Japan’s Natural Wonders Tour

Welcome to Sapporo, the northernmost gateway to the Land of the Rising Sun. Upon arrival, your private driver will transfer you to your centrally located hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure - take a stroll through the charming streets, savor local specialties at a nearby restaurant, or sample the city’s delicious street food.

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide in the lobby and set out to explore the city’s most captivating sights.

Sapporo offers a harmonious mix of urban charm and natural beauty, making this tour an ideal way to experience it all. Begin with a visit to Hokkaido Shrine, followed by a stroll through Odori Park and the bustling downtown area. Continue to The Clock Tower and the historic Former Hokkaido Government Building, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Next, head to Sheep Hill for a touch of nature, then enjoy panoramic city views from the Okurayama Jump Hill observation point. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Ishiya Chocolate Factory in Shiroi Koibito Park before visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about the city’s brewing heritage. Conclude with a visit to the Sapporo Beer Garden restaurant, where you can savor the local flavors.

After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace.

In the morning, meet your guide-driver and set off on a scenic journey, watching Hokkaido’s captivating landscapes gradually unfold along the way.

Your first stop is the enchanting Blue Pond, where luminous turquoise waters framed by lush forests create a surreal, almost dreamlike view. Take time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the striking natural beauty.

After enjoying lunch in the area, continue to the captivating Shirahige Waterfalls. Here, the mineral-rich, azure waters cascade dramatically against the rugged backdrop, adding a layer of mystique to the landscape.

As the day draws to a close, relax on the return drive to Sapporo, reflecting on the serene and magical sights you’ve experienced.

After breakfast and check-out, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to the airport, where you continue your incredible journey.

Welcome to Tokyo, a captivating city where the ultramodern seamlessly blends with deep-rooted tradition. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to unwind after your journey or begin discovering the vibrant streets of Japan’s capital at your own pace.

In the morning, you meet your private guide and set off for your first half-day tour of Tokyo. During this experience, you will travel using Tokyo’s efficient and convenient public train network, giving you a true feel of the city’s daily life.

Your first stop is the iconic Imperial Palace, an enduring symbol of Japan’s heritage. This historic site has been the official residence of successive Emperors since 1868. Within its grounds lie the Imperial Residence and the Imperial Palace Complex, where His Majesty the Emperor conducts official duties and presides over important state ceremonies. The palace also serves as a venue for public events and cultural activities, reflecting its role at the heart of Japan’s imperial traditions. From the moment you set eyes on its graceful architecture and meticulously maintained surroundings, you will get a taste of Japanese culture that blends elegance, tradition, and history.

From there, you travel by metro to another of Tokyo’s must-see landmarks - the Tokyo Skytree. This towering structure is not only Japan’s tallest but also one of the tallest in the world, serving as a major broadcasting tower and an architectural marvel. Rising above the city skyline, it offers two observation decks with breathtaking views, and you will visit the one located at an impressive height of 350 meters (1,148 feet). From this vantage point, you can admire a sweeping panorama of Tokyo’s sprawling cityscape, and on a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. The experience is a feast for the eyes, so make sure your camera and phone are fully charged to capture the unforgettable sights.

After completing your exploration, you return to your hotel, where you can enjoy some leisure time, reflect on your first impressions of Tokyo, and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.

Set out on an unforgettable journey to the captivating city of Nikko with your private guide and driver. Surrounded by verdant mountains and rich in centuries-old traditions, Nikko is a destination where cultural heritage and natural beauty exist in perfect harmony.

Begin your exploration at the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The shrine is renowned for its elaborate wood carvings, gold leaf details, and vivid colours, each element telling a story from Japan’s storied past. Its ornate architecture, paired with the surrounding cedar forest, creates a serene and sacred atmosphere.

Continue to the breathtaking Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls. Watch as the waters plunge dramatically from Lake Chuzenji into the gorge below, creating a misty spray and a sound that resonates through the surrounding forest. The sight of this powerful cascade against the backdrop of seasonal foliage is truly awe-inspiring.

As you delve deeper into Nikko’s charm, take time to wander its local markets, sample regional delicacies, and, if you wish, unwind in a soothing onsen, experiencing a tradition deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Each step of the way, you will uncover layers of history, spirituality, and artistry that define Nikko’s cultural fabric.

After a full day of discovery, your driver will return you to Tokyo, leaving you with cherished memories of one of Japan’s most picturesque and historically rich destinations.

This morning, your private guide or driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to the train station, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to the next leg of your unforgettable journey.

Upon arrival at Odawara Station, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Hakone before beginning your exploration. Your first stop is the iconic Hakone Shrine, a place steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its striking red torii gates that appear to float on the water with the majestic Mount Fuji as a backdrop, the shrine offers one of Japan’s most celebrated views.

The high peaks of Hakone have been revered for thousands of years as a spiritual gateway for souls traveling to the next world. Several shrines were once scattered across the surrounding peaks before being unified into Hakone Shrine over a century ago. During your visit, you will learn about its significant role in Japan’s history and spiritual life.

Next, enjoy a scenic cruise on Ashi Lake, formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after its last eruption 3,000 years ago. With Mount Fuji often visible in the distance, the lake is a symbol of Hakone’s natural beauty. From the water, take in breathtaking views of both the mountain and the serene surroundings.

After your cruise, travel by public bus to your traditional ryokan, where you will spend the night immersed in the charm of Japanese hospitality.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning at your ryokan, taking full advantage of the soothing hot spring baths and tranquil atmosphere. Later, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to the train station, where you will board your bullet train to continue your journey.

Today you arrive in Takayama, a charming city nestled in the mountains and known for its well-preserved traditional streets and rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, your driver will take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

Embark on a captivating journey to the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Gokayama and Shirakawa-gō, where traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some dating back over 250 years, stand as enduring symbols of Japan’s rural heritage. Stroll through these picturesque hamlets at a leisurely pace, taking in the serene mountain landscapes, and perhaps sampling local specialties that have been cherished for generations.

Your exploration continues with a visit to the historic old town of Hida Takayama, where narrow streets lined with wooden merchant houses and sake breweries evoke the charm of centuries past. This immersive experience offers a rare opportunity to witness a way of life preserved through time, providing deep insight into the cultural and architectural legacy of this remarkable region.

After enjoying breakfast, complete your check-out, then make your way on foot to the railway station to continue the next chapter of your journey.

Upon reaching Kyoto, your private driver will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to explore independently or join optional activities.

After breakfast, meet your private guide and embark on a full-day exploration of Kyoto’s most celebrated sites.

Begin at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the residence of the Imperial Family from 794 until 1868, when Kyoto served as Japan’s capital. Here, admire the palace’s architecture from the outside and stroll through its elegant gardens, which have only recently been opened to the public.

Continue to Arashiyama, Kyoto’s second most important sightseeing district, rich with temples and shrines. The highlight here is the famous Bamboo Forest, one of the most photographed places in the country. Walking through this towering grove feels almost otherworldly, offering a serene yet striking experience that should not be missed.

Next, visit Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most iconic Buddhist temples. Known for its exquisite gold leaf exterior reflected in the surrounding pond, Kinkakuji exudes an atmosphere of peace and spiritual renewal.

Conclude your day with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a ritual that has been practiced for centuries as a refined form of hospitality. You will have the chance to wear a kimono, taste freshly whisked matcha green tea, and enjoy handcrafted sweets designed to complement the tea’s flavor.

After the ceremony, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

In the morning, after breakfast, check out from your hotel and continue your journey to the next destination.

Upon arrival in Osaka, your private driver will transfer you to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

After breakfast, meet your private guide and set out to explore Osaka on a full-day city tour, traveling by public transportation just like a local.

Your first stop is the Umeda Sky Building, an impressive high-rise composed of two towers connected by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the city both through large windows and from the open-air deck.

Next, visit the historic Osaka Castle. Construction of the original structure began in 1583 under the Toyotomi rule, intended to serve as the center of a unified Japan. At the time, it was the largest castle in the country. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its destruction and reconstruction over the centuries.

After a break for lunch, continue to the Shinsaibashi shopping district, Osaka’s most famous retail area with a history stretching back nearly 400 years. The bustling streets are lined with shops offering everything from local specialties to stylish boutiques, as well as numerous cafes and restaurants.

Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Join your local guide for an insightful journey into the history and cultural heritage of Himeji, located just a 1-hour train ride from Osaka. This city is home to two iconic sites that embody the essence of Japanese tradition - Yamadera Enkyoji Temple and Himeji Castle, Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Begin with a visit to Enkyoji Temple, a spiritual sanctuary with over 1,000 years of history. Designated as a cultural property, the temple complex includes the municipal hall, large auditorium, and dining hall - all exuding a serene yet solemn atmosphere. Enkyoji has even served as a filming location for Hollywood productions. Take your time to soak in the peaceful surroundings, and you may find yourself experiencing moments of quiet reflection or even a touch of enlightenment.

Continue to Himeji Castle, often hailed as Japan’s most spectacular castle for its imposing size, elegant white exterior, and well-preserved structure. Step inside to explore the rich history of the samurai, and learn about the castle’s role during times of war. Be sure to take in the view from the outside as well, where the castle’s striking beauty stands in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape.

After enjoying breakfast and completing check-out, your private driver will transfer you to Osaka Airport for your onward journey.