Enchanting Japan

After your customs clearance and luggage collection, you’ll be greeted by an airport guide who will provide your trip documents and assist you to your hotel. Once you check in, spend the rest of the day at your leisure, resting and unwinding after your flight. If you’re up for exploring, consider taking a stroll around the Imperial Gardens.

Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to outline your trip and offer valuable local tips to help you navigate the country with confidence. This session may take up to two hours, including assistance with validating your Japan Rail Pass. Afterward, head out with your guide to discover some highlights of the city. In the evening, join your guide for a delightful culinary experience in the vibrant Ebisu district.

Enjoy a day at leisure. We recommend catching the train to Kamakura, a picturesque seaside town located southwest of Tokyo (about a one-hour and fifteen-minute journey). Explore this historic town, home to the Great Buddha of Kotokuin and several scenic temples and shrines. After returning to Tokyo, indulge in dinner at one of our recommended restaurants.

Travel via bullet train and local trains to Tsumago, a tranquil postal town nestled in the Kiso Valley. In the afternoon, walk along the scenic Nakasendo Highway, a historical route that linked Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) during the 1800s, frequented by samurai and traders. Enjoy the serene landscape dotted with temples, paddy fields, and charming countryside. Spend the evening at a traditional inn, known as a ‘ryokan.’

Take the train to Hiroshima, an approximately five-hour journey involving a transfer at Nagoya before continuing by bullet train. After checking into your hotel, head to the Peace Park. Though somber, this site has been transformed into a compelling memorial. Stroll along tree-lined avenues and explore the Memorial Museum.

Enjoy a day at your own pace to explore Hiroshima and its surroundings. We recommend taking the ferry to nearby Miyajima Island, famous for its ‘floating’ red torii gate, which appears to float on water at high tide. The island is rich with fascinating shrines and temples, showcasing its natural beauty, especially when the Japanese maples turn a deep red in October and November.

Take the bullet train east to Kyoto, a journey lasting about two hours. In the afternoon, join a local guide for a tour designed to maximize your experience in this multifaceted city. Stroll through the beautiful Ryoanji gardens and visit the Silver Pavilion, or head to the historic Gion district at dusk to potentially spot a Geisha.

In the morning, participate in a private cultural workshop at Kyoto’s Women’s Association. With the guidance of experienced English-speaking practitioners, delve into Japanese culture through origami, a tea ceremony, and dressing in a traditional kimono. After the workshop, enjoy the afternoon exploring Kyoto’s numerous gardens, shrines, and shops. Key highlights include the Golden Pavilion, vibrant food markets, and the impressive Nijo Castle.

Take a local train for a quick five-minute ride from Kyoto to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, renowned for its hundreds of red torii gates cascading down the hillside. Explore the surrounding forest before continuing on to Nara, one of Japan’s former capitals. Here, feed the wild deer and marvel at the giant Buddha housed within a magnificent wooden building.

Travel by bullet train to Hakone, approximately a three-and-a-half-hour journey. Check into your accommodation, then either relax in a hot spring or use our guides to explore the stunning National Park. The included Hakone Free Pass grants access to various viewpoints of the park’s mountains and lakes.

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Hakone National Park at your own pace. With the Hakone Free Pass, you can easily use buses, trains, and cable cars. Consider crossing Lake Ashi on a replica pirate ship or heading to a viewing spot for a glimpse of Mount Fuji. You might also want to visit the exceptional open-air sculpture museum in Chokokunomori.

After a relaxing morning, return to Tokyo (approximately a one-and-a-quarter-hour train ride) for your final night in the capital. Use your last hours to explore a different area of the city, such as the Imperial Palace Gardens, the man-made island of Odaiba