Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Tokyo.
Day 2 Tokyo
Start your day exploring Asakusa, the heart of Tokyo's traditional culture, with a visit to the iconic Sensoji Temple. Wander through Nakamise Street, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy classic Japanese snacks. Next, head to the Imperial Palace, where the serene gardens and historic architecture offer a glimpse into Japan's imperial heritage. Continue to the bustling district of Shibuya, home to the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, where you can experience the dynamic energy of Tokyo.
Day 3 Tokyo
Day at leisure for your own activities.
Day 4 Tokyo to Kanazawa
This morning you will take a bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa. Upon arrival in Kanazawa, you will visit Omicho market which offers a vibrant array of fresh seafood, local produce, and specialty goods. After lunch, continue to Higashi Chaya district. Higashi Chaya district is a picturesque area characterized by its well-preserved traditional teahouses, known as chaya, which geisha once entertained wealthy patrons with performances of music, dance, and tea ceremonies. Wander through its atmospheric streets lined with historic buildings, explore artisan shops offering local crafts and souvenirs, and join the gold leaf experience. Kanazawa is renowned for producing high-quality gold leaf, which is incredibly thin and delicate, measuring around 0.0001 millimeters thick.
Day 5 Kanazawa
Start your day with visiting Nagamachi Samurai district where you can explore the historical residences of samurai warriors, showcasing traditional architecture and lifestyle from Japan's feudal era. You will visit one of the residences called Nomura House offering a glimpse into the daily life of a samurai family with its well-preserved rooms, gardens, and artifacts, providing a vivid depiction of Kanazawa's samurai heritage. Next you will visit Kenrokuen garden which is an one of Japan's most celebrated landscape gardens, featuring seasonal flora, serene ponds, and meticulously landscaped paths. Then experience tea ceremony at a traditional tea house. Continue to Myorinji temple also known as the Ninja Temple by its hidden passages, trapdoors, and secret compartments designed to thwart intruders during Japan's feudal era.
Day 6 Shirakawago to Kaga Onsen
Shirakawago, located in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, is famous for its charming gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These traditional buildings feature steep, thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall, giving the village a distinctive rustic appeal. These unique structures, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflect centuries-old agricultural practices and communal living in harmony with nature. You can explore historic houses, enjoy local cuisine, and experience traditional crafts amidst the stunning natural backdrop of the Japanese Alps. After visiting Shirakawago, you will travel to Kaga Onsen where you will stay at a traditional ryokan. Relax at onsen and enjoy the kaiseki meal.
Day 7 Kaga Onsen to Hiroshima
After breakfast, you will take trains to travel to Hiroshima. Rest of the day is free for your own activities.
Day 8 Hiroshima
Take a ferry ride to Miyajima, renowned for the stunning Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate, which offers a breathtaking sight. Wander around the island's picturesque landscapes, interacting with friendly deer and sampling local delicacies like grilled oysters and maple leaf-shaped cakes. After exploring Miyajima, continue your journey to the Peace Memorial Park, a tranquil space dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing, featuring poignant landmarks like the A-Bomb Dome. Then visit the Peace Memorial Museum, where exhibits provide a deep and moving insight into the events of August 6, 1945, and the city's ongoing efforts towards promoting peace and reconciliation.
Day 9 Hiroshima to Kyoto
In the morning you will take a bullet train from Hiroshima to Kyoto. After lunch you will explore the sacred grounds of Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its vibrant torii gates that wind through a forested mountainside. Then, you will admire the architectural marvels of Kiyomizu-dera temple, offering panoramic views of Kyoto from its elevated wooden stage. Finally, stroll through the historic Gion district, where traditional teahouses and the graceful art of geisha enchant visitors with a glimpse into Japan's past.
Day 10 Kyoto
You will explore the exquisite beauty of Kinkakuji, the renowned Golden Pavilion, with its shimmering golden exterior set against a serene pond and lush gardens. Afterward, you will venture into the scenic Arashiyama area, where you can wander through the tranquil Sagano bamboo grove, known for its towering bamboo stalks swaying gently in the breeze. Your tour will also include a visit to Tenryuji Temple famed for its stunning garden landscapes and historic architecture.
Day 11 Nara
In the morning, your tour guide will meet you at your hotel, and together you will travel to Nara, a city steeped in history and cultural treasures. You will visit Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha and one of Japan's largest wooden structures, located within the picturesque Nara Park. After exploring the park's serene landscapes and friendly deer, you will return to Kyoto. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Kyoto at your leisure, perhaps discovering its charming streets, sampling local cuisine, or visiting other landmarks on your own.
Day 12 Depart Kyoto
You will be transferred to Kansai or Osaka International airport for your onward flight.
