Japan’s Imperial Cities & Alps
Travel Destinations: Japan
15 Day Itinerary | Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture from its imperial cities to its historic alpine villages.
• Immerse yourself in Japanese culture from mega-cities to historic alpine villages.
• Relax at a traditional ryokan inn complete with on-site hot springs.
• Cross the Japanese Alps by bullet train and take in the views.
• Explore Japan’s samurai heritage in imperial Kanazawa.
• Stay at a handpicked selection of premium accommodations.
Independent Travel
Independent trips are either entire trips you take privately or solo extensions to a group tour.
Classic
Embark on a timeless journey where iconic destinations, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures create a well-rounded and enduring trip.
Premium
Elevate your journey with style and sophistication, offering top-notch experiences without breaking the bank.
Flexible
With no pre-set departure dates, choose when you want to go and for how long.
At A Glance
Day 1 – Tokyo
• Japan Welcome Package
• Airport Meet & Greet
• Airport Transfer
Day 2 – Tokyo
• Tokyo Highlights (4 hrs)
• First Afternoon at Leisure
Day 3 – Tokyo
• Shinjuku at Leisure
• Afternoon Pop Culture in Shibuya, Harajuku and Akihabara (4 hrs)
Day 4 – Tokyo
• Hakone Excursion (9-10 hrs)
Day 5 – Tokyo to Takayama
• Train Station Transfer
• Train: Tokyo – Takayama [via Nagoya (4 hrs)] – First Class
Day 6 – Takayama
• Food and Culture Walk (2 hrs)
• Historic Takayama at Leisure
Day 7 – Takayama
• Takayama Highlights Tour (8 hrs)
Day 8 – Takayama to Kanazawa
• Transfer: Takayama – Kanazawa [via Shirakawago by Private Transportation (8 hrs) ]
Day 9 – Kanazawa
• Kanazawa Highlights Tour (8 hrs)
Day 10 – Kanazawa
• 1/2 Day Kanazawa Traditional Crafts Experience (4 hrs)
• Historic Kanazawa at Leisure
Day 11 – Kanazawa to Kyoto
• Train Station Transfer
• Train: Kanazawa – Kyoto (2hrs) – 1st Class
Day 12 – Kyoto
• Kyoto Highlights (4 hrs) – Private, Public Transportation
Day 13 – Kyoto
• Morning at Leisure
• Arashiyama (with Lunch, 4 hrs)
Day 14 – Kyoto
• Nara & Fushimi Discovery (8 hrs)
Day 15 – Kyoto to Osaka
• Transfer: Kyoto – Osaka [Kansai Airport (1.5 hrs)]
Itinerary
Day 1 – Tokyo
Welcome to Japan!
Welcome to Tokyo! An English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will introduce you to your driver for a transfer back to your hotel.
Meet your driver for an enjoyable airport transfer with a private vehicle.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 – Tokyo
Spend a half day discovering Tokyo’s fascinating sites that juxtapose traditional temples and gardens with futuristic skyscrapers. With the help of your local guide, set out on the city’s comprehensive and user-friendly public transport system. Head to Asakusa, the city’s old town area. Soak up the atmosphere of traditional Tokyo of yesteryear, exploring Tokyo’s oldest and most popular temple, Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. Sensoji backs onto Nakamise, a shopping street that has provided temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and souvenirs for centuries.
Hop on the subway for a journey across the city to the Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Japan’s feudal era came to an end during the Meiji period, and the country found itself modernizing and westernizing during this time. If time permits, stroll along Omotesando shopping street, a broad tree-lined avenue home to the flagship stores of the world’s top fashion brands. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 – Tokyo
Buzzing with energy and innovation, the neon-lit ward of Shinjuku must be experienced to be believed. This thrilling entertainment district is brimming with atmospheric eateries, lavish nightlife, opulent hotel bars, and some of the country’s most famous karaoke rooms. Immerse yourself in this futuristic city that offers thrills around the clock. Enjoy exclusive insider suggestions, courtesy of a supplemental composition provided by your insightful Destination Expert.
This afternoon, explore three of Tokyo’s vibrant centers of youth fashion and pop culture with your private local guide. Begin in Shibuya, Tokyo’s main center for youth fashion and culture. Its streets are the birthplace of many of Japan’s fashion and entertainment trends and the area is also home to the famous five-way “scramble crossing”. The Shibuya Crossing is rumored to be the busiest intersection in the world. Next, travel to Harajuku and Takeshita-Dori (Cat Street). This famous street is lined with quirky fashion boutiques, cafes, and restaurants for your enjoyment. Harajuku caters to every imaginable style and is the epicenter of Japanese “kawaii”, the culture of cuteness. Continue to Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, an area that was originally famous for its many electronics shops. Akihabara is renowned as the center of Japan’s otaku culture, a culture of diehard fans in anime and manga fandom. Many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 – Tokyo
Today, leave Tokyo behind as you journey to nearby Hakone with your local, private guide. Hakone is considered one of the gateways to Mt. Fuji and surrounding national park and a vacation destination for the Japanese noble class for centuries. After your arrival, you will take some time to explore the old town area (Moto-Hakone) on the lake shore. There are a number of things to see and do here that cater to various interests; Whether that’s history, art, or local artisanal specialities. Let your guide know what your interests are and they will be happy to take you to attractions that match your interests. After lunch, you will travel across picturesque Lake Ashi by stylish cruise boat (shared). You will be able to see Mt Fuji from the lake if the weather is clear. Next, you’ll make your way up the Komagatake Ropeway. Again, if the weather is on your side, you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji in the distance. The ropeway takes you to the summit of Mt. Komagatake, from which you can see amazing panoramic views of Lake Ashi, Hakone and Mt. Fuji. Heading down the ropeway, you will pick up a cruise again across to Moto-Hakone before taking the road back to the station and catching your train back to Tokyo. Your guide will accompany you to your hotel.
*Note: Please be advised that Mt. Fuji is a notoriously shy mountain and the weather needs to be perfectly clear in order to see it in the distance*
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Tokyo to Takayama
Meet your guide for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Board a train with service from Tokyo to Takayama, changing trains in Nagoya. The train ride is approximately 3 hours.
Meet your driver for a train station transfer in a private vehicle.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 – Takayama
Delve into the captivating fusion of gastronomy and culture on a remarkable walking tour in Takayama. Your journey begins by meeting your private guide at your hotel to reach Takayama’s old town. As you explore this charming destination, you’ll discover its historic buildings, Alpine architecture, and extraordinary customs that make it truly unique. Gain insights into Takayama’s cherished traditions as you discover the diverse array of products on offer. Takayama’s culinary heritage takes center stage as you meander through the bustling town and vibrant market. Stop at renowned local shops, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of regional delicacies. Indulge in the nuanced flavors of miso, a traditional Japanese paste crafted from soybeans, salt, and rice, showcasing the expertise of local artisans. Delight in the exquisite Takayama rice dumplings, lovingly prepared with locally sourced ingredients and cherished family recipes. Savor homemade sweets that carry the timeless traditions of Takayama, crafted through generations of culinary mastery. And no visit to Takayama would be complete without a taste of sake, the renowned Japanese rice wine, which you can experience at one of the town’s esteemed breweries.
Explore historic Takayama and discover an old merchant town brimming with tradition and culture. The city’s old town has been beautifully preserved from the Edo Period when Takayama once thrived as a wealthy merchant hub, now known as Sanmachi-dori. Easily distinguished by traditional architecture and storefronts, this historic district showcases plenty of shops and stalls of all kinds. This is the ideal place to seek out old-fashioned Japanese sweets, traditional crafts, and local specialties including mitarashi dango rice balls and skewered Hida beef. The city’s Sannomachi Street boasts plenty of old homes, shops, coffee houses and sake breweries – some of which have been in business for centuries. A site of interest is the beautiful Takayama Jinya, a historic building which once served as Takayama’s government office in the Edo Period. During this time, the city stood under direct control of the shogun due to its valuable timber resources. Other must-see locales include several historic sake breweries, easily recognized by sugidama (balls made of cedar branches) hung over their entrances.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 – Takayama
Take a tour of Takayama with an expert local guide. Start the day with a visit to the local Miyagawa Market in the old town and browse the stands that sell anything from local crafts to farm products. Continue with a walk in the San-machi Suji district, the traditional home of Takayama merchants and sake brewers that looks almost exactly as it did centuries ago. Here, stroll among San-machi Suji’s atmospheric inns, shops and taverns; and stop by a sake brewery to enjoy a tasting of Japan’s national tipple made from Takayama’s renowned crystal-clear water. Visit the Takayama Jinya that historically served as the local government office and is now open to the public as a museum. Next, visit the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaika – a museum housing the age-old floats used in one of Japan’s most famous festivals: the Takayama Festival. Held twice a year, Takayama Festival has been declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Just adjacent to the Yatai Kaikan is the Nikkokan, displaying models that showcase the beautifully ornate Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Upon the conclusion of your tour you will transfer back to your hotel by means of public transportation.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 – Takayama to Kanazawa
Today, your journey continues as you transfer from Takoyama to Kanazawa. En route, explore the beautifully preserved old town of Takayama and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village in the company of a private guide. Start the day with a visit to the local Miyagawa Market in the old town and browse the stands that sell anything from local crafts to farm products. Continue with a walk in the San-machi Suji district, the traditional home of Takayama merchants and sake brewers that looks almost exactly as it did centuries ago. Here, stroll among San-machi Suji’s atmospheric inns, shops and taverns; and stop by a sake brewery to enjoy a tasting of Japan’s national tipple made from Takayama’s renowned crystal-clear water. Next, head to Takayama Jinya that historically served as the local government office and is now open to the public as a fascinating museum. In the afternoon travel to the Shirakawa-go region. Your guide will show you around the village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukkuri translates as ‘Praying Hands’, as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer, and are designed to withstand the heavy snowfalls that characterize this region. You will be able to step inside one of these beautiful homes and see how life in Japan’s mountainous region used to be. Part ways with your guide in Shirakawa-go, and continue to Kanazawa with your private driver.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 – Kanazawa
During the Edo Period, Kanazawa served as the seat of the Maeda Clan, the second most powerful feudal clan; Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). During World War Two, Kanazawa was Japan’s second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. Consequently, parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived. Today, the city boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts, as well as modern museums. A full day to explore Kanazawa with a local guide. The highlight of any visit to Kanazawa is Kenroku-en garden. Ranked one of the top three in Japan, its breathtaking beauty shines through in any season. You will also visiting imposing Kanazawa castle, located next to the garden. Nearby Kagayuzen Kaikan offers demonstrations of the centuries-old Yuzen silk painting technique. Head to visit the Nagamachi Samurai district, where you can enter the Nomura Samurai House, a traditional Japanese home with tea-ceremony room, an interior courtyard garden and artifacts from the Edo period. The Higashi Chaya District is the largest and by far the most interesting of Kanazawa’s Geisha Districts. Many of the buildings along the central street now house cafes and shops. One of the shops, Hakuza, sells gold leaf products, a specialty of Kanazawa, and displays a kura warehouse style room which is completely covered in gold leaf; you will also have a chance to visit the Shima teahouse, which is still an operating tea house, but opens its doors to the public. You can enjoy a cup of green tea here to finish the day.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – Kanazawa
Charming Kanazawa is not only home to beautiful art, architecture and to one of Japan’s most exquisite cuisines; it is also the birthplace of refined traditional crafts valued as some of the finest in the country. Today you will experience hands on two of the crafts that make Kanazawa famous. First, Kanagawa is synonymous with gold leaf. Try your hand at decorating a small lacquer plate or a pair of chopsticks with this thin, sparkling, precious product. Next, you will experience “Kagayuzen,” a form of kimono cloth dyeing that is exquisitely a Kanazawa specialty. You will decorate a handkerchief using this traditional technique. You will get to keep your creations as souvenirs of this memorable day. Tour ends in central Kanazawa.
Immerse yourself in the rich history of exquisite Kanazawa during a day at leisure. This ancient city is home to the legendary Kanazawa Castle, once the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan during the Edo Period. With its gardens, impressive walls, and carefully considered architectural features, Kanazawa Castle tells the story of the daimyo (regional lords) who lived in and ruled from its grounds. Opt to immerse yourself in Nagamachi’s Samurai District, Kanazawa’s former residential district that once housed the city’s samurai. This charming locale is full of winding lanes and traditionally-styled roofs above former warrior abodes. Visit the Nomura Clan Samurai Home, a former samurai residence transformed into a modern showcase of elegant antiques and historic artifacts. Wander through the famous Higashichaya Old Town, one of Kanazawa’s unique Geisha districts. Here you’ll find the Kaikaro Teahouse, open to the public, and the Shima Teahouse, transformed into a showcase of instruments and items used by geisha. This enchanting district also boasts a number of cafes and picture-perfect alleyways, all adding to its unforgettable atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11 – Kanazawa to Kyoto
Meet your driver for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Board a train from Kanazawa with direct service to Kyoto. The train ride is approximately 2 hours.
Meet your guide for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12 – Kyoto
Today, together with a knowledgeable guide you’ll head by public transportation to navigate cobblestone streets in neighborhoods that were established over 1000 years ago. You’ll find that Kyoto is not only a city steeped in history, but full of modern monks, artisans, baristas, and college students still working towards its lively future. Kinkakuji Temple draws millions of visitors each year, and you will quickly understand why this jewel in the northern hills of Kyoto is one of the country’s most visited sites. A far cry from Buddhist austerity, it is covered in real gold leaf, photogenically stunning at any time of the year no matter the weather. The story of the warlord who had this pavilion built will surely capture your mind, too. Next, stop by Ryoanji Temple, which was built on the grounds of a villa of the Fujiwara clan in the Heian period (794-1185). The temple is home to one of the most famous zen rock gardens in Japan. Finally, visit Kitano-Temanngu, a remarkable shrine to scholarship built to appease the spirit of an angry ghost. Buy a lucky pencil as local students do for their college entry exams, and then marvel at the surrounding entertainment district. After a fire in 1444, a large section of the temple was rebuilt, and the remaining timber was used to construct 7 tea houses that became the first ‘flower town’ or geisha district. in Kyoto. Kamishichiken is every bit as charming as its more touristy cousin Gion, with the bonus of fewer crowds and excellent photo opportunities.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13 – Kyoto
Today, you’ll meet your guide and use Kyoto’s public transportation to journey to Arashiyama in the western outskirts of the city. There, you’ll discover the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the enchanting Nonomiya Shrine, both among Japan’s most captivating attractions. Stroll along the sprawling stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene and mystical forest that makes you feel like you’re walking in another world. Afterwards, you’ll visit Nonomiya Shrine where in ancient times, single imperial princesses stayed for a year or more to purify themselves prior to taking up their duties as royalty. Next, you’ll visit Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site ranked among Kyoto’s five great Zen temples, and the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama. Tenryuji Temple is home to temple buildings, attractive gardens and walking paths. Enjoy traditional Buddhist cuisine during a vegetarian “shojin-ryori” lunch made with yuba, tofu, and seasonal vegetables while overlooking the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 – Kyoto
Embark on a full-day adventure exploring Nara’s ancient treasures and Fushimi’s iconic charm with a private guide, discovering their rich history, stunning architecture, and unique cultural significance. Previously Japan’s capital for 74 years in the 8th century, this area is home to many ancient temples and shrines from that time. Today’s tour will include a visit to Todaiji temple, the world’s largest wooden building and famous for its Great Buddha. You’ll also visit Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 AD and famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns which have been donated by worshipers. Next, take a stroll through Nara Park, nicknamed Deer Park known for being home to 1,000 tame deer living there. On the way back from Nara, visit Fushimi Inari a renowned Shinto shrine located in Kyoto. Established in the 8th century, it is one of the most iconic and visited religious sites in Japan. What sets Fushimi Inari Shrine apart is its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that create a captivating tunnel-like path leading up the forested Mount Inari. These gates are donated by individuals and businesses as offerings to the shrine and are adorned with inscriptions. You can follow these winding paths through the lush forest, making their way to the summit, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, prosperity, and business, and it attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and spirituality. The fox, believed to be Inari’s messenger, is a common sight at the shrine, and you’ll find many fox statues throughout the complex.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15 – Kyoto to Osaka
Enjoy a transfer with a private driver from Kyoto to Osaka Kansai International Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Captivating Moments
Get captivated by a stunning collection of sample images from this trip.
Additional Information
This sample itinerary is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose. Itinerary details and availability are subject to change, please inquire for up-to-date information and pricing.
What’s Included
• A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
• 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
• All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
• A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver – your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
• Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
• A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
• One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s Not Included
• Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
• Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
• Visas (unless noted)
• Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
• Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, optional tours, or local camera or video fees
• Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Book This Trip
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