Japan Beyond the Icons

$ 27,322

$ 28,868

5% off

  /person

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Tokyo - A Calm Beginning

Arrival in Tokyo and private transfer directly to Hotel New Otani Tokyo - The Main. Check-in to the Shin-Edo Deluxe Double Room with private cypress bath. The remainder of the day is intentionally relaxed after the international journey. Enjoy the hotel's hidden Japanese garden and settle into the rhythm of Japan.

Explore Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi - traditional neighbourhoods of old Tokyo with temples, local shops, and quiet residential lanes. Visit Nezu Shrine and its atmospheric grounds. Lunch at Kagurazaka Jin, selected for refined seasonal Japanese cuisine and an intimate old-Tokyo setting. Explore Kagurazaka's cobbled lanes and former geisha-quarter atmosphere. Finish with seasonal cherry-blossom viewing at Chidorigafuchi, subject to actual 2027 bloom conditions.

Full-day private excursion from Tokyo to the Mt. Fuji and Hakone region. Subject to weather and road conditions: Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Oshino Hakkai, and scenic Fuji viewpoints. Continue to Hakone for Owakudani volcanic valley, Hakone Ropeway, and Lake Ashi Pirate Cruise.

Private transfer to Tokyo Station and travel to Kanazawa by Hokuriku Shinkansen in the selected train tier. Private transfer from Kanazawa Station to Tokyu Stay Kanazawa. Check-in from 3:00 PM, followed by lunch and proper rest rather than immediate sightseeing.

Travel to the Sea of Japan coast for a completely different side of Japan. Walk the dramatic shoreline at Echizen Matsushima. Cross to sacred Oshima Island with its forest, shrine, and striking coastal geology. Experience Tojinbo's dramatic cliffs and enjoy free time for lunch in the seafood area.

Early departure from Kanazawa and rail journey towards Matsumoto. Meet the guide at Matsumoto Station and explore Nawate Street. Guided visit inside Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's surviving original feudal castles. Continue by dedicated tour transport to Narai-juku, one of Japan's longest preserved Edo-period post towns.

A comfortable version of the historic Nakasendo experience designed specifically to avoid a long mountain hike. Visit Magome-juku with its traditional wooden buildings and stone-paved old route. Drive through the scenic Kiso countryside with accessible photo stops.

Breakfast and a relaxed private road transfer from Kiso Valley to Nagoya Station. Planning train: Nozomi around 10:49 AM from Nagoya to Kyoto, subject to the final April 2027 timetable.

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove with walking kept comfortable. Visit Kinkaku-ji, the celebrated Golden Pavilion. Continue to Nishiki Market - Kyoto's Kitchen - with lunch included in the central Kyoto area.

A full private journey from Kyoto to the Sea of Japan coast. Explore Amanohashidate, one of Japan's celebrated scenic landscapes. Visit Chion-ji Temple and Motoise Kono-jinja Shrine.

Travel privately into rural Wazuka, one of Kyoto Prefecture's important tea-growing landscapes. Immersive tea-farm programme: working tea fields, handpicking, tencha factory visit, traditional matcha stone grinding, and premium matcha/sencha tasting.

Private departure from Kyoto into the sacred mountain settlement of Koyasan. Visit Kongobu-ji and the Banryutei rock garden before a light included lunch.

Optional early Buddhist morning prayer / Goma fire ritual at Ekoin, subject to the temple programme. Breakfast at Ekoin followed by private departure to Osaka.

Travel privately from Osaka to Himeji. Visit Himeji Castle; admission is included. The interior has steep historic staircases, so the visit will be adapted to the travellers' comfort and mobility.

Breakfast at Swissôtel Nankai Osaka. Complete hotel check-out formalities. No sightseeing is scheduled - the final morning is intentionally stress-free.

Stay & Meal Details

Package Policies

  • 14 nights of accommodation for 2 travellers in the selected room categories.
  • All breakfasts and all dinners.
  • Lunches specifically marked as included in the day-by-day itinerary.
  • All private airport, hotel, and station transfers mentioned in the confirmed route.
  • Intercity private transfers wherever specified.
  • Bullet-train tickets according to the selected package tier.
  • All sightseeing programmes listed in the itinerary.
  • English-speaking guides/drivers where specified.
  • Admission fees specifically mentioned as included.
  • Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi Pirate Cruise, and applicable Mt. Fuji access fee.
  • Seasonal cultural activity at Narai-juku.
  • Kiso Valley private sightseeing and Waki-Honjin Okuya admission.
  • Amanohashidate viewpoint/chairlift and boat fees.
  • Wazuka tea-farm programme and included farm-to-table lunch.
  • Koyasan Ekoin temple stay with half board.
  • Live Sumo Experience: Plus Set in Osaka.
  • Himeji Castle admission and Japanese lunch in Kobe.
  • Executive Lounge access at Hilton Kyoto.
  • Complimentary 2 Spa Experiences for 2 Travellers.
  • Lunch wherever the itinerary specifically states 'Not included'.
  • Japan visa.
  • Travel insurance.
  • International air tickets.
  • Tickets not specifically mentioned as included, including tickets that must be purchased closer to travel or at the venue when 2027 inventory opens.
  • Optional experiences not specified in the confirmed itinerary.
  • Personal expenses and shopping.
  • Optional tips/gratuities.
  • Hotel or city taxes payable directly at the property where applicable.

This journey travels during one of the most sought-after windows of the Japanese calendar. Premium rooms, private vehicles, English-speaking guides, and high-grade Shinkansen inventory are limited, and several selected room categories are already showing restricted availability.

Important seasonal note: This itinerary operates during one of Japan's highest-demand travel periods. All quoted hotels, room categories, trains, guides, and vehicles remain subject to live availability until booked. Exact 2027 operating schedules, cherry-blossom conditions, and timed-entry attractions will be reconfirmed closer to travel.

Japan Beyond the Icons

$ 27,322

$ 28,868

5% off

  /person

Compare quotes from 3 agents and get best deals