Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Transfer: Tokyo Narita Aptto Tokyo - Ginza
Hotel: The Gate Hotel Tokyo by HULIC (4 Star Rating)
The Gate Hotel Tokyo by HULIC is a contemporary boutique hotel in the heart of Ginza, blending sleek design with warm Japanese hospitality. Stylish rooms feature modern comforts and expansive city views, while the rooftop terrace and on-site restaurant provide refined spaces to unwind. With its prime location near upscale shopping, dining, and transit, the hotel offers an ideal base for exploring Tokyo.
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Day 2: Tokyo Highlights & Panoramic City ViewsEmbark on a tour through Tokyo's cultural gems, starting with a serene stroll through Meiji Shrine. Nestled in a lush forest, admire the tranquil beauty of Japanese architecture. Next, head to the Imperial Palace, passing by the Japan National Stadium along the way to view the legacy of the 2020 Games from the bus.
Stroll through the Imperial Palace Plaza, once a royal haven, now a picturesque National Garden. Take in the iconic Nijubashi Bridge and the majestic Imperial Palace itself.
From the Imperial Palace Plaza, drive to Odaiba, a futuristic waterfront district, crossing over the iconic Rainbow Bridge. Enjoy some free time to explore Odaiba, an area filled with popular attractions and large shopping centers, offering plenty to see and do.
After lunch, delve into the vibrant energy of Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, adorned with the striking Kaminarimon Gate and a historic five-story pagoda. Wander the bustling Nakamise street, brimming with a myriad of shops and delights.
Finally, visit the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower at 634 meters, and enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of Tokyo's cityscape.
Day 3: Tokyo Culinary Discovery: Tsukiji & GinzaDiscover the flavours of Tokyo on this food journey through Tsukiji and Ginza. While Tsukiji is one of the city's most famous destinations, the real highlights are often tucked away from the crowds. Your guide will lead you beyond the tourist spots to trusted local vendors, hidden eateries, and longtime market favorites.
Enjoy 7-8 carefully selected tastings, beginning with a fresh sushi breakfast at one of our favorite local restaurants. As you explore the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, sample specialties like freshly sliced tuna, grilled seafood skewers, wagyu beef, and other seasonal bites while learning about Tokyo's unique food culture.
The experience continues into the refined streets of Ginza, where you'll finish with a visit to a depachika -- Japan's beautifully curated department store food hall. Browse an incredible selection of artisanal sweets, gourmet bento, and regional delicacies for the perfect ending to your Tokyo culinary adventure.
Day 4: Train to Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Heritage & SakeHotel: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano (4 Star Rating)
The Hotel Metropolitan Nagano is an excellent choice as a travel base, conveniently located steps away from JR Nagano Station. This urban style hotel provides comfort and ease, serving as a gateway to Shinshu and all of its natural richness.
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This morning you will head to the Jigokudani Yaen Koen to see the famous Snow Monkeys.
Jigokudani literally means "hell's valley" due to the steam and boiling water that bubbles out of small crevices in the frozen ground, and it is in these baths that the resident Japanese Macaques like to bathe. The monkeys live in large social groups, and it can be quite entertaining to watch their interactions. Accustomed to humans, they can be observed from very close and almost completely ignore their human guests. Whilst the monkeys are most numerous during the colder months, they can be observed all year round.
The only way to access the park is via a gentle 2 km hike. In the afternoon, you will pay a visit to the nearby charming town of Obuse, with traditional houses, stores and streets. Obuse is known for its delicious chestnuts and as the home of Hokusai, the famous painter and printmaker from Japan's Edo period. A visit to his museum here is a must. Obuse also has over 100 houses that participate in the "Open Garden" program. If you see the sign in front of the house, it means you can enter the property and enjoy the gardens, giving you a unique insight into Japanese daily life.
Finally, no visit to Obuse is complete without stopping in at a local sake brewery for a taste of their delicious sake made from the high quality local rice.
Day 5: Train to Kanazawa & Evening Food WalkHotel: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa (4 Star Rating)
Discover the best of Kanazawa at Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, an upscale lifestyle hotel that embraces the rich culture of this historic city, known for its distinctive cuisine and its geisha and samurai heritage. Conveniently located just steps from Kanazawa Station, the hotel serves as the ideal starting point for exploring the city's authentic art, shops, restaurants, and attractions. Unwind in one of the 253 hotel rooms and suites, where modern, light-filled spaces are adorned with art by local artists and eclectic touches that reflect the spirit of the historic city.
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Nestled between the Sea of Japan and the majestic Japanese Alps, Kanazawa boasts a unique culinary landscape that showcases the bounty of both land and sea. Experience the freshest seafood, complemented by premium sake crafted with pure mineral water from the mountain peaks. Kanazawa's cuisine reflects the city's breathtaking natural beauty, well-preserved traditions, and rich history.
This 3-hour walking tour will take you through the charming back alleys of the Korinbo district, where you'll discover hidden culinary gems and savor the authentic flavors of Kanazawa. Indulge in local specialties at two carefully selected restaurants, each offering a unique atmosphere and culinary experience that embodies the essence of Kanazawa.
Day 6: Kanazawa Highlights, Tea Traditions & Sushi Making LessonBegin the tour with a visit to Omicho Market, known as the "kitchen of Kanazawa," a beloved gathering place for local residents and a showcase of the city's rich food culture. With around 170 shops lining its lively streets, the market offers an impressive selection of fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and regional specialties, attracting everyone from local shoppers and tourists to professional chefs. Then visit the Ohi Museum, to learn about the tea ceremony culture of Kanazawa and Ohi pottery, a distinct style of Japanese pottery with over 350 years of history. After viewing the museum, enjoy some matcha green tea and a sweet. Then, immerse yourself in a hands-on sushi-making experience. Learn to craft hand-pressed sushi under the guidance of a skilled chef, and later enjoy your creations for lunch.
In the afternoon, explore Kanazawa's historic sites, starting with the Nomura Samurai Residence in the Nagamachi District, a beautifully preserved home of a former samurai family. Continue to Kenrokuen Garden, celebrated as one of Japan's top three gardens, offering breathtaking seasonal views throughout the year. Finally, stroll through the Higashi Chayagai District, Kanazawa's geisha quarter, where wooden-latticed teahouses line stone-paved streets and the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1868) still lingers. This area is recognized as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District, providing a fascinating glimpse into Japan's cultural past.
Day 7: Snowy Shirakawago Village & Takayama ExplorationYour guide will meet you at your hotel in Kanazawa, and together travel by public bus to the picturesque Shirakawa-go region, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours.
Upon arrival, your guide will lead you through the village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some over 250 years old. The term gassho-zukuri translates to "Praying Hands," inspired by the steeply thatched roofs resembling the hands of Buddhist monks in prayer, ingeniously designed to withstand the region's heavy snowfall.
After exploring Shirakawa-go, your guide will bid you farewell, and you will continue by public bus to Takayama.
Hotel: Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan (4 Star Rating)
Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan is a charming traditional ryokan in Takayama, offering authentic Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring, futon bedding, and warm hospitality. Located near the picturesque Miyagawa River and historic Takayama Old Town, it features relaxing onsen baths, kaiseki dining, and a tranquil atmosphere steeped in local culture.
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Day 8: Takayama Leisure Day & Traditional Ryokan StayDay 9: Train Journey to KyotoHotel: Dhawa Yura Kyoto Hotel (4 Star Rating)
A charming boutique hotel where East meets West in a historic city. Travel back in time to a mysterious hideaway in the ancient capital city of Kyoto, Japan. Contemporary design meets historical features in this luxury boutique hotel near the Kamo River, telling the story of an era that marked Japanese history with its blend of old and new, East and West. Located in Sanjo in the heart of Kyoto, Dhawa Yura Kyoto by Banyan Tree Group sits within walking distance of temples, shrines, shopping, restaurants and museums.
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Day 10: Kyoto & Nara: Ancient Capitals, Temples & DeerSet out to explore some of Kyoto's most famous sites and discover the history behind this one-thousand-year old capital. Tour Nijo Castle, noted for its gorgeous interiors and its "squeaky" nightingale floors which alerted residents to unwanted intruders (if Nijo Castle is closed, visit Ryoanji Temple instead). Continue to Kinkakuji Temple, famous for its Golden Pavilion covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold as well as for its exquisite Japanese gardens and koi ponds. Afterward, visit Kyoto's Imperial Palace and gain exclusive access to the former residence of the Emperor of Japan (if the Palace is closed, visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead).
After lunch, set out by coach for Nara (90 minutes). Visit the Kasuga Grand Shrine, famous for its hundreds of bronze lanterns which hang from the buildings and line walking paths through the woods. The friendly wild deer of Nara Park roaming freely around the temple are considered to be sacred messengers of the Shinto gods. Continue to Todaiji Temple, which houses the world's largest bronze statue, the tallest of the three Great Buddha statues of Japan. Return to Kyoto between 6:30-7:30 pm.
Day 11: Kyoto at leisureDay 12: Depart from KyotoTransfer: Kyoto - Northern Higashiyama to Osaka Kansai International Airport
