Secrets of Japan trip

Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel, where thoughtful, personalized service sets the tone for tailor-made Japan travel. Settle in and take in the city’s vibrant blend of tradition and innovation.

Enjoy a free evening to explore nearby neighborhoods, savor your first Japanese meal, and rest up before the tour briefing, where you will review the authentic cultural experiences planned for your Japan trip.

Enjoy a tailor-made morning walking tour of Tokyo. Start at Meiji Jingu to learn Shinto rituals and local stories, then continue into Harajuku to see the area’s youthful energy and street style culture up close. Ride the train to Shibuya to experience the famous scramble crossing and explore the lively streets nearby.

End with a tasting at Tokyu Food Show, sampling handpicked treats and discovering Japanese flavors chosen for your group.

Visit Tokyo’s historic Asakusa area with a local guide who brings Sensō-ji Temple’s stories to life. Then head to Kappabashi dōri to browse specialist shops and catch a glimpse of demonstrations of Japanese kitchenware.

Later, take a calm walk through Yanaka Cemetery, a park-like retreat, and continue into Yanaka Old Town, where restored wooden buildings and small workshops reveal a timeless side of Tokyo.

Take the train from Tokyo to Hakone and trade city streets for crisp mountain scenery. Ride the ropeway for panoramic views over the region and, on clear days, a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. Then cruise Lake Ashi for classic photo moments on the water.

In the evening, settle into a traditional ryokan. Enjoy a seasonal kaiseki dinner, unwind in the onsen, and sleep on a futon in a tatami room for a fully Japanese stay.

Travel by train from Hakone to Takayama, enjoying countryside views and a bento lunch along the way. In the Japanese Alps, Takayama is often listed among the best places to visit in Japan for its beautifully preserved old town and mountain atmosphere.

On arrival, visit Takayama Jinya to learn about local history, stroll Kami Sannomachi Street past wooden merchant houses, and stop at the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan to admire its ornate festival floats. Enjoy free time to wander and soak up the ambience before returning to your accommodation.

Begin with a walking tour of Takayama’s morning market, sampling seasonal produce, meeting local artisans, and trying a few street snacks along the way. Then visit the Takayama Yatai Kaikan to admire the ornate wooden festival floats and learn how they are used during the city’s famous celebrations.

Later, head to Hida no Sato, an open-air folk village with around 30 traditional houses, where you can explore rural architecture, join simple craft activities, and get a feel for everyday life in the region.

Travel by scenic train from Takayama to lively Osaka, watching mountain views fade into bright city skylines. Settle into the comfortable ride and enjoy a relaxed break between adventures.

Arrive in Osaka, check in, and drop your luggage before heading out on foot. Stroll through Dotonbori beneath neon lights, sample street food favorites, and browse bustling shops, following local recommendations that point you to hidden gems and Osaka-only flavors for your Japan itinerary.

Start with panoramic city views from the Umeda Sky Building, then head to Kuromon Ichiba Market, known as Osaka’s Kitchen. Sample fresh seafood and street snacks as you browse the stalls and chat with local vendors.

In the afternoon, explore at your own pace with suggestions tailored to your interests, from hidden neighborhoods and small galleries to cozy izakaya for an easy evening bite.

Travel by train from Osaka to Hiroshima, enjoying regional scenery along the way. On arrival, visit the Peace Memorial Museum and walk through Peace Memorial Park, pausing at the cenotaph for a moment of reflection. Your guide provides clear, thoughtful context as you learn about 1945 and the city’s resilience.

Afterwards, take time to absorb the atmosphere and enjoy Hiroshima’s local cuisine before returning to your accommodation.

Take a short ferry to peaceful Miyajima Island and visit Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its floating torii gate. Then head up Mount Misen on foot or by ropeway for wide views over the Seto Inland Sea, with local insights that add depth to the scenery.

Before you return, enjoy a traditional Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a local spot, then ferry back to the mainland.

Travel by train from Hiroshima to Himeji to visit hilltop Himeji Castle, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece. Explore the grounds and seasonal gardens with your guide, learning the samurai era stories that shaped this fortress. Then continue to Kyoto, where temple-lined streets and curated cultural moments set a new rhythm for the journey.

In the evening, enjoy a guided walk through Pontocho and Hanamikoji lane in Gion. Lantern-lit alleys and traditional teahouses create a timeless atmosphere, and you may catch a glimpse of a geiko or maiko moving quietly between appointments, perfect for photography and cultural immersion.

Explore Kyoto’s eastern hills on foot, making your way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for sweeping views and timeless atmosphere. Continue along Ninenzaka’s charming, shop-lined lanes, then step into the Zen calm of Kennin-ji Temple for a quieter pause.

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony to learn the ritual and meaning behind each step, then finish at Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, glowing above its reflective pond.

Begin at Fushimi Inari to walk through its seemingly endless vermilion torii gates, with time for photos, quiet moments, and a climb to peaceful viewpoints above the crowds. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Kyoto’s temples at your own pace, or add Arashiyama for a tranquil bamboo grove walk and a riverside stroll.

In the evening, gather for a tailor-made kaiseki farewell dinner, joined by a maiko whose music and dance create an intimate, unforgettable cultural finale.

Savor the final moments of your authentic, tailor-made Japan trip with attentive support and local insights.

A private taxi will take you to Kyoto Station for your onward journey, and your guide will help with luggage, tickets, and any last-minute tips to keep your departure smooth and stress-free.