Following breakfast at your hotel, meet with your guide in the lobby at 9.45am for a day of discovery in Tokyo. Set out in a private coach – your first stop is historic Asakusa, home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, then window shop along Nakamise shopping street.
Catch a private coach to Tokyo Skytree, ascending to its observation deck for panoramic views from one of the world’s tallest towers. Then, travel on to scenic Meiji Shrine, before bravely scrambling among the crowds through Shibuya Crossing.
Tonight, you have the freedom to either head back to your hotel to relax, or you can spend the evening exploring Tokyo at your own pace.
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Tokyo. Perhaps head over to Harajuku and explore Takeshita Street, renowned for its shops, fashion boutiques and trendy cafes – with an extensive rail and metro network at your fingertips and endless avenues to wander, it’s easy to discover Tokyo on foot.
Alternatively, join an optional tour and see another side of Tokyo, beginning with a visit to the tranquil gardens of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Then, continue to the lively Marunouchi district near Tokyo Station. Afterwards, explore the upscale boutiques and gourmet dining of Ginza before returning to the hotel.
This morning, wave goodbye to Tokyo as you set off for Hakone by private coach, where you’ll cruise on the waters of Lake Ashi as you take in the surrounding forests.
If the day is clear, you’ll be treated to some fantastic views of Mount Fuji. Then, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic landscape from a new vantage point on a scenic journey aboard the Hakone Ropeway before sitting down for a local lunch of soba or ramen, two of Japan’s most famous noodle dishes.
Later, check in to your accommodation. Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa is a breezy coastal retreat where every room faces the sea, onsen bathing comes in pairs – indoor and open-air – and days wind down with farm-to-table dining, a game of bowling or a sing-off in one of three private karaoke rooms. Tonight, meet your group for dinner at the hotel. Enjoy a restful evening and be sure to pack one nights worth of luggage for the next morning’s activities.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
After breakfast, ensure you have an overnight bag packed; your luggage will be picked up from your Hakone hotel and transported to Kanazawa for pickup on Day 6.
At the train station, be sure to grab an ‘ekiben’ at the train station to bring on your next Shinkansen journey. Ekiben are a special type of boxed meal sold at train stations, perfect for a delicious and hearty meal on the go.
Board the Shinkansen and zip through the landscape from Hakone to Nagoya, taking in the countryside views. From Nagoya, an express train will bring you to Takayama, in the mountainous region of Hida. Explore the area on foot, getting to know Takayama’s well-preserved Edo-period streets and traditional wooden houses. The city is also famous for its biannual spring and autumn festivals.
This afternoon, 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 history.
Head back to the hotel for a quick freshen up before joining your group for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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 Kanazawa hotel on Day 6.
Travel time: Train – approx. four hours
After breakfast, venture to remote Shirakawa-go by private coach, 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.
For lunch, stop at a Shirakawa-go ‘michi-no-eki’, which translates to ‘roadside station’ in Japanese. These stations offer more than your usual pit stop, often with a large array of fresh regional produce perfect for any roadside break.
Reboard your private coach to Gokayama to discover the centuries-old craft of Gokayama Washi with a paper-making class to learn the secrets of this traditional handmade paper treasured since the Edo period and still crafted with care in mountain villages today.
Later this afternoon, arrive in Kanazawa and check into your hotel. The evening is spent at your leisure – perhaps you may like to stroll through its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts and admire its Edo-period architecture.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
Washi paper making class
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before venturing out by private coach to Kanazawa’s 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 its autumn leaves and the cherry and plum blossoms in spring. After wandering the grounds of Kanazawa Castle, lunch is at your leisure.
Later, visit the historic geisha district of Higashi Chaya. Discover traditional wooden townhouses – known as machiya – and choose to take a moment of reflection at one of the historic teahouses.
Back at the hotel, unwind with some free time.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Bid farewell to Kanazawa after breakfast and board the Shinkansen to Kyoto. On arrival, join your group for a local lunch within walking distance from the station.
After lunch, experience the tranquil art of Japanese tea preparation with a traditional tea ceremony, enjoying matcha in an authentic setting.
After the ceremony, spend the afternoon wandering through Gion, the famous geisha district, exploring its historic streets and wooden machiya houses. Walk along Hanamikoji Street, where you might spot a geisha or maiko.
Later, board your private coach and head to your hotel for check-in and enjoy dinner at your own leisure.
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.
Travel time: Train – approx. two hours / Driving – approx. one hour
Traditional tea ceremony
Today, you have the freedom to explore Kyoto as you wish or opt to join an optional excursion to the nearby town of Nara, famous for its deer that freely roam the area. Here, you’ll stop at 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. The deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion. Along the way, you’ll enjoy an included lunch. Next, explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine, renowned for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns that line the pathways and adorn the shrine.
Finish the day with a visit to the Sake Museum in the Fushimi district, housed in a former sake brewery, before returning to your hotel for a free evening.
Return to your hotel for a free evening.
After breakfast, a private coach will whisk you between locations during a full day of sightseeing. Begin with a visit to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known 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.
Next is Kinkaku-ji temple, known as the Golden Pavilion thanks to the gold leaf that coats the top two floors.
Lunch is at your leisure before you head to Tenryu-ji, Kyoto’s most cherished Zen temple. Then, walk through Arashiyama’s swaying stalks of Bamboo Grove, listening to the gentle clacking as you crane your neck toward the canopy. Finally, pass over Togetsukyo Bridge, a scenic wooden bridge spanning the Katsura River overlooking the surrounding landscapes before returning to your hotel.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 1.5 hours
Fushimi Inari shrine visit
Following breakfast at your hotel, check out and send your luggage to your hotel in Osaka. Bringing your overnight bag, take a short walk to the train station before switching up the tempo as you board a bullet train to Hiroshima, zipping through the countryside in comfort.
On arrival, drop your bag at your central hotel – perfectly placed in the heart of Hiroshima – and stroll to lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon, walk 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 such as the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Children’s Peace Monument and the Cenotaph, all dedicated to promoting peace and commemorating victims.
Return to your hotel for the evening and spend your downtime preparing for another day of discovery ahead.
Please note: Due to Shinkansen travel requirements, luggage must be sent onward via transfer service. Travellers should prepare a small bag for two nights to carry with them on the train. Luggage will then arrive at your Osaka hotel on Day 13.
Travel time: Train – approx. two hours
Fuel up at breakfast before a private coach brings you to the ferry terminal, where you’ll board and glide over to the sacred island of Miyajima. Here, its iconic Itsukushima Shrine is marked by an enormous, floating torii gate. Take in the picturesque waterfront and spiritual landmarks before enjoying lunch at your own leisure.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend it freely – take the chance to relax or choose to continue your exploration of Hiroshima as you wish.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 1.5 hours
A busy day of sightseeing awaits today. First, make use of Japan’s efficient local buses to board the bullet train to Himeji station. Your tour leader will assist you with preparing your bus fare, train tickets and getting to the correct platform.
On arrival, 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.
Lunch is at a restaurant close to the castle before you board a private coach to Osaka. Arrive later this afternoon, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening as you wish.
Travel time: Train – approx. one hour / Driving – approx. three hours
Begin your day with a visit to Osaka Castle, a multi-tiered fortress surrounded by moats and parkland in a central part of the city. Next, head to Shinsekai, a district known for its retro charm. The area is famous for local eateries, where you can try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables).
In the afternoon, explore the 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 nightlife and neon lights, offers many dining options and glowing landmarks like the Glico Running Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab billboard.
On your final evening in Japan, sit down for the perfect meal at a popular restaurant, enjoying traditional Japanese fare and free-flowing drinks as you toast your new travel friends.
After one final breakfast, it’s time to say sayonara to Japan. Make your own way to Kansai International Airport (KIX) where your journey comes to a close.