HIGHLIGHTS
- Starting and end in Tokyo with a total of 4 nights Tokyo stay to cover the major highlights; Asakusa Sensoji Kanon Temple, Wander Nakamise Street, a Sumo Wrestling viewing, Team Lab Planets - a digital art wonderland,
the trendy neighbourhoods of Harajuku and Omotesando, a sushi making class, the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
- See the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest and most revered mountain.
- Cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko - enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Fuji
- Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure and one of Japan's most stunning historic landmarks.
- Enjoy the charm of Takayama
- Experience a traditional Tea Ceremony
- Bullet train Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Bullet train Hiroshima to Oskaka
- Hiroshima for reflections
- Venture to the enchanting Miyajima Island by ferry.
- Enjoy all the charm of Kyoto with a 3 night stay;
Experience the natural beauty of a Bamboo Grove, visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, visit splendid Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, the charming Gion area
- The historic city of Nara – explore the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple
- Visit the Deer Park, Nara
- Visit the magnificent Osaka Castle
- Explore Osaka’s Dotonbori vibrant neighbourhood
- Some group lunches and dinners included along the way and time for your on local food discoveries
DAY 1
Arrive Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s dynamic capital and one of the world’s most exciting metropolises. A city where ancient shrines and towering skyscrapers coexist, Tokyo is an exhilarating introduction to the contrasts of modern Japan. Make your own way to the hotel. The day is yours to settle in, explore the local neighbourhood, or unwind after your journey.
Meals: None
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
Arrival day
Free time to explore or relax
DAY 2
Tokyo
We start the journey with a gentle stroll through Ueno Park, a cultural hub that’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. Dive into local flavours at Tsukiji Outer Market, where street food stalls and seafood vendors buzz with energy. Later, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on sushi-making session with expert guidance – then enjoy your creations for lunch. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the mesmerising digital installations of TeamLab Planets, a unique multi-sensory art experience like no other. We wrap up the day with a welcome dinner, the perfect chance to get to know your fellow travellers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Ueno Park
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Sushi-making experience
- TeamLab Planets
- Welcome dinner
DAY 3
Tokyo to Nagano
Board the sleek bullet train and glide through the countryside to Nagano – a smaller city set against the backdrop of the Japanese Alps, known for its spiritual heritage and mountain air. After some relaxed time and lunch near the station, we visit Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most revered temples. Here, experience the unique “pitch-black tunnel” under the main hall – said to symbolise a journey toward enlightenment. Then, sample locally brewed sake near the temple. This evening, join your group host for an optional dinner at a local eatery.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Bullet train to Nagano (Green Class)
- Zenkoji Temple
- Pitch-black tunnel experience
- Sake tasting near the temple
DAY 4
Nagano
Today we head into the hills to visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park – home to wild macaques that famously soak in the natural hot springs. It’s a rare and fascinating wildlife encounter unique to Japan. Afterward, we travel to the charming town of Obuse for a highlight lunch at a local restaurant.
The afternoon includes a visit to the Hokusai Museum, showcasing the works of legendary ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. You’ll gain insight into traditional Japanese art in an intimate regional setting. Optional dinner arrangements will be offered this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
- Highlight Lunch in Obuse
- Hokusai Museum
DAY 5
Nagano to Takayama
We journey via Matsumoto, home to one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles, with its striking black façade and wooden interiors. After free time for lunch and a visit to the contemporary Matsumoto Art Museum, we continue to Takayama – a small, atmospheric town nestled in the mountains. Known for its preserved Edo-period streets, Takayama blends history, culture, and warmth in a walkable setting. Optional group dinner in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Visit to Matsumoto Castle
- Free time in Matsumoto
- Matsumoto Art Museum
- Travel to Takayama
DAY 6
Takayama
Explore the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawago, famed for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs, built to withstand heavy snowfall. This architectural style is found only in this part of Japan. Later, we return to Takayama where the afternoon is yours – stroll along the historic streets, browse local sake breweries, or relax at a café. We reconvene in the evening for a group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Shirakawago day trip
- Free time in Takayama
- Group dinner
DAY 7
Takayama to Kyoto
Start the day at the Miyagawa Morning Market, where local artisans and food stalls offer a taste of rural life. Then stop in Gujo Hachiman – a picture-perfect town laced with canals and waterways – for lunch. In the afternoon, arrive in Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan with over a thousand years of imperial history. If timing allows, take a gentle walk along the Philosopher’s Path, lined with cherry trees and quiet temples.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Miyagawa Morning Market
- Lunch in Gujo Hachiman
- Arrival in Kyoto
- Optional Philosopher’s Path walk
DAY 8
Kyoto
We begin with Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its endless tunnels of vivid red torii gates that lead into the wooded hills. It’s one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites. Then, head to Arashiyama to walk through the surreal Bamboo Grove, where tall stalks sway overhead. A group lunch follows before some well-earned free time. In the evening, your guide can help coordinate an optional local dining experience – Kyoto’s culinary scene is both refined and authentic.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Group lunch
- Optional dinner arrangements
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DAY 9
Kyoto
An early visit to the dazzling Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) starts the day, its shimmering reflection mirrored in the pond below. Continue on to Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s centuries-old food street. Afterward, wander through Gion and Maruyama Park, with cobbled streets, teahouses, and the chance to spot a geisha. We come together again for a group dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Nishiki Market
- Gion and Maruyama Park
- Group dinner
DAY 10
Kyoto to Hiroshima
Start the morning at Kiyomizu-dera, perched high above Kyoto with sweeping city views. Then, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima – a modern, vibrant city known for its peace memorials and resilience. This evening, enjoy a group dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Kiyomizu Temple
- Bullet train to Hiroshima
- Group dinner
SPECIAL NOTES:
We depart early today to arrive to the temple before the crowds.
DAY 11
Hiroshima to Osaka
Visit Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum for a moving reflection on the city’s history, and view the Atomic Bomb Dome – left standing as a symbol of peace. Choose from a variety of local eateries for lunch at Okonomimura. Then, ferry to Miyajima Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine, famed for its giant floating torii gate. Later, travel by bullet train to Osaka.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Hiroshima Peace Park and Museu
- Atomic Bomb Dome
- Ferry to Miyajima
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Bullet train to Osaka
DAY 12
Osaka & Nara
Take a day trip to nearby Nara – home to friendly deer and the enormous bronze Buddha of Todaiji Temple. Enjoy lunch before returning to Osaka. The rest of the day is free to explore Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, or simply relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Day trip to Nara
- Todaiji Temple and Nara Park
- Group lunch
- Free time in Osaka
DAY 13
Osaka to Mt Fuji Region
Travel by bullet train to Mishima and continue to the Hakone region, known for hot springs and Mt Fuji views. After a light lunch, enjoy a Lake Ashinoko boat cruise and a ride on the Hakone Ropeway over volcanic Owakudani. Later, visit the Hakone Open Air Museum, blending nature with contemporary sculpture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Bullet train to Mishima
- Lake Ashinoko boat ride
- Hakone Ropeway
- Owakudani Valley
- Open Air Museum
DAY 14
Mt Fuji to Tokyo
This morning enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride – a charming and nostalgic way to see the local area. Return to Tokyo and head to the bustling Shibuya Crossing. Tonight, we gather for a special farewell dinner with a sumo performance – a unique and unforgettable end to the trip.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Rickshaw ride
- Shibuya Crossing
- Farewell dinner with sumo show
DAY 15
Tokyo
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Tokyo. Whether shopping in Ginza, strolling through Yoyogi Park, or visiting neighbourhood cafés, today is yours. An optional guided tour to Yokohama is available for those who’d like to explore more.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Free day in Tokyo
- Optional guided Yokohama tour
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Visit like a local. Starting out from Tokyo your guide will escort you to Yokohama City by local transport.
Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, offers a contrast to Tokyo with its bayside setting and cosmopolitan vibe. Known for its historic port, vibrant Chinatown, and modern waterfront promenades, it’s a great place to soak up maritime charm and harbour views. A day in Yokohama blends quirk, beauty, and relaxation just a short train ride from Tokyo.
DAY 16
Tokyo – Departure
Check out and make your own way to the airport. Trip concludes. Say sayonara to Japan – until next time.
Meals: Breakfast
