Japan’s Hidden Treasures

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at either Narita or Haneda Airport, you will be met at the gate by your friendly meeting assistant who will help you board the airport limousine bus—a comfortable, direct transfer into the city. Your hotel is conveniently located just a brief walk of less than ten minutes from the bus stop, allowing you to settle in quickly and begin exploring Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods at your own pace.

Overnight in Sunshine City Prince Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 2: Tokyo (B)

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a brief tour introduction before taking local trains to the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in a lush forest and dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Afterwards, wander through Harajuku’s Takeshita Dori—famous for its colorful street fashion and eclectic cafés—where you can enjoy lunch of your choice (own expense). Next, experience the organized chaos of Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections surrounded by neon-lit billboards. To cap off the day, explore a Japanese department store food hall, or “depachika,” where you’ll find an array of fresh bento boxes, sweets, and other gourmet treats to sample. Finally, return to your hotel with memories of Tokyo’s unique blend of tradition and modern energy.

Overnight in Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar.

Day 3: Tokyo (B)

Begin the day heading to the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, where you can admire its imposing gate, vibrant lanterns, and centuries-old Buddhist halls. From there, wander down Kappabashi Dori, Tokyo’s famed “Kitchen Town,” lined with shops selling everything from professional cookware to realistic plastic food displays. Next, ascend to the 450-meter observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views—you may choose to grab lunch (own expense) at the food court below. In the afternoon, explore the nostalgic streets of Yanaka Ginza Old Town and the peaceful Yanaka Cemetery, with its moss-covered gravestones and cherry-blossom-lined paths; time permitting, you might also stop by Nippori Fabric Town to browse a vast selection of textiles and sewing supplies.

Overnight in Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar.

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone (B/ D)

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby after preparing an overnight bag for your journey as your main luggage is transferred to Takayama for next-day arrival. Begin the day with a scenic train ride aboard the Romance Car to Hakone, followed by transfers via train and cable car to Sounzan Station. From there, ride the ropeway to Owakudani, a volcanic valley known for its hot springs and sulfur vents, where you’ll have time to explore. Continue by ropeway to Togendai and embark on a picturesque Lake Ashi cruise to Motohakone, offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. The journey concludes with a bus ride to the hotel, where you'll check in and enjoy dinner.

Overnight in Hotel Pax Yoshino or similar.

Day 5: Hakone to Takayama (B)

Travel to Nagoya station aboard the Hikari bullet train, then continue on a scenic limited express train ride to the mountain town of Takayama. Upon arrival, spend the afternoon exploring Sanmachi Old Town, a beautifully preserved historic district known for its traditional wooden buildings, local craft shops, cozy cafes, and renowned sake breweries. The day ends with check-in at your hotel.

Overnight in Takayama Ou’an Hotel or similar.

Day 6: Takayama to Kanazawa (B)

Start the day with a visit to the lively Miyagawa Morning Market, known for its local produce, crafts, and street food. Then tour Takayama Jinya, a historical government building from the Edo period. Later, travel by chartered coach to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago Village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Visit the Wada House, one of the largest and best-preserved in the village, and enjoy some free time to explore. The day concludes with a transfer to Kanazawa and hotel check-in.

Overnight in Hotel Forza Kanazawa or similar.

Day 7: Kanazawa (B)

Visit the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscaped gardens, renowned for its seasonal beauty, ponds, bridges, and teahouses. Continue to Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s bustling food hub, where you can browse vibrant stalls selling fresh seafood, produce, and local delicacies with time to enjoy lunch at your own pace (own expense). Later, explore the charming Higashi Chaya district, known for its beautifully preserved geisha houses and traditional wooden architecture. Step inside the historic Tea House Shima to experience the elegant interiors and cultural atmosphere of Kanazawa’s geisha heritage.

Overnight in Hotel Forza Kanazawa or similar.

Day 8: Kanazawa to Osaka (B)

Meet your guide at the hotel lobby to assist with sending your main luggage ahead to Osaka to arrive the following day. Transfer to Kanazawa Station and travel by bullet train and limited express train to Osaka, then enjoy free time to explore the lively Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi districts, known for their neon lights, shopping streets, and a variety of dining options. In the afternoon, visit the historic Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, surrounded by moats and lush gardens and housing a fascinating museum inside. Conclude the day with checking into your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba or similar.

Day 9: Osaka (B)

Travel by local train (non‑reserved) from Osaka to Nara for a leisurely walk through Nara Deer Park, where friendly sika deer roam freely. Visit Todai‑ji, home to the UNESCO‑listed Daibutsu (Great Buddha), one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues, inside the vast wooden Daibutsuden Hall (ticket included). Enjoy free time for lunch (own expense) amid the eateries and shops of Higashimuki and Mochiidono arcades. Continue by train and local bus to Horyu‑ji Temple (ticket included), famed for having some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden buildings and exquisite Asuka‑period art. Conclude with a return by bus and train via Oji Station to your Osaka hotel.

Overnight in Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba or similar.

Day 10: Osaka to Hiroshima (B/ L)

Meet your guide in the lobby and send your main luggage ahead to your Kyoto hotel, carrying a small overnight bag. Board the bullet train to Hiroshima and arrive ready for a classic okonomiyaki lunch, the city’s beloved savory pancake layered with noodles and toppings. Visit the A‑Bomb Dome, the haunting skeletal remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing resilience and peace. Continue to the Peace Memorial Museum, whose poignant exhibits trace the stories of survivors and the city’s reconstruction. After a reflective afternoon amid Hiroshima’s memorial parklands, transfer to your hotel and check in for a restful evening.

Overnight in Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae or similar.

Day 11: Hiroshima to Kyoto (B)

Sail by ferry to Miyajima Island, famed for Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic “floating” vermilion torii gate set against forested slopes and the Inland Sea (ticket included). Stroll the waterfront and Omotesando shopping street, sample island specialties like grilled oysters or momiji manju, or ride the ropeway and hike on Mount Misen for sweeping views. After free time for lunch (own expense), return by ferry and train to Hiroshima Station, then board the bullet train to Kyoto. Arrive in the evening and make your way to the hotel to relax, reflecting on a day of serene shrines, scenic seascapes, and classic island flavors.

Overnight in Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA or similar.

Day 12: Kyoto (B)

Begin at the iconic Kiyomizu‑dera Temple, famed for its vast wooden stage and sweeping views over Kyoto, plus the Otowa Waterfall for good‑luck sips. Join a traditional tea ceremony to learn matcha preparation and etiquette. Wander Ninenzaka’s preserved lanes of wooden townhouses, with time to browse craft shops and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Continue through Gion’s atmospheric Hanami‑Koji Street to Kenninji, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, known for serene rock gardens and a dramatic twin‑dragon ceiling. Conclude at Sanjusangendo, a remarkable long hall housing 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion.

Overnight in Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA or similar.

Day 13: Kyoto (B/ D)

Explore the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates winding up the mountainside. Enjoy free time to relax or further discover Kyoto’s many cultural treasures at your own pace. In the late afternoon, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and set out for a stroll through the atmospheric Gion District, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and narrow lanes. Conclude the day with a memorable dinner experience in the company of a Maiko or Geisha, offering a rare insight into Kyoto’s refined performing arts and hospitality traditions.

Overnight in Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA or similar.

Day 14: Kyoto Departure (B)

Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Kyoto before checking out of your hotel. Make your own way on foot to Kyoto Station and continue to the airport for your departing flight (train fare not included). Thank you for traveling with us—may the memories of vibrant Tokyo streets, tranquil temples, scenic mountain vistas, and Kyoto’s timeless charm stay with you long after you return home.

— END OF SERVICE —