Welcome to Tokyo, Japan's pulsating modern capital. Upon arrival, you'll meet your tour representative and be seamlessly transferred to your hotel, the regal Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, located in close proximity to the iconic Imperial Palace. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the dazzling nightlife in Shibuya or introduce your tastebuds to sky-high fare at the hotel's world-class dining venues.
After a restful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, start your exploration with a visit to Asakusa Kannon Temple, a colourful pagoda-style haven completed in 645 AD. Continue to a family-owned workshop specialising in Japanese drum-making, where you can try your hand at playing the taiko.
After a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the Tokyo National Museum, Japan's oldest repository of art and antiquities. Finally, meander to Meiji Shrine, a post-World War II reconstruction honoring one of the country's former emperors. As night falls, come together for a warm welcome dinner, marking the beginning of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Today, sip and sample your way through a dizzying array of Tokyo's culinary hotspots. Begin at a vibrant local fish market where you can feast your eyes on a stunning selection of seafood. For lunch, embark on an Izakaya experience at the restaurant which famously served as the setting of the final showdown in the movie Kill Bill.
Pass the afternoon in one of three unique ways during a Design Your Day activity – peruse contemporary works at the Mori Art Museum, learn how to swing and slice with a katana at a training led by a modern samurai or taste Japan's finest sake while learning about its cultural roots.
Enjoy an evening at leisure to uncover Tokyo at your own pace.
Wave goodbye to Tokyo as you trade glittering skylines for stunning scenery on the way to Hakone. A gem among Japan's sought-after hot-spring havens, Hakone is ideally located in the pristine Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ascend on an aerial tram, treating yourself to panoramic vistas of majestic Mount Fuji.
After a delectable lunch, wander through the verdant meadows of Hakone's Open-Air Museum, which boasts a sprawling Picasso exhibit. As the evening draws near, settle into your accommodation for the night – the opulent Gora Kadan ryokan, an exclusive traditional Japanese inn offering gourmet Japanese fare.
Wake up to mesmerising views of the mountains. After a traditional ryokan breakfast, end your stay in Hakone at the Okada Museum of Art's stunning collection. Then, journey via bullet train to Osaka, the country's undisputed culinary capital. Enjoy a Scenic Sundowner with city views, then delight in everything from octopus dumplings to crisp okonomiyaki on a Dotonbori foodie tour, savoring delights from the country's most creative restaurants.
Your accommodation tonight is the regal St. Regis Osaka, known for its position in the 'Champs Elysees' of Osaka.
Gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture today on a visit to Nara and the Todai-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that contains the largest bronze Buddha statue in the country. Afterward, continue to Nara Park, where hundreds of deer frolic in the gardens. You'll have a chance to hand-feed these gentle creatures, that are venerated as divine spirits.
Conclude your trip at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, immersing yourself in an authentic Shinto ceremony. Enjoy a local restaurant lunch, then head to the Kehaya-za Sumo Pavilion and witness a dynamic demonstration of Japan's legendary sport by two sumo wrestlers. Return to your hotel for dinner.
Set off to Kyoto early today and find serenity at Ryoan-ji's Zen rock garden, a perfect spot for quiet reflection. Gaze upon Kinkaku-ji Temple, adorned in gold leaf, nestled amidst lush gardens, its elegance mirrored in its pond. Post-lunch, wander through Tenryu-ji Temple's garden and embrace the charm of the Arashiyama neighbourhood. Finally, watch as the sunlight dances through bamboo shoots in the Bamboo Grove, where you can take a truly rejuvenating stroll. Your accommodation tonight is the palatial Four Seasons Hotel in Kyoto.
Today, dive into Kyoto's ancient culture, beginning with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for stunning views over Kyoto. Afterwards make your way to a local temple for a Japanese tea ceremony, which is embued with traditions and etiquette that dates back to the time of the samurai. At dinner, be serenaded by a geiko (a Kyoto geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) as they dance, sing and share stories while pouring delicious sake.
Following your morning meal, you will be transferred to Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport, both conveniently situated on the outskirts of Osaka, to catch your return flight.