Arrive in Tokyo and meet your English-speaking assistant for a smooth transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Stroll through nearby streets, relax in your room, or discover the local neighborhood. This gentle start allows you to recover from your flight and prepare for the exciting experiences ahead in Japan’s bustling capital.

+7

Meet your guide at your hotel and explore Asakusa, home to Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori street. Continue to Ueno for its park and museums, then head to Shinjuku for skyline views and a possible visit to Shinjuku Gyoen. Free time to enjoy lunch in Kabukicho (at your own expense). In the afternoon, stroll through Yoyogi Park and visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. End the day in Shibuya, famous for its crossing and the Hachiko statue. In the evening, enjoy a Yakatabune dinner cruise along the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay with kaiseki cuisine and traditional music.

Begin your day at the historic Tsukiji Outer Market, tasting fresh sashimi and browsing local culinary supplies. In the evening, join a guided Izakaya Food Tour in Shinjuku, sampling 13–16 small plates with three drinks. Your English-speaking guide shares insights into Japanese dining customs and Shinjuku’s nightlife, offering a delicious and immersive culinary experience in one of Tokyo’s liveliest districts.

Meet your guide and travel to Kamakura to visit Engaku-ji and Kenchō-ji, two historic Zen temples. In the afternoon, see the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) and explore Hase-dera, known for its gardens and coastal views. If time permits, continue to Enoshima Island before returning to Tokyo. The journey is conducted on foot using public transport.

Travel to Hakone with your English-speaking guide, exploring scenic highlights using the Hakone Free Pass. Ride the Hakone Ropeway for sweeping views of Mount Fuji, visit Hakone Shrine on Lake Ashi, and experience the volcanic Owakudani Valley. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise on the lake, surrounded by serene landscapes. End the day with a traditional dinner at your hotel, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Japan’s famous hot spring region.

Transfer to Takayama via Shinkansen and Hida Limited Express, assisted by English-speaking staff at both stations. In the afternoon, join a modern mochi-making class, shaping and tasting five different varieties of mochi in a contemporary kitchen. This hands-on cultural experience gives you a fun and delicious insight into Japan’s culinary traditions. Spend the evening relaxing at your traditional hotel in the charming streets of Takayama.

Explore Takayama with a licensed guide, visiting the historic Takayama Jin’ya, Hida no Sato Folk Village, and Hida Kokubunji Temple. Wander through traditional streets and observe local craftsmanship preserved from the Edo period. This walking tour offers a rich glimpse into Takayama’s heritage, combining architectural history, cultural insight, and the region’s unique atmosphere, leaving you with a deep appreciation for this well-preserved Japanese town.

+3

Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawago, exploring its iconic gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses. Continue to Kanazawa for a private four-hour tour, visiting Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya teahouse district, or the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. In the evening, discover Kanazawa’s fresh seafood specialties, including Kano crab and sweet prawns, for an authentic taste of Japan’s coastal culinary delights.

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen and Thunderbird Limited Express with English-speaking assistance. In the afternoon, experience a private tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto home. Learn the art of matcha preparation, enjoy delicate Japanese sweets, and understand the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and serenity. This immersive cultural moment is complemented by a guided host and includes taxi transfers, offering an intimate glimpse into Japanese tradition.

Spend the day exploring Kyoto’s cultural highlights, including Kinkakuji, Nanzen-ji Zen temple, the Shugakuin Imperial Villa, Nijo Castle, Kimoyumizu-dera, Gion district, Tokufuji, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the Nishiki market, depending on the timing, on a guided walking tour. In the evening, enjoy a Maiko dinner in a traditional machiya, savoring a kaiseki meal while watching a Maiko perform seasonal dances accompanied by shamisen music. This intimate experience offers a rare opportunity to witness Kyoto’s refined performing arts and hospitality traditions firsthand.

Join a private Ikebana experience, which takes place in a local home where fresh flowers are arranged on a table, or enjoy a day at your own pace in Kyoto. This flexible day allows you to discover hidden gems, enjoy local cafes, or simply soak in Kyoto’s serene atmosphere before continuing your journey through Japan.

Take a guided day trip to Nara, visiting Nara Park with its friendly sacred deer and the magnificent Todaiji Temple. Explore the historic merchant district of Naramachi, the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the ancient Horyuji Temple if time permits. This walking tour combines cultural discovery, natural beauty, and spiritual heritage, offering a full day immersed in one of Japan’s most historically rich cities.

Travel to Hiroshima via Shinkansen, assisted by English-speaking staff. In the afternoon, participate in a hands-on cooking class to prepare Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, a savory layered pancake with noodles, vegetables, and seafood. Learn regional cooking techniques and enjoy your creations for dinner. This culinary experience is paired with a cultural introduction to Hiroshima, making it both educational and delicious.

Explore Hiroshima and Miyajima Island with a licensed guide. Visit Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkeien Garden before taking a ferry to Miyajima to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. End your tour at Tenshinkaku coffee shop, enjoying peaceful views over the island’s sacred landscape. This day combines history, natural beauty, and spiritual serenity for a memorable experience.

Travel to Osaka via Shinkansen with English-speaking assistance. In the afternoon, join a small-group Namba Food Crawl with a local guide. Sample Osaka’s street food specialties, including takoyaki and kushikatsu, while exploring Kuromon Market and Dotonbori. This culinary adventure immerses you in the city’s vibrant food culture, combining tastes, sights, and the lively atmosphere of Japan’s street food capital.

After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your flight home. The journey takes about 45 minutes, providing a relaxed conclusion to your 16-day adventure through Japan.