Starting from:

2795 USD

per Adult

Japan deluxe tour from Tokyo to Kyoto

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Liz
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Indulge in a Japan deluxe tour where refined comfort, cultural depth, and seamless service come together in one elevated journey. Our Japan trips are thoughtfully curated for discerning travelers who seek exceptional stays, private access, and experiences crafted with precision and care.

Enjoy immersive moments with respected local hosts, tailor key elements of your itinerary to reflect your interests, and travel with expert guidance that ensures every detail feels effortless. From exclusive dining to handpicked luxury accommodations, this Japan deluxe tour transforms curiosity into a journey defined by elegance, authenticity, and personal attention.

Japan deluxe tour highlights

  • Curated cultural immersion in Kyoto: Discover Kyoto’s iconic temples, enjoy a private tea ceremony, and meet master artisans through a bespoke, expertly guided program.
  • Refined culinary experiences: Indulge in seasonal kaiseki dining, exclusive market visits, and a private sushi masterclass led by accomplished local chefs.
  • Hidden gems with private guidance: Explore lesser-known towns and enjoy personalized detours arranged with a dedicated expert guide.
  • Scenic travel in elevated comfort: Journey on premier trains and enjoy thoughtfully paced guided walks that connect Japan’s landscapes and heritage.
  • Luxury stays and timeless traditions: Retreat to select ryokans, unwind in private onsen baths, and experience curated cultural encounters with skilled artisans.
DayLocationActivityOvernight
1Tokyo

• Arrival and hotel transfer

• Tailor made welcome briefing and concierge support

• Evening at leisure

Tokyo
2Tokyo

• Meiji Jingu and its grand torii gate

• Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge

• Asakusa exploration

• Chanko sumo lunch with wrestlers and interactive experience

Tokyo
3Tokyo to Hakone

• Scenic train journey to Hakone

• Lake Ashi cruise aboard a classic pirate ship

• Ryokan stay with dinner, onsen, and tatami accommodation

Hakone
4Hakone to Takayama

• Train journey to Takayama with a bento box lunch

• Takayama Jinya former government outpost

• Kami Sannomachi Street stroll

• Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan festival floats

Takayama
5Takayama

• Excursion to Shirakawa-go UNESCO village

• Teramachi shrines and temples

• Hida-Furukawa historic streets and artisan shops

• Optional workshop or morning market visit

Takayama
6Takayama to Kyoto

• Train journey to Kyoto

• Free time with tailor-made local recommendations

• Guided walk through Pontocho and Hanamikoji Lane in Gion

• Introduction to geisha traditions and Kyoto cuisine

Kyoto
7Kyoto

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

• Tenryu-ji Temple visit

• Katsura River views from Togetsukyo Bridge

• Randen Train ride to Ryoan-ji Temple

• Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji

Kyoto
8Kyoto

• Day at leisure with tailor-made options

• Optional matcha ceremony or neighborhood food walk

• Optional excursions to Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, or Himeji Castle

Kyoto
9Kyoto

• Day at leisure

• Kaiseki farewell dinner

• Maiko performance with traditional dance and conversation

Kyoto
10Kyoto

• Private taxi transfer to Kyoto Station

• Time for last minute shopping or station stroll

• Optional extensions and onward travel advice

Places you'll visit

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Day01

Arrival in Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo and enjoy a seamless private transfer to your luxury hotel, where panoramic skyline views and exceptional dining set the tone for your Japan travel experience. From the moment you check in, your Japan deluxe tour unfolds with carefully arranged details that blend refined comfort, cultural depth, and expert guidance.

Spend the evening at your leisure, relaxing in elegant surroundings, exploring nearby upscale neighborhoods, or reserving a table at a celebrated restaurant. A personalized welcome briefing will introduce your curated itinerary and present exclusive options designed to further elevate your journey.

Tokyo traffic © Nick Jackson/single use only
Day02

Tokyo heritage and exclusive cultural encounters

Begin the day with a privately guided visit to the serene Meiji Jingu, passing beneath its towering torii gate before continuing to the Imperial Palace and the elegant Nijubashi Bridge.

Travel in comfort to historic Asakusa, where curated tastings introduce refined interpretations of classic street flavors, and select dining venues offer an elevated take on traditional izakaya and yakitori cuisine.

Later, enjoy an exclusive chanko lunch experience with former sumo wrestlers, gaining rare insight into this revered tradition in an intimate setting. After time to further explore Asakusa’s historic lanes and artisan boutiques, return to your hotel for a relaxed evening at your own pace.

Gateway to Asakusa Temple in Japan
Sumo in Japan
Day03

Tokyo to Hakone

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone aboard a reserved seat on a scenic train, watching the city give way to forested mountains and tranquil valleys. Upon arrival, ascend by ropeway for sweeping views over Lake Ashi, with Mt Fuji rising in the distance on clear days.

Cruise across the lake for uninterrupted vistas and elegant photo moments before arriving at your carefully selected ryokan. There, experience refined hospitality, a seasonal kaiseki dinner artfully presented, and restorative time in natural hot spring baths.

Retire to a beautifully appointed tatami suite, where traditional comfort meets attentive service in a serene mountain setting.

Lake Ashi, Hakone
Bruce

Tips from Bruce

Japan Travel Expert

quotes

A ryokan stay isn’t really about the room, it’s about the rhythm of the experience. Arriving early for a quiet soak before dinner and waking up for another bath at sunrise reveals why this tradition is so cherished. Most first-time travelers miss this timing, but it’s what makes a ryokan memorable.

Day04

Hakone to Takayama

Continue your Japan deluxe tour with a refined rail journey from Hakone to the alpine town of Takayama, enjoying a beautifully prepared bento lunch served en route. As the landscape shifts to mountain valleys and traditional villages, the journey itself becomes part of the pleasure.

Upon arrival, explore Takayama Jinya, the meticulously preserved former government outpost, before strolling along Kami Sannomachi Street, where historic wooden merchant houses now host artisan boutiques and sake breweries. Visit the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan to admire the town’s ornate festival floats, celebrated for their craftsmanship and detail.

Often regarded as one of the best places to visit in Japan, Takayama offers a refined yet intimate atmosphere, inviting you to browse local crafts and specialty shops at your leisure before returning to your carefully selected accommodation.

Historic street in Takayama
Day05

Takayama at leisure

Enjoy a refined day discovering Takayama and its scenic surroundings with private guidance and unhurried pacing. Travel to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO-listed village famed for its gassho-style farmhouses, where steep thatched roofs rise dramatically against the alpine backdrop. With expert insight and curated access, this visit reveals layers of rural heritage often uncovered on a Secrets of Japan trip.

Continue through the quiet temple district of Teramachi, where centuries-old shrines and gardens offer a contemplative pause, before strolling the immaculate canals and artisan boutiques of Hida Furukawa.

For a more personal touch, arrange a private craft workshop or explore a local morning market with insider commentary, deepening your connection to the traditions and craftsmanship of the region.

Shirakawa, Japan
Day06

Takayama to Kyoto

Journey in comfort by rail from Takayama to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, where reserved seating and attentive service ensure a seamless arrival. After checking in at your carefully selected hotel, enjoy time at leisure with bespoke recommendations tailored to your interests, from discreet galleries to renowned dining addresses.

In the late afternoon, join a privately guided walk through Pontocho and Hanamikoji Lane in the historic Gion district. Stroll along lantern-lit streets, learn about Kyoto’s refined geisha traditions, and gain insider insight into the rituals that define this elegant quarter.

With thoughtful timing and expert guidance, you may glimpse a geisha moving gracefully between engagements, a rare and memorable window into a living cultural heritage.

Kyoto Geisha
Day07

Explore Kyoto by public transport

Explore Kyoto in refined comfort, where your Japan deluxe tour follows a thoughtfully paced Japan itinerary designed for depth and elegance. Travel by reserved rail to Arashiyama and walk beneath soaring bamboo groves before visiting Tenryu-ji Temple and pausing along the Katsura River at Togetsukyo Bridge for tranquil mountain views.

Continue aboard the distinctive purple Randen Train to Ryoan-ji Temple, where the minimalist rock garden offers a moment of quiet reflection.

Conclude the day at the shimmering Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, its gilded façade mirrored in still waters, a luminous highlight in a day defined by cultural sophistication and seamless travel.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Kyoto
Day08

Leisure in Kyoto and nearby highlights

Enjoy a day at leisure in Kyoto, shaped around a refined, tailor-made program that prioritizes authenticity and privileged access. Stroll through exquisite temple gardens with expert commentary, participate in a private matcha ceremony hosted in an elegant setting, or join a curated neighborhood culinary walk featuring carefully selected tastings.

For broader exploration, travel comfortably by rail to nearby cultural capitals. Visit Hiroshima’s historic landmarks with guided insight, discover Osaka’s iconic castle and vibrant districts, encounter Nara’s revered deer within its temple parklands, or arrange a visit to the majestic Himeji Castle with personalized guidance.

Osaka castle, Japan
Day09

Leisure in Kyoto and maiko dinner

Savor a personalized day in Kyoto as your Japan deluxe tour unfolds at a graceful, unhurried pace. Explore serene temple grounds with private guidance, wander beautifully preserved historic streets, and discover discreet teahouses known mainly to locals and connoisseurs.

In the evening, conclude your stay with an elegant kaiseki farewell dinner in an intimate setting. As a maiko, an apprentice geisha, performs traditional dance and engages in refined conversation, you will experience a rare cultural encounter that offers a memorable and distinguished finale to your time in Kyoto.

Kyoto Geisha
Old Town Kyoto, Japan
Day10

Farewell to Japan

A private chauffeur will escort you to Kyoto Station, where dedicated assistance with luggage handling, reserved tickets, and final arrangements ensures a seamless departure. Should time allow, enjoy a last stroll through the station’s refined boutiques or select specialty gifts before boarding.

If you wish to extend your journey, bespoke arrangements and personalized recommendations are readily available, allowing your Japan experience to continue with the same level of comfort, discretion, and attentive service.

Senso-ji, Kyoto, Japan