Japanese wedding, it's worth traveling to the Shinto site Meiji Shrine. In the mid-nineteenth century, Japan opened its borders to other countries and began to rapidly borrow European trends. This was largely due to Emperor Meiji. Together with his spouse, he is the deity honored on the temple grounds. Japanese couples are sure, if you hold a wedding in this place, love bonds will be as strong, and marriage - happy. On the territory of the shrine you can take a fortune, write your wish on a tablet and leave it in the temple for the monks to pray for the fulfillment of your wish.
• A walk through the neighborhoods Harajuku and Omotesando.There are many Japanese brands represented here. Not only young designers, but also world-renowned masters open their stores here. If you are lucky, you will see young people dressed unusually on Takeshita shopping street. Omotesando, on the other hand, is where fans of minimalism and chic come. Here you can often see queues at boutiques with exclusive goods.
• Observation deck on the 52nd floor of the tower Mori Tower - Roppongi Hills, a fashionable residential and shopping complex that offers fantastically beautiful scenery in the central part of evening Tokyo. It also regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions.
• You'll be able to see Hachiko monument - one of Tokyo's most famous landmarks. Thanks to the movie adaptation of the story about the dog named Hachiko, there is probably not a single person left in the world who would not know about the existence of this monument. The movie is based on a true story. For 9 years the Akita-inu dog came to Shibuya station, sat down and waited for his master - Hidesaburo Ueno. The professor traveled to one of Tokyo's neighborhoods to give lectures, but one day he died during class.
• The story of a faithful dog made it into the capital's Mainichi newspaper. The dog became an instant celebrity. People started bringing food to Hachiko. This continued until Hachiko's death in 1935. The dog became a symbol of loyalty and devotion, and today there is a monument in his honor at the station, near which the Japanese often schedule meetings.
• A trip to the bulk Odaiba Islandwhere the Statue of Liberty, the giant robot. Unicorn GundamToyota showroom. Rainbow Bridge connects the island to Tokyo. Once on Odaiba, you can see how harmoniously it blends into the landscape of a modern metropolis. The island is located in Tokyo Bay, and a real city has been created on it today. There are shopping centers, cafes, museums - everything you need for a family vacation!
• Attendance at a multimedia museums Teamlab Planets with fantastic light installations. It is a real labyrinth of light, sound, smoke and bizarre constructions. Spread over an area of 10 thousand square meters, the fairy-tale space is designed to erase the boundaries between different genres of art, between the authors of compositions and the audience, who themselves become part of the mysterious action. You can wander endlessly through the halls of the museum, admiring fantastic views of constantly changing installations. You will definitely be distracted from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The great advantage of this fairy tale of light is that you can take photos and videos everywhere.
• Walking down the street Ginzawhere Japanese stores with a history of 200-300 years are located next to brand name stores. You will see the most famous bakery, from which products are even delivered to the imperial palace, department store building Wako with a clock, walk through the brightly lit neighborhoods can go to one of the huge department stores, where not only tourists but also locals come for shopping.

18:00 Return to the hotel in Tokyo, end of the tour.

 Day 3 - Nikko

 Tour time: 9:00-18:00

9:00 Meet your guide at the hotel.

9:00-18:00 Guided tour to Nikko (2.5 h from Tokyo) by car with driver or guided train tour with reserved seats and cab (around the city).

• Attendance of the Tosegu temple complexIt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tomb of Tokugawa Shogun Ieyasu is located here. Among the most impressive structures of the complex are the Yomeimon Gate, richly decorated with decorative carvings, the Honjido Hall with the Weeping Dragon, and the five-tiered pagoda.
• Shinkyoor Nikko sacred bridgeIt symbolizes the entrance to the local Buddhist and Shinto temples, which are listed as UNESCO heritage sites. It is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Japan and also belongs to the Futarasan-jinjaThe most prominent of these is Mount Nantai, also often referred to as Futarasan. The most prominent of these is Mount Nantai, also often called Futarasan. The temple owes its name to it, and the stunning Lake Chuzenji - existence. About 20,000 years ago, an abundant eruption formed the lake, and now the natural outlet for its waters is Kaegon Falls, one of Japan's most scenic waterfalls. The lake also became the source of the Daiya River, over which the Shinkyo Bridge crosses. It practically closes into a circle, like a snake eating its tail.
• A trip to Tamozawa Imperial Villa. The 19th century Tamozawa Imperial Villa, where you can see how and where the Japanese emperor lived, as well as take a stroll through a lush garden of maple trees. Tamozawa Imperial Villa was built in 1632 by Empress Meisho so that her relatives could live near Akasaka Palace. In 1898, the three-story section of the villa was dismantled and moved to its present site in Nikko, where a new residence was erected by 1899. Emperor Taisho used Villa Tamozawa as a summer residence until 1925. During the war in 1943, Emperor Shōwa evacuated to Tamozawa Villa, in whose garden a bomb shelter was built, which is still standing today. Since 2000, Tamozawa has been open to the public as a museum.
• A walk along Kanmangafuti Gorge along the mountain river (no special training is required, the route is walking). Kanmangafuchi Gap was formed by the eruption of the nearby Nantai volcano. Visiting this small gorge near the central district of Nikko, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and walk along a pleasant hiking trail along the river.Kanmangafuchi is also known for a series of figures consisting of 70 stone statues of Bodhisattvas Jizo, Buddhist saints, patrons of travelers and children.

18:00 Return to the hotel, end of the tour.

Day 4 - Hakone and Mishima

Tour time: 10:00-18:00

10:00 Meeting with the guide in the hotel lobby. Check-out.

10:00-18:00 Excursion to Kawaguchiko and Fuji vicinity by private vehicle with a guide-driver (125 km, 1 hr. 40 min.).

• The Subaru road ends at station fiveThe moon, which people have called "the boundary between heaven and earth" or "the beginning of heaven and earth" since ancient times. This may be because of the extraordinary moon-like landscape. There are absolutely no forests at the top. Although from up here. to the top of Fuji volcano In fact, it takes even physically fit people 5-6 hours to travel this way. From late July to mid-August, many people gather at the fifth station in the afternoon. If you look down from the parking lot of the fifth station, the water of five lakes located on the northern slope of the mountain flashes among the boundless forests. Beyond the blue mountains, the chains of peaks of the Japanese Southern and Northern Alps can still be seen far away.
• Here, at the fifth station, tourists taking a break from a long drive usually spend 30 to 40 minutes admiring nature in the forest border, or visiting the Komitake Shinto Shrine. The fifth station is at the very top of Mount Komitake, which is the oldest of the 3 separate volcanoes that make up the current Mount Fuji.
• Cable car ride to Ovakudani Valley*

* WARNING! Due to increased volcanic activity, the entrance to the Ovakudani Valley may be closed. In this case, you can take the cable car to the end station and see the hot springs from the window of the carriage. In the vicinity of Owakudani, they sell legendary black eggs boiled in sulphurous waters. The Japanese believe that every egg eaten extends a person's life by 7 years.

• Water trip on a pirate ship on Lake AsinokoIn clear weather, you can see the summit of Mount Fuji in the background. You will also have the opportunity to capture one of the most beautiful Japanese views - the gate-torii, surrounded by greenery and standing in the water, which is now known as a wedding photo shoot site. It is believed that. Hakone Shinto Shrine was founded in 757 during the reign of Emperor Kosho. The shrine was originally located on Mount Komaga, but was later moved to the shores of Lake Ashi. In its present form, the shrine dates back to 1667.
• Mishima Skywalkor "Mishima's Heavenly Path"In Shizuoka Prefecture, near the famous thermal resort of Hakone, it's three times the best! It is the longest suspension footbridge in Japan and offers views of the country's highest point, Mount Fuji, and a panorama of Suruga Bay, the deepest in the islands.
• A walk through 400-meter bridge over the 70-meter abyss is impressive even without a view of Fujiyama. However, most tourists come here to admire the sacred peak. And after that you can go climbing in the treetops in the rope park, have lunch in a restaurant with a ceiling of fresh flowers, buy stylish souvenirs, ride a segway....

18:00 Arriving in traditional Japanese hotel in Hakone. Dinner, relaxing at the hot springs. Japanese people are very fond of vacationing in rekans. These are Japanese style hotels that are located in secluded areas away from the hustle and bustle. End of the tour. Or return to the hotel in Tokyo

Day 5 - Mikimoto Pearl Strow and transfer to Kyoto

Tour time: 10:00-18:00

10:00 Check-out from your hotel in Tokyo or from the rekan in Hakone.

Transfer to Nagoya by shinkansen and further - trip to Mikimoto Island with a Russian-speaking guide in a chauffeur-driven car.

• Mikimoto Pearl Island - a theme park dedicated to the activities of the company of the same name and the history of pearl production and mining in Japan. The name "Mikimoto" comes from the surname of the Japanese entrepreneur Kokichi Mikimoto, who managed to make a number of important discoveries in the field of artificial pearl cultivation.
• В pearl museum you can see a collection of natural and artificial pearls, jewelry. What size do pearls come in? How long does it take to grow the precious material? What does the color and shape of the organic mineral depend on? These and other questions can be answered by visiting the exhibition.
• Now labor of Japanese divers, ama ("woman of the sea"), is no longer required, but in the past much depended on them. To commemorate this amazing profession, the Pearl Island Mikimoto has organized demonstrations. 7-8 times a day, girls in white suits dive underwater for shells. 

18:00 Transfer to Kyoto and hotel accommodation

Day 6 - Kyoto

Tour time: 10:00-18:00

10:00 Meet your guide at the hotel.

10:00-18:00 Kyoto tour with Russian-speaking guide by car with Japanese driver.

• Inspection of the Golden PavilionIt is an example of traditional Japanese architecture and a UNESCO site. Its history dates back to 1394, when it was the villa of the court aristocrat Kuntsune. The second owner, Shogun Yoshimitsu, who loved refined arts, created the garden and the Golden Pavilion (1397). Today it is one of the most important attractions in Kyoto.
• Visit to the rock garden at the temple Reanji. The temple itself was founded in 1450 by the powerful warlord Hosokawa Katsumoto. In the XI century on the site of the future temple was the estate of the Fujiwara clan, and there is still a pond from those times. Ryoan-ji Temple served as a mausoleum for the Hosokawa emperors. Their tombs are known as the Seven Imperial Graves. However, most tourists are attracted by the famous rock gardenThe garden was created at the end of the 15th century. The garden can be viewed from the veranda of the abbot's residence. It is noteworthy that it is impossible to see all 15 stones, no matter from which point you try to look at the garden. This small focus is the philosophical idea that man is imperfect and can see all the stones in the garden by attaining enlightenment and soaring above them.
• Attendance Sanjusangendo (Thousand Buddha Hall). This 13th century building is one of the oldest in Japan. Inside you can see 1,000 statues of the goddess Kannon, each with a different facial expression.Of the temple's 1,001 statues, 124 were created at the time of the temple's founding, and the remaining 876 were created a century later when rebuilding after a fire. Today, the statues are recognized as national treasures of the country. Sanjusangen-do Temple was founded in 1164. In Japanese it means "Hall of Thirty-three Spans". The number 33 in Buddhism is directly related to the goddess Kannon, who is honored in this shrine. In Japan, Sanjusangen-do has the longest facade at 118 meters.
• Attendance Nijo CastleIt was believed that the special design of the floors (which produce a distinctive sound when walking) would prevent an intruder from entering the building and remaining undetected. It was believed that the floors of a special design (when walking there is a characteristic sound) would not allow an intruder to enter the building and remain unnoticed. Construction of the plain castle began in 1601 by the first shogun of the Tokugawa clan. Two years later, Ieyasu officially assumed the position of chief military officer in Japan and was given a new residence in Kyoto. Ieyasu's primary residence was Edo Castle.
• Attending a tea ceremony. Under the guidance of an experienced master, you will learn how to prepare traditional powdered matcha tea. This is worth doing in Kyoto, as the city of Uji, where the most delicious green tea in Japan is grown, is nearby.

The duration of a private tea ceremony is 40-45 minutes.

• You will also be able to visit ikebana workshop. It is one of the most popular hobbies in Japan. The locals have a fine sense of beauty and know that ikebana is not just about creating a bouquet, but a whole composition that can be filled with feelings and symbols.

The length of a private ikebana workshop is 40-45 minutes.

• A walk through the neighborhood Guyonwhere you have a chance to meet a geisha or maiko (geisha apprentice). Also nearby is the Kamogawa River, overlooked from one of the city's bridges.

18:00 Return to the hotel in Kyoto, end of the tour.

An optional dinner with geisha and maiko can be arranged.

Day 7 - Excursion to Nara and Fushimi Inari

Tour time: 10:00-18:00

10:00 Meet your guide at the hotel.

10:00-18:00 Excursion to Nara with Russian-speaking guide by car with Japanese driver (50 km, 1 h).

• A walk through Nara Park, home to tame deer. Founded in 1880. Nara Park- the central park of the former Japanese capital. The most important sights of the city are located here - the Nara National Museum, the Buddhist temples of Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, and the Shinto shrine of Kasuga-taisya. Nara Park itself is famous for the wild deer that roam freely through its expanses. The total number of deer is about 1200. The ungulates are considered a symbol of the city as well as a natural treasure. The total area of the park is 502 hectares.
• Visit to the temple complex Todaiji with the Buddha statue. VIII в. Todaiji or Great Eastern Temple was consecrated in 752. At that time, its main role was to manage several provincial Buddhist temples. In the 8th century, Todaiji became the center of Buddhism and the focus of all cultural life in Japan. Over time, however, the shrine became so powerful that in 784 the capital had to be moved from Nara to Nagaoka in order to reduce the temple's influence on state affairs. The temple is now known for the Great Buddha Hall, the prototype for the Daibutsu in Kamakura.
• Visit to an ancient Shinto shrine KasugaIt is known as the ancestral temple of the Fujiwara clan. There are more than 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns on the temple grounds. Kasuga Taisha is Nara's most famous shrine. The temple was built at the same time as Nara and is dedicated to the deity responsible for protecting the city. Kasuga Taishya also served as the guard shrine of the Fujiwara, the most powerful clan in Japan during the Nara and Heian periods. The temple was periodically rebuilt over the centuries. Kasuga Taishya is also famous for its lanterns, which were donated by worshippers. Hundreds of bronze lanterns hang from the roofs of buildings, while stone lanterns line the picturesque approaches to the temple. The lanterns are lit only twice a year, during two Lantern Festivals, one in early February and the other in mid-August.
• Transfer to Kyoto and visit the shrine Fushimi Inari. This place is known even to a person who is not fond of Japan. "Temple of a Thousand Torii" can often be seen in various movies. It is this place became one of the locations for filming the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". The sanctuary is dedicated to the god of fertility Inari, whom the Japanese often depict in the image of a fox. You will be able to walk through almost endless corridors of orange gate-torii, buy a protective amulet or a souvenir with the image of a fox as a memento of your trip

18:00 Return to the hotel, end of the tour.

 Day 8 - Osaka

 Tour time: 10:00-18:00

10:00 Meet your guide at the hotel.

10:00-18:00 Excursion to Osaka city with Russian-speaking guide by car with Japanese driver (50 km, 1 h).

• Attendance Osaka CastleThe castle was erected by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 with the intention of making it the new center of Japan, united under the rule of the Toyotomi clan. However, this dream was not destined to come true, in 1615 the castle and the entire Toyotomi clan fell in battle against the Tokugawa clan. In the following years, the castle was destroyed several times. The modern reconstruction of Osaka-jo was created in 1931. A large park with plenty of greenery adjoins the castle. Local residents often come here for a jog.
• Climbing the tallest building in Japan Abeno Harukas. The observation deck occupies the 58th, 59th and 60th floors of the skyscraper of the same name. From the panoramic windows you can see the castle, Universal Studios amusement park, Umeda Sky Building and other sights. In translation from the old Japanese "Harukas" means to clean, to improve. According to the idea of the creators, the name Abeno Harukas reflects the fact that the observation deck of the skyscraper offers a clear, panoramic view of Osaka. In good weather, neighboring Kyoto and Awaji Island can be seen from here. There is a restaurant on the 58th floor and a souvenir store on the 59th floor.
• Osaka Kaiyukan Oceanarium was built in 1990, but is still the largest (in terms of total area) aquarium in Japan and one of the best in the world. The eight floors of the aquarium house 470 different species representing the Pacific region. The total volume of acrylic glass tanks is 11,000 tons. The main attraction is considered to be whale sharks.
• A walk through Dotonbori districtwhere you can experience the real atmosphere of Osaka. Dotonbori is a large neighborhood along the southern bank of the Dotonbori Gawa Canal. Osaka attracts foodies from all over the world, and the Dotonbori district, a favorite haunt of Osaka residents, is dotted with a variety of restaurants and entertainment centers. There are movie theaters and theaters where you can watch traditional Bunraku puppet shows. In Japanese and foreign films, the Dotonbori neighborhood is often associated with Osaka. There are pedestrian sidewalks on either side of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal, where it is pleasant to admire the local views. The facades of buildings are decorated with neon lights that reflect in the waters of the canal at night.

18:00 Return to the hotel, end of the tour

Day 9 - Free time in Kyoto.

Day 10 - Kumamoto and Takachiho

Tour time: 10:00-21:00 (tour times vary depending on the flight)

Check out from the hotel. Transfer to Kansai Airport and self-drive to Kumamoto.

10:00-18:00 Meeting at the airport with a Russian-speaking guide. Excursion to Kumamoto city by private car with Russian-speaking guide-driver.

• The symbol of the city Kumamoto Castle. Its history dates back to 1467, when the first fortifications were erected. However, the castle complex developed almost a century and a half later, when the new owner, Kato Kiyomasa, an experienced military man, erected the main defensive fortifications. The castle played an important role during the Meiji Restoration. The leader of the Samurai rebels, Saigo Takamori, tried unsuccessfully to capture the castle in 1877.
• Kumamoto is among the most important castles in Japan, along with Himeji and Matsumoto. The fortress is mistakenly called "Raven Castle" for its black color. Its real middle name is "Ginnan Castle" (Japanese pronunciation of ginkgo tree). There is a legend that in the past there were many ginkgo trees on the territory of the citadel, and one of them was even planted by Kiyomasa himself. It was believed that during a long siege, the fruit of the tree could be used for food. The 800 sakura trees on the castle grounds create an unforgettable scene during the blooming season.
• When you arrive in Kumamoto, it's worth taking a stroll through the Suizenji Parkwhich was founded by landowner Hosokawa Tadatoshi. In 1636, the daimyo built a tea house here. Later, thanks to the third daimyo Tsunatoshi, an artificial mountain symbolizing the sacred Fuji was built. The whole landscape of the circular park is a reduced copy of the Tokaido tract from Edo (present-day Tokyo) to Kyoto.

Transfer to Takachiho (77 km, 1 h 40 min) and accommodation.

20:00-21:00 After dinner, a visit to Takachiho Shrine. The Japanese know this place from one of the legends, according to which the sun goddess Amaterasu, offended by her brother Susannoo for his offensive jokes, hid in the cave. As a result, the world was plunged into darkness. The other gods, determined to remedy the situation, tried to lure Amaterasu out of the cave using jokes, dances, and songs. Eventually, they succeeded in doing so, and the sun once again illuminated Japan after Amaterasu emerged from her hiding place. To commemorate this, colorful performances are played out in the evenings at the temple. Traditional Japanese songs and dances and music played with ancient instruments add to the colorful performances. Here, at Takachiho Temple, you can experience the atmosphere of true Japan and witness an unforgettable performance together with the locals.

21:00 Return to the hotel, end of the tour.

Day 11 - Takachiho

Tour time: 10:00-18:00

Checking out of the hotel.

10:00 Meet your guide at the hotel.

10:00-18:00 Tour of Takachiho by private car with a Russian-speaking guide-driver.

• One of the main attractions of Takachiho is the scenic gorge.  Takachiho Gorge- is a relatively small but extremely picturesque landmark in Japan. Its walls of volcanic basalt rock (up to 100 meters high) rise above the blue-green waters of the Gokase River. The almost vertical cliffs are decorated with moss and thickets of trees. This creates a magical atmosphere.
• If you wish, you can take a boatThe water is home to huge carp and wild ducks swim on the surface. Huge carp live in the water and wild ducks swim on the surface, not only unafraid of people, but also demanding treats. Apparently they feel they are sacred birds.
• A waterfall adds even more beauty to this wonderfully quiet and peaceful place. It's also called Manainotaki. It is not as high as Angel, nor as powerful as Igausu, but its presence here creates a very magical atmosphere. The waterfall is only about 17 meters high. An interesting feature is that its stream flows directly from the rocks. Apparently, there is an outlet of groundwater or springs.

Option! Boat ride (30 minutes).

• Visiting the complex Amano Iwato (on time). This Shinto shrine is one of Takachiho's key attractions and one of the most interesting shrines I've seen in Japan. It is here, according to legend, that the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave and Ame no Uzume danced her famous dance that started all kagura dances in Japan.

Transfer to Ibusuki (275 km, 4 hours).

• Ibusuki is a famous hot spring town whose residents skillfully use the gifts of nature in their daily lives. One of the wonders of the world steam sand baths. The steam from the hot underground water warms the sand on the beach where people lie taking a bath. Burying themselves in the sand warms their whole body. This is a rare way to take a hot bath in the world. Sand baths have a long history. They've been used for about 300 years. You will stay in a traditional Japanese hotel where you will have the opportunity to experience the healing power of Ibusuki sand baths.

18:00 Hotel accommodation in Ibusuki, end of the tour.

Day 12 - Ibusuki

Tour time: 10:00-18:00

Checking out of the hotel.

10:00 Meet your guide at the hotel.

10:00-18:00 Tour of Ibusuki by private car with a Russian-speaking guide-driver.

• Lake Ikeda is famous for its giant eels with a diameter of 30 centimeters and a length of about 180 centimeters, which are listed in the Red Book, and is also home to the legendary sea monster Loch Ness. Visitors come from all over the world to see the giant eels and enjoy the extraordinary nature. Lake Ikeda is approximately 15 km in diameter and 233 meters deep, formed during the last eruption of Mount Kaimon. Lake Ikeda is known for its clear water, rated 7th in the world, scenic views of Mt. Kaimon rising 922 meters above sea level, called Fuji Satsuma.
• You will also visit Samurai district Tyrant - A subtropical city of tea plantations, old wooden samurai villas, volcanic hills and small valleys on the southernmost tip of Kyushu Island in Kagoshima Prefecture.
• Kamikaze Museum The Tiran Museum is located on the site of a former airbase where pilots flew their last missions in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. The extensive collection of the Tiran Museum consists of photographs and farewell letters of the fallen pilots, as well as their personal belongings such as hachimaki headbands, uniforms, weapons and others. Also in the main building of the museum are the very model airplanes on which the Japanese pilots made their last sorties.

18:00 Return to the hotel, end of the tour.

Day 13 - Tokyo

Checking out of the hotel.

Transfer to Kagoshima airport and fly to Tokyo. Arrival in Tokyo and transfer to the hotel with a Russian-speaking driver.

Accommodation in the hotel, free time.

Option! Helicopter ride in Tokyo.

Day 14 - Tokyo

Free time in Tokyo.

Day 15 - return home

Check-out from the hotel and transfer to the airport with a guide-driver with personal transportation. The guide will help you to check-in for your flight and solve other issues at the airport. Have a safe trip!