VIP tour sakura

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 tsunami. 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.

You will enjoy a two-day trip to Kyoto, dining at the city's best venues. Kyoto is the ancient imperial capital of Japan, one of the oldest cities in the country, the entire historical part of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kyoto was founded in the 8th century and served as the Imperial residence for almost twelve centuries. Among its numerous temples and sacred sites in Kyoto, one can highlight the Sanjusan-gendo temple, built back in 1164. Even today, it is the longest wooden structure in the world. In the long central hall, in the twilight, there are 1001 statues of the goddess Kannon the Merciful. You will have a lunch break then at a traditional Japanese restaurant. Another Kyoto gem is the Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, an elegant three-level temple with its roof covered with thin sheets of gold. The building is also topped with a traditional bronze phoenix. The temple is located in a magnificent garden from the Muromachi period. Nearby is the world-famous Zen rock garden of Ryoanji: its fifteen stones seem to be randomly scattered on the white gravel, but from any point only fourteen are visible... You will get to your ryokan, a traditional inn, for a gourmet dinner, kaiyseki-ryory style, which is Japanese haute cuisine.

The second day will start with visiting the Silver Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji. The temple is another architectural masterpiece. Ginkaku-ji is gracefully reflected in the adjacent lake, making it a classic Kyoto view...

Then, you will walk down the open veranda of Kiyomizudera, or the Temple of Pure Water. You will enjoy a stunning Kyoto panoramic view. The local legend says that if you take three sips from the adjacent spring, your wish will come true! You will wrap up your Kyoto’s experience by visiting the legendary Geisha Gion quarter, which has been a center of entertainment since ancient times. You will come back to your ryokan after that.

Enjoy your free day in Kyoto!

In the morning, you will go to Nara. During its foundation, several majestic temples have been built here. For example, the Todaiji Temple, which was completed in 725. This is one the greatest wooden structures on Earth. Todaiji now is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is dedicated to the Buddha of Infinite Light incarnation, embodied in the sun. Inside, there is a gigantic bronze Buddha statue, the largest in Japan.

In the 5th century AD, Japan borrowed a lot from China and Korea in terms of civilizational development. Religion was one of these gifts from Asia's mainland. Japanese have also borrowed writing, architecture, and even urban planning that dominated the Chinese Tang Dynasty style back then. This is why Nara, as Japan's first permanent capital, was built on the model of Changyan, the capital of China at the time.

Near Todaiji, another Buddhist temple, Kofukuji, is located; it was built in the 7th century. Its pagoda, Goju-no-to, is one of the tallest in the country. This "skyscraper from the past" is 55-meter high! The Goju-no-Pagoda is the most famous graphic symbol of Nara.

Thanks to Nara's compact site, people usually come here for just a day, which is enough to see all the sights.

Then, you will relocate to Kanazawa and start your trip by visiting Kenrokuen, the “garden of six virtues”, one of the Three Famous Parks of Japan. Kenrokuen Garden truly deserves your attention; it is an excellent example of Japanese park art. Each tree, branch, and pebble in the pond was carefully thought out and artistically verified according to the creator’s idea. It’s amazing how harmoniously and unobtrusively man-made bridges, stone lanterns, and pagodas fit into the natural landscape.

In the park, in addition to the oldest fountain in Japan, you will also see the Seisonkaku Villa, built by one of the lords of the Kaga clan for his mother at the end of the Edo period. The elegance of the architecture, the gates with graceful ceilings, the wooden panels glittering with gilding, precious kimonos, engravings, artistic scrolls - you will be amazed at the grace of this samurai villa, which has survived to this day.

This day you will learn Kanazawa’s history in all its variety. Your first stop will be at Nomura Samurai Home, with its beautiful tea ceremony room, a small traditional garden, and artifacts from the Edo Period.

Afterwards, you will visit Kaburaki Kutani Porcelain Museum to enjoy its fine antique pieces. You will discover Kutani-yaki, a traditional style of porcelain famous for its vivid colors and highly detailed and elaborate floral and birdy designs.

Then it would be great to discover the local cuisine, Omicho Ichiba. There are dozens of stores providing various fresh seafood from the Japan Sea, a gourmet’s paradise! You won’t forget the taste of their delicious choice of shrimp, crab, and yellowtail amberjack!
Your ultimate point of the Kanazawa trip will be visiting the world-famous Kenrokuen Garden. It is considered one of Japan's ‘three most beautiful landscape gardens.’ This beautiful garden features a great floral variety, such as plum trees, cherry trees, and maple trees, which provide the garden with a different look for every season change.

Today, you will make your way to the historic village of Shirakawa-go; it is famous for its thatched-roof houses made using the gassho-zukuri technique (hands in prayer style), specifically developed for staying stable in snowy winters.

Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By visiting it, you will imagine the old-way rural lifestyle of old Japan. Don’t miss visiting the Nagase House; you will get valuable insights on the various tools and trinkets used in the farming village back in the day.

At the Wada-ke Museum, you will learn more about the features of this unique style, and then visit the museum dedicated to the Doburoku Matsuri holiday. Doburoku is unfiltered sake, one of the favorite drinks of the Japanese; you will be able to try it in the tasting room.

You will then climb one of the hills surrounding this quiet village, and admire all its splendor and how nice it fits into the surrounding mountain landscape.

The nearby village of Gokayama, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for secretly producing gunpowder in the Middle Ages. The nearby Ainokura and Shimonashi villages still produce Japanese washi paper, very famous throughout the country. At the Murakami-ke Museum in Kaminashi village, you will learn about the regional culture, and listen to local songs. Transfer to the station and transfer to Tokyo.

Enjoy your free day in Tokyo!

After check-out, you will enjoy your individual transfer to the airport. Say goodbye to Japan and we hope you will come back for more!