• Follow the backstreets of Shibuya and arrive at the famous Omotesando Shopping Boulevard. Pass by high-brand shops, local boutiques, and some of the city’s most impressive architectural feats.

• Pass under an impressive Torii Gate and enter an inner-city forest as you approach the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Learn about the customs associated with Shinto belief and the historical significance of the shrine. 

• Then head to the buzzing Harajuku District, famous for its colorful street art, youth fashion, and Instagrammable street desserts.

• Night in Tokyo

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

• Go explore Tsukiji Fish Market to 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

• Check-out of your accommodation and take an express train from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto, a charming town at the foot of the Japanese Alps famous for its samurai history. (approximately 2.5 hours)

• Start with a lunch of soba buckwheat noodles, Matsumoto’s local specialty, before exploring the town’s most scenic spots.

• Explore the famous Matsumoto Castle and the garden. One of only 12 original castles remaining in the country, its 16th Century five-storied main tower is the oldest surviving castle tower in Japan. The castle is particularly beautiful in spring when pink and white blossoms color the grounds.

• Night in Matsumoto

Accommodation

Matsumoto Jujo (3*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

• Explore a picturesque street lined with traditional merchant houses, charming shops, and cozy cafes, offering a glimpse into Matsumoto’s Edo-era past and wander down a lively alley, full of quirky shops and cafes. Known for its frog-themed items, this whimsical street invites you to enjoy a playful and unique side of Matsumoto.

• Head over to the Matsumoto Museum, located near the Miso Brewery, to see Yayoi Kusama’s remarkable artwork. Featuring rotating exhibits of her bold polka dots, infinity mirror rooms, and avant-garde creations, the museum offers insight into her creative journey and influence on modern art..

• Walk to the Miso Brewery to learn about the unique process of making miso. Dine on the region's best miso dishes for lunch and even try some miso ice cream if you’re adventurous!

• Night in Matsumoto

Accommodation

Matsumoto Jujo (3*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

• Take a special express train to Nagano Station and transfer to the bullet train for Kanazawa, a city that is famous for amazing seafood, Samurai history, and a beautifully preserved Geisha district.

• Walk through the dimly lit geisha district before dinner.

• Night in Kanazawa

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa (4*) or similar

• Visit Kanazawa’s famous Omicho fish market for lunch before then visit one of Japan’s most famous gardens, Kenroku-en.Take some time to rest in the tranquil tea house on site and enjoy premium Matcha Green Tea.

• Later, enjoy some tranquillity at a contemporary Zen Museum, featuring rock gardens, educational exhibits, and contemplative spaces. If time permits, visit the 21st century Museum of Art.

• Night in Kanazawa

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa (4*) or similar

• Check out of your hotel and board an express train to Tsuruga Station. Change trains and board the Thunderbird train to Kyoto

• Arrive at Kyoto Station. Take a taxi to your hotel and then go out to explore Higashiyama’s best cultural sites including Kyoto’s most historic Zen temple, explore Kyoto’s Geisha districts and learn about the city's fascinating history.

• Arrive at a 400 year old tea house and participate in an authentic tea ceremony.

• 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. 

• 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)

• Meet your guide and travel west to Arashiyama, an area famous for its bamboo forest.

• Visit Tenryuji Temple for a lunch of ‘Shojin Ryori’ Vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, a cooking method that became popular during the 13th century when Zen Buddhism began to spread throughout Japan. Enjoy a healthy plant-based meal and learn about Buddhist culture. Follow the Katsura River to Kameyama Park before visiting the exquisite Okochi Sanso Zen Garden and villa.

• Night in Kyoto

Accommodation

Kyoto Okura Hotel (5*) or similar

• Take the Shinkansen to Osaka, a lively city famous for its street food and nightlife.

• Then, visit Osaka Castle. Learn about the history of the castle as well as the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the great unifiers of Japan, who intended the castle to be the centre of the new Japanese ruler at the time of its construction in 1583. Take in views over Osaka City from the sprawling castle gardens.

• Visit some of Osaka’s best neighbourhoods and markets for street food and shopping. Learn about the city’s distinct culture!

• Night in Kyoto

Accommodation

Kyoto Okura Hotel (5*) or similar

• Walk through Nara Deer Park and visit the sacred Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most historically significant temples, to see the giant golden Buddha. Explore other beautiful temples and gardens in the area.

• Take a train back to Kyoto.

• Night in Kyoto

Accommodation

Kyoto Okura Hotel (5*) or similar

• Check out of your hotel and transfer to Kyoto Station by taxi. Board a bullet train for Shinagawa Station.

• Go vintage shopping on your last day - Shimokitazawa, Koenji and Kichijoji are all great areas. Walk around Inokashira Park before heading to dinner.

• 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!