Japan Beyond the Cities: Tradition & Hidden Gems

Discover Tokyo’s iconic sights, where traditional culture meets modern city life.

Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple. Stroll lively Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional shops, Japanese sweets and souvenirs.
Meiji Shrine: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Harajuku & Omotesando: Youthful fashion culture meets sophisticated architecture and stylish boutiques.
Shibuya Crossing: One of the most recognizable symbols of modern Tokyo.
Ginza: End the day in Tokyo’s elegant district of luxury boutiques, department stores and galleries.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Tokyo

Check out and meet your private English-speaking guide and vehicle. Drive about 3 hours to the Fuji Five Lakes region.

Lake Kawaguchi: One of the best places to admire Mt. Fuji.
Hakone Ropeway (one-way fare included): Panoramic mountain views and, weather permitting, Mt. Fuji.
Owakudani Valley: An active volcanic area famous for its steaming vents and mountain scenery.

Check in to your hotel in the Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone area.

Meals: Breakfast

\Overnight: Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone

Return to Tokyo and enjoy a free day to explore on your own: shop, wander new neighborhoods, or simply relax.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Tokyo

Take a direct highway bus from Busta Shinjuku to Takayama Nohi Bus Center (approx. 5.5 hours) through the scenery of the Japanese Alps. After arrival, stroll through Sanmachi Suji, the old town, where wooden merchant houses and historic sake breweries line the streets as they did in the Edo period. Check in to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Takayama

Travel by Nohi Bus (or Hokutetsu Bus) to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go (about 32 miles / 52 km, approx. 1 hour each way). There is no train connection. Wander among the gassho-zukuri farmhouses, known for steeply pitched thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snow. Return to Takayama by bus and your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Takayama

In the morning, take a highway bus to Kyoto (approx. 4.5 hours; Nohi Bus, Alpico or Kintetsu Bus). In the afternoon, explore the Gion District, Kyoto’s famous traditional entertainment quarter. Check in to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walk the famous tunnels of vermilion torii gates up to the mountain’s scenic mid-point.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple (entrance fee included): A UNESCO World Heritage site with sweeping city views from its wooden stage.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): One of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, its golden exterior reflected in the surrounding pond.
Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Kyoto

Board the Shinkansen bullet train (reserved seats included) to Hiroshima, about 2 hours.
Miyajima Island: Take a short scenic ferry ride to the sacred island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine (entrance included) and its vermilion torii gate that appears to float on the water at high tide. Meet the friendly, free-roaming deer.
Atomic Bomb Dome: Back in Hiroshima, walk around this UNESCO World Heritage ruin, preserved as it stood after the blast.
Return by bullet train to Kyoto (approx. 2 hours).

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Kyoto

Dive into the energy of Osaka.

Osaka Castle (exterior visit): Stone walls and deep moats against the modern skyline.
Kuromon Ichiba Market: “Osaka’s Kitchen,” where you can sample fresh local street food.
Dotonbori: Famous neon signs and lively nightlife.
Check in to your Osaka hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Osaka

Enjoy your last hours in Japan as you wish. We’ll arrange your airport shuttle bus tickets from Osaka Station to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for a smooth departure.
Airport transfer may be provided by an English-speaking assistant.

Meals: Breakfast