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BEST OF JAPAN
Tokyo . Hakone . Takayama . Shirakawa-go . Kanazawa . Hiroshima . Kyoto
This comprehensive journey through Japan showcases the country’s diversity, from urban excitement to breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted traditions, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
The journey begins in Tokyo, where vibrant city life meets rich culture. Explore the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, and visit historic temples like Senso-ji and Meiji shrine.
Next, venture to Hakone for stunning views of Mount Fuji and a chance to enjoy a kaiseki multi-course meal and relax in natural hot springs at your traditional Japanese inn.
From Hakone, travel to Takayama, renowned for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and magnificent local craft market. A short trip to Shirakawa-go reveals traditional thatched-roof houses, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rural past.
Your journey continues to Kanazawa to explore the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden - one of Japan's Top 3 - and the historic geisha district.
Next, head to Hiroshima, where you can reflect on history at the Peace Memorial Park. Don’t miss a ferry ride to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate. Finally, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Kyoto, home to stunning temples, such as Kinkaku-ji and iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Additional guided touring can be added to this itinerary; it is fully customizable.
Details
Duration:
12 days / 11 nights
Price:
From $4999 per person sharing
Departures:
Daily, year round
Includes:
Arrival transfers
3 nights Tokyo hotel
1 night Hakone ryokan (inn)
2 nights Takayama hotel
1 night Kanazawa hotel
1 night Hiroshima hotel
3 nights Kyoto hotel
3 full-day private guided tours
Travel by bullet train and local transportation
Prepaid travel card
11 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Sustainable/Responsible notes:
This independent journey includes walking tours, tours utilizing public transportation and long distance travel by rail. No private vehicle touring is used.
Accommodation is in Japanese hotels and inns.
Tour guides are independent contractors.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo, board the Airport shuttle and transfer to your hotel for the following 3 nights. Rest of day at leisure.
Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel, or similar
Day 2 Tokyo
Your guide will collect you from your hotel for an tour that showcases the popular highlights and experiences of Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple and shopping street in historic Asakusa, a boat ride down the Sumida River to Hamarikyu Japanese Gardens to a teahouse, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, Harajuku neighborhood and Omote Sando upscale shopping areas.
Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 3 Tokyo
Explore the vibrant side of Tokyo that resonates with you! Anime, cosplay, and manga enthusiasts will love the bustling streets of Akihabara. For a unique experience, dive into a kintsugi class or learn the art of washi paper-making. Whether you're indulging in a sushi-making lesson, wandering through Yanaka old town, or shopping in Kappabashi kitchenware street, Tokyo offers an unforgettable adventure tailored just for you. If you feel more comfortable touring with a guide, we can arrange one for you.
Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 4 Tokyo - Hakone
Take the Romance train to Hakone. Using your Hakone Free Pass, take advantage of the extensive local transport network to explore this stunning area. Ride switchback trains, cable cars, ropeways, and buses – then embark on a pirate ship cruise, which will sweep you across the volcanic Lake Ashi while providing views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
In the evening, enjoy your stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, complete with delicious multi-course meals, a steaming onsen (hot spring) and futons laid out on tatami mats.
Stay: Ichinoyu ryokan, or similar (B,D)
Day 5 Hakone - Takayama
Travel from Hakone to Odawara on a local train then board the bullet train to Nagoya where you will connect to the Hida Wide View train for Japan's most scenic alpine rail trip.
On arrival in Takayama, walk to your 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. Today and tomorrow, you can explore vibrant morning markets, wander around the old town, sample delicious local Hida beef at one of Takayama's many delicious restaurants, and enjoy the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains.
Stay: Tokyu Stay Hida Takayama hotel, or similar (B)
Day 6 Takayama
Explore Takayama at your leisure – best done on foot. Don’t miss the fabulous morning markets by the river. There is also a temple trail on the outskirts of town perfect for a serene walk. Takayama sake is famous – we suggest trying some tonight.
Stay: Tokyu Stay Hida Takayama hotel, or similar (B)
Day 7 Takayama - Shirakawa go - Kanazawa
Board a bus for Shirakawa-go, a traditional mountain village known for its farmhouses with "praying hand" rooves. After a couple of hours in Shirakawa-go, board another bus bound for Kanazawa.
Kanazawa is a charming city known for its well-preserved Edo-era Chaya district, gold ice-cream, stunning gardens, Samurai museum and rich cultural heritage. Your hotel is a short walk from the station.
Stay: Daiwa Roynet hotel, or similar (B)
Day 8 Kanazawa - Hiroshima
Spend the day exploring Kanazawa independently (or opt to hire a guide). In mid-afternoon, travel to Hiroshima by express and bullet trains. On arrival in Hiroshima, walk a short distance to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
Stay: Hiroshima Gran Via Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 9 Hiroshima & Miyajima - Kyoto
Your guide will collect you from your hotel for a tour that starts at Peace Memorial Park, located at what was ground zero for the atomic bomb attack on the 6th of August, 1945. Take a walk through the park to discover its memorials, monuments, and statues before entering the museum - an emotional experience. Then, it's a short ferry ride to Miyajima, a small Shinto island located in the Seto Inland Sea. Here you will find one of the most photographed sites in Japan – the shrine's torii which appears to be floating in the sea during high tide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your guide will return you to Hiroshima station for your 90 minute bullet train journey to Kyoto. On arrival in Kyoto, walk to your hotel which is adjacent the station.
Stay: Kyoto Gran Via Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 10 Kyoto
There are over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines in Kyoto; today, with your guide you will see the most stunning ones, such as bright red Fushimi Inari and the beloved gold Kinkaku-ji. You will also visit Nijo Castle and take a walk around the historic Gion district.
Stay: Kyoto Gran Via Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 11 Kyoto
Day at leisure to explore independently or add a guided experience. We suggest walking the Philosophers Path from Ginkaku-ji Temple to Nanzen-ji. Or taking a train to Nara, Japan's first capital. Or trying a kimono-dressing experience, a cooking class, or a shibori-dyeing workshop. Arashiyama bamboo forest is a favorite and just a short train ride away. Whatever you decide to do in this historic city, you will create memories of the beautiful sights and delicious tastes of Japan.
Stay: Kyoto Gran Via Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 12 Depart
Bid goodbye to Japan today. Depending on whether you depart from Kansai Airport in Osaka, or from one of the Tokyo airports, we can help you make arrangements to get there.
(B)