Japan tours – The land of cherry blossoms

Arrival

• Arrive at Haneda or Narita International Airport.
• Meet your private driver and transfer directly to your Tokyo hotel.
• Check in and take time to settle into your room.

Evening

• Enjoy optional rooftop cocktails with views of Tokyo’s illuminated skyline.
• Relax at the hotel and recover from your international journey.

Morning

• Visit Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most historic neighbourhoods.
• Walk through the Kaminarimon Gate and explore Senso-ji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple.
• Browse Nakamise Street, known for traditional snacks, crafts and souvenirs.

Afternoon

• Optional visit to a working sumo stable, depending on the wrestlers’ training schedule.
• Learn about sumo traditions, daily routines and the discipline behind Japan’s national sport.
• Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Sumida River.

Evening

• Experience a relaxed izakaya dinner featuring a selection of shared Japanese dishes.

Morning

• Join a hands-on sushi-making class led by a professional chef.
• Learn how to prepare sushi rice, select ingredients and create different styles of sushi.
• Enjoy the dishes prepared during the class.

Afternoon

• Experience the energy of the famous Shibuya Crossing.
• Explore Harajuku’s youth culture and creative fashion.
• Walk along Omotesando, known for its architecture, boutiques and contemporary design.
• Optional origami workshop with a local instructor.

Evening

• Enjoy an omakase dinner featuring a chef-selected menu of seasonal dishes.

Morning

• Visit Tokyo Tower and enjoy panoramic views across the city.
• Continue to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto sanctuary surrounded by forest.

Afternoon

• Visit a private Japanese home for an intimate tea ceremony.
• Enter a traditional tatami room and learn about the rituals of preparing and serving matcha.
• Enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets.
• Speak with your local hosts about family life, traditions and everyday customs in Japan.

Evening

• Dinner in Roppongi, one of Tokyo’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods.

Morning

• Travel from Tokyo to the historic coastal town of Kamakura.
• Visit the Great Buddha, one of Japan’s most recognisable bronze statues.
• Participate in a guided Zen meditation experience.

Afternoon

• Continue to Enoshima, a small island connected to the mainland.
• Walk along the coast and explore the island’s local streets and viewpoints.
• On clear days, enjoy distant views of Mt. Fuji.

Evening

• Fresh seafood dinner featuring regional ingredients.

Morning

• Explore Atami’s oceanfront promenade and seaside atmosphere.
• Relax in a traditional Japanese onsen with views towards the sea.
• Learn about the customs and etiquette associated with hot spring bathing.

Afternoon

• Enjoy a seasonal slow-food lunch using locally sourced ingredients.
• Visit a private Atami home for a family-style cooking experience.
• Prepare traditional dishes such as miso soup, tempura and seasonal vegetables.
• Learn about Japanese household ingredients, family recipes and local longevity habits.

Evening

• Travel by train from Atami to Kyoto.
• Check in at your Kyoto hotel and relax.

Morning

• Explore Gion, Kyoto’s famous traditional entertainment district.
• Walk past wooden machiya houses, historic teahouses and narrow streets.
• Learn about the history and traditions of Kyoto’s geiko and maiko.

Afternoon

• Visit Kiyomizu-dera and enjoy views from its elevated wooden terrace.
• Walk through the preserved streets of Higashiyama.
• Browse traditional pottery, craft and confectionery shops.

Evening

• Dinner in Pontocho, a narrow atmospheric alley beside the Kamo River.

Morning

• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine before the busiest part of the day.
• Walk beneath its famous pathway of thousands of vermilion torii gates.
• Choose between a shorter shrine visit or a longer hillside walk.

Afternoon

• Explore Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen.
• Discover regional ingredients, pickles, sweets, seafood and speciality food shops.
• Optional guided sake tasting for adult guests, with alcohol-free alternatives available.

Evening

• Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
• Learn how hospitality, simplicity and attention to detail shape the ritual.

Morning

• Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
• Explore Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple known for its historic garden.
• Optional visit to the nearby Monkey Park, reached by an uphill walk.

Afternoon

• Take part in a maiko-inspired dressing and photography experience.
• Wear a traditional kimono and learn about the makeup, styling and visual traditions associated with Kyoto’s maiko culture.

Evening

• Enjoy a scenic river boat ride through Arashiyama’s forested landscape.
• Return to central Kyoto for dinner.

Morning

• Choose a traditional Japanese workshop, such as calligraphy, origami or kimono dressing.
• Learn about the patience and precision involved in Japanese craftsmanship.

Afternoon

• Travel to the rural outskirts of Kyoto.
• Visit a traditional farmhouse or family home.
• Learn about tatami flooring, sliding doors, wooden construction and seasonal living spaces.
• Share tea with a local family.
• Walk through quiet village lanes, gardens or small agricultural areas.

Evening

• Return to Kyoto for a multi-course kaiseki dinner inspired by the season.

Morning

• Travel by train from Kyoto to Osaka.
• Visit the Osaka Castle district and explore the surrounding grounds.
• Learn about Osaka’s role during Japan’s period of political unification.

Afternoon

• Explore Shinsekai, a colourful district known for retro signs and local food.
• Enjoy lunch featuring Osaka comfort food and street-food specialities.

Evening

• Check in at your Osaka hotel.
• Free evening to relax or explore the city independently.

Morning

Transfer to Tokyo.

All day

Travelers depart from Tokyo on their independently arranged return flights to the United States.

Morning

• Depart Osaka and travel by high-speed train towards the Mt. Fuji and Hakone region.
• Meet your local guide upon arrival.
• Weather and seasonal conditions permitting, visit a scenic Mt. Fuji viewpoint or Fuji 5th Station.

Afternoon

• Enjoy lunch surrounded by mountain scenery.
• Continue to Hakone and check in at a luxury ryokan.
• Relax and enjoy the property’s onsen facilities.

Evening

• Enjoy a seasonal kaiseki dinner at the ryokan.

Morning

• Begin the day with a relaxing onsen experience.
• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where contemporary sculptures are displayed throughout landscaped gardens.

Afternoon

• Explore Owakudani, an active volcanic valley known for its steam vents and dramatic landscape.
• Enjoy views of Mt. Fuji when weather conditions are clear.
• Cruise across scenic Lake Ashi.

Evening

• Return to the ryokan for a final evening of relaxation.
• Enjoy another seasonal Japanese dinner.

Morning

• Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.
• Transfer to Tokyo

Departure

Travelers depart from Tokyo on their independently arranged return flights to the United States.