DAZZLING, AUTHENTIC, CULTURAL AND EXCITING
This tour has been designed to cover many aspects of the Japanese modern and traditional culture, together with some countryside scenery, and of course the famous Mt. Fuji.
Tokyo, at a first glance, could be considered the perfect depiction of a modern, sprawling metropolis influenced by western cultures. Yet a closer inspection of any of the city’s sixty-two ward will reveal a very strong attachment to Japan’s unique roots and history. For its art scene, architecture, pop culture, entertainment or cuisine, Tokyo is an extraordinary place to understand how Japanese and western influence are mixing, bringing out the best of both worlds.
Hakone, a volcanic valley sometimes called the backyard of Tokyo, is known for its natural beauty in all seasons. The area is indeed full of charms- exceptional museums, famous hot springs, top-of-the-line ryokan experiences, gorgeous lakes, and glorious views of Mt. Fuji. This makes it a perfect spot for a quick rest after or before your adventures in the capital city.
Kyoto is where the heart of traditional Japan lies. The old capital survived as a centre of power for nearly a thousand years, leading to the construction of some of the most impressive gardens, temples and villas of Japan, 17 of which are now registered World Heritage Sites. From the preserved atmosphere of its old districts to modern shopping streets, Kyoto is the ideal place to visit innovative craftsmen and museums, and better understand the gap between old and modern Japan.
Given further information about your interests, we will happily incorporate any optional experience into your itinerary to offer the ideal balance for you between sightseeing and hands-on experiences.
TOUR DETAILS
- 7 nights in Japan (plus travel time)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Hot springs, nature, and small towns near Shiga Kogen
- Gold Leaf craftsman visit
- Yudanaka Monkey Park
- Private Dinner with a Geisha
- Private Theatre of a Noh Grand Master family
- Cruise on Lake Ashi
- Hakone Ropeway for a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji
- Private tea ceremony
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
- 4 nights in Tokyo
- 1 night in Shuzenji/Tagata
- 2 nights in Kyoto
day one
Arrive in Tokyo
Upon arrival to the airport, meet your driver for your private transfer to the evening’s accommodation. Itinerary will be adjusted to suit the flight schedule.
Suggested hotel: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
day TWO
Tokyo Old and New
Explore Tokyo, the heart of modern Japan. Spend the day discovering the main sights, from the historic neighbourhoods and ancient temples to modern pop-culture and electronic wonders, getting a thorough introduction to the buzzing city. Exploring Tokyo independently at night reveals yet another fantastic side of the city, with the neon signs brightening the sky, thousands of lively restaurants and bars, and colourful entertainment districts waiting to be uncovered.
Sightseeing in Tokyo, visit as time and interest permit:
– Fukagawa Edo Museum, for a feel of the ancient city of Tokyo
– Fudo-do Temple for its traditional fire ceremony ritual held in the middle of the city
– Asakusa Kannon Temple (also known as Sensoji) and Nakamise Shopping Street, Tokyo’s popular district where the atmosphere of past decades survives
– Yanaka Old Town, a lively Japanese neighborhood learning about typical life of a Tokyoite
– Akihabara, home to many of Tokyo’s subcultures
Suggested hotel: Madarin Oriental Tokyo
day three
Hot Springs, Nature, and Small Towns near Shiga Kogen
Spend some time in one of Japan’s charming countryside onsen towns, Yudanaka. Most famous for its snow monkeys that like to bathe in outdoor hot spring baths designated just for them, Yudanaka is just next-door to Shibu Onsen town, and not far from the Shiga Kogen highland which offers pleasant hikes in warmer seasons and skiing in winter. The area is also home to a beer and sake brewery and tap room typically open to visitors.
Transfer to Tokyo Station and take a bullet train to Nagano. Meet your driver upon arrival. Have lunch in Nagano City, a city famous for its soba noodles and wasabi. Interesting stops on the way to the nature reserve include:
– Obuse, a charming little town known for the production of chestnuts
– Obuse Hokusai Museum, to discover a collection of artwork by the famous ukiyo-e painter Katsushika Hokusai
In the afternoon, drive 45mins to the nature reserve and visit the Yudanaka Monkey Park, a nature reserve with an open-air onsen (hot spring) for monkeys.
Head back to Nagano Station (about 1hr) and take a bullet train back to Tokyo.
Suggested hotel: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
day four
Tokyo Traditional and Modern Designs
Often regarded as a trailblazer in innovative art and design, Tokyo is the place to discover the latest trends. Explore the city’s main sights considered to be pioneering in art, design, and architecture.
day five
Classic Hakone
Explore Hakone, which is known as the scenic, nature-filled backyard of Tokyo. Hakone is a nature reserve and hot springs haven with great museums as well as the possibility to, on a clear day, enjoy one of the best views of sacred Mt. Fuji.
Drive to Hakone (1.5hrs).
Visit as time and interest permit:
– Hakone Open-Air Museum, where nature and art meet
– Hakone Ropeway for a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji (dependent on weather) and to visit the volcanically active Owakudani Valley
– Cruise on Lake Ashi, a scenic ride on a surprisingly themed ship
Continue on to your luxury ryokan in the hot spring town of Shuzenji (about1hr drive).
Suggested hotel: Asaba Ryokan
day SIX
Travel to Eastern Kyoto
Today you will explore the east side of Kyoto, known as the Eastern Mountain (Higashiyama) district. With old picturesque streets dotted with temples, tea shops and craftsmen, Higashiyama is the ideal place to take in the preserved atmosphere of the old city.
Transfer to Mishima Station (about 30-45mins) and take a bullet train to Kyoto.
Visit as time and interest permit:
– Sanjusangendo, the hall of a thousand depictions of the god/goddess Kannon
– Kiyomizu Temple with Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, the historic and picturesque streets of Kyoto
15:00: Close to Kyomizu temple, have a formal tea ceremony in a privatised annex of a temple, and meet the head monk. While sipping the rich flavour of matcha green tea, a master of the tea ceremony will give an insider look into the small details that make the ceremony the serene moment of pure contemplation and togetherness that it is. Learn about the ceremony’s connections to Zen and Buddhism, and how so many elements of Japanese culture permeate through every step and motion. The experience is about 1.5 hours, and is private. Subject to availability upon tour confirmation.
Head to your accommodation after the tea ceremony.
Suggested hotel: Park Hyatt Kyoto
day seven
Northern Kyoto and Arashiyama
Be exposed to the fundamentals of Japanese aesthetics, Zen, architecture, and horticulture through visits to some of Kyoto’s most renowned sights, before continuing to the western part of Kyoto – Arashiyama. Arashiyama has a famous and storied wooden bridge, numerous temples known for their statuary and gardens, a scenic bamboo grove that is great for a stroll, and picturesque streets that complement each other to make a pleasant atmosphere excellent for leisurely walks.
Visit in northern Kyoto:
– Nijo Castle, the Shogun’s castle, a window into the culture and history of Kyoto
– Kinkakuji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto’s iconic site with interesting history
– Ryoanji Temple, famed for its unique Zen garden
Continue on to Arashiyama (about 30 minutes).
Visit as time and interest permit:
– Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, a gorgeous, unique hidden temple with many Rakkan sculptures
– Okochi sanso garden an intricate stroll garden, formerly owned by a famous actor
– Sagano Bamboo Grove, the famed path lined with bamboo on both sides
– Togetsukyo Bridge, arching over the local river
Drive back to central Kyoto (about 40 minutes).
18:30: After a short break at your hotel, meet your guide and head to a restaurant for your evening with a Geisha. Movies and books strive to capture the essence of geisha, yet only by speaking with one can one understand the dedication, the talent, the people that make up all that is beautiful about Japan’s geisha. Over dinner, be treated to a performance that has been refined through years of schooling and apprenticeship. Our personally-selected geisha and guides make this private evening even more memorable as they remove communication and cultural barriers, inviting participation in a few of the geisha games of old, and encouraging conversation about the geisha lifestyle and culture.
Representing the fourth and fifth generations of gold leaf artists in their family, these artists have a lot to share. Kyoto is known home to acclaimed artisans who have kept alive the techniques of traditional crafts, often by using them in surprisingly contemporary ways.
A few of these individuals can be found living and working behind sliding wooden doors in quiet, residential neighbourhoods. The artists preserving their gold techniques are also here apply gold and silver leaves in intricate patterns which end up being imbibed by kimono-designers in their kimono fabric.
Suggested hotel: Park Hyatt Kyoto
day eight
Sayonara
The itinerary will be tailored to suit your flight schedule.
Begin your travels home and wave goodbye to the Land of the Rising Sun.