japan 2026
9 Day Japan Highlights - Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto
September 24 – October 2, 2026
SOLD OUT
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Japan—where ancient tradition meets modern wonder.
Begin in Tokyo, exploring Meiji Shrine’s tranquil forest paths, the vibrant fashion avenues of Omotesando, and the historic streets of Asakusa. Try your hand at Taiko drumming, craft your own sushi with a local chef, and cap off a magical evening with a Yakatabune dinner cruise along Tokyo Bay.
Travel to Hakone for iconic Mt. Fuji views, a visit to the forest-hidden Hakone Shrine, a pirate boat ride across Lake Ashi, and a ropeway journey over volcanic landscapes dotted with steaming vents. Relax in a peaceful onsen hotel for the full Japanese hot-spring experience.
Next, speed to Kyoto aboard the legendary Shinkansen and dive into the cultural heart of Japan. Wander Arashiyama’s bamboo groves by rickshaw, admire the Zen gardens of Tenryuji, and marvel at the shimmering Golden Pavilion. One of the highlights: an unforgettable sumo wrestling show dinner with VIP seats, giving you a close-up look at Japan’s most famed athletes while enjoying an all-you-can-drink feast.
Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in a historic Kyoto home, complete with an intimate Maiko performance. Explore Kyoto’s vibrant markets, walk beneath the endless torii gates of Fushimi Inari, and step into the world of the samurai with sword training, ninja star practice, and a deep dive into samurai history.
With a mix of culture, cuisine, nature, and hands-on experiences, this tailor-made itinerary showcases the best of Japan—designed for travelers who want to immerse, connect, and explore.
Your package includes 9 days in Japan.
This trip starts in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto. Fly into Narita or Haneda, Fly out of Kansai International Airport for departure- note its 90 minutes so I wouldnt book anything before 7am. OR you can fly out of Tokyo and we can arrange a train for you back to Tokyo (not included)
Transfers & Flight Details: Flight details must be submitted at least 30 days before trip departure to receive included airport transfers. After that point, guests will need to arrange their own airport transportation.
Transfer are only included on the trip arrival and departure dates. Arriving early or staying late? Additional transfers can be arranged for an extra cost—we’re happy to help.
Please speak to a Legit Trips travel guide before booking your flights for this trip- email us.
Package includes comprehensive travel planning, coordinated extras, personalized attention, language translation, on-site tour operator available 24/7.
Option to extend your trip on either end.
Itinerary subject to change based on discretion of trip leader or tour operator, due to weather or other extenuating circumstances.
September 24 – October 2, 2026
*Do Not book your flight without verifying arrival & departure times/airports with a Legit Trips team member.
DEPOSIT $850
TRIP TOTAL – $5600
All trips are priced as double occupancy. When available, solo supplements may be offered. If you are traveling solo, it doesn’t mean you need to pay for a solo supplement, we’re happy to pair you with a roommate whenever possible.
*flexible payment options available for balance- to pay monthly or in a few equal installments email us at Fun@LegitTrips.com
- 8 nights accommodation – 3 nights in Tokyo,
1 night in Hakone (in a traditional Ryokan), 4 nights in Kyoto - One hour Taiko lesson (Japanese drums)
- Visit to Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town where you can soak in the atmosphere of the Tokyo of old. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.
- Sushi Making Experience
- Visit to Meji Shrine and Omotesando
- Traditional Onsen in Hakone
- Bullet train ticket
- Full day Hakone excursion w/Mt.Fuji
- Dinner in Hakone
- Visit to Arashiyama with the most traditional and ecologic means of transport: the rickshaw. On this 30-minute ride, your driver will take you around the streets of cherry blossom and bamboo grove.
- Visit Tenryuji, the largest and considered the most impressive temple in Arashiyama. Founded in 1339 at the beginning of the Muromachi Period (1338–1573), the temple is one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. After his death it became a Buddhist Temple at his request, and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
- Tea ceremony is going to be held at Kyoto`s traditional house, and your tea master will explain how to make Green Tea in front of you and demonstrate. After the demonstration, enjoy green tea with Japanese sweet. After the ceremony, a young Geisha called Maiko greet guest and entertain Japanese treditional dance. You have chance to take photo with her. (45 mins).
- Dinner on Yakatabune (Japanese-style house boats), the history dates to the Heian period when aristocrats enjoyed the scenery of the seasons while they read poetry, played music, and entertained themselves Today, you could enjoynight views of Tokyo while traveling down to Tokyo Bay. (ALL DRINKS INCLUDED)
- Fushimi-Inari Shrine
- Samurai experience
- Dinner with sumo show – VIP seats!
- Daily breakfast
- Local Japanese guide with you on all tour days
- Legit Trips tour leader with you 24/7
- Itinerary subject to change based on discretion of trip leader or tour operator, due to weather or other extenuating circumstances.
More than 120 days prior to the trip: Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to another person or Legit Trip (limited to one transfer, subject to a $100 rebooking fee). Any additional payments made beyond the deposit are fully refundable.
At 120 days or less prior to the trip: All payments are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable. This includes the deposit and any additional payments made toward the trip; no exceptions or refunds of any kind will be issued.
Please be sure to read the complete booking terms and conditions at checkout. https://legittrips.com/booking-terms/
We recommend a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
For more information on our recommended providers click here.
Fun Facts About JAPAN
UNESCO
Kyoto is one of the best preserved cities in Japan and has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Tokyo Sights
There are over 4000 shrines and temples in Tokyo and over 150 museums.
Mt Fuji
Mount Fuji is perhaps Japan’s biggest attraction and is the country’s highest peak at an impressive 2.3 miles high. It is 3 volcanoes in one and last erupted in 1707.
Noodles
Japan values good manners highly, but when it comes to chowing down on bowlfuls of noodles, there’s only one way to eat: noisily. Slurping is a sign of enjoyment and also cools down the noodles as you eat.
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
Transfer to Tokyo hotel.
Meet and greet with our group and hosts.
Welcome Reception

Day 2
TOKYO
Morning to explore Tokyo at leisure. Afternoon visit to Meji Shrine and Omotesando followed by Taiko lesson. (Japanese drums)
In the evening we’ll have a traditional dinner on a Japanese-style house boat on Tokyo Bay.
O/N at Ikebukuro Sunshine Prince Hotel

Day 3
TOKYO
Today we’ll visit Asakusa and Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a popular shopping street.
Then we’ll have a sushi making class and enjoy what we make for lunch. Afternoon at leisure to explore Tokyo.
Optional evening Mario Kart experience!

Day 4
HAKONE
Full day journey to Hakone, the gateway to Mt Fuji & surrounding national park. Starting in the Gora area we’ll ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani volcano crater, try the tasty black eggs boiled in water bubbling up from within the volcano then cruise across Lake Ashi.
O/N at Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel

Day 5
HAKONE – KYOTO
Today, we’ll take the famous Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto.
Afternoon at leisure to explore Kyoto.
Dinner with Sumo Wrestling Show – VIP seats.
O/N at Cross Hotel Kyoto

Day 6
KYOTO
Morning visit to Arashiyama for a 30 minute rickshaw ride that will take you around the bamboo grove. Then we’ll visit Tenryuji temple followed by Kinkakuji Temple.
Experience a traditional tea ceremony in a Kyoto house followed by a Maiko performance.
O/N at Cross Hotel Kyoto

Day 7
KYOTO
Free day to explore Kyoto.
Optional day trip to Osaka or Nara.
Optional Ramen Cooking Class or market/food tour
O/N at Cross Hotel Kyoto

Day 8
KYOTO
Morning at leisure
Afternoon Samurai Experience and early evening visit to Fushimi-Inari Shrine.
O/N at Cross Hotel Kyoto

Day 9
DEPARTURE DAY
Transport to Kyoto airport.
Say “see you again” to your travel buds and start sharing photos and memories!
If you’re interested in adding on either end of the trip, email FUN@LegitTrips.com

Ready to get started?
Your Next Amazing Adventure is Just One Click Away!
