The Best of Japan

Arrive at Narita Airport, where an English-speaking assistant will meet you after customs for a private transfer to your hotel, where you will receive all of your travel documents and vouchers. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring Japan’s vibrant capital, perhaps with a stroll through its neon-lit streets. (Overnight in Tokyo)

Discover the contrasts of Tokyo with your guide today. Take part in a taiko drumming lesson, enjoy sweeping views from Tokyo Skytree, visit the historic Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Arcade, and stroll through the buzzing Akihabara district. This is a wonderful introduction to both the city’s traditions and its futuristic side. (Overnight in Tokyo) 

Meals: Breakfast

Begin at Tsukiji Outer Market before joining a sushi-making class. Visit the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine and experience the vibrant fashions and youth culture of Harajuku. Along the way, enjoy a true taste of Tokyo’s culinary and cultural variety. (Overnight in Tokyo) 

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Tokyo Station with an assistant and board the Shinkansen to Hiroshima. On arrival, an assistant will walk you to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps sampling Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki. (Overnight in Hiroshima) 

Meals: Breakfast

Visit the Peace Memorial Park, A-Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Museum with your guide. Continue to Miyajima by ferry to see the iconic Itsukushima Shrine before returning to Hiroshima in the evening. This moving and memorable day highlights both Japan’s history and natural beauty. (Overnight in Hiroshima) 

Meals: Breakfast

Travel by Shinkansen to Himeji. With your guide, explore Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, and either the City Museum of Literature or Nadagiku Sake Brewery. After the sightseeing concludes, continue together by train to Osaka, where your guide will escort you to your hotel. Arrive in the city known as the nation’s “kitchen,” where food culture thrives. (Overnight in Osaka)  

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a guided visit to Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory, and the lively Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi districts. The afternoon is free to shop, relax, or continue tasting Osaka’s street food specialties. (Overnight in Osaka) 

Meals: Breakfast

Travel by private car to Kyoto. Visit Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle, and Kiyomizu Temple before strolling through the geisha district of Gion. End the day with a cultural performance at Gion Corner, a highlight of any Kyoto stay. (Overnight in Kyoto) 

Meals: Breakfast

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, a sake brewery, and continue to Nara to see Todaiji Temple, Nara Deer Park, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Experience the charm of Japan’s ancient capitals in a single day. (Overnight in Kyoto)

Meals: Breakfast

Your main luggage will be sent ahead to Takayama by courier service, so be sure to pack an overnight bag for your stay in Takayama. Today, travel via Nagoya to Takayama with assistance for your transfers along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and soak up the slower pace and old-world charm of this traditional mountain town. (Overnight in Takayama) 

Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day exploring the highlights of this historic town. Visit the lively Morning Market, the well-preserved Takayama Jinya, the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, and the Kusakabe Folk Museum. Stroll along the atmospheric Sannomachi Street, lined with centuries-old wooden buildings, shops, and sake breweries. (Overnight in Takayama) 

Meals: Breakfast

Meet your English-speaking guide at 08:30 in the lobby of your hotel and depart by private car for a full day exploring Japan’s picturesque mountain villages. Travel to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawago, where you’ll take in sweeping countryside views from the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory and step inside the historic Wada House to learn about traditional gassho-zukuri architecture and rural life. Continue onward to Gokayama to visit the preserved Nagase House and gain further insight into the region’s heritage. Here, you will also enjoy a hands-on paper-making experience at Washi-no-sato or a similar workshop, discovering the craftsmanship behind this centuries-old tradition. (Overnight in Kanazawa) 

Meals: Breakfast

Today, discover Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, Nomura Samurai House, and Higashi-Chaya Street with your guide. This elegant city blends history, gardens, and artistry in every corner, offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past alongside a thriving tradition of crafts and culture. (Overnight in Kanazawa)

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Kanazawa Station with an assistant and board the train to Nagano. Continue to your hotel by public transport and enjoy the evening at leisure. (Overnight in Nagano)

Meals: Breakfast

Travel with your guide to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys, gather to soak in the steaming natural hot springs. Stroll along the forested trail leading to the park and enjoy the tranquil mountain scenery as you approach. Spend time watching the monkeys in their unique habitat before returning to Nagano in the evening. (Overnight in Nagano) 

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, meet your assistant in the lobby of your hotel and transfer together by public transport to Nagano Station. Your assistant will ensure a smooth boarding process for your reserved Green Car Shinkansen service to Tokyo. Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, another assistant will meet you on the platform and guide you through the busy station to your connecting Shinkansen to Odawara. Continue on the high-speed Hikari service before meeting your assistant once again at Odawara Station. From here, transfer by private car to your Hakone hotel, where your luggage will be stored on board and your room will be ready for check-in from the regular afternoon time. (Overnight in Hakone) 

Meals: Breakfast

Meet your private guide at the hotel this morning and set out by car for a full-day tour of Mount Fuji and Hakone. Visit the iconic Mount Fuji 5th Station (or the highest accessible point if weather prevents access) and enjoy sweeping views of Japan’s most famous peak. Cruise across the serene waters of Lake Ashi before ascending on the Komagatake or Hakone Ropeway for even more spectacular vistas. Continue to the Hakone Open Air Museum, where striking sculptures are set against a stunning natural backdrop. After a full day of exploration, transfer by private car with your guide to Tokyo, where you will arrive in the evening and check in at your hotel. Your baggage will be stored in the car during the day for your convenience.. (Overnight in Tokyo) 

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer by private car to Narita Airport for your departure flight. If you’d like to extend your holiday elsewhere in Japan or beyond, Railbookers can help tailor your journey. 

Meals: Breakfast