Japan Essentials trip

Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Our local team will tailor your welcome around your interests, with concierge support and curated options for your first evening of Japan travel.

Unwind and settle in, or head out for a guided stroll through lively streets to sample street food and discover small bars and shops, with insider tips that make the experience feel yours authentically.

Begin your day with a tailored Tokyo visit to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful forest sanctuary where traditional architecture and Shinto rituals reveal a quieter side of the city. Continue to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace to admire seasonal blooms, ancient stone walls, and a pause at the Suwa no Chaya teahouse, then take in an exterior view of the Imperial Palace.

Later, wander Nakamise Shopping Street to sample local snacks and pick out distinctive souvenirs before arriving at the 1,400-year-old Sensō-ji Temple, a living center of Japanese culture and spiritual tradition.

Start at Oshino Hakkai, a postcard-perfect village pond complex fed by eight clear springs. Stroll along the crystalline water and photograph Mt. Fuji framed by traditional thatched roofs and rustic lanes. Then head up to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, set on a leafy hillside, for wide views across the Kawaguchiko area with Fuji rising beyond.

Round out the day with a choice that suits your pace. Take a calm cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko or ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for elevated, sweeping panoramas.

Spend a leisurely morning in Hakone, easing into your Japan itinerary with time for an onsen soak, a stroll to Hakone Shrine, and a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, with Mount Fuji views on clear days.

Then board the Shinkansen to Kyoto and arrive in time to wander Gion’s lantern-lit streets, meet local artisans, and enjoy a refined kaiseki dinner or matcha in a traditional teahouse. This day balances deep relaxation with cultural immersion for an authentic Japan travel experience.

Begin at Kinkaku-ji Temple and watch the gilded pavilion shimmer across the still pond. Continue to Nijō Castle to explore its elegant halls, where painted screens and gold leaf details showcase the artistry of the shogunate era. Later, head to Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk forested paths beneath the iconic vermilion torii gates.

In the evening, step into Gion’s timeless atmosphere. Dress in a kimono for a traditional tea ceremony, then finish with a kaiseki multi-course dinner served in a charming townhouse.

Enjoy Kyoto at your own pace, with the freedom to follow your interests. Dive into local history in smaller museums, wander temple-lined streets, and join a guided street food walk to taste seasonal specialties and neighborhood favorites.

If you prefer a day trip, head to Nara, often listed among the best places to visit in Japan. Meet the resident deer, explore its landmark temples, and enjoy cultural encounters tailored to what you most want to see and learn.

Take a morning train from Kyoto to Osaka and ease into a relaxed start with time for independent discovery. Snack your way through Dotonbori, browse vintage and street style in Amerikamura, or slip into a quiet shrine for a calmer contrast to the city’s buzz. If you love playful food culture, add an optional stop at the Cup Noodles Museum for a hands-on experience, including the instant noodle tunnel and the chance to design your own cup at the My Cup Noodles Factory.

Later, dive into Osaka’s culinary scene on a guided street food tour through Dotonbori’s neon-lit lanes. Your expert guide will lead you to hidden local favorites and lively stalls, pairing each bite with stories that explain why Osaka is Japan’s kitchen. Taste iconic specialties such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu.

Discover Osaka at your own pace. Explore the historic grounds of Osaka Castle, step into the everyday life of past eras at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, and graze your way through Kuromon Market for street food and local atmosphere. Shape the day around what you enjoy most, from museums and guided food walks to urban photography.

For a change of scenery, take an easy side trip to nearby Kobe. Enjoy renowned Kobe beef, dive into the city’s sake culture, and finish with panoramic views from Mount Rokko.

Make your way to the airport with a smooth, tailored transfer timed to your schedule, keeping your departure from Osaka simple and stress-free. If you have time, enjoy one last snack or a short stroll to take in the local rhythm.

As your flight lifts above patchwork rice fields and bustling city streets, look back on a Japan trip shaped by serene landscapes, vibrant urban moments, and unforgettable local encounters.