• Walk through Nakamise Street, a 250-meter-long shopping street lined with stores selling traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets. This lively street leads to Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo.

• As you stroll through the area, take in the sights of the red bridge, the iconic Asahi Beer Building, and Tokyo Skytree—the tallest tower in Japan.

• Visit Ueno Park to see natural beauty in Tokyo. Drive to the nostalgic area of Yanaka, an old residential area full of locally owned shops, cafes and food stalls. Head to the wonderful Nezu Shrine, to discover more about Japan’s religious heritage.

• Night in Tokyo

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

• Head out of the city to take a short train ride to Kamakura, Japan’s old political centre. Take a short walk up to Houkokuji Temple, a quiet temple with a beautiful bamboo forest. Enjoy drinking matcha while looking out onto a tranquil forest.

• Take a bus to the Great Buddha Statue of Kamakura, an impressive 60 ft bronze statue of the Buddha in meditation. Learn more about the Shogun and Kamakura’s importance in Japanese history while exploring the many other temples and shrines in the area with your guide before heading back to Tokyo.

• Enjoy a tranquil walk along the beach of Kamakura, closing your day trip in Kamakura  with a sunset.

• Night in Tokyo

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

• Board the bullet train north to Karuizawa (approx. 1 hour), a stylish mountain resort town where Tokyo locals often retreat to escape the summer heat. Known for its cool climate, natural beauty, and Western influence, Karuizawa offers a refreshing change of pace.

• Arrive in Karuizawa and check in to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the town on foot—browse local boutiques along Old Ginza Street, stop by cozy cafés, and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

• Visit the Karuizawa Kogen Church, a beautiful wooden chapel surrounded by forest, known for its simple architecture and tranquil setting.

• Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

• Optional: Dine at a local French or Italian restaurant—Karuizawa is well known for its Western-influenced fine dining.

  Unwind with a drink or a quiet walk under the stars in the cool mountain air.

• Night in Karuizawa.

Accommodation

Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan (4*) or similar

• Check out of your hotel and transfer via bullet train to Kanazawa (1h53mins). Head out to explore central Kanazawa, a city known for its preserved Edo-period districts, traditional crafts, and refined culture.

• Begin your day at Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens, famous for its seasonal beauty and elegant design.Then visit the Nomura-ke Samurai Residence, a restored home that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Kanazawa’s warrior class.

• Continue your exploration with a visit to the Ninja Temple (Myoryu-ji), known for its secret passages, hidden staircases, and deceptive architecture.

• Stop for lunch at a local restaurant serving Kanazawa specialties such as seafood rice bowls or oden.

• In the afternoon, head to the D.T. Suzuki Museum, a serene architectural space dedicated to the life and philosophy of Zen scholar Daisetsu Suzuki.

• Stroll through the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa’s historic geisha quarter lined with traditional wooden teahouses.

  Enjoy a quiet dinner in the district—many restaurants offer local cuisine with fresh ingredients from the nearby Sea of Japan.

• Night in Kanazawa.

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa (4*) or similar

• Enjoy your free day in Kanazawa before embarking upon your trip to Kyoto.

• Night in Kanazawa

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa (4*) or similar

• Check out of your hotel and transfer via bullet train to Kyoto (1h 50mins).

• Embark on a short trip through Kyoto with your guide. Visit Kenninji,  Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple and visit Nishi Market to try some street food and buy some great souvenirs for friends and family back home.

• Night in Kyoto.

Accommodation

Kyoto Okura Hotel (5*) or similar

• Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide and board your private car.

• Take a half day trip to Nara, another former capital of Japan home to world-heritage sites and hundreds of free-roaming deer.

• Walk through town and visit the sacred site of Todai-ji, one of Japan’s most historically significant temples, to see the giant golden Buddha and receive his blessings.

• Have lunch at a retro shopping arcade.

• Night in Kyoto

Accommodation

Kyoto Okura Hotel (5*) or similar

• Begin your morning at Kinkaku-ji, famously known as the Golden Pavilion — one of Kyoto’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks. This Zen temple, covered in brilliant gold leaf, seems to float gracefully above its reflective pond, creating a scene that looks like it’s been lifted straight from a painting.

• Enjoy your private tea ceremony. Experience the calming tradition of Japanese tea ceremony, surrounded by serene garden views. This peaceful activity allows you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and tranquility.

• After the tea ceremony, take a short walk to Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its Zen rock garden. Spend time contemplating the simplicity and beauty of the dry landscape garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in the quiet, meditative atmosphere of the temple grounds.

• Night in Kyoto

Accommodation

Kyoto Okura Hotel (5*) or similar

• Meet your driver at 9AM and spend the day exploring Uji City - the city of Matcha.

• Begin your morning at Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its elegant Phoenix Hall and scenic pond reflections.

• After exploring the temple, enjoy a short walk across Uji Bridge and stroll through Uji Omotesando, a charming street lined with tea houses and matcha specialty shops.

• If time allows, stop by Ujigami Shrine, the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan, before relaxing over a matcha-themed lunch at a local cafe.

• Night in Kyoto

Accommodation

Kyoto Okura Hotel (5*) or similar

• Board the bullet train and transfer for a rapid train bound for Shima Station (2h 19mins).

• Visit the Toyouke Daijingu (Ise Jingu Geku, Outer Sanctuary) and spend the rest of the day on your own rhythm.

• Take time to unwind and enjoy the serene natural setting, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the national park.

• Savor an exquisite kaiseki dinner featuring the region’s prized seafood, such as spiny lobster and abalone, served with seasonal local delicacies.

• Night in Ise-Shima.

Accommodation

Ise Shin-sen (4*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

• Set out to explore Ise-Shima National Park with your guide in a private car, a sacred and scenic coastal area revered for its spiritual heritage and natural beauty. Please take your luggage with you as today you will stay at another hotel in the center of Ise-Shima. 

• Begin your morning at the Ise-Jingu Shrine, Japan’s most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu.

• Stroll through the Forest of Ise-Jingu, a tranquil path lined with towering ancient trees that surround the sacred grounds.

• After visiting the shrine, head to Okage Yokocho, a lively Edo-style shopping street filled with traditional food stalls, local crafts, and charming souvenir shops.

• Enjoy a lunch of Ise udon or freshly grilled seafood while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere.

• If you have time, relax and take in the evening view of Ago Bay, shimmering under the twilight sky.

• Night in Ise-Shima

Accommodation

Ise Shin-sen (4*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

• Transfer from Ise-Shima to Tokyo and spend a free day before departure to do some last-minute shopping or have a leisure walk.

• 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!