Arrival at Tokyo Haneda or Narita Airport

Welcome to Japan! – Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Flight information: Tokyo ???

After clearing customs and immigration, transfer by private car to your ideally located hotel.

At your hotel, collect your tickets, IC Cards and the Pocket WiFi, which will allow you to have fast and unlimited internet access for the duration of your trip.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Tokyo (東京) is a huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis which brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.I t’s a feast for the senses, offering an incredible array of experiences for any visitor.

Most visitors to Tokyo will visit the most well-known sights – Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and the Meiji Shrine.

These are all of course worth visiting, but Tokyo also offer a multitude of choices for travelers looking for a less touristy and typical Japanese experience.

The real charm of Tokyo is more discreet. We can discover it in the maze of streets behind the main one, with a village atmosphere, miles away from urban life.

It is warm and simple, full of nice shops with clean design as well as charming cafes and small bars… Our local experts can attest, straying off the beaten tourist path is the best way to get a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Tokyo.

Tokyo is also a culinary paradise, offering a diverse array of flavors that will entice any visitor.

Continue your visit of Tokyo.

There are still many places to discover: Ueno Park, Odaiba…

If you haven’t already, the main districts of Tokyo to visit are

• Asakusa and Senso-ji – Step back in time at this ancient Buddhist temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most significant.
• Shibuya Crossing – Witness the organized chaos of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. It’s a sight to behold, especially at night with the dazzling neon lights.
• Harajuku and Meiji Jingu– A vibrant and iconic neighborhood in Tokyo, renowned for its unique fashion scene, youth culture, and trendy shops.  And just a short walk from Harajuku Station, Meiji Jingu which offers a respite from the crowds.
• Akihabara – Indulge in your love for anime, manga, and all things otaku in this electronics and pop culture district.
• Tsukiji Outer Market – Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this world-famous fish market.
• Shinjuku – A dynamic and bustling district, known for its vibrant energy, towering skyscrapers, and diverse range of attractions. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering everything from shopping and dining to entertainment and nightlife.
• …

Much of the area surrounding Hakone (箱根) is part of a national park with spectacular views of Mount Fuji (if the weather permit). It is a resort town that boasts a number of museums including the Hakone Open Air Museum with its Picasso exhibit.

It is fun day-trip which combines rides on several trains or buses, funicular, cable car and enjoy a cruise across the peaceful Ashino-ko lake, surrounded by natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji.

You will be charmed by the magnificent scenery of this spa resort, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (in good weather!). Not forgetting the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car.

During your stay :

• Relax in a hot spring (onsen): Hakone is renowned for its onsen, natural hot springs that are said to have healing properties. There are many different types of onsen to choose from, including ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) with private onsen, public onsen, and even open-air onsen with stunning views.
• Take a cruise on Lake Ashi: Lake Ashi is a beautiful lake in the Hakone caldera. You can take a leisurely cruise on the lake, enjoying the scenery and the fresh air. There are also pirate ship cruises available, which are a popular choice for families.
• Visit Owakudani: Owakudani is a volcanic valley with hot springs, fumaroles, and sulfur vents. You can take a ropeway up to Owakudani and enjoy the views of the valley. There are also several restaurants in Owakudani where you can try black eggs, which are boiled in the volcanic water.
• Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum: The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a sculpture park with over 700 works of art by Japanese and international artists. The museum is located in a beautiful setting with views of Mount Fuji.
• Visit Hakone Shrine: Hakone Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on the shore of Lake Ashi. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess of Mount Fuji and is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.

Transfer to Odawara, then take a shinkansen to Kyoto.

In the evening with your guide, you will visit Gion, part of the Higashiyama or “Eastern Mountain” area of Kyoto and one of the famous geisha (called “geiko” in Kyoto) districts in the city, stretching from Yasaka Shrine in the east to the Kamo River in the west, and from the Shirakawa Canal in the north to Kenninji Temple in the south.

Catching a glimpse of a geiko, with her white face and beautiful kimono, rushing to an appointment in the narrow streets of Kyoto’s Gion district is a moment of pure magic.

Kyoto (京都) – literally, “Capital City” –  has been called a variety of names through the centuries – Heian-kyō “Capital of Peace and Tranquillity”, Miyako “The Capital”, and Saikyō “Western Capital” was obviously the capital of Japan for over a millennium, and has the reputation of being its most beautiful city.

However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see Kyoto’s beautiful side.

The first impressions will be of the urban sprawl of central Kyoto, around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station, which is itself an example of a city steeped in tradition colliding with the modern world.

Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto was able to keep the customs and traditions of the Old Japan, as it was spared from the bombing of the Second World War and was never affected by earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Nonetheless, the persistent visitor will soon discover Kyoto’s hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the city center, and find that the city is boasting a plethora of must-see attractions and has much more to offer than immediately meets the eye.

Also Kyoto, as a former capital with a rich history, is a haven for food lovers, boasting a unique and diverse culinary scene.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or food, Kyoto has something to offer everyone.

On this 2nd day, after having enjoyed the breakfast at your hotel, continue the exploration of Kyoto.

Dedicate a full day to explore the northwest of the city, where you will find three of the most famous temple of the ancient capital.

• Nina-ji
• Ryôan-ji
• Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Don’t miss Arashiyama, this little corner of greenery crossed by the Katsura-gawa river, which will enchant you with its authentic atmosphere. Symbol of the district: the famous Togetsu-kyo bridge offers a unique view of the river and its gorge.

You could enjoy the “Sagano Romantic Train“, the steam train of the Sagano line offers a 25-minute journey along the banks of the Hozu River and Hozukyo ravine.

Or the Hozugawa River Cruise, a sightseeing boat rides down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The cruises utilize traditional style, flat-bottomed boats piloted by boatmen with oars and bamboo poles. The boats take about two hours to leisurely make their way down the river and are a relaxing way to see the natural scenery of the largely undeveloped ravine.

After the breakfast you will visit Nara.

Nara (奈良) was in the 8th century the first fixed capital of Japan, under the name of Heijo-kyo, as before, according to the Shinto beliefs, death was impure and it was necessary to destroy everything that was related to the Emperor after his death.

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Kyoto, Nara is omitted from many tourist’s itinerary. However, Nara is home to many important historical sites, such as Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure, with its Daibutsuden (Hall of the Great Buddha).

Nara today preserves its main sights much more attractively than Kyoto within Nara Park and its Sacred Deer and neighborhoods like Naramachi.

Many travelers go to Nara to see the statue of the Great Buddha and the sacred deers, but Nara’s rich heritage also spans ancient monuments, some of Japan’s oldest temples and shrines and sacred mountain trails – Nara is the starting point of one of the World Heritage Kumano Trails.

After having explored the city of deer, your next destination will be Osaka.

Spend the evening in the Dotonbori Area: The Bright Heart of Osaka and Discover the Must-Try Osaka Ramen Shops.

The lively entertainment area of Dotonbori (道頓堀) is Osaka’s most famous tourist destination and renowned for its gaudy neon lights, extravagant signage, and the enormous variety of restaurants and bars.

Formerly Naniwa-kyo (難 波 京), Osaka (大阪), which was the capital during the reign of Emperor Kotoku (597-654), is the third largest city in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama.

Osaka, is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a unique blend of rich history, modern architecture, delicious food, and warm hospitality.

Often underestimated, Osaka is nevertheless the capital of Japanese cuisine and a city for gourmets who is proud of its reputation as kuidaore (eat until you drop).

We never get bored in Osaka and its real treasures are in its bustling street life, its arcades, markets and and this is after dark Osaka really comes to life, when locals come out for tasty eats, sake and good times.

Ideally located in Japan, less than an hour from the historical cities of Kyoto, Nara and Himeji, it is a great place to stay and visit the other major sites nearby.

Whether you’re captivated by history, enthralled by entertainment, or tantalized by culinary delights, Osaka promises an unforgettable experience.

After having enjoyed your breakfast you will take the train & shinkansen to Kanazawa.

Kanazawa’s ( (金沢市)’s importance grew in the 15th century, when the powerful and militant Ikko sect established its new headquarters there after being chased out of Kyoto by the monks of Mont Hiei.

During the Edo Period, Kanazawa (金沢) served as the seat of the Maeda clan, the second most powerful clan after the Tokugawa in terms of rice production and fief size. Accordingly, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) and remains today a paradise for art lovers.

During World War II, Kanazawa was the second largest city in Japan (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. As a result, parts of the old castle town, such as the samurai houses, temples and pleasure quarters are in good condition. Samurai, merchants, geisha and lords have all left their mark on Kanazawa.

After dark, you should explore Higashi Chaya, the Geisha districts, hear the tales of what actually went on in this district during the Edo period.

Today you will visit Shirakawago & Gokayama.

The Shirakawa-go (白川郷, Shirakawagō) and neighboring Gokayama (五箇山) regions line the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains that span from Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, they are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

Gassho-zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer”, as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.

Breakfast at the hotel.

If not done the day before, visit some must see places in Kanazawa.

• Omicho Market
• 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
• Kenrokuen Garden

Then in the afternoon, you will board the shinkansen to Tokyo, where a car will be waiting for you.

Spend your last days to enjoy shopping.

Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise with several famous shopping districts selling everything from the latest fashions, delightful souvenirs and advanced electronics to fresh food produce, home interior goods, kitchenware, and toys.

Whether it’s bargain goods or high end brands, there is a store in Tokyo that has what you are looking for.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today your journey ends.

Transfer by private car to the international airport for your flight back home.

We hope you had a good time with us and that we’ll see you again.