The Heart of Japan

Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Tokyo, where ancient traditions and modern innovation blend seamlessly. This evening, you’ll meet your fellow travelers and dedicated local language tour leader before gathering for a welcome dinner that marks the start of an unforgettable journey.

If you arrive early, take time to explore the city’s many sides; from world-class shopping and fascinating museums to hidden alleyways filled with local eateries and bars.

Tonight, enjoy your first taste of Japan’s renowned culinary scene as you sample regional favorites such as handmade soba noodles, crispy tempura, and flavorful yakitori. After dinner, those who wish can continue the evening at a traditional izakaya and experience Tokyo’s electric nightlife.

Special Information
Airport transfers are available upon request for an additional fee. However, we generally recommend utilizing Japan’s outstanding public transportation system, as it is often the fastest and most efficient way to reach your destination. Train stations, ticket machines, and signage are well marked in English, making navigation surprisingly easy for international visitors. With frequent departures, excellent reliability, and direct connections from both Haneda and Narita airports, public transportation is a convenient and stress-free option for most travelers.

Begin your day in the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, where bustling stalls brim with fresh seafood, local specialties, and the sights, sounds, and aromas that make Tokyo’s food scene so legendary. Then step behind the counter for a hands-on sushi-making experience, learning the techniques behind one of Japan’s most iconic culinary traditions before enjoying your creations for lunch.

This afternoon, discover another side of Tokyo as you visit Sensoji Temple, the city’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temple. Stroll through its historic grounds and soak in the atmosphere of old Tokyo before ascending the iconic Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking panoramic views across the sprawling metropolis. From culinary traditions to cultural landmarks and unforgettable cityscapes, today offers the perfect introduction to the many faces of Tokyo.

Included Activities

• Tsukiji Outer Market
• Sushi Making Lesson & Lunch
• Sensoji Temple
• Tokyo Skytree

Bid farewell to the bright lights of Tokyo this morning as you travel by train to Hakone, one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring destinations. Nestled among mountains, forests, and volcanic landscapes, Hakone offers a peaceful escape and a chance to experience Japan’s natural beauty at a slower pace.

This afternoon, ride a cable car high into the mountains to explore the steaming sulfur vents of Owakudani before boarding a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Ashi. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and, weather permitting, a postcard-perfect glimpse of Mount Fuji rising in the distance.

Later, settle into Ten-yu (or similar), a traditional ryokan that beautifully blends classic Japanese design with modern comforts. Your stay includes a private open-air bath, access to relaxing indoor and outdoor onsens, and the opportunity to fully embrace the ryokan experience. This evening, savor a multi-course kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal ingredients and regional flavors before slipping into your yukata and enjoying a peaceful night surrounded by Hakone’s serene mountain setting.

Special Information 

Your main suitcase will be transferred directly to Takayama today to make travel easier. Please pack a small overnight bag for your stay in Hakone. One suitcase per person is included; additional bags can be forwarded for a fee.

Included Activities

• Hakone – Cable car/Ropeway
• Hakone – Lake Ashinoko boat cruise

Today, journey deep into the heart of the Japanese Alps aboard Japan’s world-famous Shinkansen (Bullet Train), traveling through beautiful countryside as you make your way to the charming mountain town of Takayama. Often referred to as “Little Kyoto,” Takayama is known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, traditional inns, sake breweries, and relaxed atmosphere.

Upon arrival, join your tour leader for a walking tour through the historic old town, where centuries-old wooden buildings, merchant houses, and narrow lanes offer a glimpse into Japan’s past. Along the way, visit a local sake brewery to learn about Takayama’s proud brewing traditions and enjoy a tasting of this beloved Japanese beverage.

As you explore, you’ll discover how the town’s remote mountain setting helped shape its unique culture and cuisine. Takayama is especially renowned for Hida beef, one of Japan’s most prized wagyu varieties, raised in nearby Gifu Prefecture. During your tour, sample this regional specialty as Hida beef sushi or grilled skewers, offering a delicious introduction to the flavors of the Japanese Alps.

Included Activities

• Takayama – Leader-led walking tour (with street food sampling)
• Takayama – Sake Brewery Visit & Tasting

This morning, travel to the enchanting village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Renowned for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steeply pitched thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snowfall, the village feels as though it has been lifted from the pages of a storybook. As you wander its quiet lanes and explore its beautifully preserved homes, you’ll gain insight into the traditions, architecture, and rural way of life that have shaped this region for generations.

Return to Takayama in the afternoon and enjoy free time to experience the town at your own pace. Relax at the hotel, browse local shops, revisit the charming old town, or choose to participate in an optional Manekineko painting workshop. This fun and creative experience allows you to decorate your own lucky “beckoning cat”, a beloved symbol of good fortune in Japan, and take home a unique and meaningful souvenir of your journey.

This evening, enjoy a special omakase-style sushi dinner, where the chef will curate a multi-course dining experience showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients available.

Included Activities

• Takayama – Shirakawago Village
• Takayama – Omakase Sushi Dinner

Optional Activity

Manekineko (Lucky Cat) Painting Workshop – JPY 3,600 per person. Create and personalize your own traditional Japanese “beckoning cat,” a beloved symbol of good fortune and prosperity. This approximately 30-minute workshop includes all materials and instruction, and your tour leader will accompany the group throughout the experience.

Begin your day at Takayama’s vibrant Morning Market, where local vendors gather to sell fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and regional specialties that reflect the traditions of the Japanese Alps. After enjoying the lively atmosphere, board the train bound for Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart and one of its most treasured historic cities.

Known for its elegant temples, traditional wooden machiya townhouses, and centuries-old customs, Kyoto offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s past. After settling into your hotel, join your tour leader for an evening stroll through the historic district of Gion. As you wander along lantern-lit streets lined with teahouses, restaurants, and beautifully preserved architecture, you’ll experience the timeless charm and rich cultural heritage that make Kyoto one of Japan’s most captivating destinations.

Special Information
To make today’s rail journey more comfortable, your main suitcase will be forwarded directly to Kyoto. Please pack a small overnight bag with everything you’ll need for the next day, and your tour leader will assist with the luggage transfer arrangements this morning. One suitcase per person is included in the service. Additional bags can be forwarded for a fee.

Included Activities

• Takayama – Morning Market visit
• Kyoto – Gion Walk

Today, travel by private bus to experience one of Kyoto’s most cherished artistic traditions during a hands-on Roketsu indigo dyeing workshop. Guided by local artisans, you’ll create your own beautifully patterned textile while learning about this centuries-old craft that has been practiced in Kyoto for generations. Next, visit the iconic Kinkakuji, or Golden Pavilion, one of Japan’s most celebrated landmarks. Admire the temple’s dazzling gold-leaf exterior reflected in the tranquil pond and beautifully landscaped gardens that surround it.

This afternoon, continue to the scenic district of Arashiyama, known for its natural beauty and timeless atmosphere. Stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks sway gently overhead, creating one of Kyoto’s most peaceful and photographed landscapes. The combination of traditional craftsmanship, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking scenery makes today a memorable exploration of Kyoto’s cultural and natural treasures.

Included Activities

• Kyoto – Roketsu Dyeing Experience
• Kyoto – Kinkakuji Temple
• Kyoto – Arashiyama

Begin your day at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s most recognizable and sacred sites. Famous for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that wind through the forested slopes of Mount Inari, the shrine offers a truly unforgettable experience. Those looking for a bit more adventure may choose to hike partway up the mountain, where peaceful pathways and scenic viewpoints provide a welcome escape from the city.

Later, return to the heart of Kyoto and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural traditions. Enjoy a special tea ceremony hosted by a Maiko, an apprentice geisha, while dressed in a beautifully crafted kimono. This elegant and memorable experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the artistry, customs, and refined traditions that have defined Kyoto for centuries.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Continue exploring Kyoto’s historic neighborhoods, browse local shops, visit additional temples and gardens, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere of Japan’s cultural capital.

Included Activities

• Kyoto – Fushimi Inari
• Kyoto – Tea Ceremony with Maiko and Kimono Wearing

Today offers a fascinating look at Osaka’s craftsmanship, creativity, and vibrant local culture. Begin with a visit to Sakai City, a destination renowned for its centuries-old blade-making traditions. At a local blacksmith workshop, you’ll gain insight into the skill and precision required to create some of Japan’s finest knives while learning about the city’s rich metalworking heritage.

Next, continue to Osaka’s nostalgic Shinsekai district, where old-world charm and local character come together. Visit Tower Knives to browse an impressive collection of expertly crafted Japanese blades before heading to nearby Doguyasuji, also known as “Kitchen Street.” Here, you’ll take part in a uniquely Japanese experience—creating your own realistic plastic food sample, a playful and memorable souvenir that reflects a beloved aspect of Japanese culture.

This afternoon, enjoy a guided walk from Shinsekai to Dotonbori, passing retro storefronts, lively side streets, and everyday scenes that reveal the authentic spirit of “Deep Osaka.” Your day concludes in the heart of Dotonbori, the city’s most famous entertainment district, where dazzling neon signs, bustling crowds, and tempting street food create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan.

Included Activities

• Osaka – Sakai Blacksmith Visit
• Osaka – Shinsekai Tower Knives
• Osaka – Plastic Food Sample Making (Takoyaki or Sushi)
• Osaka – Dotombori

Today is yours to enjoy however you choose. Spend the day exploring Osaka’s vibrant neighborhoods, browsing for last-minute souvenirs, sampling local delicacies, or simply relaxing and soaking in the energy of Japan’s dynamic second city. Whether you prefer discovering hidden gems, revisiting a favorite spot, or enjoying a leisurely day at your own pace, this free day offers the perfect opportunity to make the experience your own.

This evening, come together with your fellow travelers for a special farewell dinner. Share stories, celebrate new friendships, and reflect on the unforgettable experiences you’ve shared throughout the journey. It’s a memorable and fitting conclusion to your adventure through Japan.

Included Activities

• Osaka – Farewell Dinner

Optional Excursion: Nara Day Trip with Tour Leader – JPY 4,000 per person

Join your tour leader for an enriching excursion to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and one of the country’s most historically significant cities. During this approximately 5-hour experience, you’ll visit the impressive Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and enjoy time exploring the famous Nara Deer Park, where hundreds of free-roaming deer have become beloved symbols of the city. The excursion includes round-trip train fare and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience another of Japan’s cultural treasures during your free day in Osaka.

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Japan. After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers, taking with you incredible memories, new friendships, and stories that will last a lifetime. With no scheduled activities planned, you’re free to enjoy a leisurely morning, squeeze in some last-minute shopping, or simply savor your final moments in Osaka before heading home.

Not quite ready for the adventure to end? Continue your journey with our fantastic optional 4-day Hiroshima & Miyajima extension. From the moving history of Hiroshima to the breathtaking beauty of Miyajima’s famous floating torii gate, this extension offers the perfect opportunity to experience even more of Japan’s culture, history, and natural beauty before saying sayonara.

Begin your extension journey as you travel from Osaka to Hiroshima, with a memorable stop in the historic city of Himeji. Here, you’ll visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and widely regarded as Japan’s most beautiful and best-preserved samurai fortress. Known as the “White Heron Castle” for its striking white exterior, this architectural masterpiece offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. Explore its elegant corridors, discover centuries of history, and climb to the top of the main keep for sweeping views over the city and surrounding countryside.

After time to explore the castle and its beautifully landscaped grounds, enjoy a leisurely lunch in Himeji before continuing onward to Hiroshima, where the next chapter of your Japanese adventure begins.

Included Activities

• Himeji – Himeji Castle

Begin the day with a meaningful visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, home to the iconic A-Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum. Through powerful exhibits and personal stories, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the events that shaped the city while witnessing the remarkable resilience, hope, and commitment to peace that define Hiroshima today.

This afternoon, board a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima, one of Japan’s most picturesque destinations. As you approach, take in views of the island’s forested mountains and the famous shrine gates rising from the water. After checking into your traditional ryokan, enjoy a leisurely stroll along Omotesando, the charming shopping street leading to Itsukushima Shrine, where local shops and traditional treats create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

When the Last Ferry Leaves, the Island is Yours.

Most travelers only see Miyajima shoulder-to-shoulder with the midday crowds. But those who know, stay the night. As the day-trippers depart, the “Island of Gods” transforms into a private sanctuary. Tame deer wander down quiet, lantern-lit stone paths, and the iconic floating torii gate glows in total silence across the water, a scene you will have almost entirely to yourself.

This evening, savor a beautifully prepared kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal ingredients and regional flavors before settling in for a peaceful night at your ryokan, surrounded by the tranquility and natural beauty of Miyajima.

Included Activities

• Hiroshima – Peace Memorial Park
• Hiroshima – Peace Memorial Museum
• Miyajima Island

Begin your morning with a visit to the breathtaking Itsukushima Shrine, arriving early to experience the island’s iconic floating torii gate in the peaceful quiet of the morning. Set against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Japan’s most celebrated landmarks and offers a truly memorable start to the day.

After taking in the beauty and serenity of Miyajima, return to the mainland and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. You may choose to explore Hiroshima further, relax at the hotel, or visit Shukkeien Garden, a beautifully landscaped oasis known for its winding pathways, graceful bridges, and picturesque ponds.

This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner featuring Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki, a beloved regional specialty layered with noodles, vegetables, and savory ingredients cooked on a sizzling hotplate. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate your time in Hiroshima and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your journey.

Included Activities

• Miyajima – Itsukushima Shrine
• Hiroshima – Okonomiyaki Farewell Dinner

Today marks the conclusion of your Hiroshima extension. There are no scheduled activities, and you are free to depart at any time following hotel check-out. If you have a later departure, the hotel can arrange luggage storage, allowing you to enjoy a final stroll, one last meal, or a few more hours exploring at your leisure before continuing your journey home or onward to your next destination.

Special Information

Airport transfers to Osaka can be arranged upon request for an additional fee. However, we generally recommend utilizing Japan’s excellent public transportation network, which is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. For travelers departing from Osaka, the Shinkansen (bullet train) provides a fast and comfortable connection, with clear English signage, announcements, and ticketing options throughout the journey. In many cases, rail travel is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the airport and continue your onward travels.