Tokyo, Takayama & Osaka

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Narita International Airport, you can make your own way to the hotel (standard check-in time is 14:00; early check-in is subject to availability). The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

After breakfast, we begin our Tokyo city tour with a visit to the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine. Built in 1920 to honour Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this sacred site sits within a lush forested sanctuary near the lively Harajuku district.

Next, we head to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where hundreds of stalls brim with fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and traditional Japanese snacks. Enjoy a walk through the narrow alleys, sampling local bites and learning about Japan’s culinary traditions.

We continue to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, once part of Edo Castle and now a serene oasis of lawns, moats, and seasonal blooms. (Please note: the gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays.)

Our final stop is Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. Enter through the grand Kaminarimon Gate, stroll along Nakamise-dori with its colourful souvenir shops, and visit the five-storey pagoda.

Today is free for you to explore Tokyo independently. Discover the stylish boutiques and pop culture of Harajuku, or head to Ginza for luxury shopping, elegant cafés, and art galleries.

Tokyo - Mt Fuji - Hakone. After breakfast, we travel towards the Fuji Five Lakes region for breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. Begin with a relaxing cruise on Lake Kawaguchi before taking the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to enjoy sweeping views from the observation deck on Mount Tenjo.

We then visit Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to the picturesque Chureito Pagoda—one of Japan’s most photographed spots—followed by Oshino Hakkai, a charming village famed for its crystal-clear ponds formed by Mount Fuji’s snowmelt.

Later, we continue to Hakone, a renowned hot spring resort. Check into a traditional ryokan, unwind in the soothing onsen baths, and savour a Japanese-style dinner at your accommodation.

Hakone - Takayama. After breakfast, make your way to Odawara Station for the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya, followed by a Limited Express train to Takayama. The journey offers stunning views of rivers, valleys, and mountain scenery.

Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, exploring this beautifully preserved alpine town.

After breakfast, we visit Takayama’s lively Morning Market to experience local life and browse stalls selling handmade crafts and regional produce. Continue to the elegant Nakabashi Bridge before stepping back in time at the Kusakabe Folk Museum, once the residence of a wealthy Edo-period merchant family.

We end the day exploring Kami-Sannomachi, the heart of Takayama’s historic Old Town, lined with wooden houses, antique shops, and sake breweries.

Takayama - Kanazawa. After breakfast, we travel through the mountains to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go. Explore the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, including the beautifully preserved Wada House, and enjoy panoramic views from the Shirakawa-go Observation Deck.

Before continuing to Kanazawa, visit the Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum to learn more about rural crafts and architecture.

Kanazawa - Kyoto. This morning, we stroll through Kenrokuen Garden—one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens—admiring its elegant ponds, bridges, and seasonal beauty.

Next, visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, known for its creative design and modern exhibits, before discovering Kanazawa Castle, a restored landmark of samurai heritage.

After sightseeing, transfer to Kanazawa Station for the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel.

After breakfast, we travel to Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most picturesque districts. Begin with Jojakko-ji Temple, a peaceful hillside retreat offering panoramic views of the city.

Continue through the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, followed by a leisurely Yakatabune boat ride on the Hozugawa River. End the day with a nostalgic trip on the Sagano Scenic Railway, passing through lush valleys and dramatic gorges before returning to Kyoto.

Kyoto - Osaka. After breakfast, we visit two of Kyoto’s most celebrated sites: Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple adorned in gold leaf, and Fushimi Inari Taisha, famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up Mount Inari.

In the afternoon, continue to Osaka, Japan’s energetic culinary capital. Visit the grand Osaka Castle, then explore the lively Shinsaibashi district, known for shopping, entertainment, and street food favourites such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your tour comes to an end - make your own way to the airport or next destination.