Gain an overall historical understanding of Yokohama, the first port open to foreign trade when Japan ended its isolationist policy in the mid-1800s. While strolling through the traditional garden of Sankeien, you will see a three-story pagoda rising above the verdant foliage, which was planted to mirror the Nara countryside. The pagoda was built in Kyoto in the 1400s and moved to the garden in 1914. Walking through Chinatown will offer a livelier experience as it is the largest in Japan. Hundreds of shops line the maze of streets selling everything from natural herbs to fine jewelry. You can expect the aroma of freshly cooked Chinese dishes to be wafting through the air, as restaurants are among the primary businesses. For a glimpse into Yokohama’s urban redevelopment, you will stop at a waterfront red-brick warehouse that once served as the customs clearing house. It’s now a popular shopping center filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Stroll the winding paths in Sankeien, a serene garden oasis in southern Yokohama.
• Spend free time exploring the countless shops in Japan’s largest Chinatown.
• See a former customs warehouse that has been converted into a high-end shopping area.

See the capital’s top attractions and come away with a deeper understanding of Tokyo’s culture and history. Religious influences are particularly prominent, especially in destinations such as Meiji Jingu. This large Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji the Great, who transformed Japan from a feudal state into a world power. Its soaring torii gate entry makes quite a statement, as it was constructed with 1,500-year-old cypress. Sensoji temple will be historically revealing as it is Tokyo’s oldest temple. It was founded in the 7th century and dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The shrine that stands today is a reconstruction as heavy bombing in World War II destroyed the original building. You will also behold the 19th-century Imperial Palace, a revered site considered the heart and soul of Tokyo. Japan’s emperor and empress reside at the palace, so only an exterior visit is possible, but you won’t be disappointed.

HIGHLIGHTS
• nter the shrine Meiji Jingu through a soaring torii gate made with 1,500-year-old cypress.
• See the differences between the Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine and the Buddhist Sensoji temple.
• Admire the Imperial Palace where the Imperial family lives.

Enjoy panoramic drive of metropolitan Tokyo, crossing the Rainbow Bridge which is 798 meter long suspension bridge consisting from highway, railway, general road & pedestrian walkway. From the bridge, you will see the Odaiba Fuji TV Building which has a very unique sphere shaped observatory. Soon, you will drive by Tokyo Tower which is 333 height radio tower, State Guest Houses, and House of Parliament. You will stop at Imperial Palace Plaza, which comprises the moats and spacious plaza between the east side of the Imperial Palace and the Marunouchi office buildings. On either side of the road through the middle of the plaza stretches lawn with pine groves. On the north side of the plaza stands a fountain commemorating the marriage of the Emperor and Empress. To the south is a bronze of Kusunoki Masashige, a 14th-century samurai loyal to the emperor. The actual palace itself cannot be seen from the spot. On the way back, you will drive by Ginza and Kabbukiza Theater.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Drive around Japan’s vibrant capital, taking in the landmarks that define Tokyo.
• View icons such as the Tokyo Tower, House of Parliament and Fuji Television Building.
• Spend free time meandering about the beautiful Imperial Palace Plaza.
• Drive through the Ginza shopping and entertainment district.

OVERVIEW

Visit two urban landmarks that are immensely symbolic but for quite different reasons. The more modern Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 to signify Japan’s rebirth as a post-war economic powerhouse. The tower serves as a broadcast antenna and is still the world’s tallest self-supported steel tower, edging out the Eiffel Tower, after which it was modeled. From its uppermost observation deck, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the capital and Mt. Fuji, weather permitting. The Shinto shrine Meiji Jingu is also in the center of Tokyo, although its mood is more serene. It is dedicated to Emperor Meiji the Great, who led Japan from a feudal state into a world power. After entering through a torii gate made of 1,500-year-old cypress, you can’t help but be awed by the shrine’s understated elegance. The surrounding forested park adds to the tranquility and further symbolizes the separation of the spiritual from the worldly.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the ultimate view of Tokyo and maybe even Mt. Fuji from atop Tokyo Tower.
• Walk through Meiji Shrine’s towering torii gate made of 1,500-year-old cypress.
• Recognize the deep symbolism of both Tokyo Tower and Meiji Jingu shrine.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover Tokyo and two of its traditional sights that coexist in stark contrast with tall futuristic skyscrapers and bustling city streets.

Depart the pier to the center of Tokyo, a modern city where the 21st century coexists with the spirit of ancient Japan. Along the way, you’ll see many of the city’s landmarks.

Enjoy a visit Hama Rikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers; a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period, but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public in its current form. Hama Rikyu Gardens offer something beautiful at any season, as you’ll find golden foliage during the fall, plum blossoms in late winter and cherry blossoms in spring.

A scenic drive through the city takes you to the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and massive stone walls, also in the center of Tokyo. The palace is built on the former site of Edo Castle. It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family and is surrounded by a large park area. Although the Palace is not open to the public, from Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, you can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is nicknamed the Eyeglass Bridge for its looks and is one of the most recognized bridges in Japan. You’ll have some free time in the square to explore a bit and take some memorable pictures.

After enjoying the sites in Tokyo, your coach will bring you to Haneda Airport for your flight back home.

Discover Tokyo and two of its traditional sights that coexist in stark contrast with tall futuristic skyscrapers and bustling city streets.

A 1-hour drive takes you to the center of Tokyo, a modern city where the 21st century coexists with the spirit of ancient Japan. Along the way, you’ll see many of the city’s landmarks.

Enjoy a visit to Hama Rikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers; a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period, but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public in its current form. Hama Rikyu Gardens offer something beautiful at any season, as you’ll find golden foliage during the fall, plum blossoms in late winter and cherry blossoms in spring.

A scenic drive through the city takes you to the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and massive stone walls, also in the center of Tokyo. The palace is built on the former site of Edo Castle. It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family and is surrounded by a large park area. Although the Palace is not open to the public, from Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, you can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is nicknamed the Eyeglass Bridge for its looks and is one of the most recognized bridges in Japan. You’ll have some free time in the square to explore a bit and take some memorable pictures.

After enjoying the sites in Tokyo, your coach will bring you to Narita International Airport for your flight back home.

The new Tokyo cruise terminal is close to the city center, a modern city where the 21st century coexists with the spirit of ancient Japan. Along the way, you’ll see many of the city’s landmarks.

Enjoy a visit Hama Rikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers; a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period, but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public in its current form. Hama Rikyu Gardens offer something beautiful at any season, as you’ll find golden foliage during the fall, plum blossoms in late winter and cherry blossoms in spring.

A scenic drive through the city takes you to the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and massive stone walls, also in the center of Tokyo. The palace is built on the former site of Edo Castle. It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family and is surrounded by a large park area. Although the Palace is not open to the public, from Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, you can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is nicknamed the Eyeglass Bridge for its looks and is one of the most recognized bridges in Japan. You’ll have some free time in the square to explore a bit and take some memorable pictures.

After enjoying the sites in Tokyo, tour will finish at Tokyo Station where is easy to move on your own.