Japan Cultural Immersion

Meet the airport assistant who will help you board a private car and transfer from Tokyo International Airport to your hotel. 
Note: Transfer offer one time for the most group customers arrive at the same time.

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa or similar

Enjoy a full day of private Tokyo sightseeing with a private guide using public transportation, exploring Tokyo’s highlights. Begin with a visit the Imperial Palace East Garden, a historically significant area filled with lush greenery and beautifulscenery. Next, explore Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon, a stunning Buddhist temple rich in cultural heritage. Then, stroll through the Asakusa Nakamise-dori traditional district, which offers a variety of local foods and souvenirs. In the afternoon, take a Sumida River Cruise to marvel at spectacular panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Visit Tokyo Tower, before returning to the hotel.
**Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price and will be paid on-site.

Experience Tokyo’s Culture and Cuisine with a private guide via public transportation. Your first stop is the lively Tsukiji outdoor market, a paradise for food lovers, with vendors offering fresh seafood and tempting street snacks. Your guide will help you navigate the market and introduce you to some of the city’s best local dishes. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely visit to the elegant boutiques and gourmet restaurants in Ginza and Nishonbashi, where you can experience Japan’s innovative tech stores, delightful cuisine, and fashionable trends. Today’s highlight is a fun, hands-on sushi-making class, where you’ll craft your own delicious meal—an experience to remember! After that, we visit the Meiji Shrine, a prime example of Japanese shrine architecture in a serene and picturesque location. Finish your day by soaking in the energetic vibe of Shibuya and Harajuku, neighborhoods wheretrendy fashion and pop culture blend effortlessly with luxury shopping and cozy cafes. You can relax and return to yourhotel at your own pace.

Embark on a scenic journey in a private car to the Tokyo Bullet Train Station, where you will board the magnificent express train bound for Nagoya (1hr 40min). From there, continue to take limited express train from Nagoya on to Takayama (2hr 30min), a picturesque town nestled in the Japanese Alps.

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in a captivating sightseeing tour of Takayama, where traditional wooden houses and vibrant festivals bring the rich culture to life. Your exploration will lead you to the Takayama Jinya Museum, an important historical site that served as the governing center under the Shogunate for an impressive 300 years until 1969. As you wander through its storied halls, you’ll gain insight into the region’s fascinating past. Next, stroll through the charming Kamisannomachi shopping district, where you can find an array of local crafts, delicious street food, and unique souvenirs set against a backdrop of stunning wooden architecture. After a day full of adventure, you will check into a traditional Japanese ryokan, where you can unwind and experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality. Tonight, dinner will be a traditional Japanese at the Ryokan. 
**Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price and will be paid on-site.

Hotel: Hida Takayama Hotspa, Hoshokaku or similar 

Today, meet your guide and begin your walking tour that takes you through the charming Miyagawa Open Air Market, nestled in the heart of the old town. This lively market brims with vibrant stalls, offering a delightful kaleidoscope of fresh, mouth-watering foods and exquisite, fragrant flowers, inviting you to immerse yourself in the local culture. Next, enjoy a comfortable car ride to the picturesque Shirakawago Village. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to explore the remarkable Kanda House, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a stunning example of traditional Gassho Zukuri architecture. Admire its iconic thatched roof and intricate wooden structures, which have withstood the test of time, telling the story of the region’s rich history and craftsmanship. Following, head to Kanazawa to discover the impressive 21st Century Modern Art Museum. This architectural marvel houses an extraordinary collection of contemporary art that will surely inspire and provoke thought. To conclude this memorable day, you will check in at your hotel, where you can unwind
and relax.
**Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price and will be paid on-site.

Hotel: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel or similar 

You will enjoy a full-day tour of Kanazawa with a knowledgeable guide using public transportation. Visit ancient Omicho Market which sells local products and is known for its sustainability in limiting waste and using leftovers to make Japanese boullion(dashi). Visit Nomura House, a well preserved Samurai residence. After lunch at local restaurant visit Kenrokuen Garden, known for being one of the 3 most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan and the ancient Samurai house of Seisonkaku Villa directly connected to the garden. Enjoy Higashichaya Street in the Geisha district with its traditional tea houses. Return to hotel.
**Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price and will be paid on-site.

After breakfast, meet your guide and take a private transfer to Kanazawa station. Board a bullet train to Tsuruga (1hr), then continue with the Limited Express Train to Maibara (40min). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and take a private transfer to Hikone. Visit Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original feudal castles, steeped in history and surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. Afterward, check into your hotel in Ogoto, where you can unwind and savor a delicious dinner.
**Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price and will be paid on-site.

Hotel: Satoya Mukashibanashi Yuzanso or similar 

After breakfast, embark on a scenic train journey to the enchanting city of Kyoto. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in a private tour of Kyoto’s rich culture and history, utilizing the convenient public transportation system. Your first stop will be the breathtaking Kiyomizu Temple, renowned as the “Temple of Pure Water,” where you can appreciate its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. Wander through the charming streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where the traditional shopping districts beckon with their quaint shops and artisanal crafts. In the afternoon, continue to visit Kodaiji Temple. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in a traditional tea ceremony, experiencing the serene ritual that embodies Japanese culture. Take a relaxing stroll through the picturesque Yasaka Shrine, where the vibrant colors of the shrine and its beautiful gardens create a tranquil atmosphere. Finally, return to your hotel for check-in,
reflecting on a day filled with unforgettable experiences in one of Japan’s most captivating cities.
**Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price and will be paid on-site.

Hotel: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier or similar 

Experience a full-day tour of Kyoto by public transportation, which begins in the serene Arashiyama Area, where you marvel at the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, a striking symbol of the region, known for its charming rickshaw rides that transport you through history. As we enter the mystical Bamboo Forest, prepare to be swept away by the ethereal beauty that surrounds you. This tranquil setting leads us to the magnificent Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of its exquisite gardens and intricate architecture.
The highlight activity is visiting the esteemed Nishijin Textile Center, celebrated for its stunning kimono designs that blend tradition with artistry. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in an optional hands-on experience, weaving your own unique tablecloth, allowing you to create a personal memento of your time in Kyoto.
As the day winds down, take the opportunity to explore the charming Gion district. Stroll through its narrow, lantern-lit streets lined with traditional tea houses

**Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price and will be paid on-site.

After a delightful breakfast, embark on a scenic tour to Shigaraki, home to the renowned Miho Museum, which beautifully showcases artifacts from an ancient civilization. As you stroll through the captivating exhibits, you’ll gain insight into the rich history and culture of the region. Next, immerse yourself in the artistry of Shigaraki Pottery Village, where you can explore charming pottery shops filled with exquisite handcrafted pieces. Here, you have the opportunity to engage in a hands-on pottery-making experience, allowing you to create your own masterpiece under the guidance of skilled artisans. After this enriching experience, relax as you return to your hotel, reflecting on a day filled with culture, creativity, and inspiration.

Late afternoon, meet guide and walk to Takasegawa Nijioen for a special Ganko Banquet and following a traditional Maiko performance.
**Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price and will be paid on-site.
***The fee for the pottery experience varies depending on what you create, so please pay on-site. Firing takes approximately one to one and a half months. Shipping costs will be charged separately. 

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to the vibrant city of Osaka. Your first stop will be the majestic Osaka Castle, a stunning historical landmark surrounded by lush greenery, where you can delve into its rich heritage. Next, ascend to the Umeda Sky Building Observatory, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape below. After soaking in the sights, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Namba and Dotonbori Street, renowned for their lively energy, dazzling neon lights, and tantalizing street food. Finally, unwind with a convenient transfer to your hotel, where you can check in and relax after an exploration day.
**Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price and will be paid on-site

Hotel: Hotel Vischio Osaka by Granvia or similar

After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to the Kansai International Airport for your onward journey home.