Upon arrival at the airport, after clearing passport control and collecting your baggage, you’ll transfer to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, the captivating capital city where tradition meets cutting-edge modernity.

Hotel check-in is available from 15:00. Transfer is arranged via public transport, allowing you a first glimpse into the efficiency of Japanese travel. A private car transfer can be arranged at an additional cost if preferred.

An English-speaking assistant will be available to accompany you from the airport to your hotel. They’ll help you validate your Japan Rail Pass, provide important information, and assist with the check-in process upon arrival at the hotel. You’ll also have access to telephone support throughout your stay. Please note that assistance and transfer services may be shared with other tour participants.

Note: Airport assistance is available only for arrivals in Japan between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

Breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a full-day guided exploration of Tokyo, led by an expert English-speaking guide. Your journey begins at the renowned Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the iconic Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, whose life and work were deeply rooted in this fascinating city.

Next, step into the heart of traditional Tokyo as you stroll through the historic Asakusa district. Visit the sacred Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and wander along the bustling Nakamise-dori, a vibrant shopping street lined with stalls selling traditional snacks and souvenirs.

Continue your discovery with a scenic walk around the grounds of the Imperial Palace, pausing to admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. Then, dive into the stylish atmosphere of the Ginza district, Tokyo’s upscale hub of fashion and luxury. Your day concludes with a visit to the panoramic Bunkyo Civic Center, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sprawling Tokyo metropolis from its sky-high observation deck.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free at your leisure to relax, explore independently, or take advantage of optional experiences to dive deeper into Tokyo’s dynamic energy.

Optional Guided Tour – Vibrant Tokyo Experience

Embark on a full-day guided journey to uncover the lively and animated side of Tokyo. Begin with a visit to the world-famous fish market, where the bustling stalls and fresh seafood offer an authentic taste of local life. Continue to the ultra-modern district of Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, where you'll explore the innovative Miraikan – National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

Take in the breathtaking views of the iconic Rainbow Bridge stretching across Tokyo Bay before heading to the energetic Shibuya district. Witness the awe-inspiring Shibuya Crossing, known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world — a true symbol of Tokyo’s urban heartbeat. Meals are not included during this optional tour.

Breakfast at the hotel. Please note that your main luggage will be transported separately to Takayama by courier. Remember to pack a small overnight bag for your stay in Kanazawa.

Board the high-speed Shinkansen train to Kanazawa using your Japan Rail Pass (2nd class). The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, offering a comfortable and scenic ride through Japan’s picturesque countryside.

Once in Kanazawa, enjoy time at leisure or opt for an enriching [optional visit] to some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Wander through the exquisite Kenroku-en Garden, celebrated as one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. Explore the bustling Omicho Market, famous for its fresh seafood and vibrant local produce. Finally, step into the elegance of traditional craftsmanship at the Nagamachi Yuzen-kan, where intricate Kaga Yuzen silk kimonos—a revered local art form—are beautifully displayed.

Today is a full day without assistance. Travel by scheduled coach from Kanazawa through the scenic countryside to the charming village of Shirakawa-go. Famed for its traditional thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses, this picturesque hamlet is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a window into Japan’s rural past.

After exploring Shirakawa-go, continue on to the beautifully preserved town of Takayama. We recommend a visit to the atmospheric Sanmachi-suji district in the historic old town, where you can stroll past sake breweries and traditional wooden townhouses now home to artisan shops and local crafts.

A traditional Japanese dinner at a ryokan (inn) is included this evening — offering you a taste of authentic regional cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting.

Breakfast at the hotel. Please note that your main luggage will be transported separately to Kyoto by courier. Be sure to pack a hand luggage with essentials for your two-night stay in Hiroshima.

Today is a full day without assistance. Before departing, we recommend an [optional visit] to Takayama’s morning markets, a lively hub of local produce and crafts. Also worth exploring is the historic Takayama Jin’ya, a well-preserved former government office that once served as the residence of the Kanamori clan and the administrative centre of the Hida Province.

Later, board the train to Hiroshima via Nagoya using your Japan Rail Pass (2nd class). The journey begins with a scenic ride on the JR Express train from Takayama to Nagoya (approximately 2.5 hours), followed by a high-speed Shinkansen transfer to Hiroshima, showcasing Japan’s famously efficient and comfortable railway system.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is yours to explore Hiroshima at your own pace. Whether you wish to reflect, discover, or simply relax, the city and its surroundings offer powerful experiences and peaceful escapes.

Optional Tour – Sacred Miyajima Island & Hiroshima’s Peace Legacy

We highly recommend an excursion to the enchanting Miyajima Island, easily reached by ferry (included with the Japan Rail Pass). Here, you'll discover the magnificent Itsukushima Shrine, a collection of elegant stilted structures dating back to the 6th century. The shrine is famed for its striking torii gate, which appears to float upon the sea during high tide — one of Japan’s most iconic and spiritual landmarks.

Back in Hiroshima, delve into the city’s moving past with a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Park, dedicated to the legacy of those impacted by the events of 1945. Don’t miss the haunting yet powerful Atomic Bomb Dome, a preserved ruin and UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a symbol of resilience and hope.

Today is a full day without assistance. Depart from Hiroshima aboard the Shinkansen bullet train using your Japan Rail Pass (2nd class), heading toward the cultural heart of Japan — Kyoto.

For those wishing to enhance their journey, we recommend an optional stop in Himeji (approximately 1 hour from Hiroshima by Shinkansen). Here stands the magnificent Himeji Castle, affectionately known as the "White Heron Castle" due to its elegant, soaring white architecture. A masterpiece of feudal-era Japan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has remained remarkably intact for centuries and underwent extensive restoration, completed in 2015, preserving its original grandeur.

After your visit, continue your journey to Kyoto (Himeji to Kyoto is approximately 1 hour by Shinkansen), where timeless tradition and refined beauty await.

Enjoy a full-day exploration of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide. This immersive journey will take you through some of the city’s most iconic cultural treasures and sacred sites.

Begin at the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple, originally founded in 798. Though the current structures date back to 1633, the temple retains its majestic charm and offers stunning views over the city. Explore the atmospheric Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka lanes nearby — narrow, stone-paved streets lined with preserved wooden houses, traditional shops, and tea houses.

Continue to the serene Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden, where minimalist design invites quiet reflection. Then marvel at the shimmering beauty of Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, its gold-leaf-covered structure reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond.

Your day concludes at the awe-inspiring Sanjusangen-do Temple, a vast wooden hall that houses an astonishing array of 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy — a breathtaking sight that leaves a lasting impression.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Kyoto to Nara by rapid train for a full-day guided tour in English, delving into the spiritual and historical heart of Japan’s first permanent capital.

Begin with a visit to the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, home to the colossal Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world. Continue to the enchanting Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a revered Shinto sanctuary nestled among ancient forest and adorned with over 10,000 stone and bronze lanterns, creating a mystical and timeless atmosphere.

Both sites are located within the serene Nara Park, where friendly fallow deer roam freely — regarded as sacred messengers in local tradition, and often interacting playfully with visitors.

On the return journey to Kyoto, make a memorable stop at the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates wind their way up the forested mountain trails — a visually stunning and deeply spiritual experience. Return to your hotel in Kyoto after a truly enriching day.

Breakfast at the hotel. Please note that hotel rooms are available until 11:00 for check-out.

As your unforgettable journey through Japan comes to a close, it’s time to make your way to the airport for your return flight. There are several convenient options available for travel to either Osaka International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) — including shuttle buses, trains, and taxis.

Our representative will be happy to assist you in arranging the most suitable and comfortable transfer based on your flight time and preferences (subject to an additional cost). We wish you a safe journey home and hope your time in Japan leaves you with cherished memories and a desire to return.