Konnichiwa, and welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival at Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT), make your way to your handpicked hotel for check-in.
One of the world’s greatest metropolises, Tokyo is brimming with life and culture, both historical and contemporary. Spend your leisure time immersing yourself in fields of digital flowers at the incredible teamLab Planets art installation or explore the forested paths of Yoyogi Park, visiting the picturesque Meiji Shrine. Tokyo’s world-class culinary scene beckons, from the delectable sushi at Michelin-starred Nishiazabu Taku to the much-lauded chocolate delights of Minimal Tomigaya.
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) at any time. Airport transfers are not included for your tour. The hotel is located approximately a one-hour drive from Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT). Check-in on day one is at 3pm.
Following breakfast at your hotel, meet with your guide in the lobby at 9.30am for a day of discovery in Tokyo. Your tour officially departs at 10am as you journey to Tsukiji Outer Market – a bustling hub selling fresh seafood and other local delicacies. Grab some market-fresh sushi and soak up the atmosphere, exploring the sprawling stalls full of culinary treasures.
Continue on to historic Asakusa, home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, then window shop along Nakamise shopping street, full of Japanese souvenir shops and traditional snacks.
Finish your whirlwind city tour by ascending to Tokyo Skytree’s observation deck for panoramic views from one of the world’s tallest towers.
In the evening, indulge in traditional Japanese cuisine and a cultural exchange with fellow travellers at your welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Tokyo. For the brave, scramble amongst the crowds through Shibuya Crossing, or head over to colourful Harajuku and explore Takeshita Street, renowned for its quirky shops, unique fashion boutiques and trendy cafes.
Stroll down Omotesando Avenue, often called Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées, where you can enjoy high-end boutiques, stylish cafes and impressive architecture. For lunch, you may like to stop at Omotesando Koffee, famous for its minimalist design and quality brews.
Travel to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to relax among traditional gardens and scenic landscapes. As the afternoon wraps up, you might like to explore the unique Golden Gai area in Shinjuku, known for its narrow alleyways and tiny bars, perfect for a pre-dinner drink. For dinner, choose to take a trip down ‘Memory Lane’ at Omoide Yokocho, where you can savour delicious yakitori and other Japanese dishes in a nostalgic setting.
Then, if you’re in the mood for a nightcap, wrap up your day with a visit to the New York Bar in the Park Hyatt Tokyo, made famous by the movie “Lost in Translation”.
It’s time to leave behind the dizzying highs of Tokyo for a different kind of skyscraper. Set off for breathtaking Mount Fuji, stopping at serene Hakone along the way. Carve a rippling path through the tranquil waters of Lake Ashi as you take in the surrounding forests.
If the day is clear, journey up to the Fuji-Subaru Line Fifth Station of Mount Fuji for a spectacular, elevated view at 2,300 metres. In the event of poor weather, explore the traditional village of Oshino Hakkai – known for its immaculate spring water and thatched-roof houses.
Later, check-in to your accommodation for a restful evening.
Travel time: Coach – approx. five hours
Start the day at picture-perfect Oishi Park, a vibrant lakeside garden with exquisite views of Mount Fuji. The park, located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, is famous for its seasonal flowers, including lavender in summer and cosmos in autumn, making it a great spot for photography.
From here, embark on a scenic journey to Takayama, in the mountainous region of Hida. Known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and traditional wooden houses, Takayama offers idyllic scenery with an old-world charm. The city is also famous for its biannual spring and autumn festivals, featuring elaborate floats and lively parades.
Enjoy lunch at your leisure in the Lake Suwa Service Area, which offers a variety of dining options and beautiful views of Lake Suwa.
Afterwards, settle into your hotel in Takayama and take some time to relax and unwind. The town’s quaint streets, historical buildings and lush Nakabashi Park create a serene atmosphere, perfect for leisurely exploration.
Travel time: Coach – approx. 5.5 hours
After breakfast, visit Takayama Jinya – a former government office during the Edo period. Due to the region’s abundant timber, Takayama was placed under direct shogun control in the 17th century. Today, this complex serves as a museum showcasing the city’s rich and captivating history.
From here, continue to Takayama’s Old Town. Marvel at beautiful wooden architecture dating back to feudal times, then browse cosy cafes and centuries-old sake breweries. Venture to remote Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses, which translates to ‘praying hands construction’. Designed to bear the weight of heavy snow, these traditional thatched-roof buildings present a unique image of rural Japan.
Later, travel to Kanazawa, where you’ll check-in to your hotel and spend the evening preparing for a full day of exploring.
Travel time: Coach – approx. two hours
Get to know this colourful city with a trip to buzzing Omicho Market. Taste the city’s freshest seafood and delicious snacks off the street as you chat to friendly vendors.
Venture out for a breath of fresh air in the intricately manicured Kenroku-en gardens, originally belonging to nearby Kanazawa Castle. Kenroku-en earns its place as one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’ thanks to the arboreal flames of its autumn leaves and the pastel beauty of cherry and plum blossoms in spring. After wandering the grounds of Kanazawa Castle, stop for a leisurely lunch, then visit the historic geisha district of Higashi Chaya. Discover traditional wooden townhouses – known as machiya – and choose to take a moment of reflection with a warm cup of matcha in hand at one of the historic teahouses.
This afternoon, visit Gold Leaf Sakuda to see the intricate process of gold leaf crafting, a traditional art that is used in everything from glass art to cosmetics and gastronomy. Get a glimpse into the town’s rich history and gold leaf craftsmanship, renowned both domestically and internationally.
Back at the hotel, unwind with some free time, preparing for the next day’s adventure.
Please note: Due to Shinkansen travel requirements, luggage must be sent onward via transfer service. Travellers should prepare a small bag to carry with them on the train. Luggage will then arrive at your Kyoto hotel on Day 9.
Bid farewell to Kanazawa, then take the Bullet Train from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, where you’ll transfer to an express train heading to Kyoto. Feel the rush as the landscape whizzes by, unveiling the diverse vistas of Japan’s scenic countryside.
Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, catch a bus to Gion, the famous geisha district. Begin your exploration with a traditional tea ceremony, where you’ll experience the tranquil art of Japanese tea preparation and enjoy matcha in an authentic setting. After the ceremony, take some time for a leisurely lunch at a restaurant of your choice. Spend the afternoon wandering through Gion, exploring its historic streets and wooden machiya houses. Walk along Hanamikoji Street, where you might spot a geisha or maiko.
In the evening, head to your hotel for check-in and some free time to relax.
Travel time: Train – approx. two hours / Coach approx. one hour
Meet your guide in the morning at your hotel lobby and set off for Nara. Your first stop is Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for housing the Great Buddha, one of Japan’s largest bronze statues. As you walk through Nara Park, you will interact with the friendly deer that freely roam the area. The deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion. Next, explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine, renowned for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns that line the pathways and adorn the shrine.
After exploring Nara, visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for thousands of red torii gates that form a network of trails behind its main buildings. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and agriculture, and you’ll see many fox statues, which are considered messengers of Inari. Climb the winding steps through thousands of bright red torii gates. Pause at the top and feel the serenity of this utterly unique Shinto shrine, then make your peaceful descent.
Finish your day with a visit to the Gekkeikan Sake Museum in the Fushimi district. The museum is housed in a former sake brewery and provides insights into the history and production process of sake.
Return to your hotel for a free evening where you can relax and dine at a restaurant of your choice, allowing you to experience Kyoto’s culinary offerings at your leisure.
Travel time: Coach – approx. two hours
Today starts with a trip to the one-and-only Kinkaku-ji temple, known as the Golden Pavilion thanks to the gold leaf that coats the top two floors. Watch its dazzling reflection dance across the pond as you learn about the tumultuous history and spiritual importance of this spectacular work of design.
Next, visit Arashiyama and walk through the swaying stalks of Bamboo Grove, listening to the gentle clacking as you crane your neck toward the canopy.
Conclude your day at Tenryu-ji, Kyoto’s most cherished Zen temple. Meander through carefully designed gardens, strolling around the central pond and taking in the view of the nearby Arashiyama Mountains.
Please note: Due to Shinkansen travel requirements, luggage must be sent onward via transfer service. Travellers should prepare a small bag to carry with them on the train. Luggage will then arrive at your Osaka hotel on Day 12.
Following breakfast at your hotel, checkout and send your luggage to your hotel in Osaka. Bringing your overnight bag, switch up the tempo as you board a bullet train to Hiroshima, zipping through the countryside in whisper-quiet comfort.
Upon arrival, take a public train to the Atomic Bomb Museum, where you will see artifacts and exhibits detailing the events of August 6, 1945. The museum provides a sombre and educational experience, showcasing the devastating impact of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Adjacent to the museum is the Peace Memorial Park, where you can see monuments like the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Children’s Peace Monument and the Cenotaph, all dedicated to promoting peace and commemorating victims.
Check-in at your hotel for the evening and spend your downtime preparing for another day of discovery ahead.
Travel time: Train – approx. three hours
Following breakfast, checkout of your hotel and travel to the sacred island of Miyajima, where the iconic Itsukushima Shrine is marked by an enormous, floating torii gate. Admire the beautiful natural landscape – and keep your eyes peeled for the hungry deer that wander through the town.
Return to Hiroshima, where you can grab an ‘Ekiben’ at the train station to bring on your next Shinkansen journey. The Ekiben are a special type of boxed meal sold at train stations, perfect for a delicious and hearty meal on the go.
As you journey to Osaka, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle – an imposing hilltop structure with a graceful white exterior, dating back to the feudal age. With its strategic position and sprawling grounds, Himeji is one of only a dozen such feudal castles still standing.
Arrive in Osaka and check-in to your hotel, where you’ll spend the remainder of the evening as you wish.
Travel time: Train – approx. one hour; Coach – approx. 1.5 hours
Begin your day with a visit to Abeno Harukas, one of Osaka’s tallest skyscrapers, standing at 300 meters. From the observation deck on the 60th floor, you will enjoy panoramic views of Osaka’s sprawling cityscape, extending as far as the Rokko Mountains and Awaji Island on clear days.
Next, head to Shinsekai, a district known for its retro charm and vibrant atmosphere. The area is famous for local eateries, where you can try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables).
In the afternoon, explore the bustling districts of Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. Shinsaibashi is a major shopping area with a variety of stores, from high-end boutiques to quirky fashion shops. Dotonbori, known for its vibrant nightlife and neon lights, offers a plethora of dining options and iconic glowing landmarks like the Glico Running Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab billboard.
Explore the bustling thoroughfare, then send off your jaunt through Japan with an exquisite feast of local delicacies as you say farewell to your travel companions.
After one final breakfast, it’s time to say sayonara to Japan. Make your way to Kansai International Airport (KIX) where your journey comes to a close.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 10am. Please book your flights to depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX) after 10am. Airport transfers are not included for your tour. The hotel is located approximately a 40-minute drive from Kansai International Airport (KIX).
