Tokyo to Kyoto - 10 Days

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax or begin exploring this dynamic city.

Explore Tokyo on foot and by metro today, beginning at the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, marked by its towering 12-metre torii gate. We continue to the Imperial Palace to view Nijubashi, the elegant 1888 metal bridge. Travel by train to lively Asakusa, known for its bustling street food stalls, old izakaya and yakitori restaurants. Enjoy an included ‘chanko’ sumo lunch in the company of sumo wrestlers, with the chance to don a sumo suit and test your skills against a professional. After lunch, spend some time exploring Asakusa before returning to the hotel. Your evening is at leisure.

Tokyo - Hakone. Leaving Tokyo, we take the train to Hakone, famous for its mountain scenery, natural beauty and hot springs. Ride the ropeway for panoramic views over Lake Ashi and, on clear days, see Mount Fuji in the distance. Cruise across Lake Ashi aboard a replica pirate ship before returning to our accommodation - tonight we are staying in a traditional ryokan, where you can savour a multi-course dinner, relax in the onsen, and sleep on a futon laid out on pristine tatami mats.

Hakone - Takayama. Leaving Hakone behind, we travel by train to Takayama, renowned for its beautifully preserved old town. Enjoy a bento box lunch during the journey.

On arrival, we visit Takayama Jinya, a former government office offering insights into Japan’s feudal history. Stroll along Kami Sannomachi Street, lined with traditional wooden merchant houses, and see the elaborate festival floats at Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at leisure.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Takayama, free to explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village renowned for its steeply pitched thatched roofs, designed to withstand heavy winter snow. Alternatively, discover Takayama’s cultural heritage by visiting the shrines and temples of the Teramachi district. For a different experience, take a short trip to Hida-Furukawa to admire its beautifully preserved historic buildings.

Takayama - Kyoto. Leaving Takayama after breakfast, we travel by train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, famed for its geisha traditions. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the city independently. Later in the afternoon, join a guided walking tour through Ponto-cho and Hanami-koji Lane in the Gion district, both known for their traditional charm. With a bit of luck, you may catch a glimpse of a geisha making her way between appointments.

Spend the day exploring Kyoto’s highlights on foot and by public transport. We begin at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo creates an enchanting atmosphere, before visiting nearby Tenryuji Temple. Stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge for views of the Katsura River, then board the distinctive purple Randen Train to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. Conclude with a visit to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a stunning 14th-century gilded temple and one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.

At 9:00, meet your guide at Kyoto Station and take a local train to Nara for a scenic one-hour journey (ticket included, no reserved seats). Upon arrival, stroll through Nara Deer Park and visit the historic Todaiji Temple, where we can also admire the Great Buddha inside the temple (ticket included).

There's free time for lunch at Higashimuki and Mochidono Shopping Street, before we board a train to Horyu-ji Temple, home to the world’s oldest wooden structure (ticket included). We then make our way back to Kyoto, arriving at around 18:00 - the evening is at leisure.

Enjoy a free day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. In the evening, come together with the group to indulge in a special included kaiseki farewell dinner, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal. While we enjoy the meal, we'll be entertained by a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha. The perfect way to end our trip!

After breakfast and hotel check out, our tour comes to an end - an included transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flight.