1-700-500-516
Asia
Trip Duration:
16 days
Recommended season:
October–November
March–May
Japan - Trip Summary
This 16-day tailor-made journey through Japan blends iconic cities, timeless traditions, and breathtaking scenery. Begin in Tokyo, where modern skyscrapers meet serene shrines, and enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace. Continue to Hakone for Mt. Fuji views, volcanic valleys, and a lakeside cruise before heading to Takayama in the Japanese Alps, famed for its preserved wooden streets and morning markets. Discover the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go, coastal Kanazawa, and historic Hiroshima with the sacred island of Miyajima. In Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, visit golden temples, bamboo groves, and the ancient capital of Nara. Experience vibrant Osaka, then return to Tokyo for the immersive TeamLab art museum before your departure. With a mix of guided tours, scenic train journeys, and leisure time, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of cultural discovery, natural beauty, and urban energy.
Urban • Tradition • Culture
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo! Japan’s capital blends bold modern innovation with timeless tradition – skyscrapers stand beside streets lined with wooden houses and bamboo blinds, bustling roads give way to serene green parks.
Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 2: Tokyo – Between Tradition and Modernity
After breakfast, embark on a private guided tour of Tokyo using public transportation. We’ll visit Meiji Shrine, a serene site representing Japan’s ancient Shinto faith. The approach passes through a lush forest dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who transformed Japan from a feudal society to a modern nation. Shinto weddings and festivals are often held here.
Continue to the Shibuya district, famous for its giant billboards, bustling shops, and the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
Next, stroll the beautiful gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace, residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, before heading to Asakusa to visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Walk along Nakamise Street, lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants.
End the day with panoramic city views from Tokyo Tower.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 3: Tokyo – Free Day
Free day at leisure in Tokyo, including breakfast at your hotel.
Day 4: Tokyo – Hakone
After breakfast, travel independently to the station for a 2-hour train ride to Hakone, a small resort town at the foot of Mt. Fuji along Lake Ashi. This volcanic area is famous for hot springs and wellness retreats.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide for a private tour by public transportation. Visit the Chokokunomori Open-Air Museum, located in the crater of an extinct volcano, blending nature with modern sculpture. Continue to the Museum of Modern Art, then ride the ropeway to Owakudani Valley, an active geothermal area with bubbling mud and sulfur springs, with views of Mt. Fuji when weather permits. End with a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi.
In the evening, enjoy an onsen hot spring bath and traditional dinner at your ryokan.
Overnight in Hakone at a traditional inn.
Day 5: Hakone – Takayama
After breakfast, travel independently to the station for a scenic 4-hour train ride to Takayama, the capital of the Japanese Alps, known for its preserved wooden houses, traditional markets, and seasonal festivals.
Upon arrival, transfer independently to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Takayama.
Day 6: Takayama – City Tour
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel for a private half-day tour by public transport. Visit the morning farmers’ market, browse local produce and crafts, see the Yatai Kaikan Museum with its elaborate festival floats, and visit a local sake brewery.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Takayama.
Day 7: Takayama – Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa
After breakfast, travel independently to the bus station for a scenic 1.5-hour ride (about 56 miles / 90 km) to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for steep thatched-roof farmhouses (*gassho-zukuri*).
Wander among the houses and visit one to see traditional interiors and crafts (self-guided). Continue by bus to the coastal town of Kanazawa.
Overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 8: Kanazawa – Hiroshima
Morning at leisure in Kanazawa.
In the afternoon, travel independently to the station for a 4.5-hour train ride to Hiroshima, a vibrant city known as the first to suffer an atomic bombing.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
Day 9: Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima
After breakfast, join a shared tour to Miyajima, a small island sacred to Shinto deities. Arrive by shared ferry and see the iconic red torii gate that appears to float at high tide.
Visit Itsukushima Shrine, surrounded by water channels, stroll through Momiji-Dani Park, ride the ropeway up Mt. Misen for panoramic views, and return to Hiroshima.
In the afternoon, visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
Day 10: Hiroshima – Kyoto
After breakfast, travel independently to the station for a 2-hour train ride to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years, rich in cultural, artistic, and philosophical heritage.
Upon arrival, transfer independently to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 11: Kyoto – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and City Tour
After breakfast, meet your guide for a private tour by public transport to Arashiyama. Visit Tenryuji Temple, then walk through the majestic Bamboo Grove. Cross the historic Togetsukyo Bridge (508 ft / 155 m), known for coming-of-age ceremonies.
Return to Kyoto to visit Nijo Castle and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), covered in gold leaf and set beside a reflective pond.
Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 12: Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto
After breakfast, take a private guided day trip by public transport to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, where deer roam freely in the park.
Visit Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha and the world’s largest wooden building, then see Kasuga Shrine. Return to Kyoto to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 13: Kyoto – Osaka – City Tour
After breakfast, travel independently to the station for a train to Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city and its culinary capital. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, take a private guided city tour by public transport. Visit Osaka Castle, then enjoy city views from Umeda Sky Building, and explore the vibrant Dotonbori district.
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 14: Osaka – Tokyo
After breakfast, travel independently to the station for a 4-hour train ride to Tokyo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Tokyo
Day 15: Tokyo – TeamLab Museum
After breakfast, enjoy an independent visit to TeamLab Planets, a spectacular digital art museum offering a unique multi-sensory experience. Lighting, space, and ever-changing installations create a dynamic environment, powered by 520 computers and 470 projectors.
Please bring pants that can be rolled up to the knee to avoid getting wet.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 16: Tokyo – Departure
After breakfast, private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Unforgettable Journey, Designed for You
Unforgettable Japan Your Way
More Popular Tours in Japan
Why Discover Japan
with
Us?
We take care of everything for you—crafting a personalized itinerary, booking all services, and handling every detail, big and small. All you need to do is pack and get ready to enjoy a seamless, unforgettable travel experience tailored just for you and your loved ones.