Japan: the land of Samurai

Day-1. DEPARTURE CITY-OSAKA:Flight to Japan.

Day-2. OSAKA-KYOTO:Arrival Kansai airport around noon and transfer to Osaka. Panoramic tour of Osaka including visit to Osaka Castle, built in 1583 as the centre of the Japanese Empire. Then visit two main districts of the city: America-mura, the place for young travelers, and Den-den Town. Later departure to Kyoto for overnight enjoy a traditional tempura dinner.

Day-3. KYOTO:Guided city tour covering the main sites such as Katsura Rikyu (the Imperial Villa), Adashino Nembutsu-Ji, an unusual temple with more than 8000 stone images, the Daigo-Ji Temples, and Chion-In, the most impressive sight in Kyoto. Then visit the Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji which houses the secret relics of Buddha as well as and Heijan Shrine, Later take a challenging climb to Arashiyama Monkey Park to see the free-walking monkeys. Then visit Kyoto Handicraft Center. 

Day-4. NARA-KYOTO:Full day excursion to Nara, the country's first permanent capital and a UNESCO Cultural Site. Visit the Todaiji Temple, housing a great Buddha, as well as Kasuga Shrine, known for its 3000 lanterns. Then go to Deer Park and Nijo Castle, the main residence of the Tokugawa Shogun. At the end of the tour, visit the handicraft centre to see a demonstration of Japanese traditional arts and crafts. Late return to Kyoto.

Day-5. KYOTO-ATAMI (MT. FUJI):Morning departure by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kawaguchiko 5th Station located high in on the impressive Mount Fuji. Hike to the summit (weather permitting). In the afternoon explore Hakone National Park. Enjoy a guided tour through Japan's most beautiful national park. Hakone offers hot springs, lakes, historic sites, and close-up views of majestic Mt. Fuji. Experience the natural beauty of the lovely landscape on a boat cruise across sparkling Lake Ashi. Later enjoy a bath tin the hot springs. Overnight in Atami.

Day-6. MT. FUJI-TOKYO: Take a speedy train ride to Tokyo. and start with a guided tour of the city established as a castle town in 1603. First visit Asakusa, the centre of Tokyo's shitamachi (low city), Senso-Ji, the main Buddhist temple built in the 7th century, the Imperial Palace, official residence of the Royal Family (built on the same place where the ancient Edo Castle existed), the Royal Gardens, Asakusa Shrine, and Dempoin Temple. Then to your hotel located in Ginza.

Day-7. OLD TOKYO: Join your tour director for a walking tour to Ueno and Yanaka, two most historic neighborhoods. You will see a "real Japan," with characteristic shrines, temples, and old houses, mixed with small shops where calligraphy is at its best. Later visit Isetatsu, a craft store selling items made from Japanese paper. The rest of the day is free for some fun at Ginza. In the evening, enjoy an original tempura dinner.

Day-8. TOKYO:Walk along Nakamise Street before continuing along Hama Rikyu Gardens, located along Tokyo's waterfront, and Shiodome. Rest of the day is free for some fun at Ginza and Chuo Dori Street. 

Day-9. DEPARTURE