Authentic Japan

Journey through Japan on this 11-night adventure that mixes Japan's neon bright cutting-edge cities with graceful temples, Shinto shrines and heritage villages. Japan is a country like no other and nothing quite prepares you for its extraordinary world class cities, refined and discreet culture and truly unique way of life. This itinerary brilliantly combines some of Japan's most famous cities, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, with more unique locations such as Takayama, Shirakawgo and Kanazawa.

1. Days 1-4: Tokyo

   Starting off in Tokyo, you'll spend three nights in this amazing city. With your private guide you'll be able to visit a fantastic selection of highlights including some incredible modern art galleries and Harajuku, an area home to Japan's unique teen subcultures. Alongside spend time at the glorious Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temples, giving you a taste of traditional and ancient Tokyo. On your full day with your private guide, you’ll be using the public transport system in Tokyo which is incredibly efficient and gives you a great chance to understand how everything works for when you want to explore on your own.  

   Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo (3 nights)

2. Days 4-5: Takayama

   From Tokyo you will board your bullet train to Takayama via Nagoya where you will have one night. On arrival you will be met by your private guide and driver. Spend time this afternoon visiting the historical Sanmachi area, a beautiful district in Takayama full of old merchant houses and sake breweries. You can enter some of the old houses along with doing a spot of shopping. You'll also visit Takayama Yatai Kaikan, the float festival museum and late in the afternoon your driver will escort you to your accommodation.

   Accommodation: Wanosato Takayama (1 night)

3. Days 5-7: Yamashiro Onsen, Japan

   After departing from Takayama with your driver and guide you will head towards Kanazawa, visiting the local farmers market and UNESCO protected Shirakawago en route. This secluded mountain village is best known for its Gassho-zukuri farmhouses that have been designed to withstand heavy snow. Afterwards transfer approximately 90 minutes to Yamashiro Onsen and spend your afternoon at leisure. The following day will be spent exploring Kanazawa with time in the Higashi-chaya geisha district, a traditional geisha house, local handicraft stores and gold leaf workshops. Your guide will also take you through Kanazawa's samurai district, Omicho fish market and Kenrokuen, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. If time permits, we also recommend visiting the 21 Century Museum of Contemporary Art.

   Accommodation: Beniya Mukayu (2 nights)

4. Days 7-10: Kyoto

   From Yamashiro Onsen you will be driven the short distance to Kaga Onsen station where you will catch your direct bullet train to Kyoto, which takes a little over two hours. Kyoto is Japan's sacred and most revered city that is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, testament to the unrelenting commitment to conserving Japan's history. In Kyoto we have included a day with a private guide and car for you to visit all of the highlights including the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) temple, Ryoan-ji temple and the Geisha district of Gion. As you will have two full days and three nights in the city we suggest, when exploring independently, that you visit Yasakajinja shrine, Kodaiji Temple as well as the ancient neighbourhood of Sannenzaka.

   Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto (3 nights)

5. Days 10-11: Tokyo

   From Kyoto you will hop back on the bullet train and head back to Tokyo, with a journey of just over two hours. You’ll have your final night in Japan surrounded by the buzzing lights of super modern Shinjinku, giving the perfect contrast to Kyoto from ancient to modern. On departure from Japan, you'll be driven to the airport in time for your flight home.

   Accommodation: Park Hyatt Tokyo (1 night)

Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa & Kyoto