Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Narita Airport today, you will be met by a local representative and taken by shuttle bus to your hotel in Tokyo. Please note that as other people will be in the same bus, there may be a few stops before you arrive at your hotel (maximum of 3 other stops). Journey time is around 2 hours, depending on traffic. Enjoy the ride, as this is a comfortable and easy way to make today's transfer. Look out for some great views along the elevated highways into town. Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and enjoy your first night in this bustling and vibrant city at your leisure! (This service is on a group basis.)
One quarter of all Japanese live in Tokyo or the near vicinity and with a population of over 12 million inhabitants, Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world. With its huge skyscrapers, underpasses, overpasses and crowds of pedestrians, Tokyo may not seem the most attractive city on the surface, but the city has a vibrant charm all of its own. The street level detail is what makes Tokyo such an incredibly interesting place to explore and at every turn you will be met with an array of sights, sounds and smells to enliven the senses. The city has many major sights to visit such as Senso-ji Temple in the old downtown area of Asakusa or the fashion hub of Shibuya from where all new trends are said to emanate. All in all a stay in Tokyo is to experience one of the world's most vibrant and interesting cities; a capital hurtling headlong into the future while maintaining its links with the traditions of ancient Japan.
You will be provided with Manaca cards today, Nagoya’s version of the IC card. You will be able to use this throughout your time in Japan for traveling on buses, subways, overground railways and in some places you will even be able to pay for taxis, buy drinks from vending machines and pay for your bento in a convenience store! Your card comes with 2,500 yen of credit and can be topped up in any major city at the automatic ticket machines at any station. And don't worry - instructions in English are provided! We are sure you will get great use out of this during your trip and can have that satisfying feeling of travelling like a local! All in all, an essential accessory for any visit to Japan.
Day 2: Tokyo
Free Day
Tokyo is one of the world's most vibrant destinations, where exciting sights, sounds and tastes are waiting to be discovered around every corner. Today, you can enjoy the freedom of exploring Tokyo's treasures on you own. The city is made up of various districts, each with its own distinctive flavor. Asakusa is the old town area, which boasts Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful temple, Senso-ji, in the heart of the town. The Ginza, nestled in the very center of the city, is a true shopper's paradise. With trendy boutiques and department stores nestled between world renowned restaurants and European style cafes, the atmosphere is buzzing. Shibuya, promises Tokyo's most fun and youthful spirit. Attracting a lively mix of students and young professionals to its bars, restaurants, manga shops and night clubs, this area is always flourishing with activity.
Just down the tracks, you will find Shinjuku. Decorated with soaring skyscrapers to the west of the station, and endless neon lights to the east of the station, it is one of the city's premiere entertainment areas. Shinjuku is what many people think of when they imagine Tokyo, and therefore this iconic district is not one that should be missed! In the center of the city, close to the famous Tokyo Tower, you will find Roppongi. This is the after hours playground of the city's expat community, teeming with clubs, bars and restaurants, ranging from the elegantly upscale, to the street-side kebab shops and yakitori.
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