Highlights of Japan

📍 Narita International Airport (NRT) to Central Tokyo: 1.5 h Haneda International Airport (HND) to Central Tokyo: 50 min

Upon arrival to Tokyo’s airport, our representative will be waiting to assist with sorting the appropriate transportation into the city (boarding the right train or selecting the correct shuttle bus).

The remainder of the day is free at leisure to explore Tokyo independently.

Overnight in Tokyo

Inclusions:

📍 Start (guided tour): 09:00 Duration: 8 h *including pick-up/drop-off and transit times

Meet up with the guide this morning in the hotel for the trip to Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrine steeped in history and spirituality. Pass through the impressive torii gates leading to the shrine's inner forest of over 100,000 trees. Whether witnessing a traditional Shinto wedding procession or strolling through the lush grounds, Meiji Jingu provides an unforgettable experience of nature in the centre of Tokyo’s urban landscape.

Move on to the nearby districts of Harajuku and Omotesando, vibrant neighbourhoods that offer a unique and eclectic experience. Harajuku, renowned for its quirky street fashion, showcases an array of avant-garde boutiques and shops that cater to various subcultures. Omotesando, often dubbed Tokyo's "Champs-Élysées," presents a sharp contrast with its upscale, sophisticated atmosphere.

After lunch, use public transport to reach the beautiful Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, a traditional landscape that serves as an excellent example of Japanese garden design.

The final destination of the day is Asakusa. This charming district exudes a nostalgic charm and showcases Tokyo's traditional side. At the heart of Asakusa stands the iconic Senso-ji, Japan's oldest Buddhist temple, drawing hordes of locals and tourists alike seeking blessings and cultural insight. The vibrant Nakamise Street leading to the temple offers a bustling market with a myriad of stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and handicrafts.

After a full day of touring the city, return to the hotel with the guide or part ways and continue exploring the city independently.

Note: The order of this itinerary may change depending on the location of your hotel.

Overnight in Tokyo

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:

Enjoy the rest of the day exploring this amazing city. Make an early start to visit the electronics district of Akihabara or discover Tokyo’s world-class museums and art galleries.

Alternatively, take an excursion in Kamakura. One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a delightful seaside town home to many ancient shrines, temples, and other structures like the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha that stands at 13-meter tall.

Distance and journey time (approximation):

Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station: 50 min

Optional Tour (1): Cool Tokyo Cycling Tour

Today’s tour starts at 09:00 or 14:00. Meet the guide, who is sometimes ac companied by his adorable dog “Jack-san,” at Sasazuka Station, and head together to the cycling studio for a bicycle and helmet fitting. On the way, listen to some fascinating insights and entertaining anecdotes about the local neighbourhood, and get some useful explanations from the guide about Tokyo’s cycling etiquette and today’s itinerary.

When everything is ready, depart for today’s cycling tour. Leave Sasazuka with the guide, and cycle to the first location, enjoying the best of Tokyo’s urban design and natural environment on the way. Depending on the season, enjoy the surrounding foliage, which is especially beautiful in the spring when the plum and cherry blossoms bloom, and in the autumn, when the trees are a blaze of colour. There will be several cultural and architectural design stops along the way, where the guide will share interesting information and allow some time for photos.

Bike through Tokyo’s backstreets, local shotengai (small commercial streets) in hip neighbourhoods such as Shimo-Kitazawa, and some little-known parks, seeing the guide’s favourite areas and shops, and stopping for a break at a charming café.

Finally, enjoy the ride back to Sasazuka where the bicycles will be returned to the guide.

Time

Start: 09:00, or 14:00.

Duration: 3 h to 4 h

Journey: 10 km (mostly cycling, a bit of walking and light sightseeing also involved).

Optional Tour (2): Tokyo Street Food Tour

Upon arrival to Tokyo’s airport, one of our representatives will be waiting to accompany to the hotel by train or shuttle bus. The rest of the day is at leisure, until the scheduled food tour in the evening.

This evening tour will begin at 17:00. Be sure to bring an appetite: This is one Tokyo street food tour that is sure to please the taste buds! Meet with a local, food-loving guide at the train station and set off into the streets for a Japan-style food crawl.

Veer off into the maze of laneways that fill the capital, passing street carts selling exotic snacks and diners perched on small metal stools. Stop to sample some of the items on offer, from barbequed meats to sweet desserts. Then enter an izakaya for a distinctly Japanese experience. These small, Japanese-style pubs are popular gathering places for friends and colleagues to gather after work for a beer. The food on offer is meant to be shared and is thus served almost like tapas. The guide will order up a few traditional izakaya favourites such as fried chicken wings or cold edamame. Sample the dishes and wash them down with a cold, local beer alongside the locals.

While dining, learn more about Japan’s culinary culture by observing the lively surroundings and hearing the guide’s personal stories. During the evening, stop at four or five venues, each with a distinctive style. These venues do not take reservations so the exact routing may change but the guide will ensure there is plenty to eat!

Following an evening of culinary and cultural indulgence, return to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. (D)

Time (Street Food Tour):

Start: 17:00

Duration: approx. 3 h

Overnight in Tokyo

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Tokyo Station to Nagano Station: 1.5 h

Today is a self-guided day.

Get ready for the journey to Nagano, the biggest city of Japanese Alps, home of the Zenkoji Temple, one of the most visited temples in Japan founded 1400 years ago.

Optional Tour: Temple Activities at Zenkoji:

Join a Buddhist meditation ‘Zazen’ in one of the buildings of the Zenkoji and focus on the posture, breathing and mindfulness following the instruction of a Zenkoji’s monk.

Assist to the “Goma Prayer”, where a qualified monk perform the Fire Ceremony burning the wooden prayer stick in a consecrated flame. 
This ceremony is believed to give spiritually and psychologically cleansing for participants, removing negative energies and helping the journey to the enlightenment.

Time
Duration 2h

Suggested Self-Guide itineraty: Day trip to Matsumoto

Jump on a train and travel to Matsumoto, a small castle town surrounded by rice fields, vineyards, wasabi farms and the great Japan Alps. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the only twelve remaining original castles in Japan. It is well-distinguished for its black exterior, red arch bridge and a view of Japan’s Alps in the background.

Right outside the castle grounds is Nakamachi-dori, a historical merchant district line with well-preserved old buildings, including some storehouses characterized by their thick, white-painted walls.

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Tokyo Station to Nagano Station: 1 h

Tonight accommodation is a Shukubo, a temple lodging, in one of the several temples in the Zenkoji precinct. A traditional vegetarian Buddhist supper will be served.
 

Overnight in Nagano
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Nagano Station to Kanazawa Station: 1 h

Start the day in the early morning, following the local guide to take part t the Oasaji, the morning memorail service at the Main Hall of Zenkoji Temple.
During this service, the curtain in front of the most sacred object venerated in the temple, are open to reveal the Amida Statue. After the pray, walk along the underground passage in search of “the key of Paradise”, which is believed to grant salvation to those who touch it.

Return to the temple lodging for the buddisth vegetarian breakfast before the check-out and take the train to continue the journey to Kanazawa, the castle town that thrived as the center for culture and the arts in the 17th century.

 The afternoon is left at leisure to explore the city independently.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:

Stop for lunch in Omicho Market, known throughout Japan for its fresh seafood and fine sushi.

Start with the pristine Kenroku-en Garden, which is ranked as one of Japan’s top three gardens. Here you will find the oldest water fountain in the country, several charming wooden teahouses, and a large villa that used to be the retirement home of one of the richest clans in Kanazawa.

Adjacent to the garden is Kanazawa Castle, easily accessed through the Ishikawa-mon Gate, a designated Important National Cultural Asset. This was the home of the Maeda clan for centuries, and while most of the castle is gone, a central fortification has been beautifully rebuilt and is fully explorable. This is an excellent spot to learn about castle architecture and samurai warfare.

Overnight in Kanazawa

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Kanazawa Eki-mae Bus Terminal to Shirakawago: 1 - 1.5 h

Today is a self-guided day.

This morning, catch the bus to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer," which is represented through the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs. This architectural style developed over many generations – the roofs were constructed without any nails and are intricately designed to withstand large amounts of snow.

These houses are private homes of the locals, but some are open to the public, such as Wada House, a legacy left behind by the Wada Family who used to be the richest family and village leader in Ogimachi.

In the afternoon, return by bus to Kanazawa, and enjoy time at a leisure.

Optional Evening Activity: Flavours of Kanazawa Food Tour 

oday's tour will begin at 17:00. Kanazawa has long been considered the home of Japanese high culture and traditional crafts, but the cuisine of the city should not be overlooked! The freshest local seafood is complimented with premium sake made using pure mineral water from the Japanese Alps. Enjoy an evening food tour that reflects the city’s beautiful natural surroundings, and also its well-preserved traditions and rich history.

With a food-loving guide along for the evening, start the tour in the back alleys of the lively Korinbo District. Enjoy local dishes at two restaurants serving some of Kanazawa’s most beloved cuisine. From fresh sashimi platters to warm soups and delicious meat dishes, the seasonal fare of the region is served plate after plate. Guests will discover a whole other side of Japanese cuisine that exists only on this beautiful stretch of coast.

Time
Start: 17:00
Duration: 3 h 

Overnight in Kanazawa

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Time: Start: 09:30 Duration: 4 h

Today’s excursion begins at 09:30. The guide will lead the way to a beautifully preserved quarter where samurai and their families resided in centuries past.

Located a short walk from Kanazawa Castle, begin the trip back into the era of the samurai with a stop at the local samurai museum. The exhibition halls house a marvelous collection of samurai armor and weapons, as well as painting and calligraphy created by the well-educated samurai elite. This elegant balance of war and art played a central role in the lives of samurais.

Next, visit a restored samurai home where some of the finer points of samurai domestic life are on display, including examples of traditional gardens and tea ceremony rooms. Nearby, there are a number of interesting historical locations that played a vital role in samurai society, including soldier homes, local shops, and stables. The guide can suggest visiting some of these sites based on the interests of their guests.

While culture was a large part of the samurai lifestyle, their beginnings were as a warrior class. Throughout the ages, even as their role in Japanese society changed, they remained the holders of some of the most beautiful pieces of Japanese craft work: katana swords. Pay a visit to a local who has inherited a number of swords thanks to his roots in Kanazawa samurai clans. He proudly shows his collection of swords while explaining the intricacies of their design, history and role in the lives of samurai.

After this insightful walk back in time to the era of samurai, part ways with the guide and continue exploring the city with a new appreciation for the role that these warriors played in Japanese society.

Overnight in Kanazawa

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Kanazawa Station to Miyajima Island: 5.5 h

Today is a self-guided day.

This morning is at leisure until the departure for Miyajima, a small sacred island located in the Seto Inland Sea.  After the long train journey, it’s time to check into the ryokan, traditional Japanese inn, and rest soak in the natural horspring.

Overnight in Miyajima
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:

Explore the island and sample some local delicacies like oysters, saltwater eel, and maple leaf-shaped cakes.

Start with Itsukushima Shrine, declared as one of Japan’s three most beautiful views. The shrine is designed in a pier-like structure and dates back to the 6th century. Its huge vermillion o-torii gate seems to be floating in the water during high tide.

Walk towards the mountain to visit Daisho-in, the most visited Buddhist temple on the island. Along the stairs is a row of spinning sutras that lead up to the main hall. It is believed that anyone who spins these sutras will be blessed.

Early in the afternoon take the ferry to Hiroshima to visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum. There is also the heart-rending A-Bomb Dome and the Children’s Peace Monument.

Overnight in Miyajima
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Hiroshima Station to Kyoto Station: 2 h Start (cultural activity): 12:15 or14:30 Duration: 2 h

Today is a self-guided day.

Today’s destination is Kyoto, the reigning cultural capital of Japan, home to 2,000 shrines and temples with 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In the afternoon, be immersed in Japanese culture with this insightful half day trip in Kyoto. Start with a visit to a machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse found throughout Kyoto. Take a tour of the beautifully restored house, learning about its architecture and history.

Then slip into a kimono, the iconic traditional Japanese garment. These full-length robes are worn by all Japanese when attending important events or formal occasions. Once appropriately dressed, meet with a local tea master for a traditional ceremony. Watch and learn as the master brews and services tea using slow, deliberate movements steeped in spirituality and ritual. Enjoy a cup of the bitter tea along with traditional sweet treats.

After the tea is finished, continue the cultural exploration of Kyoto. Experience an introductory course in origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Under the guidance of a local artist, learn the secrets behind creating beautiful decorations and images with simple pieces of paper.

Wrap up the half day trip in Kyoto with new insights and a better understanding of Japanese culture. Return to the hotel or continue to explore Kyoto’s charming streets.

Overnight in Kyoto

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Start (guided tour): 09:00 Duration: 8 h *including pick-up/drop-off and transit times

Today’s tour starts with a visit to one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites: the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine. A lavishly decorated building houses the goddess of rice, and thousands of orange torii gates stretch up the mountainside in long tunnels. Unlike any other shrine in Japan, this is an ideal spot to understand how Shintoism is tied to respect for nature. 

Board a train to Sanjusangendo, a stunning Buddhist temple often overlooked by tourists. A mesmerizing display of 1001 life-sized golden Buddhist statues awaits inside the world’s longest wooden building, sure to be one of the most memorable sights of the entire trip.

Take a taxi to the entrance of Nishiki Market, a long covered street of shops and stalls often called “Kyoto’s kitchen.” From traditional to sellers of tofu, fish, and pickles to shops showcasing knives and handicrafts, there is a tantalizing amount of things to see and taste here.

Don’t get too full snacking in the market, as lunch is next at a nearby restaurant. The guide will suggest locations based on the guests’ preferences (guests should notify guide of dietary restrictions at the start of the tour).

After lunch, travel to Nijo Castle, an ornamental palace built for the shogun in the early 1600s. The beautiful building is known for its finely painted walls and “chirping nightingale” floors that squeak under the feet of intruders. Walk the halls, see the audience chambers, and experience what it was like to visit the military ruler of Japan in the classic era of samurai. 

Hop aboard the subway for a short ride to the eastern foothills of Kyoto. The final location of today is Nanzenji Zen Temple, a quiet retreat where monks have lived in peaceful repose since 1291. See the famous Zen rock garden whose meaning is left up to the viewer. Is it meant to be islands in a calm ocean, or a depiction of wild animals crossing a raging river? 

After a full day of sightseeing, part ways with the guide and return to the hotel or continue to explore independently.
    
Part ways with the guide and continue exploring the city independently. 

Overnight in Kyoto
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Kyoto Station to Nara Station: 45 min

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary: Nara and Fushimi-Inari

For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain.

Nara is just a small town, with most of its main tourist spots located around Nara Park. It’s also here that one can encounter quite a great number of tame deer. Visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building home to Japan’s largest Buddha, or Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine.

In the afternoon get back to Kyoto and head together to Fushimi Inari Taisha. One of the most unusual and iconic Shinto shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari's paths are lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates following trails inside the forests of Mt Inari.

Established in 711AD the shrine, which was also featured in “Memoirs of a Geisha”, is famous for the impressive contrast and mystical atmosphere created by the contrasting colours of the torii and those of the surrounding nature.

The light hike up to the top of the mountain and back will take up to three hours and will grant the visitors numerous photo opportunities in this unique place.

From the top, a beautiful view of the city of Kyoto and the hills surrounding it can be enjoyed.

Overnight in Kyoto

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today is a self-guided day.

The rest of the day is at leisure. After checking into the hotel, start exploring the lively streets of Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital. Osaka’s flamboyance, fun-loving people, and amazing food make up for what it lacks in tourist attractions.

Suggested Self-Guide Itinerary:

In Osaka, the following places are recommended:

Dotonbori

Dotonbori is a restaurant mecca which has long-been referred to as Osaka’s entertainment district. It is well-known for its bright neon lights, energetic shop owners and food stalls that are filled with some local Osakan delights such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and fugu (poisonous puffer fish).

Umeda

Umeda is where most of the city’s most modern buildings are found. Some of the notable buildings are HEP (Hankyu Entertainment Park), which features a big Ferris wheel and is perfect for some last-minute shopping; Kitashinchi District, housing some of the city’s culinary specialties; and the Umeda Sky Building, a pair of skyscrapers connected in “mid-air”, built in an unusual architectural form rarely seen anywhere in the world. Feel the fresh air and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views at the ‘Floating Garden Observatory’.

Optional Tour: Flavors of Osaka Food Tour

Today’s tour begins at 17:00 or 18:00 depending on whether it is shared or private. Osaka is an epicurean’s delight. Indeed, the motto that the city’s exuberant inhabitants live by is kuiadore– “to eat oneself bankrupt.” 

The first stop will be at a street food stall to get a taste of some traditional Japanese snack food, menchi katsu. Menchi katsu is a breaded and deep-fried patty made of ground meat. Golden and crisp, this is a local favourite.

Next, head to a standing bar to enjoy the ambience and taste a selection of sake and Japanese wine, along with delicious house specialties. Then, head to a restaurant specialising in wagyu beef dishes. Often referred to as the most expensive beef in the world, wagyu beef is of a superb quality, and is on many a gourmet’s wish list. Enjoy the melt-in-the-mouth textures with a refreshing cocktail.

The final stop will be to try a new style of tempura in an eatery tucked away in a small alleyway. Old favourites such as shrimp tempura, and more experimental combinations such as asparagus tempura and cheese can be found on the menu.

Bid farewell to the affable guide, and either return to the hotel or go for a stroll around the neighbourhood to take in the sights.  

Time

Start: 17:00 (shared), 18:00 (private)
Duration: approx. 3 h

Overnight in Osaka

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Namba Station to Kansai Airport: 45 min

The rest of the day is at leisure until the scheduled transfer to Kansai International Airport.

*Japan Rail Pass can be used for transfers using JR trains (with exceptions).

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast