Highlights of Tokyo & Kyoto Overview

Tokyo city is full of fascinating contradictions, and a private guided tour is a great way to explore this enthralling place. See towering skyscrapers alongside Zen gardens, shrines and temples. Try delicate Japanese cuisine, cruise the Sumida River and enjoy the hospitality of a ryokan (traditional inn). Visit a sumo stable, explore the ornate Hamarikyu Garden and sample fresh sashimi at the Tsukiji Fish Market.

Spend the next two days enjoying a thorough tour of Tokyo - a place where bright lights and big buildings compete for space with tranquil Zen gardens and temples from bygone eras. Try delicate Japanese cuisine, enjoy a boat cruise on the Sumida River and delve into the city's high-tech underbelly while travelling on its world-class public transport system. Experience Japanese culture past and present - visit a sumo stable, explore ornate gardens and be sure to sample some of the freshest sashimi on the planet at the Tsukiji Fish Market. Also enjoy the opportunity to spend free time doing some personal sightseeing in Tokyo - the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park in springtime are not to be missed!

Glimpse Mt Fuji while travelling on the bullet train to journey to Kyoto. Temples such as Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji are a real highlight, as is Nishiki-koji Market. Walk along Tetsugaku-no-Michi (the Philosopher's Path), participate in a tea ceremony and learn about mysterious geisha in Gion. Kyoto's fusion of old and new is magical, and perfectly embodies Japan's ability to combine ancient traditions with modern living.

Be sure to fill up on traditional cuisine before bidding farewell to this charming city.