Planned by Tom,
local expert for Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Taiwan
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Starting at USD 5155 per adult / 15 days
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Discover Tokyo's shrines, Hakone's Mt. Fuji views, and Nagoya's Toyota Museums. Traverse Nakasendo's historic trails, experience Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nijo Castle, and savor a traditional tea ceremony. End in Osaka with a cooking class and a visit to Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway.

This itinerary is just a starting point as all services are 100% customizable to suit your travel wants and needs. Looking for different hotels, other experiences or an alternative route? Get in touch with Tom today to receive your personalized quote. Just enter your details and receive a quote based on your preferences.

Overview

Tokyo 3 nights
Hakone 1 night
Nagoya 3 nights
Nagiso 1 night
Narai 1 night
Kyoto 3 nights
Osaka 2 nights

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1-4

Tokyo

Tokyo Travel guide

DAY 1

Welcome to Tokyo - Transfer to your hotel

Experience the energy of Tokyo! Transfer to your hotel, then unwind or take a stroll through the vibrant streets.

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Accommodation: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

DAY 2

Exploring Tokyo City

Your guide awaits in the hotel lobby, ready to lead you on an exploration of the city's most captivating sights. Begin at the revered Meiji Shrine, a tribute erected in 1920 to honor Japan's inaugural emperor and empress. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, mirroring the daily routines of local residents.For lunch, make a pitstop at the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can savor popular Japanese winter fare such as nabe hotpot. Next, proceed to Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji Temple, instantly recognizable by the imposing red lantern of Kaminarimon Gate. Wander down the bustling Nakamise Dori leading up to the temple, take in the sight of the golden statue of the Buddhist deity Kannon, and light incense sticks for your own prayers.As evening descends, Tokyo's streets come alive with a kaleidoscope of colorful lights. Feel free to venture out independently and revel in the winter illuminations.

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Accommodation: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

DAY 3

Tokyo at leisure

Embrace the final day of your adventure in this stunning metropolis. Visit an antiquities museum or lose yourself in the organized chaos of Shibuya Crossing. Wander through the bustling streets of Harajuku, perfect for picking up chic souvenirs.

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Accommodation: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

DAY 4

From Tokyo to Mt Fuji and Hakone

Start at Oshino Hakkai, an idyllic pond complex fed by eight pristine springs. Capture awe-inspiring views of Mt. Fuji while wandering by crystalline waters.Ascend to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, perched on a verdant hill, offering sweeping vistas of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji's grandeur.Enjoy a serene cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko or opt for the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for a breathtaking view of the iconic mountain amidst rolling clouds.

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Accommodation: Ryokan Aura Tachibana

DAY 4-5

Hakone

DAY 5

From Hakone to Nagoya

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hakone, perhaps exploring one of its art-filled museums nestled in the lush forests. The Hakone Open-Air Museum seamlessly blends fine art with nature, creating an outdoor sculpture haven.In the afternoon, make your way to the railway station for a self-paced journey to Nagoya. Known for its thriving industries and technological innovations, Nagoya offers a unique blend of modern industrial prowess and traditional Japanese charm.

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Accommodation: Nagoya Tokyu Hotel

DAY 5-8

Nagoya

DAY 6

Nagoya Toyota Museums

Embark on a captivating exploration of Nagoya's automotive heritage at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. The Techno World here provides an interactive experience for kids, allowing them to create virtual clothing and race cars. They can even feel the rush of wind in the high-speed wind tunnel. This immersive adventure offers a hands-on understanding of the intriguing history of textiles and automobiles. It's an exhilarating experience for young enthusiasts!Next, dive into the vast automotive history spanning centuries at the Toyota Automobile Museum. Admire a collection of over 200 impeccably maintained vintage cars from Toyota and beyond, gaining insight into their profound impact on the 20th century and Toyota's remarkable journey.

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Accommodation: Nagoya Tokyu Hotel

DAY 7

Day at leisure in Nagoya

Today, set out to uncover Nagoya's treasures at your own pace.For avid shoppers and those who relish the vibrant downtown scene, the Sakae district beckons. Stroll through department stores, boutique shops, and international chains. Take a break for lunch at one of the diverse dining options and soak in the illuminated atmosphere after nightfall.If you have an interest in technology, don't miss the Nagoya City Science Museum and SCMAGLEV Railway Park. Engage with interactive science exhibits and witness maglev train technology in action at the railway park. It's an educational and entertaining experience for inquisitive minds of all ages.

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Accommodation: Nagoya Tokyu Hotel

DAY 8

Nakasendo Trail: Magome to Tsumago

Embark on a serene three-hour hike that transports you through time along the ancient Edo-era trade route connecting Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku. Wander beneath a lush forest canopy, cross babbling brooks over moss-covered stones, and meander along cobblestone lanes flanked by traditional thatched cottages and verdant rice paddies. This trail offers an immersive experience in pastoral scenery, tranquil sounds, and echoes of old Japan within these weathered post towns. It's a tribute to the beauty, simplicity, and heritage of the Japanese countryside.

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Accommodation: Hotel Fukinomori

DAY 8-9

Nagiso

Nagiso Travel guide

DAY 9

Nakasendo Trail: Yabuhara to Narai

Today's hike covers approximately 6 kilometers from Yabuhara to Narai. You'll ascend gradually from Yabuhara up to the Torii Pass viewpoint, treating you to views of Mount Ontake along the way.Upon reaching Narai, you'll encounter meticulously restored buildings that now house cafes, museums, and shops. Nestled amidst forested hills, Narai thrived during the Edo period, serving as a crucial stop for Nakasendo travelers and earning its reputation as the 'town of a thousand guesthouses'.

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Accommodation: Minshuku Shimada

DAY 9-10

Narai

Narai Travel guide

DAY 10

From Narai to Kyoto

This morning, take your time exploring Narai. Wander cobblestone streets lined with wooden structures and gardens, immersing yourself in a vestige of old Japan that feels worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of modern metropolises.Later, continue your journey to Kyoto, a living museum where Japan's imperial history and heritage come to life. From solemn monks collecting alms to geisha gracefully moving between ochaya (tea houses), catch a glimpse of the rituals and romance of a bygone era preserved in Kyoto's narrow streets.

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DAY 10-13

Kyoto

Kyoto Travel guide

DAY 11

Kyoto - Historical landmarks and tea ceremony

Regarded as the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto boasts a wealth of temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens. Accompanied by your guide, you'll marvel at the resplendent Kinkakuji Temple adorned with gold leaf, delve into Kyoto's storied past at the once-mighty Nijo Castle, and partake in the refined art of tea ceremony within the serene confines of Kodai-ji Temple.Just a short stroll away lies the renowned geisha district of Gion. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of traditional Kyoto and have the chance to encounter an elegant geisha before returning to your hotel.

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DAY 12

Nara Day Tour with Deer

Today, embark on a journey to Nara, situated approximately 50 kilometers south of Kyoto. In the morning, board the bullet train to Nara with your tour guide and explore the city's highlights. Your first stop will be Nara Park, where deer roam freely on the grass, providing a delightful opportunity for your children to interact with these charming creatures. Next, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest wooden temple housing an immense bronze Buddha. Spend the morning strolling through the narrow lanes of the Naramachi district, transporting you back to the Edo period.In the afternoon, marvel at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, built 1300 years ago and adorned with 3000 stone lanterns. Later, return to Kyoto via bullet train.

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DAY 13

From Kyoto to Osaka - morning at leisure

This morning, hop on a train to Osaka and spend the rest of the morning exploring the city at your own pace. If you're captivated by cup noodles, consider an optional visit to the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama. Wander through the instant noodle tunnel showcasing every Japanese cup noodle flavor and even create your dream cup noodle at the "My Cup Noodles" factory.

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DAY 13-15

Osaka

DAY 13

Cooking class in Osaka

In the afternoon, a special cooking class awaits. Under the patient guidance of the instructor, you'll learn to shape nori-wrapped treats, filling them with salmon and shrimp. The air will be filled with the rich aroma of miso as you stir pots of fragrant, flavorful broths, achieving the perfect balance of salty and umami.

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Accommodation: Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

DAY 14

Himeji Castle and Kobe Day Tour

Embark on a captivating journey with your driver from the hotel lobby, heading on a scenic two-hour drive to explore the iconic Himeji Castle. Its soaring white walls and graceful sloping roofs distinguish Himeji Castle as a beacon among Japan's historic fortresses.For lunch, venture to Kobe. Indulge in the succulent, buttery perfection of Kobe beef, where each tender slice melts in your mouth, revealing a rich flavor with subtle notes of umami. Ascend the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway to the summit of Mt. Nunobiki, where you'll be greeted by sweeping vistas of Osaka Bay, its waters glistening like a sapphire cloak spread over the fertile coastal plain.In the afternoon, wander through the fragrant pathways of the Nunobiki Herb Garden, discovering breathtaking views of Kobe city from above. Alternatively, visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum and savor award-winning sake directly from Japan's oldest commercial sake brewery.

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Accommodation: Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

DAY 15

Farewell Japan - Transfer to the airport

Make your way to the airport for your departure flight.As your plane ascends from Osaka, take one last look at the patchwork of rice fields and bustling streets below. Farewell, beautiful Japan.

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