Tokyo to Kyoto

Welcome to Tokyo! Your adventure begins as you arrive at either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport, where a friendly meeting assistant will greet you at the arrival gate. From there, board the comfortable airport limousine bus to central Tokyo - your ticket is included. On arrival at the designated bus stop, it’s just a short walk of less than ten minutes to your hotel, where you can check in and start soaking up the atmosphere of this dynamic city.

Meet our guide in the hotel lobby for a short tour briefing before we set off by local train to explore Tokyo’s highlights. We begin with a visit to the famous Senso-ji Temple, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, followed by a stroll along lively Nakamise Street, lined with traditional shops and local snacks. If time allows, we may also stop at Kappabashi Kitchen Street, known for its array of cookware and restaurant supplies.

Enjoy a sumo show (subject to availability) over a hearty lunch featuring either Chanko hotpot or Tonkatsu, depending on availability. In the afternoon, we visit the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine, a peaceful Shinto sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, before returning to the hotel in the evening.

Tokyo - Hakone. Prepare an overnight bag, as your main luggage will be sent ahead to your hotel in Takayama. We travel by Romance Car train to Hakone Yumoto, then continue our scenic journey by local train and cable car to Sounzan Station. From there, enjoy panoramic views as we ride the ropeway over the Owakudani volcanic valley and on to Togendai, before taking a tranquil cruise across Lake Ashi. The journey continues by local train to Odawara, where we check in at our ryokan hotel and enjoy a traditional dinner.

Hakone - Takayama. After breakfast, we transfer to Odawara Station by public transport and board the bullet train to Nagoya. You may like to enjoy a quick snack or an ekiben (station bento) during the journey, at your own expense. We then continue by scenic limited express train to Takayama. On arrival, explore the charming Sanmachi Old Town district, famed for its beautifully preserved wooden buildings, craft shops, inviting cafés, and traditional sake breweries.

We begin the day with a visit to the lively Miyagawa Morning Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, crafts, and regional specialities. We then tour Takayama Jinya, a well-preserved former government office that offers an insight into Japan’s Edo-period administration. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace - perhaps visit Hida no Sato, the Festival Float Exhibition Hall, or take a scenic day trip to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawago.

Takayama - Kyoto. Pack an overnight bag, as your main luggage will be sent directly to your Kyoto hotel and will arrive the following day. We travel by limited express train to Nagoya, then continue on the bullet train to Kyoto. After some free time for lunch at Kyoto Station (own expense), you can drop your bags at the hotel before we head out to visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of bright red torii gates that wind through the forested hillside.

Spend the day exploring Kyoto’s highlights on foot and by public transport. We begin at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo creates an enchanting atmosphere, before visiting nearby Tenryuji Temple. Stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge for views of the Katsura River, then board the distinctive purple Randen Train to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. Conclude with a visit to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a stunning 14th-century gilded temple and one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.

At 9:00, meet your guide at Kyoto Station and take a local train to Nara for a scenic one-hour journey (ticket included, no reserved seats). Upon arrival, stroll through Nara Deer Park and visit the historic Todaiji Temple, where we can also admire the Great Buddha inside the temple (ticket included).

There's free time for lunch at Higashimuki and Mochidono Shopping Street, before we board a train to Horyu-ji Temple, home to the world’s oldest wooden structure (ticket included). We then make our way back to Kyoto, arriving at around 18:00 - the evening is at leisure.

We begin the day with a visit to the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks, offering sweeping views over the city. From there, wander along the charming Ninen-zaka and Kiyomizu-zaka streets, lined with traditional shops and teahouses. After a short guided tour of Nishiki Market, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before meeting your guide again in the evening for a stroll through Kyoto’s atmospheric Gion District. We conclude the day with a special dinner accompanied by a Maiko or Geisha—an unforgettable glimpse into Kyoto’s refined cultural traditions.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel before check-out. Make your own way to Kyoto Station for your onward journey to the airport and departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.