Japan Tour

Old Meets New

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.

After breakfast, set out on a private guided tour of Tokyo using public transportation. We’ll begin at the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city representing Shinto, Japan’s ancient faith. The path to the shrine winds through a lush forest dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who led Japan’s transformation from a feudal society to a modern nation. Traditional Shinto weddings and festivals often take place here.

Next, explore the Shibuya district, famous for its towering billboards, bustling shops, and the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.

Continue to the Imperial Palace gardens, home to Japan’s royal family, then on to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most iconic areas, to visit Sensoji, the city’s oldest temple. Stroll along Nakamise Street with its charming shops, cafés, and restaurants.

We’ll finish the day with panoramic views of the city from Tokyo Tower.
Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast, enjoy an independent visit to TeamLab Planets, a spectacular digital art museum offering an immersive, multi-sensory experience. The art is ever-changing, created by 520 computers and 470 projectors.

Please bring pants that can be rolled up to the knee to avoid getting wet.

The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast, make your way independently to the train station for a 2-hour ride to Hakone, a small resort town at the foot of Mt. Fuji, along Lake Ashi. This volcanic area is famous for its hot springs and wellness resorts.

Upon arrival, meet your guide for a private day tour of the area using public transportation. Visit the Chokokunomori Open-Air Museum, set within the crater of an extinct volcano, blending nature and modern sculpture. Continue to the Museum of Modern Art, then ride the ropeway to Owakudani Valley, known for its bubbling mud pools and sulfur springs, with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. End the day with a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi.

In the evening, enjoy the onsen hot springs and a traditional dinner at your ryokan.
Overnight in Hakone at a traditional inn.

After breakfast, travel independently to the station for a scenic 4-hour journey by train to Takayama, the capital of the Japanese Alps, known for its preserved wooden houses, traditional markets, and vibrant festivals.

Upon arrival, transfer independently to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Takayama.

After breakfast, take an independent bus ride (about 1.5 hours / 56 miles / 90 km) through beautiful mountain scenery to Shirakawa-go, a rural area of traditional villages featuring steep thatched-roof farmhouses called gassho-zukuri. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into centuries-old rural life.

Wander among the houses and visit one to see traditional crafts and interiors. Return to Takayama by bus.
Overnight in Takayama.

After breakfast, meet your guide for a half-day private tour of Takayama by public transport. Visit the morning farmers’ market, browse stalls of local produce, teas, and hand-crafted wooden goods, then tour the Yatai Kaikan Museum, dedicated to Takayama’s spring and autumn festival floats. Conclude with a visit to a local sake brewery.

Travel independently to the station for a 4-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.
Overnight in Kyoto.

After breakfast, meet your guide for a private day tour by public transport to Arashiyama, in Kyoto’s western outskirts. Visit Tenryuji Temple, a major Zen temple, then walk through the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, with towering stalks lining wide pathways. Cross the historic Togetsukyo Bridge (508 ft / 155 m), the site of local coming-of-age ceremonies.

Return to central Kyoto to visit Nijo Castle, a 17th-century shogunate palace, and the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), a stunning gold-leaf temple on the edge of a reflective pond.
Overnight in Kyoto.

After breakfast, take a private guided day trip by public transport to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Greet the city’s free-roaming deer, believed in legend to protect the city.

Visit the impressive Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha and the world’s largest wooden building, then explore Kasuga Shrine and Nara Deer Park. Return to Kyoto, stopping to see the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermilion gates.
Overnight in Kyoto

After breakfast, travel independently to the station for a 3-hour train ride to Tokyo. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your departure flight.