Private Tour of Tokyo

At over 13 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world. This massive, wealthy and fascinating metropolis offers high-tech visions of the future alongside glimpses of traditional Japan. Huge and varied in its geography, Tokyo Metropolis spans not just the city but also spectacular, rugged mountains to the west and beautiful subtropical islands to the south. The various districts of this phenomenal city vary wildly in character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the magnificent Imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda, from the lively youth culture mecca of Shibuya to the splendid pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different. Tokyo truly has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Hakone is a city in Japan that lies within the borders of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu national park in the Ashigarashimo District of Kanagawa Prefecture. Tourists specifically travel here for the spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Other attractions in the area include walks to Hakone Shrine on the shore of Lake Ashi, day-trips through the Hakone Open-Air Museum and explorations to Mount Kintoki to view the ruins of old-Japan. No visit is complete without eating a black egg hard-boiled in the Great Boiling Valley of Owakudani. Legend has it that these eggs add some extra years to your lifespan.

Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and most famous landmark, lying within the borders of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is known as one of the “Three Holy Mountains” and legend has it that Mount Fuji was a samurai training ground. Although the mountain can be seen from certain points in Tokyo, it is best viewed from Hakone, Kawaguchiko, Kamakura, Enoshima or Gotemba. The official climbing season starts early July to mid-September for those who wish to hike the 3776 metres to the top. Sunrise from the summit is one of the most sought after views in Japan. Visitors have a wide selection of hiking trails to choose from including the Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba and Fujinomiya Trails.

If you want to explore a city filled with shrines, temples and historical structures, Kyoto should be first on your list. This city has seventeen historic sites that has been proclaimed as World Heritage Sites. Visit Nijo Castle to see an example of Japanese architecture combined with beautiful interior decorating. While you’re there take a trip to the Gekkeikan Okura Show to experience the journey of sake-brewing history that include 6120 brewing tools through the ages and a space where you can listen to the recordings of brewing songs of the past. For a magnificent view of Koyoto city travellers stand on Kiyomizu Temple’s large wooden verandah that is built suspended over a deep valley.

Dominated by the towering Japan Alps, Honshu is the largest island in Japan’s archipelago. This enormous island is home to most of Japan’s population and boasts the majority of the nation’s most popular attractions. Visitors flock here from around the world to enjoy the impressive geothermal spas, ski resorts, old castle- and temple-towns, and charming traditional villages tucked away in remote valleys. From the neon lights and pulsing energy of Tokyo in the east, across the dramatic Alps in the central Chubu region, to the tranquil rural beauty of the Chugoku region in the west, Honshu offers an extraordinary variety of scenic landscapes, appealing attractions, and world-class cities. Must-see attractions include: the iconic Mt. Fuji; the historic little town of Nikko; and the Peace Park at Hiroshima.