Heritage of Japan
Japan - 13 Days
Private Journeys
Journey Details and Highlights
Heritage of Japan
Day 1: Arrival - Tokyo
Upon arrival at the airport in Tokyo, meet your English-speaking guide and private driver who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax and recover from your journey or begin exploring the vibrant city on your own. Your guide will also hand you your pre-loaded IC cards, which are included in your package and will come in handy for local transportation during your guided days.
Overnight in TokyoDay 2: Tokyo Exploration
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to begin a full-day exploration of Tokyo. Start the day at the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market, enjoying a local-style breakfast amidst bustling market stalls and sampling fresh seafood delights (please note that breakfast cost is not included). Stroll through the elegant Hamarikyu Gardens (ticket included), a traditional landscaped garden once used by feudal lords for falconry. From nearby Hinode Pier, board the Tokyo Water Bus to Asakusa (ticket included), cruising along the Sumida River and taking in the riverside cityscapes. Explore the Asakusa District, visiting Sensoji Temple and strolling along Nakamise-dori shopping street, stopping for lunch at a local eatery, then conclude the day at the Samurai & Ninja Museum (ticket included) with hands-on experiences before returning to your hotel
Overnight in TokyoDay 3: Tokyo – Day Trip to Mt. Takao (B)
Today is set aside for a self-guided adventure to Mt. Takao, one of Tokyo’s most accessible and scenic hiking destinations. Enjoy nature trails, panoramic views, and perhaps even visit the mountaintop Yakuoin Temple. No guide is provided for this day, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Overnight in TokyoDay 4: Tokyo to Hakone Discovery (B)
Make your way independently to Shinjuku Station and board the famous Romance Car bound for Hakone Yumoto Station, with your train ticket included. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure. Relax and enjoy the refreshing mountain air or take a stroll around the charming onsen town and its surroundings.
Overnight in HakoneDay 5: Hakone Highlights – Shrines and Volcanic Views (B)
Meet your guide at the hotel this morning for a day of exploration in Hakone. Begin with a visit to Hakone Shrine, nestled beside Lake Ashi and framed by towering cedar trees. Board the Pirate Ship Cruise from Hakone Machi Port to Togendai Port (ticket included), a scenic boat ride across Lake Ashi with stunning mountain views. Next, ride the Hakone Ropeway up to Owakudani Valley (ticket included), an active volcanic zone with bubbling hot springs and sulfur vents. Stretch your legs on the Owakudani Mountain Climbing Course (ticket included), where you can enjoy short hikes and breathtaking views. Complete the ropeway journey from Owakudani Valley Station to Sounzan Station (ticket included). Return to your hotel and unwind after a day of fresh air and volcanic wonders.
Overnight in HakoneDay 6: Hakone to Kyoto – Shinkansen Adventure (B)
Make your way from Hakone Yumoto Station to Odawara Station and transfer to the high-speed Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, then continue on another Shinkansen to Kyoto Station (tickets included). Upon arrival in Kyoto, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Japan’s cultural heart.
Overnight in KyotoDay 7: Kyoto – Culinary & Cultural Arts (B)
Meet your guide at the hotel to begin your immersive cultural experience. Start with a stroll through Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, where you’ll discover seasonal delicacies and local ingredients. Next, join a Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class (ticket included) in a small group, learning the art of preparing a traditional boxed meal. In the afternoon, enjoy a Private Japanese Calligraphy Class (ticket included), where you’ll practice the timeless art of brush and ink under expert guidance. Return to your hotel with new culinary and artistic skills.
Overnight in KyotoDay 8: Kyoto – Zen Temples and Golden Beauty (B)
Meet your guide at the hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks. Visit Nijo-jo Castle (ticket included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ornate interiors and historical significance. Continue to the striking Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion (ticket included) and enjoy lunch nearby. Afterward, head to the peaceful Ryoanji Temple (ticket included) to view its famous Zen rock garden. Finish the day with a visit to the scenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo stalks create a tranquil, otherworldly atmosphere. Return to your hotel in the evening.
Overnight in KyotoDay 9: Kyoto – Historic Streets and Cultural Encounters (B)
Meet your guide at your hotel and begin your exploration of Kyoto’s eastern districts. Stroll along the preserved historical lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, lined with traditional wooden buildings and teahouses. Visit the renowned Kiyomizudera Temple, perched on a hillside with panoramic city views. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, home to 1,001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon. Conclude your cultural journey with a Green Tea Ceremony and Kimono Experience, immersing yourself in the grace and elegance of traditional Japanese hospitality. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in KyotoDay 10: Kyoto to Mt. Koya – Temple Stay Experience (B)
Make your way to Kyoto Station and travel via train to Koyasan Station. Upon arrival, check into your shukubo (temple lodging) at Ekoin Temple, one of Koyasan’s most revered monastic accommodations. Participate in Sutra Copying, a meditative spiritual practice, followed by a guided Okunoin Night Tour, where you’ll explore one of Japan’s most sacred cemeteries under lantern light.
Overnight in Mt. KoyaDay 11: Mt. Koya – Sacred Hiking Trails (B)
Begin your day with a Morning Prayer Ceremony alongside resident monks. The rest of the day is at your leisure for hiking through the mystical landscapes of Koyasan. Wander forested paths, visit ancient temple complexes, or simply reflect in this peaceful spiritual haven.
Overnight in Mt. KoyaDay 12: Mt. Koya to Osaka – Temples (B)
Join the morning prayer once again before continuing your journey. Spend time exploring Koyasan’s most revered sites, including Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s largest and most sacred cemetery, Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, and the Garan Temple Complex, with admission included. After your visit, proceed to Koyasan Station and take the train to Namba Station in Osaka. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to experience Japan’s vibrant culinary capital at your own pace.
Overnight in OsakaDay 13: Departure (B)
After breakfast, meet your driver at the hotel for your transfer to the airport. Depart Osaka with memories of your enriching journey through Japan’s most iconic cities, cultural landmarks, and spiritual centers.
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Included Services
All described sightseeing as in the program above
Public transportation is included on Days 1, 2, 5, 8, and 9.
IC card, on other days, you may top up your IC card as needed.
Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast
English-speaking local guides
Days 3, 6, 10, 11, and 12 are self-guided (a private guide can be arranged for these days upon request at an additional charge)
Admission fees to indicated sights
Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Domestic gov’t tax and service charge
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Excluded Services
International air tickets
Flights & visa fees
Travel Insurance in all kinds
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Compulsory Meals
Drinks during Meals
Tip, drinks, any personal expenses
Early check-in and late check-out
