Day 1   Arrive Tokyo

Upon arrival in Tokyo, meet your English-speaking greeter who will assist with to hotel transfer. Board a comfortable  bus and enjoy the scenic drive to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until our optional welcome dinner.
Stay: Tokyu Stay Shinjuku East Side, or similar

Day 2   Tokyo

Embark on a Tokyo adventure with our guide, starting with a journey through the city's efficient public transportation system. Begin your day at the Asakusa Sensoji Temple, where you can marvel at Japan's largest paper lantern and Tokyo's oldest temple. Dive into history at the Nakamise Market, a traditional shopping street dating back centuries. Then, head to historic Yanaka to wander a historic neighborhood. Time permitting, we'll shop at Kappabashi, the famous kitchenware neighborhood where exquisite pottery and useful homeware can be found. 

Stay: Tokyu Stay Shinjuku East Side, or similar  (B)

Day 3   Tokyo

Discover more of Tokyo's treasures today, starting with a visit to the Imperial Palace East Garden. Experience tranquility at  Meiji Shrine before exploring Harajuku and elegant Omote Sando, hubs of fashion and culture. We'll conclude our day in bustling Shibuya, to witness the iconic Shibuya crossing and visit the famous Hachiko statue.

Stay: Tokyu Stay Shinjuku East Side, or similar (B)

Day 4   Tokyo - Hakone - Atami

Journey from Tokyo to Hakone aboard the Romancecar Limited Express, soaking in views of Mt. Fuji along the way. Upon arrival, embark on a Lake Ashi Cruise and take a ropeway ride to Owakudani valley, where you can experience hot springs and volcanic landscapes. In the evening, transfer by train to Atami and indulge in a traditional Kaiseki multi-course dinner and onsen bath at our Japanese inn. 

Stay: Atami Onsen Sakura Ryokan or a similar (B,D)

Day 5   Atami - Takayama

Board the bullet train bound for Nagoya where we will connect to the Hida Wide View train for Japan's most scenic alpine rail trip. On arrival in Takayama, we'll walk to our hotel which is only a few minutes from the station. Takayama is a charming city known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and traditional wooden houses. Rest of day at leisure. 

Stay: Around Takayama hotel, or similar (B)

Day 6   Takayama - Shirakawa go - Kanazawa

We begin the day with a visit to the fabulous Takayama Morning Market, where we can sample local delicacies and shop for local crafts. Continue to Takayama Old Town, known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and traditional wooden buildings. Travel by bus to Shirakawago, a UNESCO-listed village famous for its picturesque thatched-roof houses. Enjoy free time to explore the charming rural scenery. Later, take a bus to Kanazawa and visit the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens. 

Stay: Wing International Premium hotel, or similar (B)

Day 7   Kanazawa - Kyoto

Kanazawa has a deep Samurai and Ninja history. We'll visit Myoryuji Temple, also known as the “Ninja Temple” for its hidden traps and secret passages and, time permitting the Samurai Museum.  Continue to the Kaga Yuzen Traditional Industry Center to learn about the intricate art of Kaga Yuzen silk dyeing. Learn about Kanazawa's famous gold leaf art. 

Board a bullet train to Tsuruga, then transfer to the Thunderbird Express to Kyoto. Our route takes us past Lake Biwa.  Upon arrival in Kyoto, we'll check in at our hotel and relax after a long day of cultural exploration and travel. 

Stay: Via Inn Prime Kyoto eki Hachijoguchi, or similar (B)

Day 8   Kyoto

Today, we'll visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Continue to  historic Kyoto Imperial Palace, once home to Japan’s imperial family. Next, explore the breathtaking Kiyomizu dera Temple, offering stunning city views from its wooden stage. Stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s renowned geisha district, where traditional teahouses and lantern-lit streets capture the city’s timeless charm. We can choose to linger in Gion for dinner, or return to our hotel, either way we will feel inspired by Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. 

Stay: Via Inn Prime Kyoto eki Hachijoguchi, or similar (B)

Day 9   Kyoto

Our last day together! We'll visit Nijo Castle, a historic shogunate palace known for its elegant interiors and “nightingale floors.” Continue to the stunning Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple covered in brilliant gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on its surrounding pond. Explore the scenic Arashiyama District, famous for its bamboo grove, picturesque river views, and traditional charm.

Optional farewell dinner tonight. 

Stay: Via Inn Prime Kyoto eki Hachijoguchi, or similar (B)

Day 10  Depart

Bid goodbye to our group, and Japan today. Depending on whether you depart from Kansai Airport in Osaka, or from one of the two Tokyo airports, we can help you make arrangements to get there in good time for your departure.  

(B)