Day 1: Tokyo

Welcome to Japan!

For your added comfort, you will be welcomed by an English speaking assistant who will assist you upon arrival at the airport. Your assistant will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it.

Meet your driver for an enjoyable airport transfer with a private vehicle.

Accommodation: Peninsula Tokyo (5*)

The truly first class Peninsula Tokyo Hotel is located in a business and shopping district, opposite Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace. It is adjacent to Hibiya Subway Station, and a few short minutes stroll from the large, top end, designer Ginza shopping district. This hotel offers excellent business and conference services and rooms, a 20 meter indoor pool, a spa that is manned by very experienced and trained therapists and an array of fine gourmet restaurants. The Peninsula Tokyo Hotel has very spacious, luxury decorated rooms that have deluxe amenities and supported by professional, polite, efficient yet friendly staff.

Day 2: Tokyo

Spend a half day with your local guide and private vehicle discovering Tokyo’s fascinating sites that juxtapose traditional temples and gardens with futuristic skyscrapers. Begin with a visit to the outside of the Imperial Palace, home of Japan’s Imperial Family. Head to Asakusa, the city’s old town area. Soak up the atmosphere of traditional Tokyo of yesteryear, exploring Tokyo’s oldest and most popular temple, Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. Sensoji backs onto Nakamise, a shopping street that has provided temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and souvenirs for centuries.

Drive across the city to the Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Japan’s feudal era came to an end during the Meiji period, and the country found itself modernizing and westernizing during this time. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel. 

This evening take a stroll around one of Tokyo’s trendiest areas, Akachochin, conveniently located minutes away from Shibuya. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and travel with you by taxi to the Shibuya area. The neighborhood is known for Izakayas, a popular style of casual Japanese pubs filled with locals ranging from their mid-twenties to early forties grabbing a drink and a bite amongst friends, and the symbol of Japanese Izakayas is a red lantern, known as Akachochin. Visit a range of five different restaurants and izakaya to experience some of the authentic food locals enjoy. These are laid-back places with a friendly atmosphere, and interaction between patrons frequently happen (facilitated by your local guide). Dine on Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), sashimi, okonomiyaki (savory pancake), ramen or udon noodles, and cap it off with Japanese ice cream and sake. Food and one drink at each restaurant are included this evening. At the end of the evening, transfer back to your hotel by taxi.

Accommodation: Peninsula Tokyo (5*)

Day 3: Tokyo

Leave behind the frenetic pace of Tokyo today and head 40 minutes west of Tokyo local guide and a private vehicle to Kawagoe, a small charming city colloquially known as "Little Edo". Kawagoe does a great job of preserving the atmosphere of ancient Edo, the former name of Tokyo.

Wander around the streets in Warehouse District. The main street is lined with Kurazukuri (clay-walled warehouse-styled) buildings. In the old days, Kawagoe was an important commercial town supplying resources to Edo. Thanks to the thriving trade, many merchants grew wealthy enough to build not only their warehouses but also their stores in the traditional, resistant Kurazukuri style, more so than it was usual in other towns. Some of the buildings managed to survive to this day, and mostly host shops and restaurants.

Spend your time strolling around the area, snacking as you walk (tabearuki in Japanese) on traditional delicacies such as sweet potato sweets, dried flavored beans, grilled rice balls, chicken skewers and Japanese style soft serve ice cream. Visit a soy sauce factory and learn all about how Japan’s most used seasoning is made. Lastly, enjoy a glass of draft Coedo beer, the locally brewed craft beer, or if you prefer a cup of the local sake.

Japan's culinary scene is a delight for the senses. From elaborate sushi dinners to kaiseki meals, and hundreds of exclusive Michelin star rated restaurants to choose from, the dining options are sure to please even the most discerning of palates. Tonight's dinner reservation has been arranged for you. Transportation to and from the restaurant of your choice will be paid for on the spot, and tonight's meal is not included in your itinerary and is to be paid for at the restaurant. Please note that many fine dining establishments in Japan require a set course menu to be pre-ordered at time of reservation, or a deposit in order to secure a space. If this is the case, you will be advised at time of booking.

Accommodation: Peninsula Tokyo (5*)

Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Tokyo in favor of a day in Hakone, the gateway to Japan’s tallest mountain Mt. Fuji and the surrounding national park. Your local guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and accompany you on your private drive from Tokyo. Spend the day exploring Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, making use of your private vehicle as well as Hakone’s experiential forms of transport. Ride the world’s second longest cable car up Mt. Owakudani, passing over sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers in this active volcanic area. Sample Hakone’s famous local treat, the black eggs of Owakudani. The eggs are hard boiled in Hakone’s well known sulfuric hot springs, and local legend has it that eating one of these eggs will add seven years to your life. Board a majestic pirate ship and sail across Lake Ashinoko, a lake formed by a volcanic eruption 3000 years ago. Throughout the day there is a chance to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, however, please keep in mind that she is a notoriously shy mountain and it needs to be a clear day.  

Enjoy a hearty, traditional Japanese meal as part of the Ryokan experience, included in the cost of your tour. This will be artfully presented and served to you in the ryokan's dining room, as is the custom in Japan.

Accommodation: Gora Kadan (5*)

A stay in Gora Kadan, a former holiday retreat for the imperial family in the National Park Hakone, is an invitation to bring your five senses to life by submerging yourself in Japan’s most ancient way of life. A true highlight for foodies - it is renowned for serving one of the best 'kaiseki' dinners in all of Japan. In these calm and pleasurable settings, located in an area of springs heated by volcanic sources, you may move from your suite with its minimalist design, to a swimming pool or spa while wearing a Yukata cotton kimono. Treat yourself to a well-earned retreat in the natural beauty of Hakone National Park.

Day 5: Hakone - Kyoto

Meet your driver for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.

Relax on the scenic train from Hakone's Odawara station to Kyoto. The train ride is approximately 2 hours.

Meet your guide for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.

Explore the back streets of Kyoto's geisha districts with the leading foreign geisha culture expert, Peter MacIntosh who has spent half his life living in Kyoto. He was married to an ex-geisha, studies Japanese arts and is a lecturer on Geisha Studies at a Kansai University He will discuss the history as well as the present situation of the flower and willow world of Kyoto. All this will be preparing you for entertainment in a traditional geisha teahouse, or ochaya, which is a private, members-only establishment. The maiko/geiko will answer any questions you have as well as perform a dance accompanied by the shamisen. Afterwards some traditional games will be played, followed by photo opportunities. All drinks and snacks are included. Please note “teahouse” is the name of this style of buildings and does not include a tea ceremony, an art that is traditionally not practiced by geisha. Tour ends at the teahouse.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Kyoto (5*)

Discover the style and vibe of today's Japan with an 800-year-old ikeniwa (pond garden) at its heart – intimate, contemporary Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, in the scenic district of temples. Within light-filled, spacious guest rooms and select Private Hotel Residences, experience personalised, insider access to Kyoto's four-season delights. Double-height windows frame our tranquil garden as you enjoy modern European brasserie dining. Sip local craft beers on the waterside terrace. Cross the glass bridge for matcha in the Tea House. Float in the indoor pool then melt into bliss in the Spa. Conclude successful business behind artisan-carved cedar doors. Or celebrate new beginnings in the soaring, sunlit Chapel.

Day 6: Kyoto

Spend a half day exploring the scenic Arashiyama district on the western outskirts of Kyoto with your local guide, traveling by private vehicle. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185) when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Okochi Mountain Villa is the former villa of the famous samurai film star Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962), and consists of several beautiful gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses and a Zen meditation hall. Take a break here and enjoy some “Matcha” green tea with a snack.

With your energy replenished, take a stroll through Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves, which are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, and mats at local workshops for centuries. Visit Nonomiya Shrine,  a Shinto shrine where in ancient times, unmarried imperial princesses stayed for a year or more to purify themselves. Next, visit Tenryuji Temple, ranked among Kyoto's five great Zen temples, and the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama. Founded in 1339 at the beginning of the Muromachi Period (1338-1573), the temple is one of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to its temple buildings, there are attractive gardens with walking paths. In a traditional building inside the temple grounds overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden, appreciate the experience of a vegetarian "shojin-ryori" (traditional Buddhist cuisine) lunch built around yuba, tofu and seasonal vegetables. At the end of the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Kyoto is home to an impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and two of the most memorable ones are Kinkakuji Temple and Nijo Castle. Meet your local guide in your hotel lobby for a half day tour of Kyoto with a private vehicle.  Start with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. After his death in 1408, it became a Buddhist Temple as per the Shogun’s final wishes and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.

Next is Nijo Castle, an ornamental castle that was built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence and is surrounded by stunning surrounding gardens. The main building was completed in 1603 and is famous for its architecture, decorated sliding doors and ‘chirping’ nightingale floors. The castle served as an imperial palace briefly during the 19^th century. Next, take a walk through Nishiki Market, a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. You may wish to stop for lunch in this area (not included). At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Kyoto (5*)

Day 7: Kyoto

Japanese cuisine has such high reputation for quality globally that it was declared UNESCO Intangible World Heritage. During this tour, Mr. Hirokazu Nagano, a professional chef, will introduce you to this complex yet simple cuisine while teaching you how to prepare some of Japan’s most famous specialties. Choose one of the following lessons at the time of booking: Sushi Lesson, Soba Lesson or Tempura Lesson. Please note the entire group must choose the same course. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Osaka is one of Japan’s most vibrant cities, and primarily known for its active people - and its food. Your guide will introduce you to the splendors of Osaka’s casual cuisine, venturing into the epicenter of street food culture in Osaka: Dotonbori. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kyoto and taken to Osaka. Dotonbori is a famous pedestrian-only restaurant street in Osaka’s boisterous Namba district. Famous for its vast array of culinary options, Dotonbori is known as a food paradise throughout Japan. Colorful eateries and bars line the neon-filled streets: hole-in-the-wall takoyaki stands and upscale eateries serving the finest wagyu beef – and everywhere, people – young and old – out to enjoy the culinary pleasures of the nation’s most famous restaurant district. You’ll have the chance to sample a variety of local foods, including the famous and ubiquitous takoyaki (commonly known as “octopus dumplings”) and kushikatsu (skewered meats and vegetables). The cost of these - and one drink a piece - is included. Your guide can also take you to a huge variety of other establishments, from ramen noodles to izakaya bars. The cost for your orders here will be on you. Afterwards, you will head back to Kyoto.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Kyoto (5*)

Day 8: Kyoto

Enjoy a transfer with a private driver from Kyoto to Osaka Kansai International Airport.

Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.