HIGHLIGHTS
Sixteen days across Japan's most compelling regions. Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka — connected by bullet trains and a pace that lets you actually absorb each place.
Tokyo
Four nights to take it in properly. Asakusa and its morning temples, Shibuya Crossing when it matters (timing is everything), the controlled chaos of TeamLab Planets, the neighbourhoods that define modern Tokyo — Harajuku, Omotesando. A sushi-making class. All the things that make Tokyo Tokyo.
Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko
See Japan's most revered mountain from angles that shift throughout the day. A lake cruise gives you time to sit with the view instead of chasing it.
The Matsumoto to Takayama route
Castle, then mountain towns. This is where the pace slows and you notice the detail.
Kyoto
Three nights in a city that rewards wandering. Fushimi Inari. The Golden Pavilion. Gion's narrow streets. Todaiji Temple and the deer park in nearby Nara.
The journey through Hiroshima to Osaka
Bullet trains connect these cities, but what matters is what you carry from Hiroshima's reflections to Osaka's energy. Miyajima Island sits between, reached by ferry.
Group meals and local food discoveries
Some key meals are shared. Others are yours to find. That's the balance.
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. Settle in and enjoy the evening at leisure.
If you opted to arrive the night prior, there is an option for a pre-tour Asakusa walk. Meet your group host in the morning, and walk together to visit Senso-ji Temple and Kappabashi Kitchenware street.
Meals: None
Snapshot – What's Included
- Arrival day
- Pre-tour Asakusa walk (optional, if arriving the night prior): Senso-ji Temple, Kappabashi Kitchenware street
Special Notes
This optional pre-tour walk is hosted by your group host (not your group guide) and is complimentary. No RSVP required – a set departure time will be provided, and you're welcome to join if you wish to participate. Please note: if your accommodation changes, this option may not be viable.
DAY 2
Tokyo
Guide meeting on Day 2. 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 Tokyo DMM
- Welcome dinner
DAY 3
Tokyo to Nagano
Board the sleek bullet train (Green Class) 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.
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. It is home to wild macaques that famously soak in the natural hot springs. It's a rare and fascinating wildlife encounter unique to Japan. From here we transfer to the town of Obuse for a seasonal lunch menu together.
Returning to Nagano there will be some time at leisure for your own exploring.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Snapshot – What's Included
- Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
- Seasonal lunch menu set at Obuse Suzuhana
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Snapshot – What's Included
- Visit to Matsumoto Castle
- Free time in Matsumoto
- Contemporary 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. (Please note: the bus cannot park at Ogimachi; you will either wait for the shuttle bus or walk 15 minutes to reach the village.) 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. 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
- Philosopher's Path walk
- Arrival in Kyoto
DAY 8
Kyoto
Head to 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Snapshot – What's Included
DAY 9
Kyoto
This morning we visit the dazzling Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), 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 special Shabu Shabu dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Snapshot – What's Included
- Early-morning visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Nishiki Market
- Gion and Maruyama Park
- Shabu Shabu dinner
DAY 10
Kyoto to Hiroshima
Please prepare an overnight bag for tonight. Your main suitcases will be forwarded to the Osaka hotel – you'll place them in the hotel lobby this morning.
We set off early to visit Kiyomizu-dera and miss the crowds. It is perched high above Kyoto with sweeping city views. Then, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima. It is a modern, vibrant city known for its peace memorials and resilience. Use public transport to travel to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Snapshot – What's Included
- Early-morning visit to Kiyomizu Temple
- Bullet train to Hiroshima (Ordinary Class)
- Public transport to hotel
- Luggage forwarding to Osaka hotel
DAY 11
Hiroshima to Osaka
This morning walk to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Then a short walk back to the hotel. For lunch today we recommend a local eatery to experience authentic Okonomiyaki. After a lunch break, we take a public ferry together to Miyajima Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine, famed for its giant floating torii gate. Later, travel by bullet train to Osaka and transfer to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Snapshot – What's Included
- Early-morning visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- Walk to Atomic Bomb Dome
- Ferry to Miyajima
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Bullet train to Osaka (Ordinary Class)
- Transfer to hotel
- Lunch at own cost (Okonomiyaki)
DAY 12
Osaka and Nara
Take a day trip to nearby Nara – home to friendly deer and the enormous bronze Buddha of Todaiji Temple. Enjoy a Japanese set lunch in Nara 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
- Japanese set lunch in Nara
- Free time in Osaka
DAY 13
Osaka to Mt Fuji Region
Travel by bullet train (Ordinary Class) to Mishima and continue to the Hakone region, known for hot springs and Mt Fuji views. (Note: You will carry your luggage with you. Optional luggage forwarding to Tokyo is available – if you choose this, you'll travel one night without your main suitcase.) After a simple group 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 (Ordinary Class)
- A simple group lunch
- Boat on Lake Ashinoko
- Hakone Ropeway
- Owakudani Valley
- Hakone Open Air Museum
- Optional luggage forwarding to Tokyo
DAY 14
Mt Fuji to Tokyo
This morning enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride near Hakone, a charming and nostalgic way to see the local area. Travel to Tokyo and head to the bustling Shibuya Crossing. Tonight, we gather for a special farewell dinner with a sumo performance, enjoying authentic Chanko Hot Pot.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Snapshot – What's Included
- Rickshaw ride near Hakone (groups of 8, 20 minutes each)
- Travel to Tokyo
- 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Snapshot – What's Included
DAY 16
Tokyo – Departure
Check out and make your own way to the airport. Trip concludes. Say sayonara to Japan, and until next time.
Meals: Breakfast
