This journey follows Japan’s established cultural corridor while introducing a lesser-visited historic route through the Kiso Valley. You begin in Tokyo, where guided visits balance long-standing heritage with contemporary scale — from Senso-ji in Asakusa to the intensity of Shibuya Crossing. Time in Tsukiji Outer Market and a privately led ramen experience ground the introduction in everyday food culture, supported by local expertise that brings context to each district.
The itinerary then moves into Nagano Prefecture, where the focus shifts to the preserved post towns of the Nakasendo. In Narai-juku and Kiso Hirasawa, you see how trade routes shaped architecture and craft traditions during the Edo period. An 8km guided walk between Tsumago and Magome follows original sections of the trail through forested terrain and small settlements, offering a clear sense of how people once travelled between Kyoto and Edo. A stay in a restored brewery in Narai reinforces the connection to regional production and heritage.
Kyoto introduces a more structured exploration of religious and cultural practice, with visits to Kinkakuji Temple, Gion, and Nishiki Market alongside a private Zen meditation session. Nearby Nara expands this perspective with Todaiji Temple and its Great Buddha, while Uji focuses on tea production through a hands-on matcha workshop. The final stage in Hakone provides a quieter setting — combining volcanic landscapes, Lake Ashi, and a ryokan stay with kaiseki dining — before departure.
Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport, where a welcoming English-speaking assistant will greet you right at the arrivals gate. After receiving your personal IC card—along with a brief introduction on how to use Japan’s seamless transit system—you will be escorted to your private vehicle for a smooth transfer into the heart of Tokyo. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure to unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Immerse yourself in Tokyo's culinary and cultural heritage on a half-day guided tour. Your guide will meet you at your hotel for a taxi ride to the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, a haven of fresh seafood, specialty ingredients, and iconic food stalls. Next, journey to the historic district of Asakusa to marvel at the majestic Senso-ji Temple and stroll down the lively Nakamise Shopping Street. The guide helps with lunch ordering before the service ends. The afternoon is free, with optional visits to Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo National Museum at your own expense.
Start with a guided visit to Meiji Shrine, set within a large forested area in central Tokyo. Continue on foot from Harajuku towards Shibuya, passing Takeshita Street, Omotesando, and Shibuya Crossing.
Later, join a private ramen experience led by a local expert. You taste different ramen styles while learning about ingredients, broth, and Tokyo’s ramen culture.
Check out and meet your assistant for the transfer to Shinjuku Station. The host recommends sending main luggage to Kyoto by delivery service and carrying an overnight bag for two nights.
Travel by express train to Shiojiri, where your guide meets you on the platform. Continue by private vehicle to Yukawa Sake Brewery for lunch and sake tasting, then visit Kiso Hirasawa, known for Kiso lacquerware. Arrive in Narai-juku, a preserved Nakasendo post town, and check in at your heritage accommodation.
Travel by private vehicle to Tsumago and visit Tsumago Honjin, the former official inn used by high-ranking travellers on the Nakasendo.
Walk approximately 8km from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku, a beginner to moderate route expected to take around 3–4 hours. The route can be shortened by private vehicle if needed. After time in Magome, continue to Nakatsugawa Station and travel by train via Nagoya to Kyoto.
Enjoy a relaxed morning, perhaps opting for a self-guided stroll to the hillside Kiyomizu-dera Temple. At 11:00 AM, meet your guide for an enriching 6-hour exploration of Kyoto. Visit Nishiki Market, then continue to Daisen-in Temple for a private Zen Buddhism experience with meditation, matcha, tea sweets, and garden interpretation. Later, visit Kinkakuji Temple before walking through Gion.
Enjoy a full day to explore Kyoto's wonders entirely at your own pace. We highly recommend spending your day in the scenic district of Arashiyama. Wander through the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, visit the stunning gardens of Ryoan-ji and Okochi Sanso, cross the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge, or find quiet contemplation at Gio-ji Temple. For a touch of traditional romance, consider a scenic rickshaw ride through the bamboo lanes.
Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private vehicle to Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle, whose main tower was reconstructed in 1931 and now houses a history museum.
Continue to Dotonbori, known for Osaka street food such as takoyaki and kushikatsu. Later, walk through Nakazakicho, an area of independent cafés, galleries, boutiques, and preserved wooden houses, before returning to Kyoto.
Travel by private vehicle to Nara. Visit Todaiji Temple, known for the Great Buddha, then spend time in Nara Park, where deer roam across the wider parkland.
Continue to Uji to visit Byodo-in Temple and its Phoenix Hall. Join a shared matcha-making experience, grinding tea leaves with a stone mortar before preparing and tasting matcha with a seasonal sweet.
Check out and transfer by private vehicle to Kyoto Station. Travel by Shinkansen to Odawara, where your guide meets you on the platform.
Continue into Hakone by private vehicle. Visit Owakudani, an active volcanic area formed around 3,000 years ago, then use the Hakone Free Pass for the ropeway and Lake Ashi cruise from Togendai to Hakone-machi. Visit Hakone Checkpoint before transferring to your ryokan.
Spend a relaxing day exploring with your Hakone Free Pass, which includes unlimited access to the region’s trains, cable cars, and buses. Visit highlights like the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Shrine, or the Okada Museum of Art—or simply unwind at a traditional ryokan with soothing onsen baths and a multi-course kaiseki dinner.
After breakfast, check out and transfer by private vehicle with an English-speaking driver to Narita or Haneda Airport. The itinerary allows arrival at the airport at least three hours before your flight.
■ INCLUDES
• Meals: Lunch 2, Dinner 3, Breakfast 11
• Accommodation for 11 nights
• Private vehicle transfer from airport to hotel with English-speaking assistant
• IC card with value and explanation for local transport use
• English speaking guide for tours
• Taxi fares for specified transfers during guided tours
• Private ramen experience with local expert
• JR train tickets with reserved seats including green car seats
• Private vehicle transfers between stations and destinations where specified
• Full-day guided tours with English-speaking guide and private vehicle
• Admission fees for specified temples and attractions such as Kinkakuji Temple, Osaka Castle, Todaiji Temple, Byodo-in Temple
• Matcha making experience at Uji tea workshop
• Zen Buddhism experience at Daisen-in Temple including meditation and tea
• Hakone Free Pass for unlimited rides on eight transportation systems and discounts
• Private vehicle transfer from a hotel in Hakone to Haneda or Narita airport
■ EXCLUDES
• International flights
• Visas
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Taxi fares and entrance fees when noted as pay on spot or excluded
• City tax and bath tax at hotels unless otherwise specified
• Activities and excursions marked as suggestions or pay on site
• Transfer from Kyoto Station to Hotel on arrival in Kyoto
■ TOUR CONDITIONS
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 days before departure
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