Beyond the Golden Route

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): 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:

📍 Time: 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, 🥘 Lunch

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

Optional Tour (2): Tokyo Street Food Tour

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

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): TBD Duration: 3 h *including pick-up/drop-off and transit times Distance and journey time (approximation): Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko-eki Bus Terminal: 1 h 45 min

Leave Tokyo and take the bus to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes situated at the foot of Mt. Fuji. 

Meet the local guides at Kawaguchiko Station and travel by private car to a remote lake with breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. 

Cycle at a leisurely pace around a shoreline encircled by nearly-flat paths and picturesque boardwalks that separate cyclists away from the roads. Marvel at the reflection of the towering mountains in the calm lake where white swans drift across the mirror-like surface.

The next stop is a countryside flower park where colourful scenes are the perfect foreground for views of Mt. Fuji. The view will change quite dramatically depending on the time of year, with fields of tulips, poppies, and corn flowers in the spring, and zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos in summer. In autumn, fiery maple tree leaves frame Mt. Fuji.

The tour will finish with a transfer back to Kawaguchiko station by private car.

Overnight in Fuji Kawaguchi

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Kagacuchiko Station to Kyoto Station: 4h

Today is a self-guided day.

Say goodbye to the Mount Fuji and head to Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto.
Check-in at the hotel and enjoy the time at a leisure.

Optional Activity: Introduction to Japanese Culture 

Today’s activity can begin at 09:30, 13:00 or 15:00. 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. 

Time:
Start: 09:30, 13:00 or 15:30
Duration: approx. 2 h

Note: This activity can be arranged at an additional cost.

Additional cost of +100,000 JPY in total for the PRIVATE activity

Overnight in Kyoto
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Time: 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, 🥘 Lunch

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:

Head out of town this morning and travel to Nara. 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, where a great number of tame deer can be found. Visit Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine.

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Kyoto Station to Nara Station: 45 min

Overnight in Kyoto
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Travel Time Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station: Approx 2 h 10 min

Today is a self-guided day.

Depart from Kyoto Station on a morning train and arrive at the Sea of Japan coast, disembarking at Amanohashidate Station. Welcome to Kyoto by the Sea, a delightful destination famous for tranquil coastal views and tasty seafood.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the seaside town. Guests will receive an all-inclusive Amanohashidate Day Pass granting access to boat rides, rental bikes, and cable cars.

Suggested Sightseeing Itinerary:

Explore the town, starting with the Amanohashidate sandbar, a 3km-long stretch of forested parkland and beach that cuts through the Miyazu Bay. This has long been counted among the Three Most Beautiful Views in Japan, and is said to have been used as a ladder by the gods when they descended to our earthly realm for mischief in ancient times. 

Walk the sandbar and enjoy the feeling of being in a pine forest while only mere meters from the sandy beach and lapping water – a memorable experience only possible here. Bicycle rentals are available as part of the included Amanohashidate Day Pass.

Visit the beautiful grounds of Chionji temple and browse local shops and cafes in the quaint town seaside town. 

Ascend to one of the lookout points at either end of the sandbar via cable car. The rather amusing local custom is to bend over and view the sandbar upside down while looking through your spread legs. This angle is said to make the island look like a dragon flying towards heaven. Give it a try and see!

Check into the hotel and enjoy a dinner featuring Miyazu Bay’s famous seafood.

Overnight in Amanohashidate
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Today is a self-guided day.

This morning, board a bus for a ride to Ine village, a one-of-a-kind community on the north end of the Kyotango Peninsula. This charming fishing village features over 200 waterside boathouses, and is the only spot in Japan to experience this kind of rare scenery. Still unknown to most travellers, this is a truly special destination where sustainable travel is carefully managed to prevent overtourism.

Additional Transportation Options Between Amanohashidate and Ine

For guests who prefer to travel in speed and style, a private speedboat is available as one way or round trip transport between Amanohashidate and Ine. The captain knows all the best scenic coastal spots to slow down for photos.

Inquire with your Travel Consultant for more information.

Arrive in Ine, an active fishing hub that works hard to maintain a sustainable community. Learn what it’s like to live here on a self-guided walk of the town. Stroll the quaint streets – rustic boathouses on one side, traditional wooden homes on the other – and discover the special charm of this quiet village. Enter preserved boathouses and see what life has been like in Ine for generations. Stop in at a local sake brewery – one of only a handful in Japan with a woman as the master brewer – to taste their famous pink tinted sake.

Hop in a boat operated by a local mariner and enjoy a sea taxi tour of Ine bay. This is a fun chance to see the town from a waterside perspective and learn the history of how this amazing village developed.

After a day of sightseeing and meeting the locals in Ine, board the bus again to return back to Amanohashidate for a cozy evening at the hotel.

Overnight in Amanohashidate
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Amanohashidate Station to Kinosakionsen Station: 1.5 h

Greet the morning and consider a morning stroll on the sandbar before enjoying one of the following cultural activities:

 Local Activity (1): Chirimen Silk Experience and Weaving Tour

For centuries, northern Kyoto was a major hub for silk production – specifically chirimen silk, a delicate fabric praised for its texture. Learn more about this historic industry in a neighbourhood of preserved merchant homes. Enter a former silk merchant’s mansion and see how the wealthy lived in the late 19th century. Try on a high quality chirimen silk kimono and visit the workshops who are keeping this local craft alive.

Time
Start: 10:00
Duration: 2 h 45 min

 Local Activity (2): Tatami Mat Hands-On Lesson and Workshop Tour

Tatami mats were once the standard flooring in Japanese homes, but are slowly disappearing as western home design become more popular. However, there are still craftsmen creating these beautiful mats by hand with time-honoured precision. Witness the sustainable craft of tatami making in a family workshop in a former castle town. Use traditional weaving techniques to create your own mini tatami coaster, and gain a new appreciation for the effort that goes into this disappearing craft.

Time
Start: 10:00
Duration: 2 h 

Enjoy a final few hours in town for lunch and shopping before boarding a train to Kinosaki Onsen.

Overnight in Kinosaki Onsen
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Time: Start (guided tour): 09:00 Duration: 3.5 h Distance and journey time (approximation): Kinosaki Onsen Station to Okayama Station: 1h

Today’s cycling tour will begin at 09:00. Fall in love with breathtaking rural landscapes just a short pedal away from Kinosaki Onsen.

Along with a local guide, cycle through quaint rural homes and lush green rice paddies, along the stunning Maruyama River and the beautiful Japan Sea Coastline. Visit unique spots not many find without a bike, and enjoy some sightseeing locations featured in 8th century folktales.

Make a stop at Futakata Kamaboko, for some delicious Japanese fish cakes (kamaboko). This specialty shop makes kamaboko in every delicious way they can, ranging from shrimp, cheese, various vegetables, and many different kinds of fish caught from the nearby ocean. The guide will buy chikuwa-pan, a fish cake made from bread with cheese inside. 

Another fascinating stop along the tour will be the Tsuiyama Fishing Port, well known in the area for the fresh catches of fish and crab.

Cycle through the Toshima Wetlands for another quintessential view of the Japanese countryside and head back to Kinosaki Onsen.
In the afternoon, board the train to Okayama

Overnight in Okayama

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Okayama Station to Takamatsu Station: 1h

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:

Head to the Okayama Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’ for its black exterior. The castle was completed in 1597 but was almost totally destroyed by WWII bombing raids. The main structure that you see today was reconstructed in the 1960s, though the original Tsukimi-yagura (Moon Viewing) tower which still stands in the grounds gives a sense of what the castle would have looked like in its heyday. The interior of the castle is now a museum and the topmost floor offers great views of the surrounding park and city.

Next visit Koraku-en Gardens, which are situated on an island in the Asahi-gawa River which flows through the city. The gardens were originally laid out in1686 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the ruler of the city at the time. Today they have been designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and are regarded as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, alongside Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en Gardens and Kairaku-en Gardens in the city of Mito.

In the afternoon, ride the train to reach Takamatsu.

Overnight in Takamatsu
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today’s tour will begin at 09:00 at the in the hotel lobby or Takamatsu Station where a local guide will be waiting.

Travel by taxi to Ritsurin Garden, a magnificent landscape that traces its roots back to the late 16th century. This was once the private garden belonging a line of feudal lords, but was opened to the public in 1875.  Though it is not counted among the exclusive list of Japan’s three finest gardens, there is constant debate over which of the trio Ritsurin could easily replace.

Stroll the winding lanes of the massive garden; up hills to admire scenic viewpoints, over picturesque wooden bridges spanning six ponds, and through groves of carefully pruned 300-year-old pine trees.

Board a wooden boat for a short ride through the garden and see the landscape from a unique perspective.

Historic building are dotted among the landscape. Enter quaint pavilions and rest houses, and admire local folk art in several museums. 

Proceed by train to a local bonsai farm. This is where expert gardeners care for tiny trees and turn pine saplings into miniature works of art. Learn the secrets of the trade from the staff and marvel at row after row of unique bonsai. With this visit, it’s easy to understand how Takamatsu has earned its reputation as a top producer of these charming little trees.

Return back to Takamatsu Station or the hotel and part ways with the guide.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Takamatsu to Shin-Osaka Station: 2h

Today is a self-guided day.

After breakfast catch the train to Osaka. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the spirited kingpin of Japan's Kansai region. This vibrant city is filled with unique culinary, cultural and eye-opening experiences and exudes a noticeably more laidback atmosphere than the rest of the country.

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 kuidaore – “to eat oneself bankrupt.”  

The first 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.

Next, 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.

After walking around the atmospheric backstreets, the final stop will be a small teppanyaki restaurant to try some delicious gyoza and negiyaki cooked on a metal plate right in front of guests.

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. (D)

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

Overnight in Osaka
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Namba Station to Kansai Airport: 45 min

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

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast