Japan, Free and Easy

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival at the airport in Tokyo, transfer to your hotel by bus or train (own arrangement). Our English-speaking assistant will meet and greet you at the hotel for further information about your “Free & Easy” Tour in Japan.
Option: transfer from the airport to your hotel by private car (price on request). The rest of the day is at your free disposal.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY:
We recommend a first exploration on foot in the vibrant neighborhood of Shinjuku. It is a major commercial and administrative centre and also encompasses the buzzing clubs and karaoke rooms of neon-lit East Shinjuku and upscale bars and restaurants in the Skyscraper District.

Time at leisure in Tokyo.

Check-out from the hotel. You proceed to Tokyo Station on your own, where you will take the bullet train to Kanazawa. Your 7 days JR Pass will start on this day. Upon arrival, you proceed to your hotel for the check-in. Time for leisure.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
- Omicho Market (Some shops will be closed on Wednesdays), established during the Edo Period, Omicho Market has formed an essential part of Kanazawa’s food culture for more than 280 years. The sprawling market features more than 170 stores, including a large number of fishmongers that sell freshly caught seafood from the Sea of Japan. Particularly well-revered are the crab, yellowtail and shrimp from the Sea of Japan.
- Higashi Chaya Gai district the old geisha district that was built almost 200 years ago. There are beautiful buildings that have been refurbished into restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen Garden is a must-visit location in Kanazawa. The name Kenrokuen means “having six factors”, representing the attributes which bring out the garden’s stunning beauty: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water sources and magnificent views.
- Samurai district of Nagamichi: Samurai and their families used to live in Nagamachi, a samurai district at the base of the historic Kanazawa Castle. With its intact homes, earthen walls, personal entrance gates, little pathways, and water canals, the neighborhood maintains a historic ambience.

Time for Leisure.

Check-out from the hotel. You proceed to Kanazawa Station on your own, where you will take the express train to Kyoto. Head on your own to your hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is free.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
- Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall’s pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
- Gion. Gion is the perfect place to explore the Kyoto of another age. Known as the city’s entertainment district, particularly for the refined performers known as geisha (or more properly geiko) who have enthralled patrons for centuries, Gion is full of handsome, understated townhouses and teahouses, restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine, and venerable temples and shrines.
- Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen temple known for its delicately manicured gardens and floors covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the main shrine for Inari, one of the most prominent gods (kami) of the Japanese Shinto religion. The shrine is especially known for its thousands of red/orange torii gates lining the paths up the mountain behind the shrine.
- Ryoan-ji Temple, known for its manicured rock garden and known as the home of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai Buddhist sect.

Free day at leisure.

Free day at leisure.

Check-out from the hotel and head to Kyoto station to take the bullet train to Odawara station. From there, you can start using your 2 days Hakone Pass for all transportation, the cruise and ropeway.
In the evening, you can enjoy the hot spring bath at your accommodation and enjoy a traditional dinner.

Check-out from the hotel and head to Odawara station with your Hakone Pass. Take the bullet train to Tokyo. Rest of the day is free.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
Your first visit is to Meiji Shrine. Meiji Jingu is one of the Shinto shrines in Japan, with the vast land of the forest (70 ha.), located in the middle of the megacity, Tokyo. Once you step into this precinct, you will forget that you are in the hustle bustle city, and will find Japanese traditional scene amidst greenery nature.
Right next to Meiji Shrine, there is Harajuku, the center of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, but also offers shopping for adults and some historic sights. The focal point of Harajuku’s teenage culture is Takeshita Dori and its side streets, which are lined by many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands and fast food outlets geared towards the fashion and trend conscious teens.
Continue to Shibuya. Shibuya, the chaotic, yet miraculously organized crossing has become a symbol of Tokyo’s dynamism and represents Shibuya—Japan’s trend-setting powerhouse dedicated to fashion and arts. Join the crowds as they diverge off into the many streets and alleyways to shop and hangout in hip cafes, bars, and restaurants. Spend time appreciating the area’s fiercely independent art scene, or simply visit to experience the rapid-beating heart of Tokyo.

Check-out and time for leisure. Sadly it’s the end of the tour and time to say goodbye to Japan. Proceed to the airport for your departure flight.
Option: Transfer to the airport by private car (price on request).