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 - Shizuoka

Journey from Tokyo to Suruga. Explore this gem of a region with its stunning views of Mt Fuji. Check into our Japanese Inn and indulge in a traditional Kaiseki multi-course dinner and onsen hot springs bath. 

Stay: Japanese Inn (B,D)

Day 5   Shizuoka- Takayama

After a visit to a tea farm where we will tour, and enjoy a tea ceremony, we'll board the bullet train bound for Nagoya where we 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

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.

Afternoon at leisure to walk Takayama's temple trail, visit the Takayama Festival museum, indulge in a sake tasting, or just relax. 

Stay: Around Takayama Hotel, or similar (B)

Day 7   Takayama - Shirakawa go - Kanazawa - Kyoto

We'll set of early for Shirakawago, a UNESCO-listed village famous for its picturesque thatched-roof houses.  After exploring the village, we'll continue on to Kanazawa, which has a rich Samurai and Ninja history. Choose to visit Myoryuji Temple, also known as the “Ninja Temple” for its hidden traps and secret passages and the Samurai Museum, or Kenroku-en - one of Japan's top three gardens.

In the afternoon, board a bullet train to Tsuruga, then transfer to the Thunderbird Express to Kyoto. Our route takes us past Japan's largest lake - 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)