Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: TOKYO
The Adventure Begins
Welcome to Tokyo! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant holding a sign with your name on it. The driver will take you to the hotel in Tokyo.
Where you’re staying
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Japanese Modern
DAY 2: TOKYO
Explore with an Expert
Spend the morning at leisure exploring at your own pace or relaxing at the hotel.
After lunch, explore Shitamachi (downtown) in Tokyo. Though Tokyo is usually perceived as a super-modern metropolis, suburbs like Yanaka, which was miraculously spared the carnage of Allied bombings during World War II, retain a nostalgic atmosphere. Its charm today lies in this sense of being hidden. Get a feel for pre-war Tokyo by visiting old temples and shrines, the oldest Buddhist cemetery in Tokyo, as well as traditional shops selling Japanese paper and sweets.
Visit the Shitamachi Museum in Ueno Park to see how life in the area used to be. Ueno Park, one of Tokyo's most popular parks for hanami (cherry blossom parties), is part of Kaneiji Temple, which was one of the city's largest and wealthiest temples and the family temple of the ruling Tokugawa clan during the Edo period. Your guide will show you the many attractions that this large park has to offer.
The day concludes with a visit to Ameyoko-cho in Ueno, a busy market street underneath the train tracks. Formerly a black market after WWII, this bustling market is the last of its kind in Tokyo, and is filled with shops and stalls selling different products, such as fresh fish, dried food, and spices. You can stop for a cold drink and yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) in one of the many open-air restaurants under the train tracks. After the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel.
You will be escorted by a private guide during this tour, but you will take advantage of Tokyo's efficient public transit system rather than travel by private vehicle.
Where you’re staying
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Japanese Modern
DAY 3: TOKYO - YOKOHAMA
Sights and Insights
Discover Yokohama's fabled history and see its most beautiful spots via a train tour from Tokyo. Take a stroll through Yamashita Park on Yokohama's waterfront. Walking through Yamashita Park, you can't miss the massive historic ocean liner on the promenade. In 1930, the Hikawamaru was first put into service on the Yokohama-Vancouver/Seattle line. Charlie Chaplin's Trans-Pacific trip aboard the ship was made possible because the ship included first-class cabins. Next, discover the history of Yokohama at the Japanese Overseas Migrant Museum. Over 25 million Japanese have migrated overseas since the 1860s, and the museum presents the chronological history of migration through literature, photos, and videos. Take a bite to eat after visiting the museum.
Walk along the Motomachi shopping street. This street hosted Yokohama's first foreign residents, and many innovations were introduced here. Despite its similarities to other shopping streets, the street still has a distinct European flavor. The area is home to a variety of high-end fashion shops, as well as cafes and restaurants. You pass through the Motomachi Area to reach the Yamate Area, which holds many sites related to the history of Westerners in Yokohama. Yamate is mostly a residential area with a few small parks scattered around. The largest is Minato no Mieru Oka Park, from which you can see Yokohama Bay Bridge and the bustling harbor. Lastly, you will ascend the tallest building in Yokohama, Minato Mirai, for breathtaking views of the city.
Where you’re staying
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Japanese Modern
DAY 4: TOKYO TO KISO VALLEY
A Chance of Scenery
Today you will leave the bustling capital behind and make your own way to Kiso-Fukushima in Kiso Valley, the gateway to the Nakasendo Way.
With provided tickets, board a Shinkansen train traveling from Tokyo to Nagano. In Nagano you will change to a limited express train taking you to Kiso-Fukushima. The total journey time is three hours and 30 minutes.
The Kiso Valley is located in Nagano Prefecture, and runs alongside the peaks of the Central Alps. An ancient 43-mile (70 km) trade route called the Kisoji was developed along the valley and served as a very important means of commerce in the area.
The Kisoji became even more significant from the beginning of the Edo Period, when it was amalgamated with other routes in the formation of the 310-mile-long (500 km) Nakasendo. The Nakasendo ("path through mountains") was one of the two means of transportation between Edo and Kyoto. It contrasted with the other principle route of that period, the Tokaido, which ran along the sea shore. Because of restrictions by the shogunate, travelers were almost always forced to make their trips on foot. As a result, "post towns" developed every few miles to provide travelers with places to rest, eat, and find nightly accommodation during their arduous journey. Along the Kiso Valley, a few post towns, particularly Magome, Tsumago and Narai have been preserved to look as they did when they served travelers of the Nakasendo. Today's visitors are able to enjoy the stone paths and wooden buildings of a bygone era.
Before being transferred to your ryokan in Kiso Valley you will have some time for self-guided exploration of the charming town of Kiso-Fukushima. Upon arrival at Kiso-Fukushima, make your way to Kiso-ontake tourism office in front of the station. Local staff will give you a short orientation about the area (including the train/bus schedule and the meeting point for tomorrow's guided tour). Entry tickets to historical sites and maps will also be provided. You can leave your luggage here until check-in. With the provided entry ticket you will be able to visit three fascinating sights in Kiso-Fukushima at your leisure.
We suggest that you first stop by the Yamamura Residence - former home of the Owari clan's leader Yamamura, who was also known as the overseer of the Kiso-Fukushima area. Today the building houses a museum chronicling the upper class life in Kiso-Fukushima.
Next, head to the lovely Kozenji Temple, home to Asia's largest dry rock garden. Its beauty rivals even that of some of the dry rock gardens found across Kyoto. Finally, visit the Fukushima Sekisho-Ato, a 270 year-old immigration office.
After your self-guided excursion, a hotel shuttle bus will pick you up at Kiso-Fukushima station between 4-5 pm, or you can make your own way to the hotel directly.
Where you’re staying
Urara Tsutaya
Standard Japanese Style Room
DAY 5: KISO VALLEY
Nakasendo Trail
As you leave the bustling capital, you'll reach Kiso-Fukushima, the start of the Nakasendo Way. Travel to Nagano by Shinkansen train and take a limited express train to Kiso-Fukushima. It takes three hours and 30 minutes. The Kiso Valley lies in Nagano Prefecture, along with the Central Alps. The Kisoji was a trade route developed along the valley that served as an important means of commerce for the area.
With the advent of the Edo Period, the Kisoji was amalgamated with other routes in the creation of the 500-km (310-mile) Nakasendo. The Nakasendo ("path through mountains") was one of two transport routes between Edo and Kyoto. During the Shogunate era, travelers were forced to travel only by walking. As a result, "post towns" were established every few miles to provide travelers with places to rest, eat, and stay at night during their arduous journey. Several post towns along the Kiso Valley have been preserved to look as they did when they served travelers of the Nakasendo. Today, visitors can enjoy the stone paths and wooden buildings from a bygone era.
You will have some free time to explore the charming town of Kiso-Fukushima before you are transferred to your ryokan in the Kiso Valley. Once you arrive at Kiso-Fukushima, go to the Kiso-ontake tourism office. A local staff member will give you an orientation about the area (including the train/bus schedule and where to meet the guided tour tomorrow). You can visit three fascinating sites in Kiso-Fukushima at your leisure with the entry ticket provided.
We suggest that you first stop by the Yamamura Residence - once the home of Yamamura, who was also the supervisor of Kiso-Fukushima. In Kiso-Fukushima, the building today houses a museum dedicated to the upper class.
The next stop is Kozenji Temple, which has Asia's largest dry rock garden. It rivals even the beauty of some of Kyoto's dry rock gardens. To finish, visit the 270-year-old Fukushima Sekisho-Ato.
At the end of your self-guided tour, a hotel shuttle bus will take you back to the hotel between 4-5 pm, or you can arrive at the hotel directly.
Where you’re staying
Urara Tsutaya
Standard Japanese Style Room
DAY 6: KISO VALLEY TO KYOTO
Onward and Upward
The time has come to say goodbye to the mountains of the Kiso Valley. The limited express train will take you from Kiso Fukushima to Nagoya, and the Shinkansen will take you from Nagoya to Kyoto. The journey takes approximately three hours.
Today, meet your local guide for a private vehicle transfer from the train station to your hotel (approximately 15 minutes). Located in Kyoto's Fushimi district, Fushimi is a historic area with a rich history dating back to the 8th century. It is dotted with over 10,000 red tori gates, which form a path up the mountain behind the temple with an unmatched view. You can then take the scenic train from Hakone's Odawara station to Kyoto. The trip takes approximately two hours.
Kyoto has drawn visitors since the country's borders opened in the 19th century. With its spectacular palaces and villas, delightfully charming streets, and meticulously tended gardens, Kyoto is renowned throughout the world. It also boasts time-honored traditions that have continued to this day. Our first stop is the Kyoto Philosophy Path, a popular spot to admire cherry blossoms. "Road of the Literati" is another name for it. Seasonally, maple trees in autumn and cherry blossoms in spring exhibit different expressions. The canal is one of Kyoto's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots every year, as it has pink cherry blossoms.
Hirano Shrine is a must-see cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto! Next, we'll visit this shrine. As there are many cherry blossom types, there are also many varieties of blooming times during them. The flowers' gradual transition from pale pink to dense pink is charming. Cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed at night when illuminated. Night time at the Cherry Blossom Park is beautiful.
Where you’re staying
Hyatt Regency
DAY 7: KYOTO
Strolling the Magical Streets
During this fascinating day trip to Kyoto, you will learn about the traditional crafts that make Kyoto so famous. You should start by visiting the famous pottery district in the eastern part of Kyoto. Here you can make a pot for yourself. A pottery laboratory will then bake it for you and send it right to your home! Then, visit a Yuzen Gallery. Yuzen is a method of dying Kimonos. There is also a Yuzen dying demonstration at the gallery, and you can keep your creation as a souvenir.
After lunch, you will visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built for a shogun in the 17th century. In the evening, you will stroll through the Nishiki Food Market, where you will find stands that sell traditional Japanese food. Finally, if you are lucky, you may be able to witness Geisha as they rush to their first appointment of the evening in Gion, the famed geisha district. The tour will end with a drop-off at your hotel.
Where you’re staying
Hyatt Regency
DAY 8: NARA
A Journey Back in Time
Visit Nara today, a city with a history that predates that of Kyoto. The first stop is the beautiful Isuien Garden, divided into two distinct sections built two centuries apart. A beautiful example of Japanese horticulture, the garden draws water from the Yoshikigawa River and features a striking mountain backdrop of Mount Wakakusayama. Explore Nara Park, nicknamed 'deer park' by locals due to its large population of tame deer. Nara Park is home to Todaiji temple, home to Japan's largest Buddha and the world's largest wooden building. Continue to Nara's most famous shrine, Kasuga Taisha, which is known for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshipers. In contrast to the temples and shrines you have seen so far, end the day by strolling along Naramachi, a quaint historic merchant district exhibiting some exceptionally well-preserved 'machiya' Japanese townhouses. You can get a feel for traditional Japanese home architecture by peeking inside some of these beautiful houses if you have some time to spare. We will return you to your hotel at the end of the day.
Where you’re staying
Hyatt Regency
DAY 9: KYOTO TO HIROSHIMA
Meet your guide at the train station for a private transfer to Hiroshima for a visit to the breathtaking Himeji Castle. This newly renovated iconic structure, also known as Shirasagi-jo (meaning "castle of the white heron"), is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular castles in Japan due to its enormous size. One of 12 original buildings of its kind left in Bulgaria, the castle was never destroyed by war, earthquake, or fire and survives to this day. Your exploration of Himeji will be followed by a visit to the neighboring Kokoen garden, a gorgeous Japanese garden built in the traditional style. The garden offers spectacular views of the seasons throughout the year. Enjoy strolling along the garden's many paths while admiring its intricate yet natural design. After that, you will take a train to Tegara station, where you can visit the 1910 Nadagiku Sake brewery. You will learn about the Sake distillation process and try a sample before you enter the old Sake cellar. Finally, board the train to Hiroshima from Himeji.
Where you’re staying
Sheraton Grand Hotel
DAY 10: HIROSHIMA
A Healthy Dose of History
At your hotel, a guide will meet you to take you on a tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima by streetcar, train, and ferry. Visit the Peace Memorial Park to begin the day. Atomic bombs were dropped there on the morning of 6th August 1945.
You can visit Miyajima Island by ferry from Hiroshima. The sacred island in the Island Sea has been a holy place for Shintoists since ancient times. You can find perhaps the most photographed site in Japan here - The Floating Torii Gate. Listed as one of Japan's "3 Most Beautiful Views", this shrine dates back to the 6th century, while the present structure dates to the 12th century. Harmoniously arranged buildings reveal great artistic and technical skill, and the site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has never been allowed for 'commoners' to step foot on this holy island, and even now it is forbidden to give birth or die there. You will have time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples, sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes before returning to your hotel.
Instead of traveling by private vehicle, you will utilize Hiroshima's efficient local transit system.
Where you’re staying
Sheraton Grand Hotel
DAY 11: HIROSHIMA
A Walk through the Past
Travel by bullet train to the historic town of Kurashiki located in Okayama Prefecture with your personal guide. A visit to Kurashiki's Bikan District is a great way to get a sense of what life was like in this area of Japan in the past. It combines the best of Japanese and western elements. During the Edo period, Kurashiki prospered as Tenryo, a domain directly under the shogun. Using cargo boats, local goods from the surrounding areas were shipped to this vibrant town through a network of rivers. Therefore, many whitewashed merchant homes and storehouses lined the river at the town's center. With their narrow stone paths once clogged with carts, they give a nostalgic feel to days gone by. Today, they are home to a variety of galleries and coffee shops.
In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the Ohara Museum of Art or the Ohashi House. The museum houses the oldest private collection of Western art in the country, including contemporary pieces from the West and Japan, as well as original artwork created by the masters of the Mingei Movement. Ohashi House is a late 1700s example of merchant housing in Japan. In fact, some of the House's architecture is even reminiscent of samurai residences, since it was once home to the wealthy Ohashi Family. Following your experience in Kurashiki, you will be escorted back to your accommodation in Hiroshima.
Where you’re staying
Sheraton Grand Hotel
DAY 12: DEPARTURE
Departure from Kansai (Osaka) International Airport.
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