Day-by-Day Itinerary

From the moment you step foot in Tokyo, you’ll be swept up in a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and flavours. We’ll start our day at Tsukiji Market, where you can sample fresh seafood, savour local treats, and browse through a variety of goods.

Next, we’ll hop on the Asakusa line and head to the historic neighbourhood of Asakusa. Together, we’ll explore the iconic Senso-ji Temple and immerse ourselves in the rich cultural heritage.

As the day continues, we’ll make our way to Ueno, known for its cultural offerings and scenic Ueno Park. We’ll dive into the artistic atmosphere, explore museums, and discover what makes this district so special.

Finally, we’ll end our day in Akihabara, Tokyo’s geek paradise. From gaming and anime to unique shrines like Kanda Myojin, Akihabara is where subcultures come alive.

What’s included: Expert local guide, transportation, lunch at a local Japanese restaurant
Stay: Tokyo hotel

Today, we’ll start our journey by visiting the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, a large Shinto shrine nestled in a peaceful forest park. This shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Next, we’ll head over to Harajuku, the epicentre of youth culture, street art, and fashion. We’ll take a stroll down Takeshita Street, a vibrant pedestrian zone filled with trendy boutiques, quirky cafés, and unique restaurants.

Our adventure continues in Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts. We’ll explore Shibuya Crossing, the bustling centre of activity, and enjoy the sights of Shibuya Sky, Hachiko statue, and Miyashita Park. It’s a vibrant area where old meets new, and tradition blends seamlessly with modernity.

We’ll end our day in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest and most lively districts. Here, we’ll explore the famous department stores, and perhaps enjoy a drink in one of the small bars that make this area so popular.

What’s included: Expert local guide, transportation, lunch at a ramen restaurant
Stay: Tokyo hotel

Today, we’re off on an exciting day trip to Nagano’s Snow Monkey Park, where nature and culture intertwine beautifully. We’ll start our adventure at Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the famous snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, who enjoy soaking in the natural hot springs against a backdrop of snow-covered landscapes.

After our enchanting encounter with the snow monkeys, we’ll venture to the nearby town of Shibu Onsen. This charming town offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich hot spring tradition, with its historic public baths and traditional ryokans. We’ll explore the quaint streets and perhaps even soak in the therapeutic waters.

To round off the day, we’ll visit the iconic Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano city. As one of Japan’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, Zenko-ji offers a spiritual and architectural experience that’s truly unforgettable.

What’s included: Expert local guide, bullet train transportation, private van, lunch at a local Japanese soba restaurant
Stay: Tokyo hotel

Prepare for a scenic escape as we embark on a journey to Kawazu and Kawaguchiko. We’ll start our morning with a visit to Kawazu during cherry blossom season, where the Kawazu-zakura trees burst into vibrant pink hues along the riverbanks. It’s a peaceful moment to savour the beauty of these early blooms.

Next, we’ll head to Kawaguchiko, the gateway to the majestic Mount Fuji. We’ll explore the area around Kawaguchiko Station, taking in the stunning views from Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its picturesque view of Chureito Pagoda.

We’ll also visit Oshino Hakkai, a collection of eight pristine ponds fed by the waters of Mount Fuji, known for their crystal-clear water. After a day of natural beauty, we’ll take the shinkansen to Kyoto, where we’ll check into our hotel.

What’s included: Expert local guide, private van, bullet train transportation, lunch at a local hotpot restaurant
Stay: Kyoto hotel

Today, we’ll dive into Kyoto’s rich history, starting with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its vibrant red torii gates. Afterward, we’ll explore Kiyomizu-dera, a picturesque temple offering stunning views of Kyoto.

As we stroll through the neighbouring areas of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, we’ll soak in the traditional charm of Kyoto’s historic streets. We’ll also visit Maruyama Park, known for its cherry blossoms, and end the day in the Gion district, where we’ll enjoy a Geisha dinner.

What’s included: Expert local guide, lunch at a Kyoto-speciality lunch spot, Geisha dinner
Stay: Kyoto hotel

Wake up refreshed and ready to explore Kyoto’s treasures. We’ll begin our day with a visit to Arashiyama, known for its enchanting Bamboo Forest. We’ll wander through the serene bamboo grove, soaking in the tranquillity of this natural wonder. Next, we’ll visit the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we’ll admire the beautiful gardens and cross the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge, offering picturesque views of the surrounding scenery.

After a peaceful morning, we’ll head to the Golden Pavilion, officially known as Kinkaku-ji. The temple’s stunning golden facade reflects beautifully in the tranquil pond, creating a postcard-perfect scene. We’ll take our time to absorb the serenity of the temple and explore the meticulously manicured grounds.

For lunch, we’ll savour the flavours of traditional Japanese cuisine at Sabo Kinkaku-an, a restaurant located nearby, known for its delightful offerings. After our meal, we’ll make our way to Nijo Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its historical significance and architectural beauty. We’ll explore the castle’s intricate design, admire the stunning gardens, and delve into the rich history of this iconic landmark.

To make the experience even more memorable, you’ll have the option to participate in a sushi-making class or join a tea ceremony session, deepening your understanding of Japanese culture through these hands-on activities.

What’s included: Expert local guide, private van, entrances, lunch at a local lunch spot, Tea Ceremony
Stay: Kyoto hotel

We’ll kick off our day at Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, often referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” This lively market is a bustling hub of fresh produce, local delicacies, and culinary delights. We’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere, exploring the stalls and sampling delicious treats that represent the best of Kyoto’s food scene.

Afterward, we’ll travel to Nara, a city steeped in history and known for its friendly deer. Our first stop will be Nara Park, where you can interact with these gentle creatures that freely roam the park. We’ll then visit Todai-ji Temple, home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue. The immense size and beauty of the statue are awe-inspiring, and we’ll take time to explore the temple complex and its rich historical significance.

Next, we’ll make our way to Kofuku-ji, another renowned Buddhist temple in Nara, famous for its elegant pagoda and extensive museum. We’ll explore the temple grounds, taking in the peaceful ambiance and learning about Nara’s role in Japan’s cultural heritage.

What’s included: Expert local guide, entrances, train transportation
Stay: Kyoto hotel

Next, we’ll venture to Osaka, a city that never fails to impress with its iconic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere. We’ll start our Osaka adventure at Osaka Castle, where we’ll marvel at the castle tower and explore the surrounding gardens. The castle’s secondary citadels, gates, turrets, and moats provide a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

As the day progresses, we’ll head to Namba, one of Osaka’s main city cores. Here, we’ll explore Shinsaibashi, a bustling covered shopping street that connects to Amerika-mura, a district with an American motif and a hub of Osaka’s youth culture. We’ll delight in the vibrant retail scene, discovering trendy shops and unique boutiques that line the streets.

To conclude the day on a relaxing note, we’ll unwind at Solaniwa Onsen, a rejuvenating spa and hot spring facility. We’ll indulge in a soothing soak, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs, and cap off the day with a delicious meal at the on-site Japanese restaurant, savouring the flavours of traditional Japanese cuisine.

What’s included: Expert local guide, entrances, train transportation, lunch at an Osaka Teppanyaki lunch spot