Highlights of Japan

Upon arrival at Tokyo’s airport, greet our airport representative who will assist you with securing 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.

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Narita International Airport (NRT) to Central Tokyo: 1.5 h
Haneda International Airport (HND) to Central Tokyo: 50 min

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and embark on a full day guided tour of Tokyo, and the 1st destination this morning is 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. Continue to the nearby districts of Harajuku and Omotesando, both 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, utilize 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. Time:
Start (guided tour): 9.00am
Duration: 8 h
*Including pick-up/drop-off and transit times

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-metres 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 9.00am or 2.00pm. Meet your guide, who is sometimes accompanied 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 listen to 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: 9.00am, or 2.00pm.
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’s tour will begin at 5.00pm. 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. Time (Street Food Tour):
Start: 5.00pm
Duration: approx. 3 h

Today is a self-guided day.

Get ready for the journey to Nagano, the biggest city of the Japanese Alps, and 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 performs 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 itinerary: 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

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Tokyo Station to Nagano Station: 1h 40 min

Start the day in the early morning, following the local guide to take part at the Oasaji, the morning memorial 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 a prayer, 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 Buddhist vegetarian breakfast before checking-out and continue via train your journey to Kanazawa, the castle town that thrived as the centre 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.
Visit 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

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Nagano Station to Kanazawa Station: 1 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 to Kanazawa, and enjoy the time at a leisure.

Optional Evening Activity: Flavours of Kanazawa Food Tour

Today’s tour will begin at 5.00pm. 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 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: 5.00pm
Duration: 3 h
Overnight in Kanazawa

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Kanazawa Eki to Shirakawago Bus: 1 – 1.5 h

Today’s excursion begins at 9.30am.

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 marvellous collection of samurai armour 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.
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 several 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 several 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.

Time:
Start: 09:30
Duration: 4 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 your Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, and enjoy a soak in the natural hot spring.

Overnight in Miyajima

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Kanazawa Station to Miyajima Island: 5.5 h

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 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.

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 afternoon guided tour of Kyoto. Start with a visit to a machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse found throughout Kyoto. Enjoy a tour of the beautifully restored house, learning about its architecture and history.
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

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Hiroshima Station to Kyoto Station: 2 h

Time:
Start (cultural activity): 12.15pm or 2.30pm
Duration: approx. 2 h

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 sellers of tofu, fish, and pickles to shops showcasing knives and handicrafts, there is a tantalizing number 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.

Overnight in Kyoto

Time:
Start (guided tour): 9.00am
Duration: 8 h
*Including pick-up/drop-off and transit times

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

Today is a self-guided day.

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: Flavours of Osaka Food Tour
Today’s tour begins at 5.00pm or 6.00pm 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.

Time:
Start: 5.00pm (shared), 6.00pm (private)
Duration: approx. 3 h

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).

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