Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, a driver will greet you and take you to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Whether you want to stroll through bustling shopping streets, visit a nearby shrine, or simply unwind at your hotel, we’re happy to provide recommendations to help you make the most of your first day.

The accommodation is at Gracery Shinjuku Hotel, located right in the heart of Kabukichō with Godzilla as its landmark. This hotel offers an excellent location with abundant options for nightlife and dining.

Accommodation: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku or similar
Meals: Not included (- / – / -)

Your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 9 AM to begin a full-day exploration of Tokyo’s diverse flavors and culture, seamlessly blending culinary adventure, ancient traditions, and modern subcultures.

Begin your day with a sensory adventure at Tsukiji Outer Market. Follow your guide through the lively lanes to sample the freshest seafood, savory tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and other local delicacies, experiencing the bustling atmosphere that has made this market a Tokyo institution.

Next, experience the power and grace of Japan’s national sport with a Sumo Show & Lunch in Asakusa. Enjoy an exciting live demonstration of sumo wrestling, where you’ll learn about the rituals and techniques of these legendary athletes. Following the show, you’ll be treated to a delicious traditional chanko-nabe lunch—the protein-rich hotpot dish sumo wrestlers eat to build their strength.

After lunch, embrace Japanese tradition with a kimono dressing experience. Dressed in elegant traditional attire, you’ll stroll through the historic streets of Asakusa, creating beautiful memories and photos. Your guide will then lead you through the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and the bustling Nakamise shopping street lined with traditional snacks and souvenirs.

Later, dive into Tokyo’s futuristic side in Akihabara, the electric town known for its neon-lit streets filled with anime, manga, and electronics shops. Experience Japan’s unique pop culture and gaming arcades.

Finally, find serenity at the Imperial Palace, where you can admire the beautiful moats, stone walls, and bridges surrounding the Emperor’s residence, offering a peaceful contrast to the day’s excitement.

Accommodation: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku or similar
Meals: B / L / –

Your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 9 AM for a full-day exploration of Tokyo’s fascinating contrasts, from serene spiritual sites to vibrant pop culture and cutting-edge digital art.

Begin your day with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a serene forested sanctuary dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Walk along the tranquil wooded paths to the main shrine complex, experiencing a peaceful oasis in the heart of bustling Tokyo.

Next, dive into the colorful, energetic world of Harajuku Takeshita Street, the epicenter of Japanese youth culture. Explore narrow lanes filled with quirky fashion boutiques, crepe stands, and unique souvenir shops that showcase Tokyo’s creative teenage fashion scene.

In the afternoon, experience the iconic Shibuya district. See the loyal Hachiko statue, then witness the incredible organized chaos of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from ground level. Ascend to Shibuya Sky, the spectacular open-air observatory, for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline.

As evening approaches, prepare for an immersive digital art experience at teamLab Planets, where you become part of the artwork itself. Walk through water and stunning digital landscapes that respond to your movement, engaging all your senses in this unforgettable futuristic museum.

Accommodation: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku or similar
Meals: B / – / –

After breakfast, your private driver will meet you for a comfortable transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to the majestic Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, leaving the urban sprawl of Tokyo behind for the natural beauty of the mountains.

Your first experience in Hakone is a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity. Aboard a pirate-style ship, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding forests and, weather permitting, a majestic glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Next, you will ride the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial cable car that offers breathtaking panoramic views as it ascends to Owakudani Valley. This active volcanic valley is a dramatic landscape of steaming vents and sulfur springs. Here, you can try the local specialty—eggs boiled in the natural hot springs, which are said to add seven years to your life.

Following your explorations, you will be taken to your traditional onsen ryokan (hot spring inn). Hakone Kinokuniya Ryokan offers a classic Japanese inn experience. You can relax in natural hot springs, sleep on a soft futon, and enjoy a delicious multi-course dinner. It’s the perfect place to experience traditional Japanese hospitality in a peaceful atmosphere.

Accommodation: Kinokuniya Ryokan(Japanese-style Room) or a similar
Meals: B / – / D

Your day begins with a final opportunity to enjoy your ryokan’s hot springs and a traditional Japanese breakfast. Afterwards, your private driver will transfer you to Odawara Station, where you will board the renowned Shinkansen (bullet train). Experience the efficiency and comfort of high-speed rail travel through the scenic Japanese countryside to the ancient capital of Kyoto (approx. 2 hours).

Upon arrival in Kyoto, your guide will meet you to begin your cultural exploration. Your first visit is to the breathtaking Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a Zen temple shimmering in gold leaf that reflects magnificently in the surrounding pond. Continue to Ryoanji Temple to contemplate Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden, a masterpiece of stone and raked gravel that embodies the essence of Zen philosophy.

Next, journey to the scenic Arashiyama district where you will experience a traditional rickshaw ride through the picturesque landscape. Your friendly puller will guide you to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where you can walk among towering green bamboo stalks that create a serene, otherworldly atmosphere.

As evening falls, step back in time in the historic Gion district, Kyoto’s famous geisha quarter. Stroll along the picturesque streets lined with traditional wooden machiya houses and enjoy a captivating Maiko performance, featuring the elegant dance and music of an apprentice geisha – a rare glimpse into Kyoto’s living cultural traditions.

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma(Dep. 23 Mar) or Ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo(Dep. 30 Mar) or similar
Meals: B / – / –

Today is dedicated to experiencing the profound spiritual heart of Kyoto through meditation, traditional arts, and some of its most iconic landscapes.

Begin your day with a deeply cultural experience as you participate in Zen meditation at a serene temple. Under the guidance of a practicing monk, learn the basics of zazen sitting meditation, clearing your mind and finding inner peace in the tranquil atmosphere of a authentic Zen Buddhist setting. This is followed by a traditional tea ceremony where you will learn the art of matcha preparation, understanding the philosophy of “ichi-go ichi-e” (one time, one meeting) that defines this graceful ritual.

Continue to the elegant Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), a Zen temple renowned for its subtle beauty, exquisite moss garden, and unique sand sculptures. From here, take a contemplative stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a picturesque stone path following a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees that becomes particularly magical during the sakura season.

Next, explore one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple. From its famous wooden stage projecting over the hillside, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Descend through the temple grounds to discover the charming preserved historic districts of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. These stone-paved lanes, lined with traditional machiya merchant houses hosting shops and cafes, evoke the atmosphere of old Kyoto.

To deepen your cultural immersion, you will participate in a traditional tea ceremony experience at a teahouse in Ninenzaka. Under the guidance of a tea master, learn the graceful art of matcha preparation while understanding the philosophy of “ichi-go ichi-e” (one time, one meeting). This hands-on experience in such a historic setting provides a perfect connection to Japan’s aesthetic traditions.

Conclude your day at the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its seemingly endless path of thousands of vibrant orange torii gates winding up the sacred Mount Inari. Walk through the tunnels of gates, enjoying the mystical atmosphere as the sunlight filters through the gates.

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma(Dep. 23 Mar) or Ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo(Dep. 30 Mar) or similar
Meals: B / – / –

Today’s adventure takes you from Kyoto to explore the ancient treasures of Nara before continuing to the vibrant culinary capital of Osaka.

In the morning, your private guide will meet you for a short transfer to the historic city of Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. Your first stop is the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana enshrined within the impressive Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.

From there, enter the sprawling Nara Park, where hundreds of friendly, free-roaming deer await. Considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition, these adorable deer have learned to politely bow for special deer crackers (shika senbei), which you can offer them for a truly memorable experience.

In the afternoon, transfer to the energetic city of Osaka (approx. 1 hour). Begin your exploration at the iconic Osaka Castle, a magnificent reconstruction that stands as a symbol of the city’s powerful history. Explore the museum inside and enjoy panoramic views from its top floor.

As evening falls, immerse yourself in the neon-lit entertainment district of Dotonbori for a guided street food walk. Your guide will lead you to sample Osaka’s famous soul food, including sizzling takoyaki (octopus balls) and savory okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), allowing you to taste why Osaka is known as “Japan’s Kitchen.”

Accommodation:Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA(Dep. 23 Mar) or ibis Osaka Umeda(Dep. 30 Mar) or similar
Meals: B / – / –

Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Osaka at your own pace. You may choose to do some last-minute souvenir shopping in the city’s vibrant districts, or visit the spectacular Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory for one last breathtaking panoramic view of Osaka from its open-air rooftop deck.

At the designated time, your private driver will meet you at your hotel for a comfortable and timely transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX), ensuring you arrive with plenty of time to check in for your departure flight.

We hope you depart with unforgettable memories of Japan’s captivating blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation. Do you want to stay in Japan longer? Please mention this on your inquiry form and we are happy to help you plan the rest of your trip, too!

Meals: Breakfast included (B / – / -)