Timeless Japan - 13 Days

Upon arrival at either Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our assistant guide at the arrival gate. From there, board your included airport bus transfer (shared) into the city, followed by a short walk of less than 10 minutes to the hotel. The rest of today is free for you to settle in or head out and start exploring the Japanese capital.

Meet our guide in the hotel lobby for a short orientation before setting out for Asakusa to visit Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Take time to wander along Nakamise Street, where rows of traditional snack stalls and souvenir shops capture the atmosphere of old Tokyo.

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Sumida River, gliding past riverside landmarks, then explore Hamarikyu Garden – a former feudal retreat known for its tidal ponds, teahouse, and beautifully landscaped pines. Pause for lunch (at your own expense) at Tsukiji Outer Market or a nearby restaurant, where you can sample freshly prepared sushi and local street food.

In the afternoon, experience the energy of modern Tokyo at Shibuya Crossing – the world-famous “scramble” where thousands of pedestrians move in every direction at once.

Tokyo - Kanazawa. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and send your main luggage ahead to your Kyoto hotel, keeping a small overnight bag for your two-night stay in Kanazawa. Board the bullet train to Kanazawa and, upon arrival, head straight to Omicho Market - the city’s bustling food hub – where stalls overflow with freshly caught seafood, seasonal produce, and local delicacies such as kaisendon, grilled crab, and gold-leaf sweets. Enjoy lunch at your own pace as you explore the market’s lively atmosphere.

In the afternoon, visit the D. T. Suzuki Museum, a tranquil, minimalist space honouring the philosopher who introduced Zen Buddhism to the West. Take time to reflect at the Water Mirror Garden and Contemplation Space, designed to inspire calm and introspection. Later, transfer to the hotel for check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens, with winding paths, reflective ponds, stone lanterns, and teahouses framed by seasonal blossoms and views towards Kanazawa Castle Park. Continue into the atmospheric Higashi Chaya-gai Geisha District to visit the Shima teahouse – a beautifully preserved ochaya featuring tatami-matted rooms, antique musical instruments, and elegant tea utensils that evoke the refined culture of old Kanazawa.

Enjoy some free time to explore the wooden lanes at your own pace, browse local craft boutiques, and sample Kanazawa’s delicacies – perhaps gold-leaf soft-serve or a fresh seafood bowl for lunch (at your own expense). Round off the day at the Samurai Residence of Kurando Terashima, an intimate Edo-period home renowned for its serene inner garden and graceful interiors that offer a glimpse into the life of a mid-rank samurai.

Kanazawa - Kyoto. After breakfast this morning, we transfer from Kanazawa to Kyoto by bullet train to Tsuruga and onward train to Kyoto, arriving around midday.

Drop off your bags at the hotel before we head straight to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Explore the iconic torii gates and browse the shops and food stalls along Sando Street before we return to the hotel at around 16:00 for a well-earned rest.

Today begins with a visit to the impressive Kiyomizu Temple (ticket included). Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the picturesque streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where you can stop for lunch at a traditional tea house.

In the afternoon, we continue with a stroll through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, then head to the historic Gion District. Visit Kenninji Temple (ticket included) before returning to the hotel by 17:00. The evening is at leisure.

Kyoto - Fukuoka. Meet our guide in the hotel lobby and walk to Kyoto Station, sending your main luggage ahead to Beppu and carrying a two-night bag for your stay in Fukuoka and Kumamoto. Board the Nozomi bullet train to Hakata, arriving around midday. You’ll have time to explore Hakata Station’s many eateries and enjoy lunch at your own pace.

In the afternoon, we visit the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum to glimpse everyday life during the Meiji and Taishō eras, with displays of traditional crafts and seasonal festivals. We then continue to the nearby Kushida Shrine - Fukuoka’s much-loved guardian shrine - famed for its grand Hakata Gion Yamakasa floats, intricate carvings, and peaceful grounds nestled amid the city’s lively streets.

Fukuoka - Kumamoto. This morning we catch the bullet train south to Kumamoto, arriving just after 10:00. From the station, we continue to Mt Aso and take in the spectacular views at the Mt Aso View Point (ticket included). Afterwards, we return to Kumamoto to visit the impressive Kumamoto Castle (ticket included), before heading to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Kumamoto - Beppu. At 9:00, we depart with our guide to Takachiho Gorge, where you’ll have time to explore the scenic gorge and enjoy lunch at your own pace (not included). Afterwards, we visit Amano Iwato Shrine and, if time permits, continue to Amano Yasukawara Cave. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to Beppu, arriving at the hotel around 18:30 - here you'll be reunited with your luggage!

Today we discover Beppu’s renowned hot springs and geothermal wonders. Begin with a scenic ride on the Mt. Tsurumi Ropeway, offering stunning panoramic views of the region (ticket included).

In the early afternoon, we join an onsen steam cooking class and enjoy a unique lunch prepared using natural geothermal steam (ticket included). In the afternoon, we visit the Jigoku Onsen Museum and the striking Umijigoku, or Sea Blue Hell, hot spring (tickets included). This hot spring is renowned for its vibrant cobalt blue water. After a dip, we return to the hotel for free time to unwind with a relaxing soak in the onsen.

Beppu - Osaka. Enjoy a free day in Beppu to explore at your own pace. You might soak in more onsen, visit the charming town of Yufuin, or take part in hands-on activities at Space Beppu. Your main luggage will be transferred ahead to Osaka, arriving the following day.

Meet our guide at approximately 16:45 for a local bus transfer to the port, where you’ll board the ferry for our overnight cruise back to Japan's main island of Honshu and Osaka. Dinner is available onboard (not included).

Begin the day with breakfast on the ferry (own expense) before arriving at Osaka Port at around 6:35. in the early morning. After checking in and leaving your luggage at the hotel, enjoy some free time to relax in a local café or unwind in the hotel lobby.

Later, we visit the magnificent Osaka Castle, a historic symbol of the city, and explore its picturesque gardens. We then continue to the Umeda Sky Building Observatory for sweeping views across Osaka’s skyline. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to rest before an evening stroll through the lively Dotonbori district, known for its bright lights and street food. The day ends with a memorable farewell dinner.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check out. Make your way to the airport or your next destination independently. Safe travels!