Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo
Your flight lands in Tokyo where an English-speaking assistant will meet you at the airport. They'll help you get on the shared shuttle for a direct transfer to your hotel, so you can settle in without worrying about navigation.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Century Southern Tower in Tokyo)
- Day 2
Tokyo
Meet your guide at 9:00 AM at the hotel to start exploring Tokyo. You'll see Meiji Jingu Shrine first, then check out the Tokyo National Museum. Grab lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market, after which you head to Asakusa to walk through Nakamise-dori Street and visit Senso-ji Temple. Later your guide takes you to Tokyo Skytree where you'll climb to the Tembo Deck at 350 meters for panoramic views at sunset or night before heading back.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Century Southern Tower in Tokyo)
Included Activities
- Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Explore Tokyo National Museum
- Visit Tsukiji Outer Market
- Walk through Nakamise-dori Street
- Visit Senso-ji Temple
- Climb Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck (350 meters)
Landmarks Meiji Jingu Shrine Tokyo National Museum Tsukiji Outer Market Nakamise-dori Street Senso-ji Temple Tokyo Skytree 
- Day 3
Chuzenji Lake
Your guide picks you up at 8:00 AM for an express train to Nikko, which takes about 2.5 hours. You'll visit Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine, then travel west by bus on the scenic Irohazaka Winding Road with its 48 hairpin turns. At Chuzenji Lake you'll hike the lakeside trails and see Kegon Falls from both the top free viewing platform and an exclusive lower platform. Your guide escorts you back to Tokyo, arriving around 8:00 PM.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Century Southern Tower in Tokyo)
Included Activities
- Visit Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine
- Travel Irohazaka Winding Road
- Hike lakeside trails at Chuzenji Lake
- View Kegon Falls from exclusive lower viewing platform
Landmarks Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine Irohazaka Winding Road Chuzenji Lake Kegon Falls - Day 4
Lake Ashi - Mt. Komagatake
Meet your guide at 8:15 AM on the 3rd Floor of Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku (a taxi there costs about USD 5). You'll travel 2 hours by bus to Mt. Fuji 5th Station and have authentic Japanese-style Sukiyaki for lunch. Take a 15-20 minute boat on Lake Ashi with Mt. Fuji views, then ride the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway for 7 minutes and hike about an hour to Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine. Return by bus (2 hours) to Shinjuku Station, arriving around 8:30 PM.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Authentic Japanese-style Sukiyaki with seasonal fruit and coffee)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Century Southern Tower in Tokyo)
Included Activities
- Bus ride to Mt. Fuji 5th Station (viewing platform halfway up)
- Sightseeing boat on Lake Ashi (15-20 minutes)
- Hakone Komagatake Ropeway ride (7 minutes)
- Hike to Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine (approximately 1 hour)
- View Mt. Fuji from observation deck
Optional Activities
- Souvenir shopping at corner (if time permits)
Landmarks Mt. Fuji 5th Station Lake Ashi Mt. Komagatake Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine 
- Day 5
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
After early breakfast, head to Tokyo Station and board a 1.5-hour bullet train to Nagano. Your guide meets you at the station, you drop off luggage at the hotel, then travel about 1 hour by bus to Jigokudani Valley. Hike half an hour on a slippery mountain path (wear non-slip hiking shoes) to reach Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park where Japanese macaques enjoy hot springs. After sightseeing and lunch, return to downtown Nagano. If time allows, visit Zenko-ji Temple or the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum. Your guide gets you back to the hotel around 6:00 PM.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Metropolitan Nagano)
Included Activities
- Bullet train Tokyo to Nagano
- Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
Optional Activities
- Visit Zenko-ji Temple (if time permits)
- Visit Nagano Prefectural Art Museum (if time permits)
Landmarks Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Zenko-ji Temple Nagano Prefectural Art Museum - Day 6
Nagano to Kanazawa
After breakfast, pack your bags and walk 1 minute to Nagano Station for a 1.5-hour bullet train to Kanazawa. Your guide meets you there, you drop off luggage at the hotel, then visit the classic Kenroku-en Garden and nearby Kanazawa Castle Park. At noon, head to Omicho Market with its many food stalls. In the afternoon, walk through Higashichaya Old Town, a former geisha district with antique flagstone streets and traditional wooden buildings and tea houses. Then visit the Nagamachi Samurai District to see where samurais lived with original earth walls and stone roads. Your guide takes you back around 6:00 PM.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa)
Included Activities
- Bullet train Nagano to Kanazawa
- Visit Kenroku-en Garden
- Visit Kanazawa Castle Park
- Explore Omicho Market
- Walk through Higashichaya Old Town (former geisha district)
- Visit Nagamachi Samurai District
Landmarks Kenroku-en Garden Kanazawa Castle Park Omicho Market Higashichaya Old Town Nagamachi Samurai District - Day 7
Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go to Takayama
Your guide picks you up at 9:00 AM and travels with you by express bus for 1.5 hours to Shirakawa-go. You'll visit the Wada House and Kanda House, then board the Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck for panoramic views of the whole village. After lunch, your guide takes you to Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal with tickets for the 1-hour express bus to Takayama, which you'll take on your own. Check into your hotel upon arrival and enjoy free time to explore Takayama.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Takayama Green Hotel)
Included Activities
- Bus ride to Shirakawa-go
- Visit Wada House
- Visit Kanda House
- Board Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck
Optional Activities
- Explore Takayama independently during free time
Landmarks Wada House Kanda House Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck 
- Day 8
Takayama to Nagoya
After breakfast, pack your luggage and walk a few minutes to Takayama Station for a 2.5-hour express train to Nagoya. Your guide picks you up from the railway station and leads you to the hotel to drop off luggage, then takes you to lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology with various Toyota vehicles on display. Next is the 1,900-year-old Atsuta Jingu Shrine. Your guide shows you the 103-meter-high Nagoya TV Tower and Oasis 21 shopping mall before leaving you in Sakae district for leisure time. Walk back to your hotel whenever you're ready.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Nagoya Tokyu Hotel)
Included Activities
- Express train Takayama to Nagoya
- Visit Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
- Visit Atsuta Jingu Shrine
Optional Activities
- View Nagoya TV Tower (Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER)
- Shop at Oasis 21 shopping mall
- Dinner and shopping in Sakae district
Landmarks Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology Atsuta Jingu Shrine Nagoya TV Tower Oasis 21 Sakae - Day 9
Nakasendo Way Trek
Your guide picks you up at 9:00 AM for a bus ride to Magome, the starting point for the Nakasendo Way trek. After a 2-hour bus ride, begin hiking from Magome to Tsumago, a scenic 9 km trek that takes about 3 hours. Afterwards, board a bus to Nagiso Station and take a 1.5-hour express train back to Nagoya. Your guide escorts you to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Nagoya Tokyu Hotel)
Included Activities
- Bus ride to Magome
- Hike Nakasendo Way from Magome to Tsumago (approximately 9 km / 5.6 mi, approximately 3 hours)
- Express train Nagiso Station to Nagoya
Landmarks Nakasendo Way - Day 10
Nagoya to Kyoto
Take the train from Nagoya to Kyoto this morning, arriving in time to head straight out. Start at Kyoto Imperial Palace and walk through the grounds to get a sense of the city's royal history. From there, make your way to Fushimi Inari Shrine, where you'll find the famous red torii gates covering the hillside. Later in the afternoon, head over to Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple) and check out the wooden stage that juts out from the mountainside. Walk through the narrow streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka nearby, where you can browse shops and grab lunch at one of the small restaurants. Stop by Yasaka Shrine on your way down from the temple area. By evening, head to Gion district to experience the geisha area, where you can walk the lantern-lit streets and perhaps catch sight of geishas heading to appointments. Find a restaurant or tea house in the district for dinner and soak in the atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto)
Included Activities
- Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace (former imperial residence from 794-1868)
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Guided tour of Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu-dera Temple)
- Walking tour of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets
- Visit Yasaka Shrine
- Explore Gion geisha district
Optional Activities
- Taxi ride from Gion back to hotel (at own expense)
Landmarks Kyoto Imperial Palace Fushimi Inari Shrine Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu-dera Temple) Sannenzaka Street Ninenzaka Street Yasaka Shrine Gion 
- Day 11
Kyoto
Your guide picks you up from the hotel lobby at 9:00 AM. Start at the Kyoto Railway Museum where locomotives and model trains are displayed. Next, walk the famous Philosopher's Path, a 1.5 km scenic walk along a canal, where Ginkaku-ji Temple awaits at the end. Around noon, your guide takes you to the bustling Nishiki Market where you can sample Japanese delicacies like dango, tempura, croquette, and matcha ice cream. In the afternoon, visit a samurai dojo where you'll put on ninja clothes or samurai armor. Your guide accompanies you back to the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto)
Included Activities
- Visit Kyoto Railway Museum
- Walk Philosopher's Path (approximately 1.5 km / 1 mi)
- Visit Ginkaku-ji Temple (Temple of Silver Pavilion)
- Explore Nishiki Market
- Ninja-Samurai Lesson at a Dojo (unique experience with costume)
Landmarks Kyoto Railway Museum Philosopher's Path Ginkaku-ji Temple Nishiki Market 
- Day 12
Kyoto to Nara
After breakfast, pack up and your guide picks you up from the hotel to Kyoto Station for a 40-minute train ride to Nara. Walk a few minutes to the hotel to drop off luggage. Begin exploring this ancient city with its rich history by taking a leisurely stroll through Nara Park, a World Heritage site. Visit Kofuku-ji Temple and see the ruins of its Five-story Pagoda and Buddhist halls. Your guide takes you to the secluded Isuien Garden, a place few know about. Explore the Great Eastern Temple to the north and behold the majestic giant bronze Buddha statue. Continue through the park on a worship path lined with ancient stone lanterns to discover Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Deer accompany you through the Shinto halls. Your guide escorts you back to the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Henn na Hotel Nara)
Included Activities
- Train Kyoto to Nara
- Stroll through Nara Park
- Visit Kofuku-ji Temple (Five-story Pagoda, Buddhist halls, National Treasure Hall)
- Visit Isuien Garden
- Explore Great Eastern Temple (with giant bronze Buddha statue)
- Walk worship path to Kasuga Taisha Shrine (with ancient stone lanterns)
Landmarks Nara Park Kofuku-ji Temple Isuien Garden Great Eastern Temple Kasuga Taisha Shrine 
- Day 13
Nara to Osaka
After breakfast, walk with your luggage to nearby Kintetsu-Nara Station for a half-hour train to Osaka on your own. Your guide meets you at the station and escorts you to the hotel. After settling in, head to Osaka Castle Park featuring the towering Osaka Castle from 1583. Next, head to Shinsekai, a colorful district with shops and restaurants, where you'll see the 103-meter-high Tsutenkaku tower. After lunch, visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine with its impressive vermillion arch bridge. Next, climb to the Observatory Lobby on the 21st floor of Sakai City Hall for views of Osaka. In the late afternoon, your guide takes you to Dotonbori, one of Osaka's busiest food districts. If time permits, walk down Hozenji Yokocho with Japanese izakayas. Your guide leaves around 5:00 PM, giving you free time for dinner and a night stroll along the Dotonbori River.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Namba Oriental Hotel, Osaka)
Included Activities
- Train Nara to Osaka
- Visit Osaka Castle Park (Osaka Castle established 1583)
- Explore Shinsekai district (view 103-meter-high Tsutenkaku tower)
- Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (vermillion arch bridge)
- Visit Sakai City Hall Observatory Lobby (21st floor)
Optional Activities
- Walk Hozenji Yokocho (Japanese izakayas)
- Dinner and night stroll along Dotonbori River
Landmarks Osaka Castle Osaka Castle Park Shinsekai Tsutenkaku Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Sakai City Hall Dotonbori Hozenji Yokocho - Day 14
Osaka to Mt. Koya
Get an early start at 8:00 AM when your guide picks you up for a JR train to Mt. Koya (2.5 hours). Take the Nankai Koyasan Cable car to climb up. Your guide takes an unusual route by getting on the sightseeing bus to the farthest end of Koyasan Okunoin, then reversing the route to avoid crowds. You'll visit Koyasan Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery, then pay a special visit to the 1,200-year-old Kongobuji Temple. Continue to Danjo Garan Sacred Temple and appreciate its bright red Kompon Daito Pagoda, Golden Hall, and antique Fudodo Hall. Your guide takes you down the mountain and back to Osaka by express train.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Namba Oriental Hotel, Osaka)
Included Activities
- JR train to Mt. Koya
- Nankai Koyasan Cable car ascent
- Sightseeing bus tour of Koyasan Okunoin
- Visit Koyasan Okunoin (Japan's largest cemetery)
- Visit 1,200-year-old Kongobuji Temple
- Visit Danjo Garan Sacred Temple (Kompon Daito Pagoda, Golden Hall, Fudodo Hall)
Landmarks Koyasan Okunoin Kongobuji Temple Danjo Garan Sacred Temple - Day 15
Osaka to Kobe to Himeji to Okayama
In the morning, your guide picks you up from your hotel and heads to Shin-Osaka Station for a half-hour ride to Kobe. Upon arriving, visit Kitano Ijinkan-Gai, a beautiful historic district with many foreign architectural features. Next, head to the Port of Kobe for magnificent sea views. At noon, your guide takes you to a local restaurant for authentic Kobe beef. Afterwards, travel by train for about an hour to Himeji and visit Himeji Castle, one of Japan's 12 original castles. Around 5:00 PM, your guide escorts you to Himeji Station. Take a 20-minute train to Okayama on your own with included tickets and check into the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama)
Included Activities
- Train Osaka to Kobe
- Visit Kitano Ijinkan-Gai (historic district)
- Visit Port of Kobe
- Train Kobe to Himeji
- Visit Himeji Castle (one of 12 original castles in Japan)
- Train Himeji to Okayama
Optional Activities
- Lunch with Kobe beef at a local restaurant
Landmarks Kitano Ijinkan-Gai Port of Kobe Himeji Castle - Day 16
Kurashiki - Hiroshima
Your guide picks you up at 9:00 AM to start at Okayama Korakuen Garden. Enjoy a lovely morning here, then walk 5 minutes across Tsukimi Bridge to Okayama Castle. At noon, take a JR train for half an hour to Kurashiki. After a short break, your guide takes you on a tour of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Late in the afternoon, the guide accompanies you back to Okayama Station for a train to Hiroshima. Take a 35-minute train there on your own with included tickets and check into the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-ekimae)
Included Activities
- Visit Okayama Korakuen Garden
- Walk across Tsukimi Bridge to Okayama Castle
- Train Okayama to Kurashiki
- Tour Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
- Train Okayama to Hiroshima
Landmarks Okayama Korakuen Garden Okayama Castle Tsukimi Bridge Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter 
- Day 17
Miyajima Island
Your guide picks you up at 9:00 AM for a public transport ride to the dock. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island, pass through the grand torii and enter Itsukushima Shrine. Before noon, return to downtown for lunch where your guide shows you Hiroshimayaki, a pan-fried dish made of flour, vegetables, and noodles. In the afternoon, tour the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. About 5:00 PM, your guide takes you to Hiroshima Station for a bullet train to Fukuoka with included tickets. Travel by bullet train on your own for 1 hour to Hakata Station and check into the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion)
Included Activities
- Ferry ride to Miyajima Island
- Visit Itsukushima Shrine
- Tour Atomic Bomb Dome
- Tour Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- Bullet train Hiroshima to Fukuoka
Optional Activities
- Sample Hiroshimayaki local dish
Landmarks Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine Atomic Bomb Dome Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park - Day 18
Fukuoka
Meet your guide at your hotel lobby at 9:00 AM. Head to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine by convenient public transportation. Before noon, return to Hakata for lunch at the Ramen Stadium. After lunch, walk a few minutes north with your guide to Kushida Shrine. Next, the guide takes you to Ohori Park. Finally, visit Momochi Seaside Park to see Fukuoka's charm as a major port and look out over Hakata Bay with the high-rise Fukuoka Tower nearby. Your guide accompanies you to Hakata Station before 5:00 PM. From here, travel on your own to Nagasaki by train with included tickets, arriving in 1 hour and 40 minutes, then go to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel ( THE GLOBAL VIEW Nagasaki)
Included Activities
- Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
- Lunch at Ramen Stadium
- Visit Kushida Shrine
- Visit Ohori Park
- Visit Momochi Seaside Park
- Train Hakata to Nagasaki
Optional Activities
- View Fukuoka Tower
Landmarks Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Ramen Stadium Kushida Shrine Ohori Park Momochi Seaside Park Fukuoka Tower - Day 19
Nagasaki
Your guide and driver meet you at the hotel at 9:00 AM for a private car day trip exploring Nagasaki. Visit Nagasaki Peace Park to lay flowers at the Peace Statue. Stroll through Hypocenter Park to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and see the church wall destroyed by the bomb. Next, visit Spectacles Bridge, the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan built in 1634. Have lunch at Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown. After lunch, visit Glover Garden. Finally, head to Dejima, an old trading port with restored historical heritage buildings. About 5:00 PM, the guide takes you to Nagasaki Station for a 2-hour express train to Kumamoto with included tickets, then check into the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The New Hotel Kumamoto)
Included Activities
- Private car day trip (Nagasaki)
- Visit Nagasaki Peace Park
- Stroll through Hypocenter Park
- Visit Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
- Visit Spectacles Bridge (Meganebashi) - oldest stone arch bridge in Japan
- Lunch at Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
- Visit Glover Garden
- Visit Dejima (old trading port) and Dejima Messe Nagasaki
- Express train Nagasaki to Kumamoto
Landmarks Nagasaki Peace Park Hypocenter Park Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum Spectacles Bridge Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown Glover Garden Dejima - Day 20
Kumamoto
After breakfast, your guide picks you up from your hotel. First, go to Sakuranobaba Josaien at the entrance to Kumamoto Castle and visit the nearby Kato Shrine. Walk to the Former Hosokawa Mansion, one of Japan's few superior samurai residences. Take a walking tour to Kumamon Square where you can visit the office of Kumamoto Prefecture's official mascot. After lunch, visit Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Next, the guide leads you to Shimotori Shopping Arcade, Kumamoto's most vibrant shopping street. Your guide takes you to Kumamoto Station before 5:00 PM. Travel by bullet train for 1 hour to Kagoshima with included tickets and check into the hotel by yourself (about 10 minutes by bus or tram from Kagoshima Station).
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Henn na Hotel Kagoshima Tenmonkan)
Included Activities
- Visit Sakuranobaba Josaien (entrance to Kumamoto Castle)
- Visit Kato Shrine
- Visit Former Hosokawa Mansion (Hosokawa Gyobutei)
- Walking tour to Kumamon Square
- Visit Suizenji Jojuen Garden
- Visit Shimotori Shopping Arcade (Shimotori Shotengai)
- Bullet train Kumamoto to Kagoshima
Landmarks Sakuranobaba Josaien Kumamoto Castle Kato Shrine Former Hosokawa Mansion Kumamon Square Suizenji Jojuen Garden Shimotori Shopping Arcade - Day 21
Sakurajima Island
At 9:00 AM, your guide and driver meet you in the hotel lobby for a private car tour. Start by exploring Sakurajima, an island in Kagoshima Bay with one of Japan's most active volcanoes. Drive to the port for a unique ferry experience where you drive directly onto the ship, sit in your car for 15 minutes, then drive off. Travel around the island visiting Yunohira Lookout, Akamizu Observatory Square, Arimura Lava Lookout, and Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate. Climb to Yunohira Lookout halfway up Mt. Sakurajima where you can see Kirishima in the distance on clear days. At noon, head back to downtown Kagoshima for lunch and stroll through Tenmonkan. In the afternoon, visit Sengan-en Garden with unique rocks and landscape. Next, your guide takes you to Shiroyama Observatory on Mt. Shiroyama where you overlook Kagoshima city and Sakurajima.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private car with driver exploration of Sakurajima Island
- Ferry ride to Sakurajima (drive-on ferry)
- Visit Yunohira Lookout (Mt. Sakurajima)
- Visit Akamizu Observatory Square
- Visit Arimura Lava Lookout
- Visit Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate
- Stroll through Tenmonkan
- Visit Sengan-en Garden
- Visit Shiroyama Observatory (Mt. Shiroyama)
Landmarks Sakurajima Island Mt. Sakurajima Yunohira Lookout Akamizu Observatory Square Arimura Lava Lookout Kurokami Buried Shrine Gate Tenmonkan Sengan-en Garden Shiroyama Observatory
