Welcome to Tokyo, a city where ultramodern innovation and timeless tradition exist side by side. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax after the journey or begin exploring this vibrant metropolis at your own pace.
In the morning, meet your private guide and set off on your first half-day tour of Tokyo.
Begin with an outside view of the Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s Emperors since 1868, and a place deeply tied to the nation’s history and culture.
Next, visit the Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure and a major television broadcasting tower. Its observation decks are among the city’s top attractions, offering breathtaking panoramic views. You will visit the deck at 350 meters (1,148 feet) — so have your camera ready for some unforgettable shots.
Continue to Asakusa Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and hear the fascinating legend of its founding. The temple is said to bring good fortune in many aspects of life, so be sure to make a wish. As you step onto the temple grounds, you will be surrounded by the atmosphere of traditional Japan.
After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Begin your day with a visit to Meiji Shrine, located near Harajuku Station and Yoyogi Park. This popular site is surrounded by a tranquil forest that creates a serene approach to the shrine, offering a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the world’s largest city.
Next, head to Harajuku, a district famous for its unique charm and vibrant atmosphere. Here you can immerse yourself in the local culture, admire eclectic street fashion, and enjoy the lively surroundings.
Continue to Shibuya, a paradise for shoppers and one of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods. While the area boasts countless stores, it is best known for its famous crossing. When the traffic lights turn red, crowds of pedestrians flow in all directions at once — a striking symbol of modern Japan. Towering screens, flashing lights, and constant movement create a cinematic scene that has appeared in films like Lost in Translation and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, as well as numerous music videos and newscasts. Experiencing the Shibuya Crossing is a quintessential Tokyo moment.
Before returning to your hotel, explore Ginza, Japan’s premier district for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Known for its upscale boutiques and fine restaurants, Ginza also boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the country.
This morning, your private guide or driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to the train station to continue your journey.
Upon arrival at Odawara Station, meet your guide and take a public bus to the Hakone Shrine. This day is filled with stunning scenery and iconic views, so be sure to have your camera or phone fully charged.
One of Japan’s most iconic images is the sight of bright red torii gates rising from the water with Mount Fuji in the background — a view you will experience at Hakone Shrine. Steeped in history, culture, and tradition, this sacred site has been a place of worship for centuries. The high peaks of Hakone were long believed to be the destination of souls traveling to the next world, leading to the construction of several shrines on the surrounding mountains, later united at Hakone Shrine over a thousand years ago. The shrine also played an important role in Japan’s history, which you will learn about during your visit.
Next, enjoy a cruise on the serene Ashi Lake, formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after its last eruption 3,000 years ago. With Mount Fuji as a majestic backdrop, the lake has become a symbol of Hakone. The cruise offers some of the region’s most spectacular views of both the mountain and the water.
After the tour, take a public bus to your traditional ryokan, where you will spend the night.
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning at your ryokan, making the most of its soothing hot spring baths. Later, meet your private driver for a transfer to the train station to board your bullet train.
Arrive in Takayama, a charming mountain city known for its preserved traditional streets and serene atmosphere. Your driver will take you to your hotel, where you can check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Discover the cultural heritage of Japan on a private day trip to the UNESCO-listed Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama. With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, enjoy a comfortable journey through scenic mountain landscapes. Stroll among centuries-old thatched-roof houses, soaking in the tranquil beauty of these well-preserved villages. After an independent lunch, continue to Takayama Jinya, a former government outpost that offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s Edo-period history. Explore its traditional architecture and atmospheric rooms, capturing timeless moments of your cultural adventure.
After enjoying breakfast, check out from your hotel and make your way to the railway station on foot to continue your journey.
Welcome to Japan’s capital of culture and science! Upon arrival, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide in the lobby to begin a captivating city tour.
Start in the picturesque Higashi Chaya District, one of Japan’s few remaining geisha quarters. Stroll along its charming streets lined with traditional teahouses and artisan shops showcasing Kaga crafts. Step inside a preserved geisha house to experience the elegance and artistry of this refined cultural tradition.
Continue to the historic Nagamachi Samurai District, where you’ll explore a beautifully restored samurai residence. Admire the architecture and original artifacts that reveal the lifestyle, discipline, and values of these iconic warriors.
Following the tour, enjoy free time to explore Kanazawa at your own pace.
In the morning, enjoy breakfast before checking out from your hotel. Your private driver will then transfer you to the airport or train station, depending on your onward travel plans.
Upon arrival at the train station, your private driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kyoto. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to explore the city independently or join one of our optional activities.
After breakfast, meet your private guide for a full-day exploration of Kyoto’s most treasured sights. Begin with the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family from 794 to 1868. Here, admire the palace buildings from the outside and stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens, now open to the public.
Continue to Arashiyama, Kyoto’s second-most important sightseeing district, home to numerous temples and shrines. The highlight here is the famous Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks create a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere unlike any other forest.
Next, visit Kinkakuji, the celebrated Golden Pavilion and one of Japan’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Covered in gold leaf and surrounded by serene gardens, this temple offers a perfect setting for peace, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Conclude the day with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a centuries-old cultural practice. Dressed in a kimono, you will prepare and savor matcha green tea, accompanied by delicate Japanese sweets crafted to complement its flavor.
After this enriching experience, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
This morning, embark on a half-day guided tour to discover two of Kyoto’s most remarkable cultural landmarks.
Begin at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto site in southern Kyoto renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates. These gates line a network of trails that wind into the forested slopes of sacred Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, the shrine invites you to walk its atmospheric paths while learning the fascinating history behind its seemingly endless tunnels of gates.
Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, celebrated for its awe-inspiring hall housing 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. At the center stands a massive wooden statue of Kannon, depicted with multiple heads and arms to better perceive and aid those in need. The sight is both moving and unforgettable, offering a profound glimpse into Buddhist artistry and devotion.
After your visit, return to your hotel in Kyoto for an evening at leisure.
In the morning, enjoy breakfast before checking out from your hotel. You then continue your journey to the next destination.
Upon arriving in Osaka, your 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 for a full-day exploration of Osaka.
Begin with the Umeda Sky Building, an impressive twin-tower skyscraper connected by the Floating Garden Observatory on the 39th floor. From here, enjoy sweeping views of the city both through its floor-to-ceiling windows and from the open-air deck.
Next, visit the iconic Osaka Castle. Originally built in 1583 as the center of a unified Japan under Toyotomi rule, it was the largest castle of its time. Your guide will share the castle’s fascinating history, from its construction to its destruction and subsequent rebuilds.
After a break for lunch, continue to the lively Shinsaibashi shopping district, a bustling hub with a nearly 400-year history. Explore its mix of local boutiques, department stores, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for picking up souvenirs or sampling regional flavors.
Enjoy some free time in Shinsaibashi before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Today is yours to explore Osaka at your own pace. Spend the day discovering the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, sampling its famous street food, or visiting additional landmarks such as Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine or the Osaka Aquarium. You may also choose to book optional guided tours or cultural experiences for a deeper dive into the city’s charm. The day is entirely yours to enjoy as you wish.
After breakfast and check-out, your private driver will transfer you to Osaka Airport or the train station, depending on your onward destination.
