Meals: B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Have any questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions Section. 

• Day 1: Osaka
  Upon arrival in Osaka, a guide will be onsite to assist you to take a train or bus to the hotel (Ticket for the bus or train is included). The remainder of the day will be at your own leisure to enjoy.  

  **Airport assistance will be available for all guests arriving into Osaka Kansai Airport Terminal 1 between the hour of 11:00am to 9:00pm. If the final confirmed hotel does not have a direct airport bus shuttle transfer available from airport-hotel, you may be required to take a taxi at your own expense from the closest airport bus shuttle drop off location.

  **For guests arriving outside of the service hours or in Terminal 2 or arriving into Osaka Itami Airport, please make your own way to the hotel and check in. The remainder of the day will be at your own leisure to enjoy.

• Day 2: Osaka ~ Nara ~ Kyoto
  This morning, make a photo stop at one of Osaka's prominent landmark, the Osaka Castle. The five story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country, with a history that dates back almost 450 years. Continue your tour and visit the Kuromon Market. With more than 190 years of history and tradition, this market is a very popular area known by locals as Gastronome and Osaka's Kitchen, and is well-known nationwide. Transfer to Nara and visit the Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple. The Nara Park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, considered in Sinto to be messengers of the gods. Todaiji Temple is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples, a landmark of Nara and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main hall, which houses the colossal bronze Buddha statue within, remains the world's largest wooden building.

  In the afternoon, proceed to Kyoto and visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, an UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. The temple is best known for its wooden stage which was built without the use of nails. Take a stroll along the Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka Street, two of Kyoto's most attractive streets. Lined with beautifully restored traditional shophouses and restaurants. Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka are a pair of pedestrian-only lanes that make for some of the most atmospheric strolling in the whole city. Afterward, transfer to the hotel and check in. (B, L)

• Day 3: Kyoto
  This morning, leave Kyoto city for a day trip to Sagano and visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It is one of the most beautiful and serene places in Japan. The absolutely gorgeous forest of skinny bamboo trunks is the heroin chic of wooded glades. As the wind passes through the tightly packed plants, the wood bends and creaks, the leaves rustle, and the trunks knock together, creating a peaceful sound like almost nothing else. See also the Togetsukyo Bridge, a well-known place of scenic beauty in the western hills of Kyoto. The artistic form of the bridge embodies the aesthetic sense that is at the heart of Japan artistic tradition.

  Return back to Kyoto and visit one of the most recognizable historical buildings in Japan and well-deserving of its recognition by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, the Kinkakuji also known as the Golden Pavilion. Covered in glittering gold leaf, the pavilion dazzles admirers as it shimmers in the sunlight over its mirroring pond. Next, visit a traditional Sake Brewery for tasting and learn about Japan’s famous sakes. Lastly, visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. The magical, seemingly unending path of over 5,000 vibrant orange torii gates that wind through the hills behind the shrine makes it one of the most popular shrines in Japan. (B, L)

• Day 4: Kyoto ~ Hakone ~ Tokyo
  After breakfast, accompanied by the tour guide, take the Bullet Train to Hakone, city of the Mt. Fuji. Please note that all guests are responsible to handle their own luggage on and off the train and it will not be transferred separately. On arrival, first visit the Oshino-Hakkai, a peaceful nature area around Mount Fuji. Oshino-Hakkai means the eight seas of Oshino, which is comprised of eight ponds as its name described. These natural ponds are crystal clear and each one is a little unique. Afterward, take a Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi. Today, Lake Ashi is often pictured with Mount Fuji in the background as a symbol of Hakone. Proceed to Tokyo and make your first stop there at the Tokyo Tower for a photo stop before heading to Shibuya, one of Tokyo's busiest districts, packed with shopping, dining, and nightclubs. The Shibuya Crossing, famous for being the busiest crossing in the world, is on top of most people's must see list in Tokyo. You will have some free leisure time here to explore on your own. (B, L, D)

• Day 5: Tokyo ~ Kamakura ~ Tokyo
  This morning you will visit Kamakura. At Kotoku-in Temple, see the gigantic Buddha statue that stands approx. 13 meters high and weighs about 121 tons. The only national treasure in Kamakura, the statue of Buddha is a sight to behold not just from the outside, but also from the inside as visitors can enter inside the statue. Also visit the Hasedera Temple, famous for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The 9.18 meter tall, gilded wooden statue is regarded as one of the largest wooden sculpture in Japan and can be viewed in the temple's main building. Next drive back to Tokyo and enjoy city tour of Tokyo. Start by visiting the Meiji Shrine, arguably Tokyo's most popular shrine, is surrounded by a lush green forest. Head to the Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most colorful & photographed temples. When approaching the temples, you will see the Karminarimon, the outer gate of the temple and the symbol of Asakusa. After lunch, make a photo stop at the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Like an island of respite at the heart of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is surrounded by parks and gardens offering a getaway from the busy city streets. See the Nijubashi, one of the most well-known bridges in Japan. If you are looking at the bridge from the front, the two separate bridges appear as a single two storied bridge.  (B, L)
• Day 6: Tokyo
  Today, enjoy a free day to explore and enjoy the many attractions Tokyo has to offer. Perhaps, you can visit a traditional tea house, discover culture and history at a museum or treat yourself at Tokyo’s cutting-edge stores. (B)

• Day 7: Tokyo ~ Home
  After breakfast, make your own way to the airport for your flight back home as your trip comes to an end. Departure transfer is not included. Our tour guide will provide you with assistance and instruction on where to obtain the airport limousine bus ticket. (B)

*All Hotels are subject to change until final confirmation, Click Here to View a List of Possible Hotels

*March -May are the best times to view cherry blossoms, but we can’t guarantee that they will flower on these dates as they are highly seasonal and subject to climatic conditions.

*October- Dec. are the best times to view Fall Foliage, but we can't guarantee these months as they are highly seasonal and subject to climatic conditions.

* This package includes guided tours featuring the highlights of certain cities in a brief visit.

* Escorted Group Tour by coach

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the group size of this tour?
   The maximum group size will be 35 people per coach. Our Japan tours are suitable for families, kids, seniors.
2. What kind of tour is this?
   This is an Escorted Group Tour by coach. This guided tour features the highlights of certain cities in a brief visit.
3. How much does single supplement or triple sharing cost?
   Single supplement costs an additional $875USD and triple sharing has a $30USD deduction.
4. What do I do if I want to extend my stay in Tokyo?
   Please let us know during your booking, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
5. How long is the duration of tour?
   A full day of tour is scheduled from around 8am to 7pm
6. Does this tour include any flights?
   Land Only packages only include domestic flights within one country. International and Inter-Asia flights are not included.
7. What if I don’t want to join the tour some days or only join for half a day?
   Due to this is a group tour, you will need to follow the group for the entire program and cannot deviate. Any deviation will result in a penalty at the discretion of the local office.
8. Is there a luggage limit?
   The luggage allowed for each passenger on our Group tours is limited to one piece of a maximum of 66lbs (note airlines and trains have their own limits, normally lower). We may refuse to accept excessively bulky luggage.
9. Will someone help me with my luggage?
   Porterage is not included and you are responsible to handle your own luggage at all times.
10. What mode of transportation will be used?
    This tour will use a Coach unless specifically stated.
11. Will the bus have toilets?
    Japan Group tours will not have toilets in the bus.
12. Are the tours wheelchair friendly?
    Our coaches are not equipped with access ramps for wheelchairs.
13. Can three guests stay in the same room?
    Yes, each room has a maximum occupancy of either 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child. The triple room deduction rate is $30USD per person. If there are two children, a second room will need to be booked. If a child occupies a bed, the child rate cannot be applied.
14. Can we change the meal plan?
    Charming Travel Destinations offers vegetarian meal options for travelers. If you have any food allergies, please let us know during your booking.
15. What information do I need to provide to book?
    Please provide legal names, email address, phone number, mailing address, number of rooms (single-triple occupancy), travel insurance preference, birth dates, and passport information.
16. Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
    Visa is not required for travelers with U.S. or Canadian passports.
17. How much is the deposit to reserve a spot in the tour?
    For Land Only, the deposit is $300USD. For Land + Air packages, the deposit will be 50% of overall tour price
18. Are there gratuities included? If not included, how much?
    Gratuities are not included and we suggest up to $10USD per person per day. 
19. What can we do since the Departure Airport Transfer is not included?
    The departure transfer can be booked on your own for $20USD per person. 
20. When should I expect to receive my travel documents and confirmations?
    Travel Documents and Hotel confirmations will be emailed out 1 week before arrival.
21. What time can we check-in or out?
    The hotel check in is usually about 2pm and check out is 10am. If you want your room to be available for more time, consider booking an extra night.
22. Are airport transfers included?
    Arrival transfers are by airport shuttle. This service is subject to limitations such as hour, airport terminal and as stated on the itinerary.
23. Are the hotels listed the exact ones we will get?
    Final hotel confirmation will not be available until 1 week prior to departure. Hotels may be confirmed at any of the hotels listed or at similar properties.