• In the morning, start yourJapan journey with a visit to Odaiba in Tokyo’s waterfront area. Take photos in front of neighborhood landmarks such as the Fuji TV building, the Rainbow Bridge, the Statue of Liberty replica, and the larger-than-life Gundam statue at the Diver City shopping mall. If you like, take some time to shop at the malls here, or have fun at Tokyo Joypolis, an indoor amusement park and arcade.

• You’ll go from retro-futuristic to retro as you take the Tokyo Water Bus to one of Japan’s oldest neighborhoods, Asakusa. How about renting a kimono to match the vibe? Pay a visit to the area’s famous Sensoji Temple, with its distinctive entrance called Kaminarimon Gate and the huge red lantern hanging from it. Learn how to pay your respects at a Japanese temple, and try your luck as you draw an omikuji fortune!

• After strolling around the temple grounds, on the way back, look around Nakamise Street. Both sides of this lively 250-meter shopping street leading to the temple are lined with shops offering snacks, sweets, and souvenirs, local snacks, and sweet treats. Then, do some more shopping for traditional souvenirs around Asakusa, visit the old-school Hanayashiki—Japan’s oldest theme park, and/or take a scenic walk along the Sumida River.

• Before returning to your hotel, end your time in Asakusa with a Sumida River dinner cruise aboard a yakatabune, a traditional boat that only aristocrats could afford to charter for parties in ancient times. Enjoy a dinner course of tempura and other gourmet delights as you take in views of the Azumabashi Bridge, the uniquely shaped golden sculpture atop the Asahi Beer Hall, and the lit-up Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan and the world. As the cruise will also pass by Odaiba, you’ll have the chance to literally see Odaiba’s landmarks in a different light.

• Night in Tokyo

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

• Take a day trip to the town of Nikko, a favorite getaway among Tokyoites for its beautiful seasonal scenery, natural wonders, and UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines. Stop for photos by the vermilion-colored Shinkyo Bridge, one of Nikko’s famous symbols. Then, stroll around the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine, which is well-known for carvings such as three monkeys representing the saying “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” and a sleeping cat.

• In the afternoon, step back in time at Edo Wonderland, a theme park designed to look like an ancient Japanese village. Learn ninja and samurai moves, be enthralled by graceful courtesans called oiran, try your hand at experiences such as weaving or paper-making, and enjoy attractions and shows based on traditional Japanese culture and entertainment.

• Finally, before returning to your hotel, have dinner at Shinjuku and see projection-mapping shows and panoramic views of Tokyo’s vibrant nightscape at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

• Night in Tokyo

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

• Experience Japan’s extensive railway network as you take Tokyo’s trains and subways for a day! On this day, you will visit areas that are popular with Tokyo’s youths and young adults.

• The first stop on the itinerary is Ikebukuro. Perfect for pop-culture enthusiasts, its east area is home to the flagship store of the anime merchandise retailer Animate and the Sunshine City shopping mall, where you can find Japan’s largest Pokemon Center, an indoor amusement park called Namjatown, shops dedicated to Studio Ghibli and Sanrio, cute cafes serving photogenic sweets, and more.

• You will then visit Harajuku, a hub for youth culture, alternative fashion, and colorful and trendy sweets. Walk down the shop-lined Takeshita Street; then, for a change of pace, take in the serene ambiance of nearby Meiji Shrine, an oasis in the city.

• Also close to Harajuku is Omotesando. Though this is a more posh area dotted with designer-brand shops, it is also home to the Kiddy Land toy shop, which offers toys for the young (and young at heart), and Cat Street, an alley featuring an eclectic mix of vintage fashion shops, designer boutiques, and streetwear brands.

• Finally, in the evening, see some of Tokyo’s best-known landmarks at Shibuya: the statue of Hachiko the loyal dog and the always-busy Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Have dinner and/or shop around at the many department stores here.

• Night in Tokyo.

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

• Venture out from Tokyo early in the morning to see the snow-capped, perfectly cone-shaped Mt. Fuji from the best vantage points around—and reach the mountain itself (specifically, its 5th Station) without having to hike or climb!For this day, take your pick from two courses, both of which include a drive up to Mt. Fuji’s 5th station, weather and other conditions permitting. If the 5th Station will be closed on the day of your visit, we will take you to an alternative location such as Lake Kawaguchi, another place offering good views of Mt. Fuji. As an optional add-on, you can book a cooking class to learn to make hoto, a hearty noodle dish that’s considered a local delicacy.

• For either course, you will return to your accommodation in Tokyo afterward. However, as an optional add-on, you can upgrade your accommodation for the night to a ryokan stay in the Mt. Fuji area to experience traditional Japanese-style accommodation. If you choose the ryokan stay, dinner and breakfast will be included, and you will check out of your Tokyo hotel in the morning before heading to the Mt. Fuji area.

• Course A: At Arakurayama Sengen Park, prepare to climb nearly 400 steps to the top to be rewarded with picture-perfect views of Mt. Fuji, along with the iconic five-story Chureito Pagoda. (For those who cannot or do not wish to climb so many steps, Arakurayama Sengen Park can be skipped at your request.) Next, visit Oshino Hakkai, another spot from which to see Mt. Fuji. This quaint village has eight pristine natural ponds whose spring water is sourced from Mt. Fuji. Then, head to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, where you can find souvenir shops, a shrine, and a viewing deck overlooking Fujiyoshida City and the Fuji Five Lakes.

• Course B: After reaching Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, spend the afternoon at Fuji-Q Highland. This theme park at the base of Mt. Fuji is a thrillseeker’s dream come true, as it boasts several roller coasters—some of which have broken world records—and the world’s longest (and said to be scariest!) haunted-house attraction. For younger and/or less adventurous guests, not to worry, as the park has other attractions, too. On a good day, you can also see Mt. Fuji from some attractions, as well as an observation deck on the premises.

• Night in Tokyo (or the Mt. Fuji area, with a ryokan stay optional add-on)

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

• On this day, you will go from east to west, as you take the lightning-fast Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka, one of west Japan’s most bustling and energetic cities.

• First on the day’s itinerary is a visit to the futuristic Umeda Sky Building, known for its Kuchu Teien (Floating Garden) Observatory that connects its two towers. Don’t miss the opportunity to take the see-through escalator leading to the observatory; you will feel as if you’re floating in mid-air and starring in a science-fiction movie! Next, pick up some local history as you visit another of Japan’s best-known castles: Osaka Castle, whose interior now houses a modern museum.

• Shop to your heart’s content at the long shopping arcades of Namba and Shinsaibashi, before experiencing Osaka’s vibrant nightlife, dazzling city lights and all, at Dotonbori, where local specialties such as okonomiyaki (a savory pancake-like dish), takoyaki (octopus dumplings), as well as quirky signage such as a moving crab, await.

• Night in Osaka.

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier (4*) or similar

• Spend the entire day reliving the magic of popular movies and media franchises at Universal Studios Japan (USJ). Here, a variety of attractions for older and younger children alike await: roller coasters such as Hollywood Dream and Space Fantasy for thrill seekers, or the Sesame Street Fun Zone for the little ones.

• If you’re a fan of Nintendo games, be sure not to miss the Super Nintendo World zone, where you can step into the world of Super Mario and Donkey Kong. And for anime, manga, and video game fans, USJ often holds limited-time attractions inspired by popular series, complete with exclusive merchandise! Examples of franchises that USJ has previously collaborated with include Sailor Moon and Neon Genesis Evangelion.

• Night in Osaka.

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier (4*) or similar

• Head to Osaka’s neighboring prefecture: Kyoto, the former imperial capital that’s still considered to this day to be the cultural capital of Japan. Over the next two days, we will take you to a selection of sights considered to be must-sees when in Kyoto.

• First, visit rustic Arashiyama in western Kyoto in the morning, and admire the beautiful view of Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River. You will have some free time to walk down the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and browse the area’s shops and cafes, or, to see Arashiyama in a more leisurely way, take a two-hour boat ride down the Hozu River (available as an add-on).

• After Arashiyama, be dazzled by the opulent Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple that earned its name for being covered in gold. Then, at the Higashiyama district, walk down winding, shop-lined streets until you reach the vast Kiyomizudera Temple, whose impressive wooden hall perched atop a cliff provides excellent views, especially in spring and autumn. Try the pure, sacred water flowing from a waterfall at the foot of the temple; it’s said to bring luck and grant wishes!Finally, in the evening, explore Kyoto’s famous geisha district, Gion. Walk past teahouses, machiya townhouses, and other traditional buildings on stone-paved alleys. You might spot a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on her way to work if you’re lucky, though keep in mind that they are not to be bothered!

• After exploring Gion, before we drop you off at your hotel in central Kyoto, you can opt for dinner at a nearby omurice (omelet rice) restaurant with a flamboyant owner whose culinary spectacles have made him well-known on social media.

• Night in Kyoto.

Accommodation

Kyoto Okura Hotel (5*) or similar

• Your Kyoto tour continues with another day of mostly seeing traditional Japan. You have the option to start the day with a geisha or maiko makeover for some quick photo opportunities, or a kimono rental for the entire day. The first stop on the day’s itinerary is the well-preserved Nijo Castle, where you can get an idea of what a ruling warlord’s residence was like. Pay close attention to how the “nightingale floors,” the ancient equivalent of a home alarm system, squeak!

• Next, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its rows upon rows of vermilion torii shrine gates, which total to about 10,000. The rows of torii go all the way up a mountain—how far can you go?

• We will then go beyond the city center  to another town in Kyoto: Uji, where some of Japan’s finest, highest-quality matcha is produced. Find all things matcha here: not just the tea itself, but also sweets and even savory dishes! There’s no better place than Uji to experience a Japanese-style tea ceremony, and/or to try grinding tea leaves with a stone mill to produce matcha powder! 

• If you wish, you can also take a break and enjoy some tea and sweets at one of the many cafes and restaurants here, some of which are run by prestigious, established tea producers. Before or after tea time, you will visit Byodoin Temple, which is featured on the back of the 10-yen coin. If time permits, you can also book an Uji River boat ride, and/or check out the newly opened Nintendo Museum, where you can trace Nintendo’s history through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences.

• Night in Kyoto.

Accommodation

Kyoto Okura Hotel (5*) or similar

• After breakfast and checkout, take the Shinkansen to spend a few days in central Japan before returning to Tokyo. Your journey continues on to Nagoya, a relatively underrated city with some fantastic sightseeing options for families.

• At Nagoya Station, meet your driver and guide, then head to Nagoya Castle, one of Japan’s most historically significant castles. See if you can spot its distinctive symbol: a pair of golden statues of mythical fish-like creatures called shachihoko. If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to catch a thrilling performance by the Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai, a troupe of historical reenactors dressed as legendary samurai and warlords from bygone eras.

• After lunch, you will spend the afternoon at Ghibli Park, where you can enjoy special exhibitions and short films, take photos with character displays, step into life-sized recreations of settings from beloved Studio Ghibli movies, and take part in cultural experiences such as making rice cakes.

• For dinner, indulge in Nagoya delicacies such as miso katsu (fried pork cutlet with miso sauce), tebasaki (chicken wings), and hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice).

• Night in Nagoya.

Accommodation

Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel (5*) or similar

• From Nagoya, take a day trip to neighboring Gifu Prefecture via the Hida limited express. This approximately two-and-a-half-hour train ride will pass through stunning natural sights and rural townscapes, so try not to fall asleep for the entire journey!

• Alight at laid-back Takayama, one of Gifu’s representative towns. Here, your guide will take you on a tour of its old town, with its beautifully preserved old houses and intricate festival floats used for its main festival. Choose from three available courses for this day, all of which include a tour of Takayama. You will then return to Nagoya in the evening.Course A: Takayama and Gujo HachimanIn addition to Takayama, you will visit Gujo Hachiman, nicknamed the “Town of Water” for its clear waters and waterways that run through the town. As Gujo Hachiman is also a hub for producing the realistic food replicas that are a common sight at restaurants across Japan, try making a food replica of your own here!

• Course B: Takayama and ShirakawagoWander around Shirakawago Village, which is known for its houses built in the thatched-roof gassho-zukuri style. Viewed from an observation deck perched high above, the town is said to resemble a fairy-tale village for the charming architecture of its traditional houses.

• Course C: Takayama and Gattan Go Rail Mountain BikeNote: This tour is unavailable from late November to MarchFor a unique and fun way to take in Gifu’s sights and scenery, nothing beats Gattan Go, a safe (but still exciting) electric mountain-bike ride along abandoned railway tracks. This is a beginner-friendly experience, and small children can even join the fun, as some bikes are equipped with a side car or special seat for a child or a companion who won’t be pedaling. Before returning to Nagoya, you’ll have the opportunity to soothe your tired muscles with a soak in an onsen (hot spring).

• Night in Nagoya.

Accommodation

Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel (5*) or similar

• From Nagoya, take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo after breakfast and checkout. Then, at Tokyo Station, meet your driver and guide, who will take you to Tsukiji Market, formerly the home of the world-famous early-morning tuna auctions. Though the wholesale market has now moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji is still a bustling place where you can still sample an assortment of fresh, delicious seafood and other street foods for lunch. If you like, you can also book the cooking class add-on to make Japanese food using ingredients purchased from Tsukiji Market.

• After touring Tsukiji Market, spend the rest of the afternoon at Akihabara, a haven for otaku (geeks), especially those into anime and manga. Your guide will point out Akihabara’s recommended shops, after which you will have some free time for shopping. For those who are not into anime and manga collectibles, Akihabara also has many electronics shops and duty-free department stores. If you like, we can also arrange a visit to a maid cafe—contrary to misconception, legitimate maid cafes are family-friendly!

• You will then head to the sophisticated Azabudai Hills to visit the whimsical digital art museum teamLab Borderless, after which you will have dinner at a Japanese restaurant before returning to your hotel.

• Night in Tokyo.

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

• Spend the day at the “happiest place on Earth”: Tokyo Disney Resort. You will have the choice of visiting either Tokyo Disneyland, home to classic Disneyland attractions such as It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Haunted Mansion, or the one and only Tokyo DisneySea, which has the ambiance of a port town. Its newest themed area, Fantasy Springs, opened to much fanfare in 2024, and is home to brand-new rides such as Anna and Elsa's Frozen Journey and Rapunzel's Lantern Festival.

• After a magical time at Tokyo Disney Resort, head back to Tokyo, either early in the evening (if you wish to do some last-minute shopping or take it easy before your flight the next day) or after the nighttime fireworks (if you want to make the most of your time at Tokyo Disney Resort).

• Night in Tokyo.

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

Check out of your hotel and take a private car to the airport. Finally, board your flight and depart Japan!