Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa & Gokayama - 11 Days

On arrival at Tokyo airport, we greet you and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel; depending on arrival schedules, this transfer may be shared with other passengers. You have the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, we begin in Asakusa with a visit to Senso–ji, the city’s oldest and most revered temple, reached via Nakamise–dori, a lively street lined with traditional stalls offering local crafts and specialities. We then visit Asakusa–jinja, a more discreet yet historically rich Shinto shrine offering a peaceful atmosphere just steps from the temple. Lunch is at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit Meiji–jingu, set within a vast forest in the heart of Tokyo – a serene retreat dedicated to Emperor Meiji – before strolling through nearby Harajuku and its colourful Takeshita–dori, a showcase of youthful creativity. In the evening, consider joining an optional welcome dinner accompanied by a Kabuki performance, a traditional Japanese theatrical art known for its elaborate costumes and stylized movements, offering a deep immersion into classical Japanese culture.

We travel by train to the Shizuoka region, known for its lush landscapes and excellent produce. We discover a traditional wasabi farm, walking beside spring–fed pools as producers share the precise conditions required for cultivation; the visit concludes with a tasting of freshly grated authentic wasabi. Lunch features regional specialities such as sakura ebi shrimp, Shizuoka oden (black broth), eel, gyoza and huro hanpen fish paste, served with fragrant green tea.

After lunch, we continue to Nihondaira Park and ride the cable car to the summit for far–reaching views of Mount Fuji, Enshu Bay and the surrounding hills – weather permitting – followed by a leisurely walk. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Shizuoka Station and board the Shinkansen to Kyoto. On arrival we check in. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Kyoto. If time permits, we may visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Today, we set out to explore Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital and cultural heart. We begin at Kinkaku–ji, the Golden Pavilion, its gold–leaf–covered structure reflected in a beautifully landscaped pond and garden. Lunch is at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famed for thousands of vermilion torii that create a spectacular mountainside path. We continue to Arashiyama to visit Tenryu–ji, followed by a serene walk through the Sagano Bamboo Grove. In the evening, consider an optional traditional kaiseki dinner, a succession of refined dishes showcasing seasonal ingredients, balance of flavors, and Japanese aesthetics.

After breakfast, you have a free day in Kyoto or you can choose from four optional excursions (supplement applies, lunch included). Consider optional day trips to Nara, Hiroshima or Osaka, or join a tour in Kyoto to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nijo Castle & more.

After breakfast, we take the Shinkansen to Tokyo. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we explore Akihabara, a true hub of Japanese pop culture and electronics. Once known for its electronics shops, the district has become the heart of otaku culture, where stores devoted to figurines, video games, manga and tech gadgets coexist. We stroll its neon–lit streets, browse major manga and anime stores and renowned arcades, and discover themed cafés that define the district’s distinctive atmosphere. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Tokyo. Note – hotel rooms are available from 2 pm.

Enjoy a free day in Tokyo or choose from three optional excursions (supplement applies, lunch included). Consider a day trip to Nikko or Kamakura, or stay in Tokyo with a visit to a Japanese garden and a calligraphy class.

Please note: From today onwards, you will travel independently

After breakfast, travel by train to Kanazawa, renowned for its rich historical heritage and landscapes reminiscent of the samurai era.

After lunch, you explore the Nagamachi district, the former samurai quarter, where narrow lanes lined with earthen walls and traditional residences evoke feudal Japan; some houses still preserve their original interior gardens and features. Continue to Kenroku–en, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens, harmoniously balancing ponds, gentle hills, pavilions and meticulously maintained greenery. As the day draws to a close, stroll through Kazue–machi Chaya, a former teahouse area of wooden buildings and intimate lanes. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Kanazawa.

After breakfast, journey into the mountainous Gokayama region, home to traditional villages inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Discover Ainokura, wonderfully preserved and nestled in a peaceful valley, where gassho–zukuri thatched houses with steep roofs resemble hands joined in prayer.

You then continue to Shirakawa–go to visit the Wada House, one of the largest and best preserved, offering insight into the lives of traditional farming families. After lunch, walk through Ogimachi, the historic heart of Shirakawa–go, with numerous gassho–zukuri homes amid rice fields and mountain scenery. You also visit Myozen–ji Temple, noted for its thatched roof, and finish at the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory for a sweeping panoramic view over the village and its distinctive rooftops. Return to Kanazawa at the end of the day. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Kanazawa.

After breakfast, you take the Shinkansen to Tokyo. You have the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, we transfer you to Tokyo airport by private vehicle (without guide). End of our services.