Tokyo Tours

On the morning of your tour, travel approximately two hours west of Tokyo to Honshu and Mt Fuji. The first stop is at the Fuji Visitor Center where you will learn the cultural and historical importance of Mt Fuji in Japanese society, and see displays of arts and crafts all dedicated to the mountain.

Then continue driving through stunning scenery en route to the fifth station where you will see magnificent views of Mt Fuji from different angles. On a clear day Mt Fuji??s perfect cone shape can be seen from as far away as Tokyo; however, this is usually in the colder months when peak visibility is in the early morning or late afternoon.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch followed by a visit to the Aokigahara Forest, also known as the Sea of Trees. The forest lies at the base of Mt Fuji and is famous for its Ice and Wind Caves formed by flowing lava. Wander inside the impressive Narusawa Ice Cave, covered year-round by ice, and admire the beautiful ice formations.

Return to Tokyo where the tour concludes at Shinjuku, a vibrant shopping and entertainment precinct. Explore the area at your leisure before making your own way back to your hotel.

Spend the morning exploring Japan's most modern city on this 3.5-hour sightseeing tour featuring Tokyo's cultural and shopping highlights. Full narration and entry fees are included as you venture inside the Tokyo Tower, Asakusa Kannon Temple and other attractions. There's also time for a photo stop in front of Imperial Palace and a driving tour through the shopping districts of Nakamise and Ginza.

Highlights on your morning tour include:

• Panoramic views of Tokyo from the observatory of Tokyo Tower
• Short photo stop at the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace
• Asakusa Kannon Temple (also known as Senso-ji), the oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo
• Drive through Akihabara, the famous discount shopping area for electronic appliances and computers
• Touring Ueno, well known for its parks and Ameyoko market area for great bargain shopping
• Nakamise Shopping Street, a colorful shopping arcade crammed with tiny food and souvenir shops

Plus you'll receive a free souvenir map of Tokyo!

See the sights of Tokyo on an afternoon sightseeing tour, plus take a leisurely cruise on the Sumida River. You'll gain valuable insights into cosmopolitan and busy Tokyo on this 3.5-hour afternoon guided tour, and have the morning free to explore the city on your own.

Your afternoon sightseeing tour includes the following highlights:

• Seaside Top, the observatory deck on the 40th floor of the World Trade Center, for panoramic views of Tokyo
• 40-minute boat ride from Hinode to the Asakusa pier on the Sumida River
• Asakusa Kannon Temple (also known as Senso-ji), the oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo
• Short photo stop at the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace
• Nakamise Shopping Street, a colorful shopping arcade crammed with tiny food and souvenir shops
• Famous Ginza shopping district, Tokyo's most celebrated shopping and amusement area

Plus you'll receive a free souvenir map of Tokyo!

Please Note: During the Cherry Blossoms season between March - April, the Sumida River Cruise will be replaced with a tour which views the cherry blossoms in Sumida Park.

See Tokyo's highlights on a four-hour morning sightseeing tour. A perfect introduction to the first-time visitor, your professional guide will escort you through Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace East Garden, Asakusa Kannon Temple. You'll also spy colourful Nakamise shopping street and drive through the Ginza district on your morning city tour through Tokyo.

Your morning sightseeing tour includes the following highlights:

• Meiji Shinto shrine, Japan's most famous Shinto shrine, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his consort.
• Akasaka Palace, now known as the Akasaka Guest House and used as state accommodation for visiting dignitaries
• Driving past the Japanese Capitol (House of Parliament)
• Strolling through the impressive Imperial Palace East Garden, once the grounds of an old Edo castle, with a tea pavilion, Japanese garden, moats and stone walls. Itinerary will be replaced with a visit to the Imperial Palace Plaza)
• Asakusa Kannon Temple (also known as Senso-ji), the oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo, with the golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy
• Nakamise Shopping Street, a colorful shopping arcade crammed with tiny food and souvenir shops
• Driving through the famous Ginza shopping district, Tokyo's most celebrated shopping and amusement area

Plus you'll receive a free souvenir map of Tokyo!

There's much to see in bustling Tokyo and this full-day tour is the perfect introduction to the city's sights. You'll visit Japan's most famous Shinto shrine, take a stroll around the gardens of the Imperial Palace and spend time at Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Complete your comprehensive city tour with a relaxing 50-minute cruise on Tokyo Bay.

Your full-day tour includes the following highlights:

• Meiji Shinto Shrine, Japan's most famous Shinto shrine, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his consort
• Akasaka Palace, now known as the Akasaka Guest House and used as state accommodation for visiting dignitaries
• Driving past the Japanese Capitol (House of Parliament)
• Strolling through the impressive Imperial Palace East Garden, once the grounds of an old Edo castle, with a tea pavilion, Japanese garden, moats and stone walls the garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays, when you will visit Nijubashi (Double Bridge) at the main gate of the Palace instead
• Asakusa Kannon Temple (also known as Senso-ji), the oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo
• Nakamise Shopping Street, a colorful shopping arcade crammed with tiny food and souvenir shops
• Driving through the famous Ginza shopping district, Tokyo's most celebrated shopping and amusement area
• Western-style lunch (vegetarian options available) at the Pastel-Tei restaurant overlooking the Hamarikyu Garden, the only surviving Edo-period seaside garden
• 50-minute Tokyo Bay cruise
• Drive over Rainbow Bridge to visit the futuristic waterfront Aqua City shopping mall

See Tokyo at its dynamic best on this jam-packed day of sightseeing. Perfect if your time in Tokyo's limited, you'll see all the highlights such as Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace, take part in a traditional tea ceremony and enjoy a relaxing 40-minute cruise on the Sumida River. A free souvenir map of Tokyo's also included.

The highlights on your full-day tour include:

• Panoramic views of Tokyo from the observatory of Tokyo Tower
• Taking part in a traditional tea ceremony and admiring bonsai trees at the Japanese Garden, Happo-en
• Feasting on a barbecue lunch at Chinzanso Restaurant (vegetarian options available upon request)
• Driving past the Japanese Capitol (House of Parliament)
• Short photo stop at the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace
• Driving through the world-famous Ginza shopping district to experience the excitement of Japan's most celebrated shopping and amusement area
• Enjoying a 40-minute boat ride on the Sumida River, from Hinode pier on Tokyo Bay to Asakusa
• Asakusa Kannon Temple (also known as Senso-ji), the oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo
• Nakamise shopping street, a narrow, paved entrance way to a temple crammed with tiny food and souvenir shops

Plus you'll receive a free souvenir map of Tokyo!

On the ultimate sushi-lovers' tour, you'll visit the world's largest fish market, try your hand at making sushi and then feast on sushi for lunch. What more could a sushi-lover ask for?

You'll meet your English-speaking guide at the Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal in Tokyo, to depart at 9:00am for the Tsukiji Fish Market, the world's largest shellfish and fish market. You will have time to explore the outer market and wander through the many stalls packed with exotic seafood.

Your tour continues with a sushi-making class at a very popular sushi restaurant. Here, you will learn the art of making sushi before sitting down to enjoy your very own sushi creations for lunch.

Your tour concludes at the Tsukiji Station, where your guide will direct you back to your preferred location.

Discover the subculture of Tokyo's Kabukicho district on a four-hour morning walking tour. You??ll explore Kabukicho with a local guide during the day, when it is a modest shopping and entertainment area with manga caf??s and karaoke bars; come nightfall, it becomes a colorful, neon-lit, red-light district, home to hostess clubs and pachinko parlors.

Start your morning walking tour with a visit to the Keio Department Store, where you??ll experience the pomp and ceremony of the official morning greeting, when staff members line the aisles, bowing and calling out good morning. Browse the aisles for a bargain and see Japanese handicrafts on display.

Continue with your guide through the Tokyo district of Kabukicho, an entertainment area full of small bars and hostess clubs. Hear colorful stories about the exploits of the Yakuza (Japanese mafia) and pop into one of the many arcades to watch locals playing pachinko (a mechanical arcade game, similar to a slot machine) and to have your photo printed in a purikura (a photo sticker booth).

Next, walk to a local manga kissa, a cafe where people go to read manga, Japanese comics. A manga cafe is Japan??s version of a private library, where you pay by the hour (entrance included in tour price) to sit and read the comic books, surf the internet and have a quiet drink. Hugely popular among the youth of Tokyo, manga is a mainstream media that includes a wide range of genres, from romance to science fiction.

Next, visit one of Kabukicho??s many karaoke bars and take your turn at the microphone! You may have experienced karaoke at home, but there??s nothing like doing it in Japan, where it??s a popular pastime. Embrace your inner rock star as you enjoy a 30-minute session in a private room.

Then return to the Keio department store where your tour ends.

Please note: By law, foreigners are required to show their passports to enter manga caf??s; you must bring it with you on this tour.

Discover the faded charm of Tokyo's Kagurazaka neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and traditional architecture. On this guided walking tour, wander the neighborhood and to see the remnants of this former geisha district. Visit the numerous shrines, historical buildings and points of interest as you get a local look into Japanese culture.

See a quieter side of Tokyo on a walking tour of the Kagurazaka neighborhood. With your local guide, walk along the many alleyways and lanes off the main street, and enjoy a glimpse back in time to the era of the geisha. The beautiful neighborhood of Kargurazaka was known in the early 1900s for its geisha houses, some of which still remain today.

Your walking tour starts with a visit to the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, considered to be lucky for those seeking romance. Then stroll Kagurazaka Street past traditional Japanese stores. See the Zenkokuji Temple with its striking red pillars, and walk along the old stone steps, past the onsen (hot baths), to reach the Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine.

Next, spend some time on Oguri Yokocho, a narrow street named after the Oguri family, a powerful clan during the Edo era. Unlike busy Kagurazaka Street, this area is quieter and more intimate, with residential houses located among the cafes and restaurants. Continue your tour by walking past the former Geisha Association office and through more small laneways to the areas of Kakurenbo Yokocho and Hyogo Yokocho, where you will find small hole-in-the-wall restaurants, izakayas (bars) and perhaps even a geisha or two.

Take the subway back to the Keio Plaza Hotel, where your tour concludes.

Meet your guide at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku and travel like a local by train to Harajuku Station. Harajuku is one of Tokyo's most eclectic shopping districts and home to a distinctive style of urban fashion. If you've ever wondered where those strange outfits featured in music clips and magazines come from, well wonder no more -- it's right here in the subculture world of Harajuku.

Explore Takeshita and its side streets, which are lined with fashion boutiques, used-clothing stores and up-and-coming designers. Browse the aisles of one of the largest 100 yen shops (dollar stores) for a bargain. See the local teenagers engage in cosplay (costume play) where they dress up to resemble anime (Japanese cartoon) characters, celebrities or their own styles.

After a clash of color and riot of fashion, wander down to the posh end of town to Omotesando Hills shopping mall. Here you can browse the high-end fashion stores featuring the designer brand names of Louis Vuitton and Prada to name but a few.

Visit Kiddy Land, a famous toy store that has stood on Omotesando for decades, although these days it is known more for its Hollywood celebrity clients, before continuing to Jingu Crossing which houses the more affordable brands of H&M and Forever 21.

Your tour ends at Harajuku Station where you can take the train back to Keio Plaza Hotel.

Meet your guide and travel by subway to Aoyama Icchome Station. Walk under the lines of gingko trees as you make your way to Aoyama Cemetery, the final resting place of famous Japanese and foreigners. One of the cemetery's most famous graves is that of Hachik??, the dutiful dog whose statue adorns Shibuya Station. The cemetery is also renowned for its cherry blossoms which can be seen during the months of March and April. See the beautiful gardens surrounding Nogi Shrine and hear the story of loyal General Nogi Maresuke, who upon the death of the emperor took his own life.

Wander Hinokicho Park, once a garden attached to the residence of the wealthy former Daimyo Mori clan -- Hinoki means cypress tree and there are many on the grounds. Also see the pond fed by a bubbling stream, which is overlooked by a traditional Japanese teahouse.

Afterwards, explore Tokyo Midtown, a new concept in city living. The area was designed to bring together urban development with eco-friendly concepts to provide a unique inner-city experience. With lots of open spaces and lush green gardens, it??s truly an oasis in the city.

Continue on to Roppongi Hills and Mohri Gardens, and then walk past the Stripe House Gallery to Imo Araizaka Hill, where the tour will end. Take time to explore the shops, art galleries and nightlife of Roppongi, before making your own way back to your hotel.

Start your exciting night tour at the shopping area of Shinjuku and check out the popular department stores where Japan's trendiest styles and subculture fashions are to be found. Walk past the Suehirotei Vaudeville Theater, one of the most prestigious traditional Japanese theater companies. Admire the candle-lit Hanazono Shrine, founded in the mid-17th century and considered a protector of the Shinjuku district.

Continue your walk to Golden Gai, a famous bar district on the east side of Shinjuku with more than 100 tiny shacks (formerly brothels), bars and clubs. Walk through the narrow alleys and passageways that have remained unchanged over time. Stroll along the neon-lit streets of Kabukicho, full of small bars and hostess clubs catering mainly to Japanese salary men. See the touts calling out for business and hear the risqu?? stories of what goes on behind closed doors!

Finish your tour at Omoide Yokocho, for a look back in time. This lane still has the old architecture of wooden shacks and is reminiscent of the 1940s when old Tokyo's alleys hosted a world of black marketeers. Stop for a while and enjoy dinner or a few drinks at one of the many bars and restaurants.

Please note: Food and drinks are not included in the tour, your guide will suggest restaurant and bars and assist you with ordering.

Meet your guide at the Hinode Station on the Yurikamome Line and board the cruise at Hinode Pier.

Be impressed by the modern decor and facilities as you board the ship for a sumptuous dinner of traditional Japanese dishes and international favorites. Enjoy as selection of soups, salads, fish and meat dishes, followed by desserts with tea or coffee.

The large modern ship allows you to dine in style with elegant table settings and soft furnishings. Open floor plans make for easy movement around the dining room and views of the Tokyo skyline can be seen from the large picture windows. Take a photo as you pass under the Rainbow Bridge, see the jets coming in to land at the airport and get a glimpse of Tokyo Disneyland in the distance.

One of Nikko??s most striking features is Toshogu, an ornately decorated shrine dedicated to the spirit of Ieyasu, one of Japan's most influential historical people. The shrine complex consists of more than a dozen Shinto and Buddhist buildings set with in a beautiful forest. During the first half of the 17th century the simple mausoleum of Ieyasu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf have been used to decorate the buildings, unlike the traditional simple shrines found elsewhere.

Take a break for lunch before visiting the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, one of the largest remaining wooden buildings in Japan with an impressive history and long line of illustrious residents. Now a museum, the villa blends Edo- and Meiji-period architecture throughout its 106 rooms. See the curious mix of east-meets-west styles where elaborate chandeliers hang from the ceilings overlooking tatami flooring and sliding paper doors.

Travel to the Kirifuri Waterfall, considered one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Nikko. The waterfall takes its name from the mist created by the water hitting the rocks below and producing an enchanting fog-like (Kirafuri) quality. You tour concludes at Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most popular shopping and entertainment districts. Enjoy a spot of shopping or relax with dinner and a drink at one of the many restaurants (at own expense), before making your own way back to your hotel.

Explore the scenic shrines and countryside of the Nikko National Park on a day trip from Tokyo. Nikko has been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for centuries and is famous for its natural attractions, wild monkeys and shrines.

You'll also visit Nikko, a small city at the entrance to the national park. The highlight here is the world-famous Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of the first Tokugawa Shogun. It's a gorgeous complex of colorful structures featuring the superb craftsmanship of Japan's 17th century artisans. Look out for the famous carving of the hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil monkeys.

Don't miss the opportunity to see a traditional Sumo tournament when you're in Tokyo. You'll take the subway with fellow Sumo fans to the Kokugikan (Sumo Amphitheater) and enjoy a traditional Sumo wrestling tournament. You'll also visit the fascinating Sumo Museum to see Sumo-related objects from the Edo period to the present.

At the amphitheater you'll experience a Dohyo-iri (entering the ring) ceremony and see exciting Sumo matches from your B-class reserved seat on the second floor. English commentary via audio headphones is available. The Sumo match will last approximately 2.5-hours, after you will have dinner at a local chanko restaurant (if option selected), where you can enjoy the traditional food of Sumo wrestlers. 

Please note: Your guide will meet you at the ticket gates at the Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal and escort you to the museum and tournament, and then later to the restaurant for dinner. The guide will not join you for dinner.

If you're traveling with your family, or you are a fan of Japanese Anime, this afternoon tour to the renowned Studio Ghibli Museum is for you. You'll soon see why Studio Ghibli is famous for creating the best quality Anime around, and is known as the Disney of the East.

You'll join other animation lovers and take a local train to Mitaka, where the Ghibli Museum stands on a 4000-acre site in a green park. The museum houses various exhibits describing the animation process, a play space, a movie theater showing a short film by director Hayao Miyazaki, a restaurant and gift shops. Children are specially catered for, and the Ghibli characters feature in a fun way throughout the museum.

On your full-day trip from Tokyo you'll travel by coach to the Fuji visitor center to see cultural art dedicated to Fujisan. As you drive up to Mt Fuji's fifth station at 7,607 feet (2,305 meters) you'll be inspired by the beauty of the Japanese landscape. Lunch (if option is selected) is a traditional Japanese-style meal.

After lunch, you'll enjoy the crisp mountain air and Mt Fuji views while cruising Lake Ashi and riding the aerial cableway at Mount Komagatake overlooking Hakone National Park.

Your day trip to Mount Fuji concludes with a ride on the famous Shinkansen (Bullet train) super-express for the return journey to Tokyo.

At 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain. Rarely, on clear days, Fujisan's perfectly shaped volcano slopes can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama, but views are always subject to weather conditions as mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. Visibility tends to be better during the colder months, in the early morning and late evening.

Escape the big-city bustle to explore Mt Fuji, stay in scenic Hakone then zoom back to Tokyo by Bullet train on this overnight jaunt. You'll cruise Lake Ashi, take a ride on the Mt Komagatake aerial cableway, soothe away your cares in a hot spring bath in Hakone and have a day free to explore this exquisite resort town.

Your tour begins with a relaxing coach trip to Mt Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. You'll visit the Fuji visitor center to see cultural art dedicated to Fujisan, cruise Lake Ashi and ride the aerial cableway to the top of Mt Komagatake for superb views over Hakone National Park.

You'll then stay the night at Hakone, famous for its hot springs (known as onsen) and natural beauty, with a choice of two accommodation options.

Next day you'll have the whole day free to explore Hakone at your leisure, with a one-day Hakone pass provided free of charge. The pass covers the Hakone Tozan Bus/Train/Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Sightseeing Ship, Numazu Tozan Tokai Bus and Odakyu Express Bus.

You'll then make your own way to Odawara Station by local bus or train to return to Tokyo by Shinkansen Bullet train, arriving at around 8pm. Note that your Shinkansen reservation cannot be changed, and travel time is around 40-60 minutes.

Visit Japan's iconic Mount Fuji, cruise Lake Ashi and ride the aerial cableway at Mount Komagatake on this popular day trip from Tokyo. You'll enjoy lunch on Mt Fuji and have sweeping views of celebrated Hakone National Park from Mt Komagatake.

On your full-day trip from Tokyo you'll travel by coach to the Fuji visitor center to see cultural art dedicated to Fujisan. As you drive up to Mt Fuji's fifth station at 7,607 feet (2,305 meters) you'll be inspired by the beauty of the Japanese landscape. Lunch (if option is selected) is a traditional Japanese-style meal.

After lunch, you'll enjoy the crisp mountain air and Mt Fuji views while cruising Lake Ashi and riding the aerial cableway at Mount Komagatake overlooking Hakone National Park.

Your day trip to Mount Fuji concludes with a coach ride back to Tokyo.

At 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain. Rarely, on clear days, Fujisan's perfectly shaped volcano slopes can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama, but views are always subject to weather conditions as mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. Visibility tends to be better during the colder months, in the early morning and late evening.

Please note:

• Mt.Komagatake Aerial Cableway may be skipped due to traffic conditions without alternative on the following days
  
  • Nov 6, 13, 20
  • Dec 30
• When the driveway up to Mt.Fuji's 5th station is closed in winter due to heavy snow, the tour will go to the highest possible station on Mt Fuji.
• Visits may be omitted or substituted depending on heavy traffic and weather conditions or for other operational reasons. No refund will be given.

Explore the countryside, temples and shrines outside Tokyo on a full-day walking tour through Kamakura. This fascinating, fully guided excursion takes you to Kamakura's famous Great Buddha and pretty Hase Kannon Temple. You'll also have the option to take a one-hour rickshaw ride or train trip to visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine as well as shop for arts and crafts along Komachi Shopping Street.

To begin your full-day walking tour, you'll board local trains to Kamakura and Hase, a suburb within Kamakura, to visit the massive bronze statue of the Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple. The second largest Buddha statue in Japan, the bronze image measures 37 feet (11.4 meters) and is thought to date back to 1252. You'll then visit the attractive Hase Kannon Temple, with its gilt statue of Kannon. You'll have great views of Hase and the Pacific Ocean from here.

After a Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant, you have the option of taking an one-hour rickshaw ride or train trip on the Eno-den line to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (select your preference when booking).

Here, you'll take a walk along Wakamiya-Oji, the approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine lined with cherry trees. Features of the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine include a series of red torii gates, an arched bridge, ponds, a huge gingko tree and the colorful Main Hall standing at the top of 62 stone steps.

After walking back to Kamakura Station via Komachi Shopping Street and its art and craft shops, you'll catch a local train on the Yokosuka Line back to Tokyo.

Experience what Kamakura has to offer on this full-day tour from Tokyo. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through quiet historical streets visitors rarely see, offering a glimpse into the roots of today's Japan.

You'll be picked up from selected Tokyo hotels by coach to the Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal where you and you English-speaking guide will board a train to Hase, changing trains once at Kamakura, a 55-minute journey. 

Your Kamakura walking tours starts here. Make your way by foot from Hase train station to the Hase Kannon Temple (60-minutes), with its gilt statue of Kannon, foffering amazing views of the town and the Pacific Ocean. Continue by foot (30-minutes) to the Kotokuin Temple where the Great Buddha, a bronze image measuring 11.4 meters in height.

Enjoy Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant.

Let your feet relax as you ride a Rickshaw, a traditional man-pulled carriage to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, passing through the Torii gate. The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the symbol of the first Shogun Minamoto. The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine grounds consists of a arched bridge, the Genji and Heike ponds, the huge gingko tree, and the colorful Main Hall standing at the top of 62 stone steps.

Walk back to Kamakura Station via Komachi Shopping Street, a great opportunity to bargain for arts and crafts.

Board the train back to Tokyo Station where your tour concludes.

Day 1: Tokyo ?? Mt Fuji Seventh Station (D)
Travel by coach to Mt Fuji. On your way, enjoy a drive through stunning scenery that offers magnificent views of Mt Fuji from different angles. On arrival at the fifth station, located at 7,560 feet (2,304 meters), you can relax, have a Japanese-style lunch at the fifth station restaurant (own expense ) and prepare for the climb ahead.

At approximately 3pm, start your ascent of Mt Fuji. The hike has two parts -- the first section to the seventh station, located at 9,457 feet (2,910 meters), takes 3-4 hours along designated paths. Have dinner and rest for a few hours at a toyokan (mountain hut) to become acclimatized to the altitude. The huts are very basic and have wooden bunk beds that are more for resting than sleeping.

At 10pm, start the second part of your climb. Be guided by the moonlight and the beam of your flashlight as you walk over steep rocky outcrops to reach the summit of Mt Fuji, where you??ll wait for the first rays of dawn to peek through the horizon.

Day 2: Mt Fuji - Tokyo (B)
You can??t help but feel the thrill of all the mountain explorers who??ve come before you as you watch the sun rise from the top of Mt Fuji. While you eat your breakfast bento box, take this time to appreciate the natural beauty unfolding as day breaks. If time permits, you can walk the rim of the caldera (90 minutes) before your descent back to the fifth station.

Then, travel to famous onsen (meaning ??spa??) baths at Beni Fuji no Yu to soak your tired muscles. As you relax in the open-air hot spring baths, enjoy the garden setting and the excellent views of Mt Fuji. The onsen also has steam rooms, saunas and waterfall showers to soothe your aches and pains. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant (own expense) or have a massage before boarding the coach for the return trip to Tokyo.

Please see below for notes on what to bring and expect on this Mt Fuji experience.

Day 1: Tokyo ?? Mt Fuji ?? Hakone (L)
Leave Tokyo behind as you travel to the stunning countryside of Hakone. Stop at the Mt Fuji Visitors Center to learn the heritage and cultural significance of this famous mountain and its surrounding area. From the fifth station, located at 7,560 feet (2,304 meters), admire the impressive views of Mt Fuji and enjoy a typical Japanese lunch.

Next, take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, nestled in the caldera of Mt Hakone, and see full-scale replicas of man-of-war sailing ships ferrying tourists around the lake. Then take the ropeway (gondola) to the top of Mt Komagatake, for stunning panoramic views over Hakone National Park before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Hakone ?? Tokyo
Traditionally, onsen were public baths where both men and women bathed and socialized together, but nowadays they are generally separated into male and female sections. Take another dip in the healing waters of the onsen baths and spend the day experiencing this time- old tradition. Or, use your included Hakone Pass to explore the area at your leisure. Your pass allows you to travel on the Hakone Tozan Bus or Train, the Hakone Ropeway, the Hakone Sightseeing Ship, the Numazu Tozan Tokai Bus and the Odakyu Express Bus.

Make your own way to Odawara Station by local bus or train to return to Tokyo by Shinkansen Bullet train, arriving at around 8pm.

If your time in Japan is limited and you don't want to miss the sights of Kyoto, zoom there and back by Bullet train on this comprehensive one-day rail tour from Tokyo. Weather permitting, you'll have splendid views of Mt Fuji from the Shinkansen Bullet train en route. Escorted by a professional guide, you'll embark on an afternoon city tour of Kyoto and enjoy local lunch before returning to Tokyo.

After lunch at the New Miyako Hotel, you'll enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in the beautiful traditional city of Kyoto. You'll visit the Buddhist Sanjusangendo Hall with its 1,001 impressive images of Buddha, the vermilion-hued Heian Shinto shrine and the Kiyomizu Buddhist temple, with its wooden veranda.

In the early evening you'll board a Shinkansen Bullet train back to Tokyo to spend the evening in the capital.

Choose from a two-day or three-day Bullet train excursion to Kyoto and Nara from Tokyo. You'll tour Nara's temples and shrines, spend the night in Kyoto and take morning and afternoon sightseeing tours of Kyoto. You'll then have the option of spending a second night in Kyoto, with a day free to spend at your leisure exploring the city that's known as the cradle of Japan's cultural heritage.

As you zoom your way to Kyoto from Tokyo by Bullet train, look out for splendid views of Mt Fuji if the weather permits. After lunch at the New Miyako Hotel, you'll travel to Nara in Japan's Kansai region. Nara was the country's first permanent capital city, and has an abundance of Unesco World Heritage sites. You'll visit the Todaiji Temple housing a great image of Buddha, colorful Kasuga Shrine with 3,000 lanterns, and the Deer Park, where tame deer freely roam.

After spending the night in Kyoto, you'll visit the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, noted for its gorgeous interiors, and KyotoImperial Palace. After lunch at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, you'll visit Sanjusangendo Temple with its 1,001 impressive images of Buddha, the vermilion-hued Heian Shinto shrine and the Kiyomizu Buddhist temple.

You then have the option of returning to Tokyo by Bullet train, or staying another night in Kyoto and returning to Tokyo by Bullet train the next evening after spending the day exploring the city at your leisure.

• At the "Nijo Castle", on every Tuesdays in Jan., Jul., Aug. & Dec., "Nijo Castle" is closed and you will visit "Ryoanji Temple" instead.
• At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, on every Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and some other days, Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed and you will visit "Nishi Honganji" instead.
• To enter the Kyoto Imperial Palace, you are required to fill out the form (your name, sex, age, nationality).

Combine a visit to Mt Fuji and Kyoto on this overnight rail tour by Bullet train. You'll visit Mt Fuji, ride the Bullet train to Kyoto and take a sightseeing tour of this important city, known as the cradle of Japan's cultural heritage. You'll then have the option of returning to Tokyo by Bullet train or staying on in Kyoto.

Your tour begins with a relaxing coach trip to Mt Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. You'll also cruise Lake Ashi and ride the aerial cableway to the top of Mt Komagatake for superb views over Hakone National Park.

You'll then zoom your way to Kyoto aboard a high-speed Shinkansen Bullet train. On arriving Kyoto you will be transferred to your Kyoto hotel for the evening, with a choice of tourist-class or first-class hotels.

Next day, you can spend the day sightseeing and return to Tokyo by Bullet train in the evening, or stay on in Kyoto after your day of sightseeing. Highlights on the Kyoto day tour include the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, noted for its gorgeous interiors, and Kyoto Imperial Palace. After lunch at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, you'll visit Sanjusangendo Temple with its 1,001 impressive images of Buddha, the vermilion-hued Heian Shinto shrine and Kiyomizu Buddhist temple, with its wooden veranda.

Your tour begins with a relaxing coach trip to Mt Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. Cruise Lake Ashi, enjoy a ropeway ride over Owakudani Valley and zoom your way to Kyoto aboard a high-speed Shinkansen Bullet train.

Next day, you'll take a morning sightseeing tour of Kyoto's famous cultural sites, visiting the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, noted for its gorgeous interiors, and Kyoto Imperial Palace. After lunch at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, you'll travel to Nara and its abundance of Unesco World Heritage Sites. You'll visit the Todaiji Temple housing a great image of Buddha, colorful Kasuga Shrine with 3,000 lanterns, and the Deer Park, where tame deer freely roam.

On the third day, you can either spend the day sightseeing at your leisure and return to Tokyo by Bullet train in the evening, or you can choose to stay on in Kyoto.