Day 1: Tokyo

Welcome to Japan!

Welcome to Tokyo! An English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will introduce you to your driver for a transfer back to your hotel.

Meet your driver for an enjoyable airport transfer with a private vehicle.

Where you’ll be staying: Park Hotel Tokyo Deluxe Twin Room

Day 2: Tokyo

Spend a half day discovering Tokyo’s fascinating sites that juxtapose traditional temples and gardens with futuristic skyscrapers. With the help of your local guide, set out on the city’s comprehensive and user-friendly public transport system. Head to Asakusa, the city’s old town area. Soak up the atmosphere of traditional Tokyo of yesteryear, exploring Tokyo’s oldest and most popular temple, Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. Sensoji backs onto Nakamise, a shopping street that has provided temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and souvenirs for centuries.

Hop on the subway for a journey across the city to the Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Japan’s feudal era came to an end during the Meiji period, and the country found itself modernizing and westernizing during this time. If time permits, stroll along Omotesando shopping street, a broad tree-lined avenue home to the flagship stores of the world’s top fashion brands. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Please note that this tour includes a private guide. However, rather than traveling by private vehicle, you will explore Tokyo by making use of Tokyo’s efficient local transit system.

After years of traveling to and from Japan, our Destination Experts all agree that when traveling to the other side of the globe, we all need some time at leisure to acclimate to the new time zone, a fast-paced city, and a different country, culture, and way of life. Take this day to explore the city at your own pace or rest at your accommodations and set off tomorrow fresh-faced and ready to take in the incredibly country that is Japan with your private guide along side.
Please note: If you're the type to 'hit the ground running' when you travel, simply let your Destination Expert know and they will help you choose the best tour for the first, full day of your time abroad.

Where you’ll be staying: Park Hotel Tokyo Deluxe Twin Room

Day 3: Tokyo

This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel and use Tokyo's efficient public transportation system to take you to a sumo beya, or sumo stable, offering you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the world of sumo. In Japan, all rikishi (wrestlers) belong to these stables, where they live, train, and eat. At the beya, you’ll witness the fascinating morning training session, known as asa geiko. The day begins early, with the lower-ranked wrestlers practicing before their other duties, such as cleaning the facility and preparing meals. The higher-ranked sekitori arrive later and train from around 7 am to 10 am, honing their techniques with rigorous warm-ups and drills. The training session culminates in an exciting "King of the Castle" game, where one wrestler stays in the ring and faces multiple bouts until defeated. Once the training ends, your guide will leave you at the stable, where you are free to explore further or make your own arrangements for the rest of the day.
Please note that with this tour you will have a private guide, but rather than traveling by private vehicle, you will make use of Tokyo’s efficient local transit system. Seating on tatami matting only. Visitors are requested to observe absolute silence to not disturb the wrestlers.

This afternoon, explore three of Tokyo's vibrant centers of youth fashion and pop culture with your private local guide. Begin in Shibuya, Tokyo's main center for youth fashion and culture. Its streets are the birthplace of many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends and the area is also home to the famous five-way "scramble crossing". The Shibuya Crossing is rumored to be the busiest intersection in the world. Next, travel to Harajuku and Takeshita-Dori (Cat Street). This famous street is lined with quirky fashion boutiques, cafes, and restaurants for your enjoyment. Harajuku caters to every imaginable style and is the epicenter of Japanese “kawaii”, the culture of cuteness. Continue to Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, an area that was originally famous for its many electronics shops. Akihabara is renowned as the center of Japan’s otaku culture, a culture of diehard fans in anime and manga fandom. Many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel. Rather than traveling by private vehicle, you will explore Tokyo by making use of Tokyo’s efficient local transit system.

Where you’ll be staying: Park Hotel Tokyo Deluxe Twin Room

Day 4: Tokyo

Today, leave Tokyo behind as you journey to nearby Hakone with your local, private guide. Hakone is considered one of the gateways to Mt. Fuji and surrounding national park and a vacation destination for the Japanese noble class for centuries. After your arrival, you will take some time to explore the old town area (Moto-Hakone) on the lake shore. There are a number of things to see and do here that cater to various interests; Whether that's history, art, or local artisanal specialities. Let your guide know what your interests are and they will be happy to take you to attractions that match your interests. After lunch, you will travel across picturesque Lake Ashi by stylish cruise boat (shared). You will be able to see Mt Fuji from the lake if the weather is clear. Next, you'll make your way up the Komagatake Ropeway. Again, if the weather is on your side, you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji in the distance. The ropeway takes you to the summit of Mt. Komagatake, from which you can see amazing panoramic views of Lake Ashi, Hakone and Mt. Fuji. Heading down the ropeway, you will pick up a cruise again across to Moto-Hakone before taking the road back to the station and catching your train back to Tokyo. Your guide will accompany you to your hotel.
Note: Please be advised that Mt. Fuji is a notoriously shy mountain and the weather needs to be perfectly clear in order to see it in the distance.

Where you’ll be staying: Park Hotel Tokyo Deluxe Twin Room

Day 5: Tokyo To Nagano To Yudanaka

Meet your guide for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.

Before the tour, your guide will help you transfer your baggage to your next hotel, so please be sure to pack a small overnight bag.
Please note: due to increased travel volume to Japan, baggage transfers may take up to 48 hours during high-season travel. Please pack your overnight bag accordingly if your travel falls during a 'high-season' period.

Board a train from Tokyo with direct service to Nagano. The train ride is approximately 2 hours.

A private vehicle and driver will provide a transfer between Nagano and Yudanaka. The approximate transfer duration is 45 minutes.

Dinner tonight will be a Japanese traditional kaiseki meal, comprised of nine or more dishes. The meal is made up of seasonal dishes using only the freshest of local Nagano ingredients. The kaiseki is a unique cultural experience, and one not to be missed in Japan.

Where you’ll be staying: Issanokomichi Biyunoyado Ryokan Standard Japanese Style Room

Day 6: Yudanaka To Nagano To Matsumoto

After breakfast, your private guide will accompany you to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the renowned Snow Monkeys, traveling via public transportation. Upon arrival, embark on a scenic, leisurely hike before reaching the entrance to the park. Jigokudani 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 the baths of this boiling water that the resident Japanese Macaques like to soak in on. The monkeys live in large social groups, and it can be quite entertaining to watch their interactions. Accustomed to the presence of people, the monkeys almost completely ignore their human guests and they can be observed from up close. While the monkeys are most numerous during the colder months, they can be seen all year round.
Please Note: The entrance to the park is located a 15-20 minutes hike away from the closest point reachable by car. It is a leisurely hike with moderate to no slopes. This tour makes use of Yudanaka's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

A private vehicle and driver will provide a transfer between Nagano and Yudanaka. The approximate transfer duration is 45 minutes.

Enjoy a local, 'Limited Express' train ride through the mountains of Honshu from Nagano to beautiful Matsumoto. The train ride should take approximately 1 hour.

Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.

Where you’ll be staying: Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu Superior Twin Room

Day 7: Matsumoto

Today, meet your guide at your hotel and set off on a private half day adventure using Matsumoto's efficient public transit, exploring the must-see highlights of this charming mountain town. Head to the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's few remaining original castles. The wooden interior is a rare snapshot of Japanese feudal military tactics as well as an interesting museum. From the sixth floor, enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Japanese Alps and Matsumoto city. Next, stroll around Nakamachi area, an ex-merchant district home to many well-preserved old buildings and a pedestrianized road known locally as Nawate "Frog Street". Never shying away from a themed anything, Matsumoto's themed 'Frog Street' is adorned with cute frog characters from the three dressed in Samurai suites welcoming you at the top of the street, to figurines in shops, to tayaki shaped like frogs. Lastly, visit the pleasant Yohashira Shrine nearby; Beautiful all year round but especially so in the fall and at New Year's.

This evening, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Where you’ll be staying: Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu Superior Twin Room

Day 8: Matsumoto To Kyoto To Nagoya

Today, get 'off the beaten path' and enjoy a truly unique experience with a visit to one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms in Azumino, a scenic countryside district near Matsumoto. Meet your private, English-speaking guide at your hotel and set out to Azumino, a region famed for its wasabi production. Travel seamlessly using Japan’s efficient public transit system to reach one of the country’s largest wasabi farms. Here you’ll learn about the notoriously, difficult-to-grow wasabi plant. Fed by the pure waters of the Japan Alps, the farm stretches across multiple fields, offering a glimpse into the delicate art of wasabi cultivation. Wander through the lush green fields, soak in the tranquil atmosphere, and browse the farm’s shops for fresh wasabi or unique treats like wasabi-flavored ice cream—a must-try for adventurous food lovers. After this delightful experience you’ll return to Matsumoto accompanied by your guide.

Meet your private driver for a train station transfer.

Enjoy a train transfer from Matsumoto to Kyoto, with a transfer in Nagoya. The first part of your journey will be by 'Limited Express' train and an assistant will be waiting in Nagoya to help you onto your bullet train to complete the trip to Kyoto.

Upon arrival, an assistant will help you transfer smoothly from one to train to the next train.

Upon arrival at the train station, an assistant will be waiting to guide you on a brief walk to your nearby hotel.

Where you’ll be staying: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel Luxury Hollywood Twin Room

Day 9: Kyoto

Today, together with a knowledgeable guide you’ll head by public transportation to navigate cobblestone streets in neighborhoods that were established over 1000 years ago. You’ll find that Kyoto is not only a city steeped in history, but full of modern monks, artisans, baristas, and college students still working towards its lively future. Kinkakuji Temple draws millions of visitors each year, and you will quickly understand why this jewel in the northern hills of Kyoto is one of the country’s most visited sites. A far cry from Buddhist austerity, it is covered in real gold leaf, photogenically stunning at any time of the year no matter the weather. The story of the warlord who had this pavilion built will surely capture your mind, too. Next, stop by Ryoanji Temple, which was built on the grounds of a villa of the Fujiwara clan in the Heian period (794-1185). The temple is home to one of the most famous zen rock gardens in Japan. Finally, visit Kitano-Temanngu, a remarkable shrine to scholarship built to appease the spirit of an angry ghost. Buy a lucky pencil as local students do for their college entry exams, and then marvel at the surrounding entertainment district. After a fire in 1444, a large section of the temple was rebuilt, and the remaining timber was used to construct 7 tea houses that became the first ‘flower town’ or geisha district. in Kyoto. Lastly, you will visit the geisha district of Kamishichiken, which is every bit as charming as its more touristy cousin Gion, with the bonus of fewer crowds and excellent photo opportunities.
Please note: This tour makes use of Kyoto's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

Where you’ll be staying: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel Luxury Hollywood Twin Room

Day 10: Kyoto

With the expert insight of a private guide, begin today with a visit to the historic Fushimi Inari Shrine, dotted with thousands of iconic torii gates. Established in the 8th century, it is one of the most iconic and visited religious sites in Japan. What sets Fushimi Inari Shrine apart is its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that create a captivating tunnel-like path leading up the forested Mount Inari. Follow these winding paths through the lush forest, making their way to the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, prosperity, and business, and it attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and spirituality. Next, it's on to Sanjusangendo, the longest wooden structure in Japan. Inside is a transcendental experience as 1001 states of the goddess, Kannon stand at attention and have captivated visitors for centuries. Last stop: Kiyumizu-dera: the famous Buddhist temple standing high up in the mountains of east Kyoto. The vantage point here is one of the most iconic photo opportunities from Japan, with a shot of 'Sanju-no-to,' (the Three-Storied red Pagoda), one of the must-sees in the city. The tour concludes with your guide returning you back to your accommodations.
Please note: This tour makes use of Kyoto's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.

Where you’ll be staying: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel Luxury Hollywood Twin Room

Day 11: Kyoto

Leave Kyoto behind for Nara, approximately 30 minutes by local train. Previously Japan’s capital for 74 years in the 8th century, this area is home to many ancient temples and shrines from that time. Today’s tour will include a visit to Todaiji temple, the world’s largest wooden building and famous for its Great Buddha. You’ll also visit Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 AD and famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns which have been donated by worshipers. Next, take a stroll through Nara Park, nicknamed Deer Park known for being home to 1,000 tame deer living there.

Where you’ll be staying: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel Luxury Hollywood Twin Room

Day 12: Kyoto To Osaka

Enjoy a transfer with a private driver from Kyoto to Osaka Kansai International Airport.