8:00 AM: Yoga session with Amanda at a nearby park, followed by breakfast at your leisure at the hotel.

Todays Activities: Full-day Tokyo Tour by Private Vehicle: Tsukiji Fish Market, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Sensoji Asakusa, Hanami Picnic at Yoyogi Park

10:00 AM: Today we start the day with an excursion to the Tsukiji fish market! Tsukiji Market is a famous fish market in Tokyo, Japan, known for its fresh and high-quality seafood. While the inner market, where the wholesale auctions take place, has moved to Toyosu Market, the outer market of Tsukiji is still a bustling area filled with food stalls and shops selling seafood, produce, and other Japanese delicacies. 

One of the highlights of visiting Tsukiji Market is the opportunity to try a variety of fresh seafood, such as sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood bowls. Many food stalls offer samples, allowing visitors to taste different flavors and find their favorite dishes.

In addition to seafood, Tsukiji Market also has shops selling other Japanese foods, such as tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), mochi (sticky rice cake), and senbei (rice crackers). Some food tours include visits to multiple shops and stalls, allowing visitors to get a comprehensive taste of the market's offerings.
 

After, we will visit Meiji Jingu Shrine.

The grounds offer walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll. At the middle of the forest, Meiji Jingu's buildings also have an air of tranquility distinct from the surrounding city. 

You can take part in typical Shinto activities, such as making offerings at the main hall, buying charms and amulets or writing out one's wish on an ema.
On Sunday mornings you are likely to see a traditional wedding procession (or two) through the courtyard — the bride in a white kimono and hood and the groom in his formal black robe, walking together under a big red parasol, with Shinto priests leading the way and the rest of the wedding party trailing behind. 

Notes:
1. Meiji Jingu Shrine is located inside Yoyogi Park, we suggest you bring some snacks so that after the visit at the shrine you can have a small picnic in the park along with the locals;
2. Meiji Jingu Shrine is the most-worshiped shrine in Tokyo and it can be really crowded during the New Year (1st to 3rd Jan).
 

Afterwards, we will visit Sensoji Asakusa : Tokyo's oldest temple. Sensoji contains a sacred statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Surrounded by imposing gates, a five-story pagoda, and the vibrant stalls of Nakamise Dori, Sensoji is a must-see destination during your trip in Japan. Also a lively marketplace (Nakamise-dori Street), holy smoke and fortunes at Tokyo's most iconic temple. 

In the evening we will visit Yoyogi Park : While this is not one of the top hanami spots in Tokyo, as this very urban park is usually known more for gatherings and bazaars than its flora and has about 600 cherry trees. It even has an early blooming variety that's a darker shade of pink than the Somei Yoshino, which is the most common kind of cherry blossom you see. 

7:00 PM - Dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Lodging: Hyatt Regency Tokyo

8:00 AM: Yoga at a nearby park around followed by breakfast at your accommodations.

Today we will check out of the Hyatt Regency and head to Hakone for an overnight stay. 

Todays Activities: Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko, Cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko.

Arakura Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine

Arakura Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine and its pagoda sit proudly in beautiful Arakurayama Sengen Park. The pagoda is perfectly positioned for spectacular views of distant Mt. Fuji and if you visit during the cherry blossom season you can fit three Japanese icons all into one shot. 

Lake Kawaguchi

Of the five lakes near Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is the easiest to access from Tokyo. On a still, clear day, you can see a perfect mirror image of Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake. With hot springs, good fishing, museums and plenty of attractions, the lake makes for a relaxing getaway from Tokyo or Yokohama.

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The peak of Mt. Tenjo offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi below (weather conditions permitting). Ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway up the mountain to the observation deck, join in some activities based on a local folktale, and marvel at your surroundings. 

Cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko 

Bike the shoreline of a lake that offers outstanding views of Mount Fuji. Explore picturesque countryside on one of the area's easiest, flattest bike courses. Visit a magnificent shrine that is the oldest of the thousand shrines in Japan dedicated to Mt Fuji. Stop at a flower garden that provides a colorful foreground to the iconic mountain. Ride across a bridge spanning the lake that offers panoramic views. If you take this tour in spring, you'll view Mt Fuji framed by exquisite cherry blossoms. 

Cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko (30 minutes) 

A cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko is a great way to see the beautiful scenery of the Fuji Five Lakes region. The cruise will take you around the lake, passing by Mount Fuji, the Hakone caldera, and the many small islands that dot the lake. You will also be able to see the many different types of boats that are used on the lake, including fishing boats, pleasure boats, and ferries. If you are lucky, you may even see some wildlife, such as fish, birds, and even the occasional bear. It is a relaxing and enjoyable activity for families, couples, and groups of friends.

Free time in the evening.

7:00 PM - Dinner as a group at your accommodations.

Lodging:
Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori

8:00 AM-Yoga in the morning at a local park, followed by breakfast at the hotel. Check out from the hotel after breakfast.

This morning after breakfast we will board the bullet train to Kyoto. This former capital of Japan is absolutely bursting with history and culture.

The bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto takes around 2.5 hours. We will check in to our accommodations and enjoy free time before our traditional tea ceremony.

Today's Activities: Hakone Train Station — Hotel Transfer, Odawara (Hakone) to Kyoto by Hikari Train in Standard Class to Kyoto Train Station — Hotel Transfer by Private Car once you arrive to Kyoto. Traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
 

Hakone Train Station — Hotel Transfer : Driver will meet/drop off on the platform, transfer by private transportation.
 

Kyoto Train Station — Hotel Transfer by Private Car : Assistant will meet/drop off on the platform, transfer by private car.
 

Traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto : Today you will get to participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. Your instructor will introduce you briefly to the history and cultural importance of this ancient tradition. Then you'll have a small traditional sweet. Following this, you'll make a sparkling matcha dish under the guidance of your instructor.

7:00 PM - Dinner as a group with optional Karaoke at a nearby place. There are plenty to choose from!

Lodging: Hyatt Regency Kyoto

8:00 AM yoga at a nearby park, followed by breakfast at your leisure. 

Free time to explore Kyoto on your own.

Today's Activities: Kyoto Market Visit, Sake Tasting and Cooking Lesson Own Arrangements (Nishiki Market, Sake Tasting, Cooking Class), Afternoon Tea with a Maiko(or Geisha).  

Kyoto Market Visit, Sake Tasting and Cooking Lesson (Nishiki Market, Sake Tasting, Cooking Class)

Together with a local guide you will walk the mile-long Nishiki covered food markets, where there are many interesting food stores to explore as you help your guide buy the ingredients for your Japanese cooking class. 

This is a great opportunity to learn about local Japanese produce. 

After visiting the markets, you'll travel through the back streets and lanes of Kyoto, and visit a traditional townhouse for a sake tasting. 

Finish the walk at a traditional wooden townhouse for your Japanese cooking class. Learn how to make rolled sushi, miso soup and cooked salad with seasonal fruit for dessert, and enjoy the results for dinner.

Afternoon Tea with a Maiko or Geisha

Enjoy an authentic traditional after tea hosted by a real Kyoto Geisha, also called a Geiko, or their apprentice called a Maiko, which gets you immersed in the real Japanese culture - a once in a lifetime experience in Japan. 

There will be traditional song, dance and games along with great photo opportunities. Please note this is just drinking tea and sweets with the Maiko or Geiko, not a tea ceremony, which is a traditional art Geishas do not practice.
 

Please noteL
1. Only one Maiko (or Geisha) will assigned to be with you. 

2. English-speaking Maiko (or Geisha) is not always available but your private tour guide will help you with the translation.
3. Due to the unique nature of performance, the specific arrangements will be subject to the actual situation.
4. This is not a private activity. There could be some other travelers doing the activity together with you. 

7:00 PM - Dinner as a group with optional Karaoke at a nearby place. There are plenty to choose from!

Lodging: Hyatt Regency Kyoto

8:00 AM:  Yoga at a nearby park followed by breakfast at your leisure. 

10:00 AM: Your guide will meet you for todays activities.

Today's Activities: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion District, Kinkakuji Temple(Golden Pavilion), Pure Water Temple,  and Sanjusangendo

Fushimi Inari Shrine 

Fushimi Inari Shrine is a sacred religious site situated in the outskirts of Kyoto. You may recognize its elegant layout from the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. The walking lane lined up by red-painted toriis (memorial arches) is a good spot for photos.
 

Gion District

Gion District is well known for the many geishas that populate its streets.There are two communities of Geiko in Gion District. Instead of Geisha, the ladies would refer themselves as Geiko, which means "a woman of art". Take a walk here to immerse yourself with Kyoto's unique charm.
 

Kinkakuji Temple(Golden Pavilion) 

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408.

Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk.
 

Pure Water Temple

Situated atop a small mountain on the east side of Kyoto, Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizudera in Japanese) offers a commanding view of the city. The temple's stage, supported by massive pillars, is one of the most famous images of Japan. But Kiyomizudera offers more than just a pretty view, with the experience of visiting beginning long before you reach the temple itself.
 

Sanjusangendo

Sanjusangendo is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto which is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure had been destroyed in a fire.

Measuring 120 meters, the temple hall is Japan's longest wooden structure. In the center of the main hall sits a large, wooden statue of a 1000-armed Kannon (Senju Kannon) that is flanked on each side by 500 statues of human sized 1000-armed Kannon standing in ten rows. Together they make for an awesome sight.

7:00 PM - Dinner as a group with optional Karaoke at a nearby place after. There are plenty to choose from!

Lodging: Hyatt Regency Kyoto

8:00 AM: Yoga at a nearby park followed by breakfast at your leisure. 

10:00 AM: Your guide will greet you to take you on a hour drive to the town of Nara.

Today's Activities: Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Hanami at Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Mount Wakakusa, Hiking to Mt. Wakakusa.
 

Nara Park

Nara Park is a massive park at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa full of very playful and friendly deer. The natural setting includes temples set in unspoiled woods and a lake full of turtles and carp. The temples and shrines of Nara are much older than the oft-rebuilt buildings in Kyoto, and much more unique.
 

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is considered one of the most sacred sites in all of Japan. As a place where numerous gods are enshrined, it attracts both devotees and tourists seeking an iconic Shinto experience. Its contrast between the bright vermilion paint, the white walls and the cypress wood roofs has inspired photographers for many years. The shrine was rebuilt every two decades, a practice that lasted until the Edo period ended.
 

Hanami at Nara Park 

About 1700 cherry trees are planted across spacious Nara Park, outnumbering the deer by around 500. One of the most pleasant hanami spots in the park is a large lawn encircled by cherry trees, a short walk southeast of Todaiji's main hall.
 

Todaiji Temple : Todaiji is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved away from Nara in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.

Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
 

Mount Wakakusa : The summit of Mount Wakakusa presents a distinctly Nara-like view that includes Todai-ji Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, and others. One of the mountain's most famous events is the once yearly "yama yaki," or prescribed burning of part of the mountainside brush. Enjoy this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near Nara; generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2h to complete. We will then visit Nara Park to enjoy the cherry blossoms and interact with the deer.

7:00 PM - Dinner as a group with optional Karaoke at a nearby place after. There are plenty to choose from!

Lodging: Hyatt Regency Kyoto

8:00 AM: Yoga at a nearby park, followed by breakfast at your leisure at the hotel 

( depending on flight departure times)

Today's Activities: One way private transfer between Kyoto and Osaka Kansai International Airport (driver only). 

Today we bid farewell to Japan as you travel to the airport to board your flight and reflect on all the fantastic memories you’ve made during your trip!