10-Day Private Japan Tour: Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji & More

Summary

Japan Multi-City Private Tour: Iconic Sights & Local Experiences

You’ll cover Japan’s must-see spots—from Tokyo’s lively markets to Kyoto’s temples—with local guides sharing stories along the way. Flexible stops mean you get both famous sights and hidden corners most visitors miss.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed in Tokyo was the buzz—Tsukiji Fish Market wakes up before sunrise, and you can smell the ocean before you even see the stalls. Our guide led us through narrow lanes packed with locals slurping ramen for breakfast. At Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, incense smoke drifted over crowds making wishes at the main hall. We squeezed into an elevator at Tokyo Skytree and suddenly the city looked like a toy set below us—634 meters up is no joke. The Imperial Palace gardens were surprisingly quiet; we watched a gardener trim pine trees with tiny scissors. Akihabara was another world—blinking lights, anime shops stacked to the ceiling, and a maid café where staff called out greetings in sing-song voices. We caught our breath by Odaiba’s waterfront, snapping photos of the mini Statue of Liberty against Rainbow Bridge.

Kamakura’s bamboo groves at Hōkoku-ji felt cool and damp after Tokyo’s rush. The Great Buddha sat calm under a sky that threatened rain—locals say he’s weathered it all for centuries. In Yokohama’s Chinatown, I tried steamed buns from a street vendor who joked about my chopstick skills. Sankei-en Garden was peaceful; you could hear frogs croaking near the ponds if you listened close.

The air changed as we neared Mount Fuji—crisper somehow, with a hint of pine and earth. Oshino Hakkai’s spring water tasted icy cold straight from the source. At Lake Kawaguchiko, we lucked out with clear skies—Fuji’s reflection on the water is something I’ll never forget. The Panoramic Ropeway ride was quick but thrilling; wind whipped past as we climbed higher for those postcard views. Oishi Park had rows of lavender (not blooming when we went, but still fragrant) and locals picnicking under shady trees.

Hakone brought misty mornings and hot springs steam curling above rooftops. We stopped at Amazake-chaya Tea House for sweet rice wine—non-alcoholic but warming on a chilly day. The Hakone Ropeway glided over sulfur vents at Owakudani; eggs boiled black in hot springs are supposed to add years to your life (I ate two just in case). The Open-Air Museum surprised me—giant sculptures dotted across green hills, kids running between them while adults lounged on benches.

Nikko felt almost sacred—the Toshogu Shrine shimmered with gold leaf details and intricate carvings everywhere you looked. Kegon Falls thundered nearby; spray cooled our faces as we leaned over the railing for photos. Lake Chuzenji was calm except for ducks paddling by—a nice break from temple-hopping.

Kyoto was all about contrasts: Kiyomizu-dera perched above city rooftops; Nishiki Market buzzing with vendors selling pickled veggies and grilled eel skewers; Fushimi Inari’s orange torii gates winding up into forested hills (we lost count after a hundred). Gion at night glowed softly under lanterns—we spotted a geisha hurrying down an alleyway just as it started to drizzle.

Osaka brought energy back up—street food at Dotonbori (takoyaki balls still too hot to eat), neon signs flashing everywhere you turned, and Shitenno-ji Temple offering a quiet moment away from it all. Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine had wedding photos happening right outside its main gate; families gathered to feed koi in garden ponds nearby.

Nara Park was full of deer—some polite, some pushy if they spotted crackers in your hand! Yoshikien Garden offered calm paths shaded by maples; I watched an old man sketching quietly by the pond.

Kobe wrapped things up nicely: Harborland’s waterfront sparkled at sunset; Chinatown bustled with snack stalls selling sesame balls and dumplings; Mount Rokko cable car gave us one last sweeping view before heading back down to city lights below.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tokyo Highlights

• Visit Tsukiji Fish Market
• Tour Senso-ji Temple
• View from Tokyo Skytree
• Explore Imperial Palace East Garden
• Shop in Akihabara
• Photo at Odaiba Seaside Park
• Visit Meiji Shrine
• Cross Shibuya Crossing
• Walk Harajuku Street
• See Tokyo Tower
• Visit a Flower Garden Exhibition

Day 2 — Kamakura and Yokohama Tour

• Visit Hōkoku-ji Bamboo Temple
• Explore Hase-dera Temple
• See Daibutsu (Great Buddha)
• Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
• Walk Shopping Street
• Explore Chinatown
• Stroll Sankei-en Garden
• Visit Minatomirai Waterfront

Day 3 — Mount Fuji and Surroundings

• Visit Oshino Hakkai Springs
• See Chureito Pagoda
• Explore Lake Kawaguchiko
• Ride Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
• Relax at Oishi Park
• Tour Replica Japanese Village
• Enjoy Mt. Arakura Park
• Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station
• Explore Gotemba Tea Farms

Day 4 — Discover Hakone Area

• Rest at Amazake-chaya Tea House
• Visit Hakone Shrine
• Explore Lake Ashi
• Ride Hakone Ropeway
• See Owakudani and Black Eggs
• Visit Botanical Garden
• Tour Hakone Open-Air Museum

Day 5 — Nikko Cultural Sites

• Visit Toshogu Shrine
• Walk Shinkyo Bridge
• See Jizo Statues
• Tour Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa
• View from Akechidaira Observation Deck
• Visit Kegon Falls
• Explore Lake Chūzenji

Day 6 — Kyoto Day 1 Temples & Markets

• Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Tour Sanjūsangen-dō Temple
• See Yasaka Shrine
• Shop Nishiki Market
• Walk Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Explore Nijo-jo Castle

Day 7 — Kyoto Day 2 Nature & Culture

• Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Walk Bamboo Forest
• Tour Tenryū-ji Temple
• View Arashiyama Scenery
• See Arashiyama Kimono Forest
• Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park
• Explore Gion District

Day 8 — Osaka City Highlights

• Visit Osaka Castle
• Tour Shitenno-ji Temple
• See Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine
• Explore Interactive Garden
• Shop Local Market
• Walk Dōtonbori District

Day 9 — Nara Temples and Parks

• Visit Nigatsu-dō Hall
• Tour Kōfuku-ji Temple
• Explore Nara Park
• Walk Yoshikien Garden
• Visit Isuien Garden Museum

Day 10 — Kobe Attractions

• See Nunobiki Falls
• Visit Ikuta Shrine
• Explore Kobe Chinatown
• Ride Mount Rokko Cable Car
• Tour Weathercock House

Top questions

Can we adjust or skip certain stops if we're short on time?

Yes, your guide can adapt the route based on traffic or your preferences so you don’t feel rushed or stuck waiting in crowds.

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Absolutely! Strollers are welcome and infant seats are available on request—it works well for all ages and fitness levels.

Do we need to book tickets for attractions ourselves?

No need—your guide handles entry arrangements where needed so you can focus on exploring instead of logistics.

What happens if it rains or there are weather issues?

Your itinerary is flexible; guides will suggest indoor options or adjust timing so you still get a great experience rain or shine.

What’s included

Your private tour includes comfortable transportation (with AC), bottled water each day, all fuel/parking/toll fees covered, plus free help taking photos or videos if you want memories captured along the way!