7-Nights Japan's Golden Route: Tokyo to Kyoto - Tailormade Journeys

Tokyo oscillates between heightened refinement and sense-scrambling extremes. The city’s charm lies in its ability to juxtapose tradition with cutting-edge trends, from the historic Asakusa Kannon Temple to the eclectic street styles of Omotesando. Tokyo is where the past, present and future coexist in electrifying harmony.

Dip into the heart of the city with an expert A&K guide, who reveals its contrasts and cultural quirks at the Imperial Palace Plaza, Tokyo National Museum, Asakusa Kannon Temple and the tiny shops of Nakamise-dori.

This morning, see the Meiji Shrine, passing under its large cypress torii gates and into the peaceful, park-like atmosphere of its expansive 175-acre grounds. Dive into Tokyo's vibrant Harajuku district, where stylish teens gather to see and be seen sporting colorful, eclectic fashions.

Set against the backdrop of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is a haven of natural beauty and cultural treasures, the clear mountain air and invigorating hot springs making it a revitalizing escape from Tokyo. Begin with a tranquil cruise across Lake Ashi, surrounded by lush, forested mountains before ascending in an aerial tram for breathtaking vistas of snow-capped Mount Fuji, its iconic silhouette cut out of the sky. The rolling hills of the Hakone Open-Air Museum host sculptures and artwork by masters like Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore.

As Japan’s former imperial capital for more than a thousand years, a place of shrines, bamboo groves and treasures, Kyoto has long been an incubator and preserver of high-art forms, from calligraphy and ceramics to tea ceremonies and refined geisha entertainments. Get an authentic taste of this beguiling city at a temple where a traditional tea ceremony is performed for you.

On a tour of the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nara, behold the largest bronze Buddha in the world at Todaiji Temple, a site roamed by gentle deer. Visit Kasuga Shrine — with its thousands of lanterns — and Fushimi Inari Shrine and tour a sake brewery to divine the artform behind the beloved spirit.

Glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), covered with gold leaf, is surrounded by finely manicured green gardens,and set on a lovely, tranquil pond. Later, explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a lush oasis home to monkeys and towering stalks of bamboo.