Day 1: Arrive Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner, savouring Japanese flavours with a modern flair.
Stay: 2 Nights, Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Tokyo
Embark on your chosen Freedom of Choice activity before visiting Tokyo's old town of Asakusa. After free time for lunch, enjoy a Signature Experience, then visit Sensoji Temple, the city's oldest Buddhist temple. Stroll along Namikase shopping street, known for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Signature Experience – Calligraphy Lesson
Learn about Japan's three alphabets, kanji, hiragana and katakana, and try your hand at writing characters under expert guidance.
Freedom of Choice
- Hamarikyu Garden & Tokyo Tower – Explore the scenic gardens before taking in panoramic city views from Tokyo Tower.
- Tokyo National Museum & Yanaka District – Discover Japan's history before walking through the traditional Yanaka district.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Tokyo, Karuizawa
Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens before boarding a bullet train to Karuizawa. Enjoy a packed lunch on board and discover one of Japan's most renowned mountain resort towns. On arrival, enjoy a Signature Experience before dinner.
Signature Experience – Kitsukura Sake Brewery
Visit one of Japan's oldest sake breweries, learn about the brewing process and enjoy a tasting.
Stay: 2 Nights, Hotel Indigo Karuizawa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Karuizawa
Visit Shiraito no Taki Waterfalls, known as the "Waterfall of White Threads", before strolling around picturesque Kumoba Pond. Return to Karuizawa and explore Karuizawa Ginza before enjoying the afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Karuizawa, Matsumoto
Visit Manns Wines Komoro Winery before transferring to Matsumoto. Enjoy a Signature Experience, then explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's finest original castles.
Signature Experience – Ishii Miso Brewery
Discover traditional miso production methods and enjoy lunch featuring the brewery's products.
Stay: 2 Nights, Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Matsumoto
Enjoy two Signature Experiences in the surrounding alpine region.
Signature Experience – Jigokudani Monkey Park
See Japan's famous snow monkeys relaxing in natural hot springs.
Signature Experience – Daio Wasabi Farm
Visit one of Japan's largest wasabi farms and enjoy lunch amidst the scenic surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Matsumoto, Takayama
Visit the Japan Ukiyoe Museum before travelling to Narai Juku, a beautifully preserved Edo-period post town. This evening, enjoy a Hida beef dinner.
Stay: 2 Nights, Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Takayama
Visit Takayama Jinya and stroll through the preserved San-machi Suji district. After lunch, explore the Festival Floats Museum before returning to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Takayama, Kyoto
Visit the Miyagawa Morning Market before a Signature Experience. Travel by rail via Nagoya to Kyoto.
Signature Experience – Sarubobo-Making Workshop
Create a traditional good luck charm and learn about its cultural significance.
Stay: 2 Nights, Hilton Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Kyoto
Explore Arashiyama by rickshaw, passing Nonomiya Shrine and the Bamboo Grove. Visit Kinkakuji Temple before an unforgettable evening experience.
Signature Experience – Dinner with a Maiko or Geisha
Enjoy private entertainment, traditional music, dinner and drinks while learning about Japan's iconic cultural figures.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Kyoto, Uji, Osaka
Travel to Uji for a Signature Experience before visiting Byodo-In Temple. Continue to Osaka and enjoy dinner at a local Okonomiyaki restaurant.
Signature Experience – Matcha Experience
Learn the art of producing matcha and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of green tea.
Stay: 2 Nights, Hilton Osaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Osaka
Choose your preferred sightseeing experience before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure.
Freedom of Choice
- Kuromon Market & Dotonbori
- Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Osaka, Nara
Travel to Nara and visit Todaiji Temple, Isuien Garden, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Nara Park. This evening, enjoy Freedom of Choice dining.
Freedom of Choice Dining
Stay: 2 Nights, JW Marriott Nara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Nara
Enjoy a Freedom of Choice excursion before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.
Freedom of Choice
- Hasedera Temple
- Horyuji Temple
- Asuka Guided Walk
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15: Nara, Hakone
Board a bullet train to Odawara and visit the Hakone Open Air Museum. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Stay: 2 Nights, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Hakone
Visit Mt Fuji's Fifth Station (weather permitting) and enjoy lunch before exploring the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 17: Hakone, Lake Ashi, Tokyo
Cruise across Lake Ashi before ascending Mt Komagatake by ropeway. Continue to Tokyo and enjoy a memorable farewell experience.
Signature Experience – Sumo Demonstration & Dining Experience
Witness former professional sumo wrestlers in action while enjoying a traditional chankonabe meal.
Stay: Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Depart Tokyo
After breakfast, transfer to Haneda Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
