Hi my name is Lauren!
Join me in the heart of Tokyo for a whirlwind of neon dreams, visiting traditional shrines and cultural landmarks and of course we can’t forget the late-night ramen runs.
We’ll dive headfirst into Japan’s rich culture—think traditional tea ceremonies, bustling city life, sushi that melts in your mouth, and views of Mount Fuji that’ll steal your breath away.
This isn’t just a trip—it’s a cinematic slice of Japanese life, curated with love, curiosity, and a chance to make lifelong experiences and friendships. I can’t wait to make unforgettable memories with you!
Ready to immerse yourself and set your camera up to capture the vibrant pulse of Tokyo? This seven-day journey invites you to explore a city where tradition meets innovation. From the spiritual beauty of ancient temples to the energy of the Shibuya crossing, take in the cultural landmarks and city corners of Tokyo. Dive into Tokyo’s diverse food culture with a hands-on Okonomiyaki cooking experience and a visit to Yokohama’s Cup Noodle Museum. See the magical views from Fuji 5th Station, and wander through the historic streets of Kamakura. Each day offers a chance to experience Tokyo's rich culture and awe-inspiring landscapes while snapshotting some memories along the way. Tokyo is calling you to seek out its tallest peaks and streets!
-Tokyo travelers, welcome into the sprawling high-rise city that’ll welcome you in with neon-colored lights. Tokyo is a place where centuries-old tradition meets futuristic energy.
-After landing at Haneda or Narita airport, your private transfer whisks you into the center of Tokyo’s metropolitan area.
-Have some free time to settle in, shake off the jet lag, do as you please. Whether that’s taking a relaxed stroll through districts like Shinjuku or Shibuya, where towering LED screens, ramen joints, and izakayas line the buzzing streets. Or, savor your first bite of Japan — maybe some conveyor-belt sushi or a steamy bowl of miso ramen. The options are endless amidst Tokyo’s city glow!
-After breakfast at the hotel, kick off your cultural deep dive at the Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s oldest and most prestigious museum. Located in Ueno Park, this artifact-filled museum holds everything from samurai armor and ancient ceramics to Buddhist statuary — a perfect intro to Japan's spiritual past.
-Then, channel your inner chef with a hands-on Okonomiyaki-making class, where you’ll get to eat what you create. This savory Japanese pancake — often described as “as you like it” — combines cabbage, batter, and endless toppings into one customizable dish.
-With a full stomach and new culinary techniques to add to your skillset, head over to brightly-colored Asakusa Kannon Temple, otherwise known as Sensō-ji, to gaze up at the temple’s majesty and pay your respects by lighting a candle.
-Afterwards, you’ll stroll and shop around Nakamise Street, a shopping street that’s existed over centuries, to pick up some Japanese souvenirs such as yukata, or folding fans, and of course, matcha.
-After your full day of Japanese sights and sounds, you’ll head back to hotel with a full memory card, to then have a free night to enjoy Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife offerings if you choose.
-Following breakfast, ascend to Fuji 5th station if weather permits, which offers a starting point for sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, where you’ll get to take pictures and admire the majesty of the volcano.
-Next, wander the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, which is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes known for its mirror-like reflections of the snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji. This lakeside paradise is perfect for capturing dreamy photos of the mountain’s peak.
-After fueling up with lunch, visit the storybook village of Oshino Hakkai, famed for its pristine spring-fed ponds and rustic, thatched-roof buildings.
-Then, transfer back to Tokyo via coach while admiring all of the moments and pictures taken throughout the day.
-Once in Tokyo, head back to your hotel for a night filled with Tokyo adventures or relaxation in preparation for the next day’s city deep-dive.
-After breakfast, you’ll head to have a crash course on all things Tokyo. From the palaces, to the markets, to the famous Sibuya crossing and more, you’re in for some Tokyo treats.
- Start the tour by passing by the Imperial Palace — home to Japan’s Emperor — a harmonious blend of traditional design and serene gardens, nestled in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities.
-From there, you’ll head to the sensory playground of Tsukiji Outer Market. This market remains a paradise of fresh seafood, quirky snacks, and kitchen curiosities.
-After lunch, head skyward at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory for panoramic views stretching to Mount Fuji on clear days. Be sure to snap some pictures of Tokyo’s towering high-rises and the tallest peak in Japan.
-End the tour with an adventure through Shibuya, where thousands of pedestrians cross in perfect chaos. Capture the urban hustle through your lens, browse indie boutiques, and feel the pulse of Tokyo’s youth culture.
-To cap off the night, head back to your hotel for time filled with whatever you wish, whether that be belting out some karaoke at a local bar or dozing off to the city’s sounds.
-Start your day fresh with breakfast before escaping Tokyo’s controlled chaos and visiting Kamakura for the day - a coastal retreat steeped in Buddhist history and Shinto charm.
-After entering Kamakura, your first stop is the Great Buddha at Kotokuin, a colossal bronze statue that radiates tranquility and timeless wonder.
-Then, it’s off to Yuigahama Beach for a breezy photo stop. The coastline offers the perfect backdrop to capture the bliss of the waves lapping around you, and the sun sharing its glowing rays.
-Wrap up your visit to Kamakura by meandering through Komachi-dori, Kamakura’s modern shopping street oasis in an ancient city. Try traditional sweets, browse handmade crafts, and soak up the small-town spirit before heading back to the capital.
-Once you’ve made it back to your hotel, balance the peace of the day with the business of the night in Tokyo, while uncovering its best hangouts and highlights in the nighttime.
-Wake up and savor breakfast while feeling the city’s buzz and heading to Yokohama via coach bus to Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, for a day filled with quirky creativity and cultural flavor.
-Start at the Cup Noodle Museum — a foodie-focused interactive space dedicated to the invention of instant ramen. Design your own noodle cup, and keep it as a memorable souvenir.
-After eating lunch, dive into the hustle and bustle of Yokohama Chinatown — a sensory overload of lantern-lit streets, sizzling food stalls, and ornate architecture. It’s one of the largest Chinatowns in the world outside of China, offering endless inspiration and irresistible bites.
-Once you fill your stomach with Chinatown’s delicacies, stroll along Minato Mirai, a sleek waterfront district perfect for a golden-hour stroll. With its modern art installations and sea views, it’s a laid-back finale to your noodle-filled day in Japan.
-You’ll then travel back to Tokyo where you’ll land at your hotel, where the night is open to whatever you desire to explore in this skyscraper city.
-Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to the airport to say goodbye to your time traversing Tokyo.
-Whether you’re team Narita or Haneda, take these final moments to reflect on a week of unforgettable experiences — from Tokyo’s electric energy to Kamakura’s quiet calm, from Fuji’s snow-capped peaks to the street food snapshots of Chinatown. As you lift off, carry with you new memories, stunning pictures, but also connection — to only the stories that Japan can tell.
