Highlights of Japan trip

Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel, where iconic city sights and a vibrant food scene set the tone for your Japan travel experience. You will begin a tailor-made journey that blends meaningful local encounters with expert guided insights.

Spend the evening at your own pace as you rest, explore nearby neighborhoods, or sample local cuisine. A welcome briefing will introduce your Japan trip itinerary and present optional activities to further personalize your experience.

Begin the day at the serene Meiji Jingu, marked by its grand torii gate, before continuing to the Imperial Palace and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. Travel by local train to lively Asakusa, where you can sample street food and relax in traditional izakaya and yakitori establishments.

Enjoy a chanko sumo lunch with sumo wrestlers, try on a sumo suit, and test your skills alongside a professional. Spend additional time exploring Asakusa before returning to your hotel.

Board a scenic train from Tokyo to Hakone, renowned for its mountain landscapes and unspoiled natural beauty. Ride the ropeway for panoramic views of Lake Ashi and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji.

Cross the lake aboard a classic pirate ship, creating memorable photo opportunities along the way. Settle into a traditional ryokan, enjoy a beautifully prepared dinner, unwind in the onsen, and sleep on a futon in a tatami room.

Travel by train from Hakone to the historic town of Takayama, enjoying a bento box lunch along the way. In Takayama, explore the former government outpost of Takayama Jinya, stroll along atmospheric Kami Sannomachi Street lined with beautifully preserved wooden houses, and admire the ornate festival floats at the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan.

Often considered one of the best places to visit in Japan, Takayama invites you to spend your free time discovering local crafts before returning to your accommodation.

Spend a relaxed day exploring Takayama and its surrounding highlights. Visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village renowned for its photogenic gassho-style farmhouses, designed to withstand heavy snowfall and offering insight into traditional rural life, experiences often uncovered on a secrets of Japan trip.

Continue through Teramachi to see its shrines and temples, then wander the beautifully preserved streets of Hida-Furukawa with its artisan shops. You may also choose to join a private workshop or explore a morning market for a deeper local experience.

Travel by train from Takayama to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace with authentic, tailor-made recommendations from your guide.

In the late afternoon, join a guided walk through Pontocho and Hanamikoji Lane in the Gion district to immerse yourself in geisha traditions and experience Kyoto’s refined cuisine. You may catch a glimpse of a geisha moving gracefully between appointments, offering a rare view into a living cultural heritage.

Explore Kyoto using public transportation as part of a thoughtfully paced Japan itinerary. Travel by train to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where you can walk among towering bamboo groves, visit Tenryu-ji Temple, and enjoy peaceful views of the Katsura River from Togetsukyo Bridge.

Continue by riding the distinctive purple Randen Train to Ryoan-ji Temple to reflect at its renowned rock garden, then conclude the day at the shimmering Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji.

Spend a day at leisure in Kyoto with a tailor-made itinerary designed to offer authentic experiences and local insight. Wander through temple gardens, take part in a matcha ceremony, or join a neighborhood food walk.

You may also choose to travel by train to Hiroshima to visit its historic sites, explore Osaka and its iconic castle, meet Nara’s friendly deer, or tour the majestic Himeji Castle.

Enjoy a tailor-made day in Kyoto, exploring at your own pace. Stroll through serene temples, wander historic streets, and discover hidden teahouses.

In the evening, savor a kaiseki farewell dinner as a maiko, an apprentice geisha, shares traditional dance and conversation, creating an intimate and memorable farewell experience.

A private taxi will transfer you to Kyoto Station, where our team will assist with luggage, train tickets, and any last-minute arrangements to ensure a smooth onward journey. Take time for a final stroll or browse for specialty souvenirs at the station.

You are also welcome to ask about tailor-made extensions or personalized travel advice to continue your Japan trip.