8-Day Modern and Ancient Japan Week Tour from Tokyo: Kyoto and Osaka｜Buddhist Temple, Nakamise Street, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Kon'nichiwa Tokyo!

Welcome to this dazzling orchestra of light, sound and intersecting subway lines. This is the city where the future fuses with the past in the most fascinating way possible, and we'll have a free evening to bond, explore and soak it all in.

Today we'll get ready to uncover Tokyo, starting with the ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji & the famous Meiji Jingu shrine. You'll have the chance to discover the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street, or take to the streets of Shibuya for an attempt to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Love a bit of sport? Then a baseball game at the Tokyo Dome might just tickle your fancy too!

Day Highlight:
*Visit Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple (INCLUDED EXPERIENCES)——Check out the Sensoji Temple, one of the most significant temples in Japan, decked with a 5-storey pagoda. Don't forget to snap a pic under the giant red lantern!
*Shop for souvenirs at Nakamise Street (INCLUDED EXPERIENCES)——Get a piece of Japan to take back home from one of the many little stalls here on Nakamise Street, just a short walk from the Sensoji Temple. 
*Admire the peaceful Meiji Shrine (INCLUDED EXPERIENCES)——Visit this Shinto shrine in Shibuya, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shōken. You'll have the chance to wander through a tranquil forest, passing under the world-famous Tori Gate. And ofc, stop for a picture in front of the many colourful Sake barrels, and make a wish at the sacred Camphor tree.
*Feel the energy of Harijuku (INCLUDED EXPERIENCES)——Get ready for a riot of colour and vibrant fashion. This was (and still is) a home for Japanese fashion. Grab a vintage bag, a pair of sneakers or a kawaii outfit. And don't get us started on the food! You'll find rainbow cotton candy, candy covered strawberries or a rainbow cheese sandwich.
*Walk across the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing (INCLUDED EXPERIENCES)——It's only the biggest pedestrian intersection in the world! Come watch the world go by (and grab an iconic picture) on the crossing.
*Catch a Baseball Game at the Tokyo Dome (Free-time add on)——Wanna see a different side of Japanese culture? Come see a baseball game at the famous Tokyo Dome, AKA the home of the Yomiuri Giants team! It's the best way to mingle with your crew and the locals (and even learn a team song or two). One more item off your bucket list!
Please Note: This Optional Experience must be pre-booked before your trip via the reservations team as availability can't be guaranteed once on the trip. This will be offered on select departures due to game schedule.

Today is yours to do Tokyo your way. Anime fan? Check out Akihabara, the ultimate anime & gaming district.  Looking for something uniquely Japanese? Go on a date with a giant plush toy at the Moomin cafe, head to a cafe where you're served by robots, eat a kawaii lunch (like a curry shaped like a pink teddy bear), visit Ueno Park for the museums and monuments, or even check out a cosplay cafe. It's our last evening in Tokyo, so it's also the perfect time to check out some of the traditional bars at the Izakaya Alleys for a sip of sake.

Day Highlight:
*Dine on Food Served by Robots (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience) (Free-time add on)——You won't find any human waitstaff here. Instead, you'll be served by state-of-the-art robots! But don't worry. These aren't soulless AI machines. Each robot is remotely piloted by a person who otherwise wouldn't be able to work at a café. It's a peak Japan experience!
*Visit a Japanese Maid Cafe (Free-time add on)——Ever wanted to check out a cosplay restaurant? Then the Maidreamin Cafe is the place for you! You'll get entry passes for 2 hours with unlimited drinks, two maid shows and even get a chance to take pics in the cafe.

Tokyo
Today it's time to take that famous example of Japanese efficiency, the aptly named bullet train.

Kyoto
Our train will whizz us past the iconic Mount Fuji, of which we'll hopefully grab a glimpse, before heading for the zen gardens, teahouses of Kyoto and Fushimi Inari Shrine. We'll waste no time with a sightseeing tour, exploring this glorious showcase of ancient Japan.

Day Highlight:
*Experience Traditional Kyoto (INCLUDED EXPERIENCES)——Tea houses. The Golden Pavilion. Geishas. It’s all so surreal. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a film set. 
*See Fushimi Inari Shrine (INCLUDED EXPERIENCES)——Walk through the endless path of orange torii gates, kindly ask Inari for good luck and then you might want to sample a fortune cookie. 

Today is yours to walk the sublime gardens, explore mystical temples and marvel at the architecture of this unforgettable city. We recommend taking the opportunity for a half-day trip to Nara, where you'll find the towering 8th century Great Buddha, as well as numerous examples of beautiful shrines and temples, alongside the roaming, slightly cheeky deer.

Day Highlight:
*Half-Day Trip to Nara (Free-time add on)——Take a short train ride out to the scenic countryside of Nara with your local guide & pay homage to one of the architectural wonders of Japanese workmanship, the Todaiji Temple. The largest wooden temple in Japan is a sight to behold in itself but situated in amongst rolling hills & a short walk from the famous Kasuga Shrine, it's a day worth spending outside of the City. You'll also get a chance to meet the locals... more miniature deer for your Insta feed!

There is still so much to see in Kyoto. Don a kimono and check out the bamboo forest, take some photos at the iconic Yasaka Pagoda or spot Geishas in the Gion district. Don't forget to sign up for the optional traditional tea ceremony and enjoy a cup of matcha tea. 

Day Highlight:
*Find Peace at a Traditional Tea Ceremony (Free-time add on)——Tea ceremonies are a prime example of the intricacies and elegance of Japanese culture. Create your own perfectly curated cup of matcha tea while you learn the rich history of this ancient art.

Kyoto
It's just a short trip to Osaka this morning...

Osaka
And we have the whole day to explore. There's plenty of time to fit in Universal Studios, Osaka castle or simply wander down Dontonburi tasting all of the delicious street food. Opt for the Izakaya dinner tonight for one last family meal before our sad goodbyes tomorrow.

Day Highlight:
*Samurai Experience (Free-time add on)——Throw on a haori, grab your katana and unleash your inner samurai in this fun LARP-ing activity. Learn some moves and battle against your fellow trip members to see who the most powerful samurai in the land is. Don’t worry, it’s all for the LOLs!
*Izakaya Dinner (Free-time add on)——Tonight's your chance to finish the trip right & really rub shoulders with the locals at an Izakaya in the bustling hub of Dotonburi. These traditional little restaurants are like a trip back in time, with rice beer, sake & locals finishing up their days. From menus on the wall & lots of sharing plates to keep things social, take it slow & enjoy the vibe. The perfect way to end the trip!

Our trip ends after breakfast in Osaka today.

We'll say farewell to Japan and our new friends, but the memories we made here will stick with us forever.