• Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Jimbocho, Tokyo's literary hub, to explore its fascinating history and culture.

• Start with a visit to a peaceful Shinto shrine with over 1,000 years of history, followed by a stop at the birthplace of "European-style" curry rice, where you can enjoy a hearty meal and learn about the culinary history behind this iconic dish.

• Next, explore Jimbocho’s famous second-hand bookstores, offering a mix of rare and modern books. Browse unique genres in small independent bookstores specializing in art, architecture, and more, with your guide sharing the history behind them. Enjoy a break in a cozy hidden café, savoring traditional Japanese coffee or matcha with a sweet treat.

• Continue your exploration at a stationery store offering creative items ideal for souvenirs, followed by a stop at a quirky bookstore filled with old movies, TV dramas, comics, and more

• Late in the day, explore Meidai Street, known as Tokyo's "instrument city," and make a stop at Ishibashi Music, a legendary instrument store.

• Night in Tokyo

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

• Meet your guide at Tsukiji station. Go explore Tsukiji Fish Market experience the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s legendary Fish Market. Enjoy wandering around the fish market at your own pace.

• Visit a temple with your guide and observe an Esoteric Fire Ritual dedicated to the God of Justice. The ceremony, involving powerful chanting and drumming in front of open flames.

• Have lunch nearby and then take a trip to Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo's pop culture and electronics hub, and pop into anime-themed shops, retro game arcades, and anything in between.

• Night in Tokyo

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

• Meet your guide at the hotel and take a taxi to Shinjuku Station. Take the Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto Station, enjoying scenic views along the way. Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway and Cable Car, passing through mountain forests and valleys.

• Arrive at Owakudani Valley, known for its active sulfur vents. Walk around the area and try the famous Kuro-tamago (black eggs), believed to add seven years to your life.

• Board the Hakone Ropeway and descend to Togendai Station for a Lake Ashi cruise. Enjoy the serene lake views and admire the Hakone Shrine’s floating torii gate with Mt. Fuji in the background (weather permitting).

• In the afternoon, visit Hakone Shrine. Stroll through the peaceful forested grounds and enjoy the scenic lake views.

• Check in at your ryokan or hotel and enjoy a relaxing soak in the onsen. In the evening, savor a traditional kaiseki dinner, featuring seasonal and local specialties.

• Night in Hakone

Accommodation

Morinokaze Hakone Sengokuhara (4*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

• Start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan, including grilled fish, rice, and miso soup.

• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Wander through the beautiful sculpture park and explore the Picasso Pavilion, which features paintings, ceramics, and sketches by the artist. Enjoy the museum’s foot bath for a relaxing break.

• Head to the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum. Admire the intricate Venetian glass art and stroll through the picturesque garden. Have lunch at a local restaurant near by.

• In the afternoon, explore Hakone-Yumoto Shopping Street. Browse shops for yosegi-zaiku (wooden marquetry) crafts and local sweets like Yumochi.

• Night in Hakone

Accommodation

Morinokaze Hakone Sengokuhara (4*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

• Check out of your hotel and board the Romancecar to Odawara. Then take the bullet train to Kyoto station.

• Go explore Kinkaku-ji, one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the shimmering gold-leaf-covered temple reflected in the surrounding pond and learn about its fascinating history.

• Next, visit Ryoan-ji Temple, renowned for its Zen rock garden. Take a peaceful stroll through the temple grounds and appreciate the seasonal beauty.

• Explore Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends imperial elegance with serene temple life. Wander through its spacious grounds, take in the refined architecture, and enjoy the shifting scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons.

• Afterward, head to the lively Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," for an authentic local lunch. Wander through the bustling stalls and savor a variety of Kyoto delicacies, such as wagyu beef skewers, freshly grilled seafood skewers, and sweet matcha-flavored treats. Enjoy the flavors and atmosphere of this iconic food market.

• Night in Kyoto

Accommodation

Hotel Tanakaya Kyoto Karasuma (3*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

• Start early and beat the crowds to visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. Be amazed by the thousands of red torii gates snaking up the mountain. Learn about the folklore surrounding the sacred mountain, the rice-related rituals performed there, and Inari’s significance to agriculture and the local community. 

• Visit Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is known for its massive wooden stage that overlooks the city and the beautiful cherry trees below.

• Explore Higashiyama’s best cultural sites including Kyoto’s most historic Zen temple, explore Gion, Kyoto’s Geisha district and learn about the city's fascinating history.

• Venture into Kyoto’s historic Fushimi Sake District to visit historic sake breweries. Try some sake and enjoy learning about the importance of this area.

• Night in Kyoto

Accommodation

Hotel Tanakaya Kyoto Karasuma (3*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

• Check out of your hotel and take the bullet train to Hiroshima.

• Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Explore the A-Bomb Dome, Lunch at a local restaurant featuring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or other specialties.

• After lunch, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the bombing's impact and Hiroshima’s journey to peace.

• Explore the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, and take a brief stroll through Shukkeien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden.

• Night in Hiroshima

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima (4*) or similar

• Meet your guide at the hotel and take a taxi to the port. Take the ferry to Miyajima Island (30 min), known for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance. Visit the world-famous Itsukushima Shrine, with its iconic floating torii gate. Depending on the tide, the gate may be either submerged in water or elevated above the shore.

• Savor anago-meshi (grilled eel on rice) or fresh grilled oysters at a local restaurant on the island.

• After lunch, take the ropeway up Mount Misen for a gentle ride to the top, offering magnificent panoramic views of Hiroshima Bay, islands, and the surrounding national park area. You can also take a leisurely walk through the Miyajima Forest and enjoy nature’s tranquility.

• Night in Hiroshima

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima (4*) or similar

Check out of your hotel and take a taxi to Hiroshima Station. From there, board the bullet train to Tokyo Station. Upon arrival, a private car will take you to the airport.

Finally, board your flight and depart Japan!