Journey Through the Heart of Japan Tokyo to Osaka

You're bound for Japan! Soon you’ll wander Tokyo’s museums, witness sumo, ascend to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, stroll through a bamboo grove, and roll sushi. Tonight is your first step on this journey.

Today, you arrive in Tokyo, a city where neon towers and tranquil shrines stand side by side. With no scheduled activities, tailor your first impressions of the “Land of the Rising Sun” at your own pace. Navigate Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing, pause at a neighborhood shrine, savor sushi at a tiny eatery, or wander into an anime shop. From gardens to crowded alleyways, Tokyo’s mix of ancient ritual and modern energy is yours to discover before you meet your travel companions tomorrow.

Your day begins with an exploration of Tokyo, a city steeped in art and history. Visit the Tokyo National Museum, where Buddhist statues, samurai armor, and ukiyo-e prints tell centuries of stories. At the Imperial Palace, see the moats and walls that encircle its serene East Gardens. In the evening, stroll through Ginza’s polished streets, where history meets modern commerce. End the day at a local restaurant where you’ll sample regional dishes.

Begin your day by stepping inside a sumo stable for a private demonstration and learn about the discipline, diet, and rituals of Japan’s wrestlers. Witness the flickering flames and rhythmic chants of a Goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple. Tokyo’s treasures are yours to explore at leisure this afternoon. Venture out into the city’s neighborhoods, shop for crafts, sip matcha in a teahouse, or seek out a hidden shrine.