Meet your Kensington Tours Airport Representative who will escort you to your driver for an accompanied airport transfer into Tokyo city-center by private vehicle.

Explore two sides of Tokyo in four hours with your guide, beginning at Meiji Jingu's forest of over 100,000 trees before the avant-garde energy of Harajuku and Omotesando. At the shrine, walk the torii gate approach through one of the city's most unexpected pockets of nature. From there, Harajuku's subculture boutiques give way to the upscale boulevard of Omotesando. Your guide returns you to the hotel, or you part ways here to explore on your own.

Please note: This tour makes use of Tokyo's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

After years of traveling to and from Japan, our Destination Experts all agree that when traveling to the other side of the globe, we all need some time at leisure to acclimate to the new time zone, a fast-paced city, and a different country, culture, and way of life. Take this day to explore the city at your own pace or rest at your accommodations and set off tomorrow fresh-faced and ready to take in the incredibly country that is Japan with your private guide along side.

Please note: If you're the type to 'hit the ground running' when you travel, simply let your Destination Expert know and they will help you choose the best tour for the first, full day of your time abroad.

Delve into Tokyo’s rich culinary traditions on a private gastronomic journey through the famed Tsukiji Outer Market, where the city’s deep-rooted food culture thrives. Meet your guide at your hotel and travel by taxi to this lively market, a maze of narrow lanes filled with seafood stalls and artisanal shops. Savor fresh crab, eel, and tuna sashimi paired with hand-grated wasabi, while your guide introduces local vendors and shares insights into key Japanese ingredients like sesame, nori seaweed, and dried katsuo flakes. Continue to a local sushi restaurant for a hands-on lesson with a master chef, learning the art of crafting makizushi rolls and delicate nigiri sushi before enjoying your beautifully prepared creations with a side dish and warm miso soup. Conclude with a taxi transfer to your accommodation.

Set out on a delectable journey that promises to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. After meeting your guide at the hotel, travel by taxi on a Tokyo street food adventure. Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Meguro, where each stop on this tour offers a unique and unforgettable culinary experience in a family-friendly ambiance. Indulge in delectable Japanese-Western fusion dishes at an exceptional eatery adorned with vintage Nintendo game machines and a captivating board game collection. Savor the flavors of Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake customizable with your preferred ingredients. As you dine, immerse yourself in Japan's rich culinary culture, absorbing the lively atmosphere and listening to captivating stories shared by our guide. Please note that due to the nature of these venues, reservations are not available, but rest assured, your guide will ensure an abundant feast awaits. Conclude with a taxi transfer to your accommodation.

Please let your Destination Expert know of any dietary restrictions prior to your departure.

This morning, set off with your private guide and make use of Tokyo's efficient public transportation on a guided exploration of Tokyo's renowned hotspots for Japanese pop culture, known by locals as "Cool Japan!" Begin the day with a manga class at a prestigious Japanese school in Central Nakano. Uncover the rich history and learn the art of drawing these iconic cartoons, immersing yourself in the unique style that has captivated audiences worldwide Continue your adventure at Nakano Broadway, a four-level shopping mall devoted entirely to manga and anime. Indulge in the nostalgia of Japan's golden era, featuring beloved characters from the '70s such as Astroboy and UFO Robot Grendizer. Next, venture by train to Akihabara, Tokyo's vibrant "Electric Town." Uncover the hidden gems of this quirky district, renowned not only for its plethora of electronics shops but also as the epicenter of anime, manga, video game, and figurine culture.

Please note: This tour makes use of Tokyo's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

Choose from a variety of ramen spots across Tokyo on your own, discovering the city’s rich noodle culture. Savor Michelin-starred Tantanmen at Nakiryu, refreshing Yuzu Shio at Afuri, or creamy Tsukemen at Fuunji. Aternatively, you could visit Rokurinsha beneath Tokyo Station - widely regarded as one of Tokyo's most iconic ramen shops, and credited with pioneering the popularity of tsukemen (dipping noodles) since it first opened in Osaki in 2005. During your stay in Tokyo, you can also try bold broths at Menya Musashi, Tonkotsu at Ichiran, refined Shoyu at Ramenya Toy Box, and spicy miso at Kikanbo.

Meet your driver and assistant for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.

Board a train from Tokyo with direct service to Kyoto. The train ride is approximately 2.5 hours.

Meet your prearranged taxi driver at your hotel and journey to the private residence of a Tea Master, where you'll partake in one of Japan's quintessential arts: the tea ceremony. This tradition is steeped in history and designed to achieve total immersion in the moment, offering a distinct atmosphere that contrasts with the fast pace of everyday life. The master, who has dedicated years to perfecting the intricate dance of the sado, the revered Japanese tea ceremony, will introduce you to the history of this elegant ritual, its origins, evolution, and its intimate connection with Zen Buddhism teachings. Guided by the master's expert hand, you will be led through the process of preparing the tea, shedding light to the reasons for each movement. Once the tea is ready, the serving process begins—a ritual that is equally revered. Before savoring the gentle flavors of the matcha, indulge in confectioneries—sweet morsels that harmonize with the earthy brew. This delicate prelude prepares the palate, enhancing the forthcoming matcha experience. After sipping the healthy brew, bid farewell to the tea master, taking away lasting memories of this incredible glimpse into Japanese culture and tradition. Wrap up the experience with a taxi ride back to your accommodation.

Uncover the timeless allure of Arashiyama on a private walking tour through its serene temples, lush gardens, and hidden bamboo groves, steeped in history and natural beauty. With your expert private guide, navigate Kyoto's clean and efficient transit system to reach Otagi Nenbutsuji, a hidden Buddhist temple home to a remarkable collection of 1,200 moss-covered stone statues. Next, wander through the serene backroads of Arashiyama, uncovering a tapestry of intriguing sites that reveal ancient tales and natural beauty. Discover the tranquility of a temple adorned with small stone effigies, each representing centuries-old devotion. Learn about the legend behind a lush moss garden, inspired by an impossible romance that continues to captivate visitors. Along the way, explore quaint shops offering local folk crafts and traditional treasures unique to the area. Your guide will lead you to the iconic Arashiyama bamboo forest, but before reaching this popular spot, you'll have the chance to enjoy a hidden bamboo grove earlier in the tour—perfect for soaking in the serene ambiance away from the crowds. Conclude your expedition on the main street of central Arashiyama, before returning to your accommodation with your guide.

Please note: This tour makes use of Kyoto's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

Spend the afternoon exploring Kyoto independently with a suggested walk along the scenic Philosopher’s Path. About 30 minutes at an easy pace, this iconic canal-side route is especially rewarding in spring for cherry blossoms and in fall for bright foliage. Our tip is to begin at the south end and finish in historic Higashiyama, where cozy cafes and izakayas invite you to linger and enjoy Kyoto your way.

Today, explore Nara, Japan’s ancient capital and a cradle of spiritual tradition, on a private full day discovery filled with cultural landmarks, tranquil gardens, and timeless charm. Meet your English-speaking guide in your hotel lobby and begin a seamless journey using Japan’s efficient public transportation to Nara. On arrival, you’ll start your exploration at the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world. From there, stroll to the peaceful Isui-en Garden, where manicured landscapes frame picturesque views of Mt. Wakakusayama. Pause for a quiet moment at a traditional teahouse, enjoying local sweets and a cup of tea in serene surroundings. Wander through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely, and continue into the atmospheric backstreets, lined with artisan shops and preserved wooden homes. Visit the lantern-lit paths of Kasuga Taisha, a revered Shinto shrine, before concluding your day in the charming Naramachi district, rich in old merchant-town character. At the end, your guide will accompany you on the return journey to Kyoto, completing a day that beautifully blends history, nature, and tradition.

Please note: This tour makes use of Kyoto's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

Enjoy a transfer with a private driver from Kyoto to Osaka. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour.

As the city of Osaka comes alive after dark, embark on a private exploration of its gastronomic treasures, making use of the city's efficient public transportation and guided by a local expert. Your evening begins with a warm welcome from your guide at your hotel, before setting out to the first stop—a beloved restaurant specializing in either crisp tempura or kushi katsu, Osaka’s signature skewered delights. Fried fare holds a proud place in local cuisine, making it a fitting introduction to the city’s bold palate. Continue to a refined venue dedicated to the art of wagyu. Revered for its marbled richness and melt-in-the-mouth texture, this prized beef is a culinary rite of passage, best enjoyed with a craft cocktail in hand. Wander through the atmospheric backstreets before arriving at a cozy teppanyaki counter, where gyoza and Osaka-style okonomiyaki sizzle to life before you. With your appetite sated, return you to your accommodation, with the flavors of Osaka lingering long after the evening ends.

Embark on a private full-day city tour of Osaka, Japan's unofficial western capital, where the city's rich history and vibrant modernity intertwine. Meet your guide and make efficient use of Osaka's public transportation and explore the must-sees of this mega-city. Commence your day at the iconic Osaka Castle, celebrated for its historical significance and architectural grandeur. Explore its artefacts, ascend to the castle's highest floor for panoramic city views, and immerse yourself in the surrounding moats and gardens. Transitioning to the present, experience the pulsating energy of Dotonbori's covered streets, cherished by locals for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Uncover hidden gems along backstreets, such as a moss-covered Buddhist statue, and visit a museum highlighting Osaka's ukiyoe woodblock prints. Indulge in local street delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki as you stroll. If desired, savor a sit-down restaurant lunch (payable on spot) recommended by your guide. Venture to Shinsekai, a retro district exuding an old-world charm. Gaze up at Tsutenkaku tower, an emblem of the postwar revival. Discover how mid-century Osaka envisioned its future amidst the narrow streets. Isshinji Temple, a Buddhist marvel with modern art aesthetics, awaits. Its futuristic gate and golden statues, including the remarkable Bone Buddhas crafted from devotees' ashes, captivate the senses.A tranquil stroll through a historic garden leads to your final destination: Abe no Harukas, Japan's tallest skyscraper. Reflecting in the garden's pond, it blends traditional and contemporary elements. Ascend to its heights, 300 meters above Osaka, to relish an awe-inspiring city panorama. At the end of the tour, you will make your way back to your hotel.

Please note: This tour makes use of Osaka's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle.

Park Hotel Tokyo offers a sophisticated retreat in the city’s bustling Shiodome area, where contemporary design meets warm Japanese hospitality. Its thoughtfully designed rooms feature large windows framing sweeping views of the Tokyo skyline and iconic landmarks, while interiors showcase a harmonious blend of modern comforts and subtle artistic touches. Dine at the onsite restaurant, where seasonal ingredients inspire dishes that celebrate both Japanese and international flavors. Later, enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail at the stylish bar while watching the city lights shimmer below. After a day of exploring nearby attractions such as the Ginza shopping district and Hamarikyu Gardens, unwind with a soothing treatment at the spa, a peaceful haven for relaxation.Whether visiting for culture, shopping, or business, Park Hotel Tokyo provides an inviting base where art, comfort, and service come together. Here, the energy of urban Tokyo meets serene spaces designed for rest and rejuvenation, creating a memorable stay in the heart of the capital.

Located beside Kyoto’s Imperial Palace, Noku Kyoto combines the city’s timeless charm with contemporary style. Rooms and suites are elegantly designed in warm, natural tones, with curated artworks and thoughtful details creating a serene retreat after a day of exploring. Start your morning with a beautifully prepared breakfast at the onsite cafÉ, then stroll through nearby gardens, temples, and the lively streets of Kyoto. After a day of discovery, relax with a cocktail in the inviting lounge bar, where soft lighting and a calm atmosphere provide the perfect setting to unwind. Whether you are wandering through the historic neighborhood or enjoying quiet moments indoors, the hotel offers a refined balance of modern comfort and classic Kyoto character. Noku Kyoto is an ideal base to experience the city’s cultural treasures while enjoying a welcoming and stylish retreat.

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel soars above the city, offering an unparalleled stay in Japan’s tallest building, Abeno Harukas. Located in the vibrant Tennoji district, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka’s skyline from every elegantly appointed room and suite. Designed for both comfort and sophistication, the hotel’s accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows, modern amenities, and refined Japanese aesthetics. Dining is a highlight, with restaurants serving exquisite international and Japanese cuisine, complemented by stunning city vistas. The stylish lounge and bar offer the perfect setting to unwind with expertly crafted cocktails and light bites. For relaxation, a well-equipped fitness center and serene wellness facilities ensure a rejuvenating stay. With direct access to Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station and seamless connections to key attractions, Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel places the city’s best shopping, dining, and cultural sites within easy reach. Experience elevated luxury and warm hospitality in the heart of Osaka.