Konnichiwa, and welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival at Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT), you will be greeted and transferred to your five-star hotel in Tokyo.
One of the world’s greatest metropolises, Tokyo is brimming with life and culture, both historical and contemporary. Spend your leisure time browsing the neon-lit streets for quaint ramen bars or Michelin-starred omakases, spot rare vintage items through shop windows and explore the forested paths of the city’s many great parks. Or, simply rest before tomorrow’s exploration.
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) at any time. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel. Check-in on Day 1 is at 3pm.
Following breakfast at your hotel, meet with your guide at 8am in the lobby for a day of discovery in Tokyo.
Your day begins in the historic Asakusa district with a visit to Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. Marvel at the giant Kaminarimon ‘Thunder’ Gate before strolling down Nakamise Street. Dating back to the 17th century, this shopping arcade has over 90 stalls selling everything from samurai swords to matcha ice cream – some have been run by the same family for generations.
After a lunch at leisure meal, enjoy a break from the city hustle with a visit to the tranquil Meiji Jingu shrine. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this site is hugged beautifully by sprawling gardens and attracts millions of visitors for prayer.
Later, explore the eclectic boutiques and world-renowned youth fashion of the Harajuku area. Then come together with your group in the evening for an authentic Japanese welcome dinner.
Today, journey to the 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.
Next, your group will be treated to a hands-on sushi-making class, where you will learn traditional handroll methods and enjoy your own mouthwatering creations.
Following your foodie experience, head to the Imperial Palace and watch as the castle’s Edo-era fortifications dance in the surrounding moat and stroll the East Gardens. Your next visit to the nearby Tokyo Station is starkly different, with its blend of Renaissance- and Baroque-inspired design.
Finally reach Ginza, an upscale shopping district with luxury brands from across the globe. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.
It’s time to leave behind the dizzying highs of Tokyo for the serene Lake Ashi. Once arrived, take some time to enjoy lunch at leisure before taking a gentle walk around the area as you take in surrounding forests and Lake Ashi views.
Follow your walk with a thrilling ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the volcanic valley of Owakudani. This scenic town surrounds a crater formed during the last eruption of Mount Hakone and is known for a special type of egg boiled in sulfurous spring water.
A traditional ryokan will be your home tonight. Once the summer villa of the Imperial Family, five-star Gora Kadan is the perfect place to decompress. Bathe in its hot springs and recharge with a traditional onsen bath before an authentic kaiseki multi-course dinner.
Travel time: Train – approx. two hours
Five-star ryokan stay with traditional kaiseki dinner
Bid farewell to Hakone, then bus to Odawara where you’ll take a Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. Feel the rush as the landscape whizzes by, unveiling the diverse vistas of Japan’s scenic countryside.
Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, meet your transfer to Gion, the famous geisha district. Savour lunch on your own before joining a traditional tea ceremony, where you’ll dress in a traditional kimono and experience the tranquil art of Japanese matcha preparation, enjoyed in an authentic setting.
In the evening, head to your hotel for check-in and some free time to relax.
Travel time: Train – approx. two hours
Shinkansen bullet train from Odawara to Kyoto
Traditional matcha tea ceremony in Kyoto
Today is yours to explore the city. Roll into Kyoto’s time capsule of laneways filled with tea houses, izakayas and geisha – if you can spot them vanishing down the back alleys.
At 5.30pm your group will meet in the lobby for a special dining experience with an apprentice geisha, known as a maiko. Savour a traditional spread before returning to your luxurious accommodation.
After breakfast at your hotel, set your sights on Osaka. On the way, stop in Nara, where you will begin by exploring the Todai-ji Temple – a massive wooden complex containing one of Japan’s largest bronze buddhas. Stroll the grounds alongside the tame 1,000 Sika deer known to wander through Nara Park and sneakily nudge your hand for a treat.
After arriving at your accommodation in Osaka, the evening is yours.
Travel time: Coach – approx. four hours
This morning, take in some of the city’s best landmarks, including the wonderful Osaka Castle. Japanese samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended the castle to become the centre of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. Continue to the busy district of Shinsaibashi and explore its quirky boutiques, then visit Dotonbori, painted bright with neon signs above its myriad food vendors.
Conclude your opulent journey through Japan with a farewell dinner, featuring authentic okonomiyaki (Osaka’s specialty savoury pancake cooked on a teppan griddle).
As your time in Japan comes to an end, meet in the hotel lobby after checkout for your transfer to the airport.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM) at any time. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.