Days/Nights
12D - 11N
Reveiews
Activity level
High
BOOK NOW
Your trip in a nutshell
Itinerary
Day - 1
Tokyo Arrival: Touchdown in the Capital
We land at Tokyo International Airport and meet our representative for a professional transfer to the hotel. After checking in, you are free to settle into the vibrant energy of the Tokyo/Yokohama area and rest for the adventures ahead.
Day - 2
Tokyo Highlights: Old Edo and New Heights
We explore the city's diverse districts, starting with the cherry trees of Ueno Park. We then dive into the historic atmosphere of Asakusa Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist site, and browse the traditional stalls of Nakamise Street. We ascend the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views from the 350-meter observation deck. The day concludes at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, where we witness the organized chaos of the busiest pedestrian scramble in existence before dinner.
Day - 3
Tokyo Culture: Origami, Palaces, and Digital Art
We begin with a hands-on experience at the Origami Museum, appreciating the delicate art of paper folding. A city orientation drive takes us past the National Diet Building, the Imperial Palace, and the historic facade of Tokyo Station. Shifting to the modern, we immerse ourselves in TeamLab Planets, a sensory museum where you walk through water and digital flowers. We finish with free time in Ginza, the city’s premier district for upscale shopping and dining.
Day - 4
Hiroshima Journey: Peace and Floating Gates
We board the Bullet Train for a poignant journey to Hiroshima. We visit the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, standing at the hypocenter of history to honor the victims. Next, we take a ferry to Miyajima Island to admire the Itsukushima Shrine. Famous for its vermilion torii gate that appears to float on the sea at high tide, this site offers a serene counterpoint to the city's history.
Day - 5
Tokushima to Kobe: Dances and Ports
We travel to the Awa Odori Kaikan in Tokushima to learn about and watch the dynamic, 400-year-old "Fool's Dance." Continuing to Kobe, we visit the historic Kobe Port, a pivotal gateway that opened Japan to the world in 1868. We explore this waterfront hub, known for its international heritage and views of the Seto Inland Sea, before checking into our hotel in the Kansai region.
Day - 6
Kyoto Classics: Bamboo, Gold, and Kimonos
We explore the cultural heart of Kyoto, starting with the shimmering Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji. We find serenity strolling through the towering green stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. To fully immerse ourselves in local tradition, we participate in a Kimono Wearing experience, dressing in authentic Japanese attire for memorable photos. We return to the hotel after a full day of heritage.
Day - 7
Nara & Osaka: Great Buddha and Neon Streets
We travel to Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, a massive wooden structure housing the world's largest bronze Buddha. In Osaka, we admire the majestic architecture of Osaka Castle from the castle park. The day ends in the electric district of Dotonbori, famous for its dazzling neon billboards and abundance of street food, where you can explore the covered Shinsaibashi shopping arcade.
Day - 8
Nagoya Bounds: Maglev Speed and Floral Lights
We check out and visit the SC Maglev and Railway Park, examining 39 full-scale railway vehicles and simulators showcasing the evolution of Japanese rail technology. Later, we explore Nabana no Sato in Mie Prefecture. This massive flower park is renowned for its seasonal blooms and spectacular illumination displays, offering a dazzling visual experience before we check into our Nagoya hotel.
Day - 9
Takayama: Mountain Folk and Festivals
We drive to the mountainous Hida region to visit Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village). This open-air museum features traditional thatched-roof farmhouses (gassho-zukuri) relocated to preserve the local architectural heritage. We also visit the Matsuri no Mori (Festival Museum) to view the ornate, gilded floats used in the Takayama Festival. We then check into our hotel in the Takayama/Toyama area.
Day - 10
The Alpine Route: Snow Walls and Dam Walks
We embark on the spectacular Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, traversing the "Roof of Japan." This journey utilizes a variety of transport, from cable cars to trolley buses, to cross the Northern Alps. Highlights include walking atop the massive Kurobe Dam and passing through the towering Snow Walls (seasonal snow corridors) near Tateyama. We descend to Matsumoto or Nagano for the night.
Day - 11
Hakone Highlands: Volcanic Valleys and Ropeways
We travel to Hakone to explore the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. We cruise the calm waters of Lake Ashi, formed in an ancient caldera, and take the Hakone Ropeway high above the active sulfuric vents of Owakudani. After admiring the dramatic volcanic scenery, we transfer to the Tokyo Airport hotel area to settle in for our final night.
Day - 12
Japan Departure: Journey Home
We enjoy a final breakfast and check out of the hotel. A professional transfer takes you to the airport for your return flight, bringing your comprehensive journey through Japan to a close.
Sightseeing's
