Day 1-3 Travel and Tokyo
Land in Tokyo, walk around Shinjuku (signs, clubs and karaoke rooms of neon-lit East Shinjuku and upscale hotel bars and restaurants in the Skyscraper District). Observation deck in Tokyo Metropolitan Building.
Take a walk through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to see cherry blossoms. Visit the National Museum of Nature and Science, watch a Sumo Wrestling show, and take a food tour or take in some delicious ramen or sushi!
Enjoy a Tea Ceremony in traditional attire.
Day 4 Mount Fuji
Take a day tour or train to see the spectacular Mount Fuji. This will take an entire day from Tokyo, or you can stay overnight and then make your way to Kyoto the next day as it is on the way.
You will have to opportunity to hike, walk, take a bike ride, and take in the scenery here. You can also visit the 5 Fuji lakes and take in a hot spring bath or visit the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park here.
Day 5-6 Kyoto
Take train to Kyoto (about 2 hours from Tokyo).
Consider staying at a traditional Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). The rooms in a ryokan are usually furnished with traditional Japanese furniture, such as futon beds, and may have paper screens for walls. One of the highlights of staying in a ryokan is the traditional Japanese hospitality known as “omotenashi.” The ryokan staff provide attentive service, and guests are often welcomed with a tea ceremony and served with elaborate multi-course meals called kaiseki, featuring seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Ryokans also typically have communal bathing areas with hot spring baths, which are an integral part of Japanese culture and are believed to have health benefits. These baths, known as “onsen,” are usually segregated by gender and offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
While in Kyoto, be sure to visit some of the beautiful temples and shrines including Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Ryoan-ji. Then head over to Arashiyama to see the picturesque bamboo groves and gardens as well as cherry blossoms.
You can also take one of many tours and classes in Kyoto such as a ramen cooking class or samurai experience.
Day 7 Hakone and back to Tokyo
Take train to Hakone, stop and check out the Hakone Shrine, Hakone Ropeway and Hakan Open-Air Museum. If you have time, stop in to one of the hot springs or take a scenic hike here.
Take Train back to Tokyo for your flight home!
