Excursions by Exotrav

Japan Tour

Timeless Villages & Cities

Trip Duration:

19 days

Recommended season:

October–November

March–May

Japan - Trip Summary

This 19-day journey through Japan offers a rich blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern vibrancy. Begin in Osaka, exploring its castle, skyline views, and lively food scene before visiting sacred Mount Koya for a traditional temple stay. In Kyoto, immerse yourself in golden temples, bamboo groves, and the historic capital of Nara. Continue to Hiroshima and the spiritual island of Miyajima, then head to Kanazawa’s coastal charm and the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go. Discover Takayama’s preserved Edo-era streets, hike the scenic Nakasendo Trail in the Kiso Valley, and relax in Hakone with views of Mt. Fuji. Conclude in Tokyo, experiencing its iconic shrines, bustling districts, immersive TeamLab art museum, and free time to explore at your own pace. With a mix of private tours, scenic train rides, and leisure days, this itinerary captures Japan’s essence from tradition to innovation.

Urban • Heritage • Sacred Sites

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

Welcome to Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city and its most important commercial hub. Known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka offers an abundance of excellent restaurants and unique street food. Cooking enthusiasts will also enjoy exploring shops selling Japanese kitchenware and culinary tools.

Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer privately to your hotel.
Overnight in Osaka.

Day 2

Day 2: Osaka – City Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day private tour of Osaka by public transportation. Visit Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, built in the 16th century and surrounded by a beautiful moat and gardens.

Ascend the Umeda Sky Building for stunning city views, then explore the vibrant Dotonbori district, known for its entertainment, dining, and international cuisine.

Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Osaka.

Day 3

Day 3: Osaka – Mount Koya

After breakfast, make your way independently to the train station for a scenic 3-hour journey through central Japan, followed by a cable car ride up sacred Mount Koya.

Arrive independently at your accommodation. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Mount Koya.

**Accommodation is traditional style with futon bedding, no private bathroom or shower in the room.**

Day 4

Day 4: Mount Koya – Kyoto

After breakfast, descend the mountain by cable car, then travel by train (approx. 3 hours) to Kyoto.

Once Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto remains a cultural, artistic, and philosophical heart of the nation, with charming streets and magnificent gardens.

Arrive independently at your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 5

Day 5: Kyoto – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & District – City Tour

After breakfast, meet your guide for a private full-day tour by public transportation to Arashiyama, a district in western Kyoto.

Visit Tenryuji Temple, the head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Stroll through the magnificent Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, walking among towering bamboo stalks. Continue to Togetsukyo Bridge, a 155-meter wooden bridge steeped in tradition.

Return to Kyoto to visit Nijo Castle, built in the 17th century by the Tokugawa shoguns, and the iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), a lakeside temple covered in gold leaf.
Overnight in Kyoto

Day 6

Day 6: Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto

After breakfast, take a private day trip by public transportation to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, where friendly deer roam freely.

Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha and the largest wooden building in the world, then see Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Nara Park.

Return to Kyoto to visit the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 7

Day 7: Kyoto – Hiroshima

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning in Kyoto.

In the afternoon, travel independently to Kyoto Station for a 2-hour train ride to Hiroshima, a vibrant city known as the first in history to suffer an atomic bombing.

Arrive independently at your hotel.
Overnight in Hiroshima

Day 8

Day 8: Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima

After breakfast, join a shared day tour to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, home to Shinto deities.

Take a shared ferry to Miyajima and see the iconic floating red torii gate, whose base is submerged at high tide. Visit Itsukushima Shrine, surrounded by water channels, then explore Momiji-dani Park and take a cable car up Mount Misen for panoramic views.

Return to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, commemorating the victims of the atomic bombing.
Overnight in Hiroshima.

Day 9

Day 9: Hiroshima – Kanazawa

After breakfast, travel independently to the train station for a 4.5-hour journey to Kanazawa, a charming coastal city.

Arrive independently at your hotel.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Kanazawa.

Day 10

Day 10: Kanazawa – Shirakawa-go – Takayama

After breakfast, travel independently to the bus station for a 1.5-hour scenic ride to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses.

Explore the village and visit one of the preserved wooden houses (independent visit).

Continue by bus to Takayama, the gateway to the Japanese Alps, with its preserved Edo-period streets and vibrant festivals.

Arrive independently at your hotel.
Overnight in Takayama.

Day 11

Day 11: Takayama – City Tour

After breakfast, meet your guide for a half-day private tour by public transportation in Takayama and surroundings.

Visit the morning market, showcasing local produce and crafts, Yatai Kaikan Museum, dedicated to Takayama’s seasonal festivals, and a local sake brewery.

Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Takayama.

Day 12

Day 12: Takayama – Kiso Valley

After breakfast, travel independently to the train station for a 5-hour journey to the Kiso Valley.

Arrive independently at your accommodation.
Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner and overnight in Kiso Valley.

Day 13

Day 13: Kiso Valley – Nakasendo Trail

After breakfast, take an independent day trip along one of the best-preserved sections of the historic Nakasendo Trail.

Travel by train and bus to Magome, then walk approx. 8 km (5 mi) through forested mountains and scenic valleys to Tsumago. Explore the town before continuing 3 km (1.8 mi) to Nagiso for a train ride back to Kiso Valley.

Dinner and overnight in Kiso Valley.

Day 14

Day 14: Kiso Valley – Hakone

After breakfast, travel independently to the train station for a 5-hour journey to Hakone, a resort town at the foot of Mount Fuji along Lake Ashi.

Arrive independently at your hotel. Hakone Pass included.

In the evening, enjoy an onsen hot spring bath and traditional dinner.
Overnight in Hakone (ryokan-style).

Day 15

Day 15: Hakone – Tokyo

After breakfast, take a private full-day tour by car in Hakone.

Visit Chokokunomori Open-Air Museum, set in a dormant volcanic crater, and the Museum of Modern Art. Ride the cable car to Owakudani Valley, a geothermal area with bubbling pools and sulfur vents, and enjoy views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi.

Later, drive approx. 1.5 hours to Tokyo.
Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 16

Day 16: Tokyo – Tradition & Modernity

After breakfast, take a private full-day tour by public transportation in Tokyo.

Visit Meiji Shrine, set in a lush forest, symbolizing Japan’s transition to modernity. Continue to Shibuya, famous for its massive pedestrian crossing.

Explore the Imperial Palace East Gardens, then visit Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street for traditional shops and eateries.

End the day with panoramic views from Tokyo Tower.
Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 17

Day 17: Tokyo – TeamLab Museum

After breakfast, enjoy an independent visit to the colorful, immersive digital art space TeamLab Planets, featuring interactive exhibits powered by 520 computers and 470 projectors.

**Please bring pants you can roll up to the knee to avoid getting wet.**

Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 18

Day 18: Tokyo – Free Day

Day at leisure in Tokyo, including breakfast at your hotel.

Day 19

Day 19: Tokyo – Departure

After breakfast, private transfer to the airport for your departure flight, depending on your flight schedule.

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