Itinerary
- Day 1
Tokyo
Once you clear customs, a shared shuttle bus will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is for settling in and getting comfortable. You'll get tour details in the afternoon when the team connects with you.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel)
- Day 2
Tokyo
A five-hour guided tour covers Tokyo's main attractions. You'll see Zojoji Temple with its Tokyo Tower views, experience the Shibuya Crossing, walk through Meiji Shrine and Omotesando Avenue, check out the Imperial Palace, head into Akihabara's electric shops, go up Tokyo Skytree for city views, and finish at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Later you'll take the subway to Shinjuku for an evening walk before dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at local restaurant in Shinjuku)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel)
Included Activities
- Five-hour guided city tour of Tokyo
- Visit Zojoji Temple
- Visit Shibuya Crossing
- Visit Meiji Shrine
- Stroll Omotesando Avenue
- Explore Imperial Palace and gardens
- Visit Nijubashi Bridge
- Drive through Akihabara
- Tokyo Skytree admission and panoramic views
- Explore Sensoji Temple
- Walk through Nakamise Street in Asakusa
- Evening subway tour to Shinjuku
- Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks Zojoji Temple Tokyo Tower Shibuya Crossing Meiji Shrine Omotesando Avenue Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge Akihabara Tokyo Skytree Sensoji Temple Nakamise Street Shinjuku - Day 3
Tokyo to Kawaguchiko
You'll head toward Mount Fuji through scenic landscapes, stopping at Arakurayama Sengen Park for Mount Fuji views. From there, continue to Kawaguchiko and see Fuji Sengen Shrine, take a boat on Lake Kawaguchiko, then drive toward Mount Fuji's Fifth Station at 2,305 meters elevation. In the evening, have traditional Japanese dinner at your Ryokan and relax in the onsen hot spring.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Japanese dinner at Ryokan)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Fuji View Hotel Kawaguchiko)
Included Activities
- Visit Arakurayama Sengen Park
- Visit Fuji Sengen Shrine
- Boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko
- Drive to Mount Fuji Fifth Station
- Onsen hot spring bath
Landmarks Arakurayama Sengen Park Mount Fuji Kawaguchiko Fuji Sengen Shrine Lake Kawaguchiko Mount Fuji Fifth Station 
- Day 4
Kawaguchiko to Kyoto
Travel through mountain landscapes to Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a restored village with traditional houses now housing arts and crafts shops. You'll see Shiraito Falls with its 20-meter drop, then head to Nagoya to visit the Toyota Museum. After that, continue on to Kyoto for your overnight stay.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Miyako Hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba open-air museum
- Visit Shiraito Falls
- Visit Toyota Museum
Landmarks Iyashi no Sato Nenba Shiraito Falls Toyota Museum 
- Day 5
Kyoto
Spend the day exploring Kyoto starting in Arashiyama with the Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryuji Temple with its bamboo forest. Head to Fushimi Inari Shrine to see the famous torii gates, check out the Imperial Palace, and see Kinkakuji Temple with its gardens. You'll have free time afterward to walk through Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Miyako Hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Arashiyama
- Visit Togetsukyo Bridge
- Visit Tenryuji Temple
- Walk through bamboo forest
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Visit Imperial Palace
- Visit Kinkakuji Temple
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Gion traditional district
Landmarks Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge Tenryuji Temple Fushimi Inari Shrine Imperial Palace Kinkakuji Temple Gion 
- Day 6
Kyoto to Kanazawa
After breakfast, travel along one of Japan's largest lakes, stopping at Shirahige Ginra shrine. Visit Eihei-ji, a historic Zen temple-monastery from 1244. In Katsuyama, explore the Dinosaur Museum at Japan's largest fossil site with over 40 dinosaur skeletons and time for lunch. See the Great Buddha of Echizen and climb its five-story pagoda for panoramic views. You'll arrive in Kanazawa by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Free time for lunch at Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama)
Included Activities
- Visit Shirahige Ginra shrine
- Visit Eihei-ji temple-monastery
- Visit Dinosaur Museum
- Visit Great Buddha of Echizen
- Climb five-story pagoda for views
Landmarks Shirahige Ginra Shrine Eihei-ji Dinosaur Museum Great Buddha of Echizen 
- Day 7
Kanazawa
A guided city tour shows you Kanazawa's castle area with defensive walls, then you'll walk through Nagamachi with its preserved samurai homes, earthen walls, and water canals. Visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. The tour ends at Omicho, a lively traditional market perfect for lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Kanazawa
- Visit castle area
- Stroll Nagamachi neighborhood
- Visit Kenrokuen garden
- Visit Omicho traditional market
Landmarks Kanazawa Castle Nagamachi neighborhood Kenrokuen Omicho Market - Day 8
Kanazawa to Takayama
Journey through mountain landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage regions of Gokayama and Shirakawago, seeing villages with steep roofs designed for heavy snow. Stop in Ainokura and Shirakawa-go Ogimachi with time to stroll and have lunch. Continue to Takayama and explore the Hida Folk Village Museum with over 30 traditional Edo Period houses. Browse the old town with wooden houses and traditional shops.
Included Activities
- Visit Ainokura village
- Visit Shirakawa-go Ogimachi village
- Visit Hida Folk Village Museum
Optional Activities
- Explore Takayama old town
Landmarks Gokayama Shirakawago Ainokura Shirakawa-go Ogimachi Hida Folk Village Museum Takayama 
- Day 9
Takayama to Nagano
After breakfast, walk through Hida Furukawa's old town and visit the museum showcasing the city's UNESCO festival with large drums and decorated floats. You'll cross the Japanese Alps with snow-covered views, then reach Matsumoto to see Matsumoto Castle, known as the 'Crow Castle' for its black color and 16th-century origins. Have free time for lunch before heading to Nagano.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Metropolitan Nagano)
Included Activities
- Stroll Hida Furukawa old town
- Visit festival museum in Hida Furukawa
- Visit Matsumoto Castle
Landmarks Hida Furukawa Japanese Alps Matsumoto Castle 
- Day 10
Nagano to Ikaho
Visit Zenko-ji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site, and participate in a Gomakuyo ceremony for good fortune. Head into the Japanese Alps to Jigokudani Monkey Park where you'll walk forested trails and see Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. Pass high-mountain scenery at 2,172 meters and stop in Kusatsu, a hot-spring town with an open-air onsen. Continue to Ikaho, another hot-spring town, staying overnight at a Ryokan with traditional dinner included.
- Meals
- Lunch (Free time for lunch in Kusatsu), Dinner (Traditional Japanese dinner at Ryokan)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Moriaki Ryokan)
Included Activities
- Visit Zenko-ji Temple
- Participate in Gomakuyo ceremony
- Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Walk through forested trails and hot springs
- Stroll Kusatsu city park with open-air onsen
- Stroll Ikaho old center with stone stairways
- Enjoy Onsen hot spring bath at Ryokan
Landmarks Zenko-ji Temple Jigokudani Monkey Park Kusatsu Ikaho 
- Day 11
Ikaho to Sendai
Travel to Nikko to see the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple with its 'room with the sound of a dragon.' Visit the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, then take a leisurely stroll along Kanmangafuchi Abyss where hundreds of Jizo statues line the river. You'll have free time to explore the town center before heading to Sendai, a vibrant city with over one million people. Enjoy dinner in the city center.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in Sendai city center)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Metropolitan Sendai East)
Included Activities
- Visit Nikko-Toshogu Temple
- Visit Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum
- Stroll Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Optional Activities
- Explore Nikko town center
- Explore Sendai bustling streets
Landmarks Nikko-Toshogu Temple Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum Kanmangafuchi Abyss Nikko Sendai 
- Day 12
Sendai to Morioka
Travel to Matsushima on the 'Thousand Islands' Bay. Visit a tea house overlooking the sea for traditional tea and local history, then board a 50-minute cruise with lunch on board. Continue to Hiraizumi to see historic temples including Takkoku no Iwaya carved into rock in 801, Chusonji, and Motsuji Temple where you'll participate in a Zen ceremony. End in Morioka with free time to explore.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on cruise in Matsushima Bay)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing)
Included Activities
- Visit tea house in Matsushima
- Enjoy traditional tea at tea house
- 50-minute cruise of Matsushima Bay
- Enjoy lunch on cruise
- Visit Takkoku no Iwaya Temple
- Visit Chusonji Temple
- Visit Motsuji Temple
- Participate in Zen ceremony
Landmarks Matsushima Takkoku no Iwaya Chusonji Temple Motsuji Temple Hiraizumi Morioka - Day 13
Morioka - Hirosaki - Aomori - Hakodate
Start by heading through the countryside toward Hirosaki to see the castle grounds and its park setting. From there, continue on to Aomori where you'll check out the Nebuta Museum and see the decorated floats that are central to local festival celebrations. Grab lunch at a restaurant in the area, then head to the ferry terminal. The crossing to Hokkaido takes about three and a half hours, so bring something to do on the boat. Once you arrive in Hakodate, you'll have free time to walk around the old district and look at the historic buildings and churches on your own.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch included at a local restaurant in Aomori)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Four Points By Sheraton Hakodate)
Included Activities
- Visit Hirosaki Castle (exterior view)
- Visit Nebuta Museum in Aomori
- Ferry crossing to Hokkaido
Optional Activities
- Explore Hakodate's historic district
- Visit Russian Orthodox Church in Hakodate
- Visit other Christian churches in Hakodate
Landmarks Hirosaki Castle Nebuta Museum Russian Orthodox Church Goryokaku Tower 
- Day 14
Hakodate to Sapporo
Visit the lively fish market for a glimpse of local culture. Go up Goryokaku Tower for panoramic views and see the star-shaped fortress design. Explore the castle area at leisure, then head to Onuma's magnificent natural setting with small islands and free time for boat rides or scenic walks. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then travel along the coast to Noboribetsu's volcanic landscape. Walk through Jigokudani steam vents and see Lake Oyunuma before arriving in Sapporo.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Onuma)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sapporo Park)
Included Activities
- Visit fish market in Hakodate
- Visit Goryokaku Tower
- Visit Onuma natural setting
- Lunch at local restaurant in Onuma
- Visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu
- Visit Lake Oyunuma
Optional Activities
- Boat ride in Onuma
- Stroll scenic walking trails in Onuma
Landmarks Hakodate Fish Market Goryokaku Tower Goryokaku Fort Onuma Jigokudani Lake Oyunuma Noboribetsu Sapporo 
- Day 15
Sapporo
A city tour includes the Clock Tower and Odori Koen park with the Sapporo TV Tower. Visit Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine and participate in a Kito ceremonial prayer for gratitude. On Sapporo's outskirts, see the Hill of Buddha with a lavender-covered hilltop, massive Buddha statue, and Easter Island Moai replicas. Continue to Otaru, a European-style town with shopping streets, historic canal, and museums. Have lunch and return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. for a free afternoon.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Otaru)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sapporo Park)
Included Activities
- City tour of Sapporo
- Visit Clock Tower
- Visit Odori Koen
- Visit Sapporo TV Tower
- Visit Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine
- Participate in Kito ceremonial prayer
- Visit Hill of Buddha
- Visit Otaru
- Lunch at local restaurant in Otaru
Landmarks Sapporo Clock Tower Odori Koen Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido Jingu Shinto Shrine Hill of Buddha Otaru - Day 16
Sapporo to Tomakomai
Head south to the Upopoy Museum celebrating Ainu Indigenous culture, then continue to Toyako, a resort town at a volcano's foot on a lake in an ancient crater. Stroll along the lakeside and visit the Volcanology Museum. Take a cable car to Mount Usu's summit to walk through volcanic landscape with great views. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then board an overnight modern ferry in Tomakomai with double cabin accommodation and private bathrooms. Dinner included while sailing the Pacific.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Toyako), Dinner (Dinner on overnight ferry)
Included Activities
- Visit Upopoy Museum
- Stroll Toyako lakeside
- Visit Volcanology Museum
- Take cable car to Mount Usu summit
- Walk through volcanic landscape
- Lunch at local restaurant in Toyako
- Board overnight ferry
- Dinner on ferry
Landmarks Upopoy Museum Toyako Mount Usu Tomakomai - Day 17
Sendai to Aizuwakamatsu
Arrive at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m. and head to Yamadera, a temple complex from over 1,000 years ago nestled in mountains with towering trees. Lunch is included. Explore before continuing to Yonezawa, one of Japan's main sake regions. Visit a sake museum with a small distillery, then travel through landscapes to Aizuwakamatsu for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Yamadera)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Washington)
Included Activities
- Visit Yamadera temple complex
- Lunch at Yamadera
- Visit Sake Museum in Yonezawa
Landmarks Yamadera Yonezawa Sake Museum Aizuwakamatsu 
- Day 18
Aizuwakamatsu to Tokyo
Visit the Samurai Mansion in Aizuwakamatsu to learn about legendary samurai and their way of life. Stroll through the castle garden with views of the castle and its distinctive red roof tiles. Head to Iimoriyama with sculptures and stories about the city's young martyrs. Continue to Ouchi-Juku, a picturesque village with traditional thatched-roof houses. Have lunch before visiting the Oya Museum in former stone quarries, then return to Tokyo.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch in OUCHI-JUKU)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Samurai Mansion in Aizuwakamatsu
- Stroll castle garden in Aizuwakamatsu
- Visit Iimoriyama
- Visit OUCHI-JUKU village
- Lunch in OUCHI-JUKU
- Visit Oya Museum
Landmarks Samurai Mansion Aizu Bukeyashiki Aizuwakamatsu Castle Iimoriyama OUCHI-JUKU Oya Museum - Day 19
Tokyo
After breakfast, your journey ends here with wonderful memories from your time across Japan.
- Meals
- Breakfast
