Out of View in True Japan

Lined up with New York, London and Paris, you will arrive into Tokyo, one of the largest Cities in the World. Spend your first few nights in one of the leading technological locations of the World.  
Have an  English Speaking Assistant meet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation using a  Private Vehicle. Arrive at your accommodation and use the rest of the day to walk the local area and become used to the time difference. Tomorrow will be the start of a new adventure in your travel history. 

Today can be a day free at leisure to explore Tokyo’s mighty skyline by yourselves. (The Guide from yesterday will advise directions).   It may be great to start the day with a walk around the Tokyo Imperial Palace Gardens. 
Also be overwhelmed with a visit to the younger generation areas such as Harajuku and Takeshita Street. This is where trends are created. Next to the Harajuku Station is also the entrance to the important and most visit shrine in Tokyo, the Meiji Shrine. Consider visiting Shibuya for the famous scrambled crossing which has 2000 people crossing it each time the lights change. However, if you prefer a little education or art, Tokyo’s museums and art galleries are some of the best in the World. The Nezu Museum is in the Aoyama area and offers not only amazing art, but has a near perfect Japanese Garden. Ueno Park also offers The Tokyo National Museum and more. 

Meet an English Speaking Guide at the Hotel Lobby and by using the  Public Transportation see the secrets of Kanazawa. Visit the old Geisha area of Higashi Chayagai. This is where the Geisha and Samurai used to walk a few hundred years ago.  The well preserved Tea Houses and cobble stoned alleys are a picture in the waiting. Also visit the Kenrokuen Gardens which is one of the 3 most beautiful gardens in all of Japan. Next to the Gardens is the Kanazawa Castle. Also see the Nomura Household which has been in the same Family for some 400 years.  A lot of tradition is found in Kanazawa, and you may be interested in the Kutani Brand of ceramics or even the Noh Theatre mask museum.

Less than 1 hour from Kanazawa is a hidden gem of a Hot Springs Village, called Kaga. Very few Overseas Visitors can come here as it is one of the best kept secrets that only the Japanese know about. Stay in one of the hot springs Ryokans here and be taken back by not only the relaxing hot springs baths but also the hospitality. Relax and indulge in a beautifully presented traditional dinner. (Kaiseki Cuisine in Kaga is a rank above anywhere else in the country). You can stay 2 nights here and enjoy some unique wellness. You can transfer from Kanazawa by the Shinkansen (Bullet) Train and the hotel staff will be waiting at the Station to escort you to your accommodation. 

Transfer from Kaga Onsen Village on the Shinkansen (Bullet) Train and Thunderbird Rapid Train to Kyoto, the Cultural Capitol of Japan. Meet an English Speaking Guide at t he Kyoto Station and make the most of your time by visiting one or two locations to introduce you to Kyoto by using the  Public Transportation. Visit the oldest Temple and gateway to Kyoto. It has been in the same location for over 1200 years. This temple is an art form in itself with the largest 5 storied pagoda in all of Japan. The Buddha statues you see in the 2 halls also date back some 1200 years. Listen to the Guide’s interesting stories of this temple which have cultivated Kyoto over the years. Before you arrive at your accommodation walk the Nishiki Market area to see the markets that have sustained the Kyoto people for over 400 years. 

Meet with your English Speaking Guide at the Hotel Lobby and commence Full Day sightseeing by special transfers. Visit the Uji area, which was the first location in Japan to grow and produce Japanese tea. Everything and anything can be found in Matcha Tea style here. Experience and authentic exclusive Tea Ceremony which will allow you to understand the etiquette and importance. This is at a family run location that has been operating for 450 years. Uji also holds one of the most beautiful Temples of Japan, Byodoin Temple, which actually represents the Pure World. The garden is simple but spectacular. Transfer back to central Kyoto and be introduced to the wonders of the fabric industry. Visit a family operated company that still makes the Obi belts for the Kimono by hand, and out of silk. Listen to the process of making such a delicate item and also feel free to ask questions. Continue on to a 2 other locations that will show you modern and detailed fabric. One of the locations has approx. 6 stores in Kyoto. The owner’s were textile designer and an architect. Together they made Kyoto fabric turn into amazing tabi socks. From socks they extended to clothes, shoes and so much more. Even just buying the fabric is a status in Kyoto. The other location, is a fashionable Kyoto company with several stores through out the country. The fabric and textiles they use are extremely popular as the company is very particular about the thread (yarn) they use. The items they sell are popular with the more sophisticated and higher age group. Even their Jeans are so detailed and can sell for approx. US$500.00.

Check out of your Kyoto Hotel and proceed to the Kyoto Station with an English Speaking Assistant . You can board a mid morning Shinkansen (Bullet) Train bound for Tokyo. After arriving in Tokyo meet with your  English Speaking Assistant who will take you to Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport depending on your departure flight. Arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport and taking your many hundreds of new memories and hundreds of photos, proceed to the Check in counter to prepare for your homebound flight.