Japan 4U

Kamakura is the medieval military capital of Japan. It was founded by Minamoto Yoritomi, the first shogun of Japan. The era when Kamakura was the capital gave its name to the historical period of the same name in the history of Japan.

After meeting the guide at the reception, you will start your excursion to Kamakura, the ancient military capital of Japan. The city is located on the Pacific coast and surrounded by picturesque mountains, making it an impregnable fortress for enemies. You will see the Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, which is dedicated to the god of war. Then, you will walk the famous Wakamiya Oji road, which splits the city and leads to the shrine. The road runs between two ponds: one is called "Genji," which means life, and another is "Heike," which means death.

The next spot, the Kotoku family temple, includes the Great Bronze Buddha Daibutsu, which is 13.5-meters-high. The shrine was created in 1252 and survived severe fires, powerful earthquakes, and tsunamis. Then, you will see the three-level Hasedera temple. On top of a sacred hill is the famous gilded sculpture of the eleven-faced goddess Kannon, the tallest wooden sculpture in Japan, 9.5-meters high. Buddhist monks carved the sculpture from a single trunk of a camphor tree. Then, you will enjoy your lunch.

Moving to Fujisawa, the island of the samurai, on the top of the hill, you will see a sanctuary of the dragon of the seas, revered as the deity of loyalty and devotion. You will then visit the Cape of Love, where all lovers strive to strengthen their feelings. Iwaya Cave was carved out by water and served as a natural shelter during the samurai wars. After the tour is completed, you will come back to your hotel.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the reception.

Hakone is a lovely forested hilly area, full of onsen and ryokan, located in the Five Lakes area nearby Mt. Fuji, famous for its scenery and natural beauty. It has been a place for Tokyoites' weekend getaways for centuries, just around an hour and a half away from the city.

Your first stop is the Hakone Open-Air Museum. You will enjoy viewing various installations while strolling down the stunning landscapes of Hakone. You will have Hoto, a hot udon noodle dish historically served in an iron cast pot for lunch.

Then, you will have a joyful ride on the Hakone Ropeway down to the famous Owakudani Valley. On the way, you will enjoy a beautiful Mt. Fuji view if the weather permits. Try a local specialty: black eggs cooked in natural volcanic vents. Boil your egg in one of the vents; according to the local legend, eating an egg adds seven years to your life! You will wrap your day by visiting the Hakone Shrine.

Walking up Mt. Takao, you feel something divine around here. You will see the sacred Shinto 'octopus pines' here; these are tall trees surrounded by white ropes at the base with powerful roots resembling a gigantic octopus's tentacles. Several picturesque paths lead to the top, and on the way to it, you pass by the beautiful Yakuo-in temple complex, erected initially back in 744! From the top of Takao-san, you will enjoy a stunning view of the nearby sea of green hills and Tokyo itself. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji!

The main local souvenir is a big-nosed mountain demon, Tengu. Since ancient times, the Tengu has been the ruler of these places.

...after enjoying your trip, you can go to a roadside restaurant halfway from the top, breathe in the freshest, moisture-saturated air, admire the crowns of majestic pine trees and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, thinking of the times when gods and demons ruled Japan...

Breakfast in the hotel . Meeting with a gude and transfer to the airport.