Classic Journey: Japan
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple
Lunch in Asakusa (under own arrangements)
Omotesando & Harajuku
Shibuya Sky Observatory
Return to Hotel
Meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby to begin your full-day exploration of Japan’s vibrant capital by private vehicle.
Your first stop is Meiji Jingu Shrine, a tranquil forest sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Nestled amidst 100,000 trees in the heart of the city, this Shinto shrine is a place of reflection, ritual, and seasonal beauty. Walk beneath towering torii gates and learn about Shinto practices and imperial legacy.
Next, transfer to the historic Asakusa district, home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Stroll through Nakamise-dori, a lively street lined with traditional craft shops and snack stalls offering taiyaki, ningyo-yaki, and matcha sweets. The temple’s iconic thunder gate and incense-swirled courtyard offer a glimpse into Japan’s Edo-period past.
Stop for lunch in the area under your own arrangements. Your guide will be happy to recommend local favorites ranging from tempura to soba.
After lunch, continue to the ultra-modern district of Omotesando and Harajuku, where sleek architecture meets pop culture. Depending on your interests, opt for a stroll along Cat Street for boutique shopping, or visit Nezu Museum, a serene space blending traditional architecture with a lush Japanese garden and a refined collection of East Asian art.
Conclude your tour with a visit to Shibuya Sky, the city’s most stunning open-air observatory. Located atop a 229-meter tower, the panoramic deck offers sweeping views of Tokyo Tower, Mt. Fuji (on a clear day), and the city’s vast sprawl beneath your feet.
Toyosu Fish Market (tuna auction viewing)
Sushi Breakfast
Sumo Demonstration at a Training Stable
Sumida River Boat Ride (shared)
Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple
Akihabara Electronics District
Meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and depart by private vehicle for an early morning visit to Toyosu Fish Market, the world’s most advanced wholesale seafood hub.
Arrive in time to witness the renowned tuna auction from the upper-floor observation gallery — a behind-glass view of Tokyo’s most dynamic seafood ritual. (Note: Lower-level auction floor access is available only by lottery.)
Following your market visit, enjoy an expertly crafted sushi breakfast at a nearby local restaurant (payable locally), where the seafood comes directly from Toyosu’s auction floor.
Next, transfer to a sumo training stable for an exclusive morning sumo demonstration. Observe professional rikishi in the midst of their training session and gain insight into the rituals, discipline, and cultural depth of Japan’s national sport.
Return to your hotel late morning to rest and refresh before your afternoon program.
Reconnect with your guide in the hotel lobby and set out by private vehicle for a relaxed half-day exploration.
Begin with a shared boat ride along the Sumida River, passing beneath iconic bridges and offering a scenic perspective of the Tokyo skyline.
Disembark in Asakusa, where you’ll visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Take time to explore the bustling Nakamise shopping street, lined with traditional crafts and local snacks.
Conclude with a visit to Akihabara, the vibrant epicenter of electronics and anime culture — a futuristic hub of pop trends, gadgets, and subcultures.
Return to your hotel by private vehicle at the end of your tour.
Meet guide and transfer to Tokyo Station
Shinkansen
Hakone Ropeway & Owakudani Valley
Lake Ashi Cruise (shared)
Lunch at a local restaurant
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Check-in at Gora Kadan ryokan at 16:30
09:00 am Meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and transfer by private vehicle to Tokyo Station.
Board the Hikari #509 Shinkansen departing at 10:09. Sit back and enjoy the smooth journey to Odawara while your guide shares insights into the natural beauty and cultural history of the Hakone region.
Arrive at Odawara Station at 11:16, where a private vehicle will be waiting to begin your day of exploration.
Begin your journey with a drive up to Sounzan Station, where you’ll board the Hakone Ropeway for a spectacular aerial journey over the volcanic Owakudani Valley. Disembark mid-way to observe the active sulfur vents and volcanic terrain, then continue onward to Togendai at the edge of Lake Ashi.
From Togendai, step aboard a shared sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi, a serene crater lake known for its iconic views of Hakone Shrine’s red torii and, on clear days, distant Mount Fuji.
Arrive at Hakone-machi and enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, handpicked by your guide based on seasonal specialties and your preferences.
Following lunch, return toward Gora and stop at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, an expansive sculpture park surrounded by mountains. Stroll through open-air installations by world-renowned artists and explore the indoor Picasso Pavilion before concluding your visit.
Train: Hikari #509
Time: 10:09–11:16
Seat type: Greeclass - Firstclass
Seat: 2A,B
Transfer from Gora Kadan to Odawara Station
Shinkansen (Mt. Fuji–viewing seats)
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Tenryu-ji Temple
Private Geisha Performance
One-of-a-Kind Magic Show
Hotel Check-in in Kyoto
Meet your English-speaking guide in the ryokan lobby and transfer by private vehicle to Odawara Station. En route, your guide will provide an overview of the day’s journey and highlight the cultural treasures awaiting in Kyoto.
Upon arrival at the station, board the Shinkansen Hikari #509, scheduled to depart at 11:03. You will be seated on the Mt. Fuji–facing side of the train, offering the best possible view of Japan’s most iconic peak — weather permitting — as the train glides southwest through Shizuoka Prefecture. Your guide will accompany you throughout the journey.
Arrive at Kyoto Station at 13:43, where a private vehicle will be waiting to begin your afternoon of cultural discovery in Arashiyama.
You will first visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene forest walkway where towering stalks of green sway gently above a gravel path. This otherworldly landscape is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites and offers a peaceful introduction to the city’s western hills.
Then continue to Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the principal Zen temple of the Arashiyama district. Founded in 1339, its landscaped garden retains its original form and was designed to harmonize with the surrounding mountains.
Following your temple visit, transfer to a traditional machiya setting for a hands-on wagashi (Japanese confectionery) making class. Under the guidance of a skilled confectioner, learn the techniques of shaping and decorating these seasonal sweets, using bean paste and natural colorings. Each creation reflects the beauty and refinement of Kyoto’s culinary traditions.
Afterwards, enjoy a tranquil private tea ceremony, guided by a licensed tea master. Learn the elegant rituals of chanoyu, and savor freshly whisked matcha served with the sweets you’ve made.
This evening, you will dine at Tempura Endo, one of Kyoto’s most refined and atmospheric tempura establishments. Located in a historic teahouse near Gion, Tempura Endo specializes in delicately prepared seasonal ingredients fried to perfection, paired with exceptional service and a serene ambiance.
After dinner, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Kyoto. Your guide will assist with check-in and bid you a pleasant evening.
Train: Hikari #509
Time: 11:03–13:43
Seat type: Greeclass - Firstclass
Seat: 7D,E
Transfer from Kyoto to Nara by private vehicle
Visit to Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park
Transfer to Osaka
Walk-and-eat lunch tour in Dotonbori
Return transfer to Kyoto
Refresh and relax at your hotel
Private Geisha Performance in Gion
One-of-a-Kind Magic Show
Transfer to hotel and end of guiding services
Meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and depart Kyoto by private vehicle for Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan and one of the country’s richest cultural destinations.
You will first visit Todai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of its kind in the world. Housed inside the world’s largest wooden structure, the temple is surrounded by Nara Park, where free-roaming deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods.
After your morning in Nara, continue by private vehicle to Osaka, arriving around midday. Here, enjoy a guided walk-and-eat lunch experience in the lively Dotonbori district. Sample Osaka’s signature street foods such as takoyaki (octopus balls), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), negiyaki (savory green onion pancake), and grilled crab while learning about the city’s food culture and history. This area is known for its bright neon lights, animated signage, and energetic local atmosphere.
Following your visit, return by private vehicle to Kyoto. Upon arrival, you will be transported back to your hotel to freshen up and relax before your special evening program.
Later in the evening, transfer to a refined private venue in the Gion district for an unforgettable cultural experience. Enjoy a private geisha performance, where you will be joined by a Kyoto geiko and maiko, who will perform traditional music and dance. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with them directly and experience the elegance and charm of this refined world.
As part of this exclusive evening, you’ll also enjoy a one-of-a-kind magic show by a local Japanese illusionist, offering a modern twist on Kyoto’s artistic spirit. The close-up performance blends traditional storytelling with sleight of hand, creating a memorable and unexpected finale to your day.
After the evening’s experiences, you will be transferred by private vehicle back to your hotel. Your guide will assist with final arrangements and bid you farewell.
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