Japan Tokyo Kyoto Tour

Welcome to Tokyo! Make your own way to your hotel in Tokyo by train or Airport Limousine Bus, we will provide full instructions in advance.
Note: If you would like the meet and greet or private hotel transfer to be included, please contact us for the arrangement.

Overnight: Hotel Ginza Creston
Meals: NA

In the morning, head for Asakusa where we visit Sensoji with its huge iconic red lantern. After that, cruise on Sumidagawa ending up at the beautiful Hamarikyu garden for a cup of matcha tea and relax in the midst of landscape gardening at its best. In the afternoon, visit the Edo Tokyo Museum and the Meiji shrine.

Overnight: Hotel Ginza Creston
Meals: Breakfast

– The City of Arts, Crafts, Gardens, and Geisha

Journeying from Tokyo and easing into Kanazawa, you will experience the subtle transitions from Metropolis to the countryside, making the 2 hours 30 minutes journey shorter after enjoying the views through the train’s windows. Upon arrival, enjoy a full day private tour of Kanazawa. It offers rich heritage values with its traditional arts and crafts including productions of ceramics, gold leaf, and many more priceless practices. Kanazawa is full of different attractions with their well-preserved Geisha district, historical samurai lodgings, and lively fish market. The city also boasts being home to one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen.

Overnight: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast

– Remote Countryside Known for its Hay Thatched Farmhouses

This morning we will visit the lively fish market at Omicho Market. Then we will ride via bus heading to the breathtaking landscapes of Shirakawa-go, which is a great attraction for photographers. The village is a jewel in the Southern Japanese Alps, deep among the protective mountainous regional beauty, only enhanced by rice fields irrigated through their network of watercourses. The hay thatched farmhouses (gassho- zukuri) are designed like prayer hand in order to sustain heavy snowfall. The snow creates an unforgettable sight for explorers of this World Heritage Site.
Once there, meander about the cozy streets and their pleasant shops. Then enjoy an overall view of the entire village from the observatory deck. We will then travel to Takayama and spend 2 nights at a ryokan (Japanese traditional inn). There you can soak in the therapeutic waters of an onsen (hot spring) and feast on a traditional Japanese Kaiseki (seasonal ingredients) banquet dinner.

Overnight: Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

– Japanese Alps with Japan’s Most Atmospheric Townscapes

Takayama is famous for the artisans and craftsmen who reside there with techniques that date back as far as the 9th century. The day starts off with a visit to the Morning Market, where snacks, farm products and local crafts are sold. Afterwards your guide will take you to the Takayama Jinya, which was a government office that was under the direct control of the Tokugawa Shogunate. From there you will have the chance to explore some other notable sites in the city.
The Takayama Yatai (floats) Kaikan Museum features elaborately decorated floats, which are over 700 years old. The yatai demonstrate the legendary craftsmanship of Takayama.
Afterwards is a visit to the Kusakabe Heritage House, which is one of the oldest merchant homes in Takayama. Explore Sanmachi Suji one of the three Old Town streets that have survived in a beautiful state. Some of the businesses there have been around for centuries and still operate to this day.

Overnigh: Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan
Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

– The Heart of Traditional Japan

Take the JR limited express train to Nagoya, than board the bullet train to Kyoto, the traditional and cultural center of Japan. For over 1000 years Kyoto has influenced politics and culture in the country. It was the former capital before Edo (Tokyo). Upon arrival, private transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure

Overnight: Heianbo Ryokan Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Kyoto – Nara Or Western Kyoto

Choose one of the 2 options:
1. Nara Deer Park and Todaiji Day Excursion
2. Western Kyoto Explorer

Overnight: Heianbo Ryokan Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, visit the gorgeous Ginkakuji or commonly known as the “Silver Pavilion”. From here, take the famous Philosopher Walk, a quiet and meditative pathway that winds its way along a canal lined with lovely shrubs and trees. The walk ends near Heian Shrine for a quick visit.
In the afternoon, it is Nijo castle, seat of Japanese medieval power for many centuries. Then, catch a kimono show in the Nishijin Textile Center (of course with shopping too!). Late afternoon, explore Teramachi, a covered shopping arcade with a very interesting Nishiki Food Market.

Overnight: Heianbo Ryokan Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Start the day to Osaka Castle Park, home to more than 600 cherry blossom trees and hundreds of ume trees. When fall rolls in, deciduous trees in the park cover the whole castle grounds displaying its gorgeous fall colors. There is a giant hundreds years old ginkgo tree. It is just amazing to look at its yellowish leaves

Visit the Cup Noodle Museum is dedicated to ramen noodle cups and the museum showcases the mind-boggling number of instant ramen flavor variations that have come out over the years. You can also see a reproduction of the hut where Momofuku Ando first created them. You will also get to design your very own cup noodle.
Proceed to Mino Falls. This is one of the best places in the Kansai Region to see the autumn colours in a nature setting. Along the hiking trail, you will get to see various temple buildings and the most impressive one, Ryuanji Temple, is located halfway of the trail to the waterfall. Get to try local snack, Momiji Tempura, deep fried maple leaves, from stores alongside the path.

Overnight: Hotel Nikko Osaka
Meals: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, private transfer to the airport for your international flight back home

Overnight: NA
Meals: Breakfast