17 Days from $16,690 USD / person
Japan’s Hidden Treasures
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 5
International Arrival
You will be met by our representative at Narita Airport and then taken to your hotel by your private chauffeur.
4 Nights
Tokyo
Tokyo is modern Japan’s beating heart. Here austere Shinto shrines sit cheek-by-jowl with vibrant shopping centers, and glitzy high-rises tower over beautiful cherry blossom trees. The city offers everything from history and culture to shopping, entertainment and great food. If you are looking for something, chances are you will find it in Tokyo. The city’s food scene is second to none. Tokyo features local and regional Japanese cuisine as well as international cuisines of all flavors. Its chefs have more Michelin stars than any other city but even small, tucked away places are likely to serve delicious food. There are dozens of museums of all stripes. The Tokyo National Museum is spread across multiple buildings and houses the largest collection of national treasures and important cultural items in Japan. The National Museum of Western Art was designed by the famous Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and is a world heritage site. The city is also home to the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. Head up to the deck for stunning, panoramic views of the city.
Hotel options
Park Hotel Tokyo – Opt 1
Room
Park Deluxe King
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho – Opt 2
Room
Club Deluxe King
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 5 – 7
Private transfer from your hotel to Tokyo train station (including assistance from your hotel until you board your train)
Romancecar Train from Tokyo-Shinjuku to Hakone-Odawara/Yumoto (1.5 hrs)
Private Transfer from Train Station to Hotel (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).
2 Nights
Hakone
Hakone defines the iconic image of Japan – with the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji as it rises out of coniferous forest covered mountainsides, lakes and hot springs (onsen). If Tokyo marks the pulsating heart of the country, Hakone is its tranquil heart, offering a peaceful stay. Centered around beautiful Lake Ashino-ko, the traditional gate (torii) of Hakone stands by its serene waters welcoming you into this sacred region. There is much to do for the more energetic traveler as well, as this is the perfect spot for hiking along the many trails marking the surrounding mountains and lakes. As you climb higher, enjoy spectacular views of the beautiful countryside spread out below. Immerse yourself in the quaint and charming world of the traditional Japanese inns and bathhouses dotting Hakone. A dip into a hot spring is the ideal way to complete your day after trekking and breathing in the views!
Hotel options
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu Ryokan – Opt 1
Room
Superior Room w/ open air bath
Meals
Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
Style
Resort
Kinnotake Tonosawa Ryokan – Opt 2
Room
Shizuku-with open air bath
Meals
Room Only
Style
Boutique
Day 7 – 9
Private Transfer from Hotel to Train Station (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).
Train from Odawara Hakone to Nagoya (Duration: 1.5 hrs, Standard Class)
Train from Nagoya to Takayama (Duration: 2 hrs, Standard Class)
Make your own way from the Takayama train station to your hotel
2 Nights
Takayama
Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama is an excellent option for those seeking a countryside jaunt. Commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama, you will find several opportunities to appreciate the cultural legacy of Japan. The city’s ‘old town’ is well preserved and is frequented by history aficionados throughout the year. A gateway to the hiking paradise of mountainous Hida, Takayama is home to ancestral old homes, temples and shrines. The quaint streets in the Sanmachi Suji District are charmingly picturesque with the thatched-roof houses, restaurants, sake breweries and cafés. Your trip to Takayama culminates with a visit to Hida Folk Village, a wonderful open-air museum, brimming with old storehouses, logging huts, farmhouses and the former village head’s house.
Hotel options
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort – Opt 1
Room
Standard Twin Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Resort
Hidatei Hanaougi Ryokan – Opt 2
Room
Ichii – Standard Futon Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Boutique
Day 9 – 11
Board your bus from Takayama station to Kanazawa Station. Enroute you will visit Shirakawa-gō Village
Make your own way from the Kanazawa train/bus station to your hotel
2 Nights
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is perhaps best known for its 17th century castle garden Kenroku-en. It is equally well known as the neighbor of the quintessential Japanese feudal fortress, Kanazawa Castle. In addition, Kanazawa is known for its gold leaf, which you can get to know in the form of museums and craftworks as well as decoration of chopsticks and other items. A serious rival of Kyoto, this historical outlier has only recently re-emerged on the intrepid traveler’s map, as Kanazawa is now connected to Tokyo by Japan’s network of high-speed railway lineas (Shinkansen). To get an authentic feel of how feudal Japan may have been like, Kanazawa has preserved various quarters that the land’s samurai and geisha used to inhabit. Lose yourself in the beautiful marketplaces, serene temples and the many museums dotting this exquisite city!
Hotel options
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa – Opt 1
Room
Comfort Stylish Queen (ROH)
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
The Sanraku Hotel – Opt 2
Room
Superior King
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Day 11 – 14
Make your own way from your hotel to Kanazawa train/bus station
Train from Kanazawa to Kyoto via Tsuruga (Duration: 2 hrs, Standard Class)
Private transfer from Kyoto train station to your hotel (including assistance from the station until you reach your hotel)
3 Nights
Kyoto
Kyoto is arguably the cultural capital of Japan. It was the seat of power and home of the Japanese Emperor from the 6th to the 17th century and was largely spared from destruction during World War II. As a result, the city’s rich heritage remains mostly intact. To walk through Kyoto today is to walk through Japan’s past. It contains 2,000 religious places, including some of the most famous temples in the country. Kiyomizu-dera is a wooden temple set on a mountainside that offers fantastic views, while Ryōan-ji is renowned for its zen rock garden. Add in numerous palaces and gardens and Kyoto is home to an astonishing number of Japan’s National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Seventeen of these are also UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kyoto Tower. The latter is the tallest building in the city and a rare modern landmark. To fuel your cultural exploration, you can sample Kyoto’s distinctive culinary traditions such as kaiseki, traditional Japanese multi-course haute cuisine.
Hotel options
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room Twin
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Granvia Kyoto – Opt 2
Room
Standard Twin B with view
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Day 14 – 16
Private transfer from your hotel to Kyoto train station (including assistance from your hotel until you board your train)
Shinkansen Train from Kyoto to Okayama (Duration: 1 hr, Standard Class)
Private transfer from Okayama Train Station to Kurashiki City (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).
2 Nights
Kurashiki
Kurashiki is a charming city in the Okayama Prefecture facing the Seto Inland Sea, and embracing the banks of Takahashi river. With a bustling modern center and an old heritage quarter, the city beautifully blends the best of the old and the new. Kurashiki’s charmingly preserved Bikan historical area boasts tastefully restored merchant quarters and warehouses of the Edo and Meiji periods. With a canal running through it, punctuated occasionally by punts, the picturesque neighborhood offers a wonderfully calm and relaxed vibe. Quaint inns, boutiques, cafes, and interesting museums that house Monet’s and Picasso’s works among others, populate the characteristic white-walled buildings. Owing to its agricultural history, Kurashiki also has a booming textile industry, especially known for production of denim, which can be witnessed at Kojima Jeans Street. A short hike up Mount Washu offers spectacular panoramas of the surrounding seascape with Seto Ohashi Bridge as its centerpiece.
Hotel options
Ryokan Kurashiki – Opt 1
Room
Kuranoma (Double room)
Meals
Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
Style
Boutique
Ryokan Kurashiki – Opt 2
Room
Kuranoma (Double room)
Meals
Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
Style
Boutique
Day 16 – 17
Private transfer from Kurashiki City to Okayama Train Station (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).
Shinkansen Train from Okayama to Hiroshima (Duration: 45 mins, Standard Class)
Make your own way from the Hiroshima train station to your hotel
1 Night
Hiroshima
Hiroshima evokes powerful images and emotions attached to its war-torn past. Yet today, Hiroshima has emerged as a symbol of peace, beauty, and hope, and is a friendly, global city, with modern infrastructure, tree-lined avenues and rivers. A fair share of signature ferroconcrete, neon and bling, typical of modern Japan, vies for your attention as does much of the restored landmarks. Visit the rebuilt Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima Castle, the iconic Peace Memorial Park and its museum, for a poignant reminder of history. Satiate your yen for good food at the many local restaurants and street stalls serving Hiroshima style delicacies, such as Okonomiyaki.
Hotel options
Granvia Hiroshima – Opt 1
Room
Standard Double room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Hotel Intergate Hiroshima – Opt 2
Room
Superior Double room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Boutique
Day 17 – 17
Make your own way from your hotel to Hiroshima train station
Shinkansen Train from Hiroshima to Shin Osaka (1.5 hrs)
Train from Shin Osaka to Kansai Airport (1.15 hrs)
Osaka
Osaka is third largest city of Japan and has been the home of traders and merchants. It is also well-known for Japan’s oldest temple, the Shinto Sumiyoshi-taisha, and the majestic 16th century Osaka Castle. A lovely river runs through this colorful city, lending it life and distinct character. Osaka is also renowned for its pulsating nightlife and dazzling neon shopfronts and commercial streets. With mouthwatering cuisine, do try out the city’s delicious dishes, from humble noodle bowls stalls and yakitori stands to high-end sushi restaurants. Osaka’s proximity to Kansai airport and its many excellent hotels makes it a natural choice as a stopover destination.
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
