11 days in Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, Kyoto and Nara

On this tour we will go to sites that have persevered in the history, traditions and culture of Japan. The tour will begin in Tokyo, the capital and the most populous metropolis in the world. Beyond the seductive neon signs that advertise the plethora of businesses are traditional centers that have stood the test of time.

Then we will travel to Kanazawa, a city that once rivaled Kyoto in cultural achievement. Explore the well-preserved samurai and teahouse districts. Nearby is Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is known for the Gassho zukuri farms. The roofs of the farms are thatched and shaped like praying hands.

An hour away is Takayama, a city famous for artisans and craftsmen with traditions dating back to the 9th century. Next is the traditional heart of Japan, Kyoto. The city maintains its traditional roots despite the modernization of many other areas. Soak up the sun in the presence of the historic monuments, structures, districts and streets, which have been carefully preserved.

Our next stop is the first permanent capital, Nara. The city is best known for the largest Daibutsu (Big Buddha) in Japan and can be found at the Todaiji Temple. Beyond the temple walls is Nara Park, where there are more than 1000 roaming deer free.

Our last stop for the trip is Hakone one of the most famous places for onsens (hot springs) or Nikko where the Tokugawa Ieyasu mausoleum is located. Hakone served as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. In Nikko you can find extravagantly decorated shrines that have been around for centuries.

Detailed itinerary

DAY 1
Welcome to Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! Make your own way to your Tokyo hotel by train or airport limousine bus, we will provide you with complete directions in advance.

Note: If you want the meeting and reception or private hotel transfer to be included, please contact us for the agreement.
Hotel Ginza Creston or similar class

DAY 2
Tokyo – The city with a mix of past and present

Today we will enjoy a Private Tour of Tokyo, the most populated metropolis in the world. As modernized as the city can be, there are still aspects of its traditional history present. While touring Tokyo, you will have an expert local guide to take you to the best sightseeing spots. Visiting hours are entirely up to you and are flexible to the needs of the group.

For temples and shrines, we recommend visiting Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and Meiji Jingu Shrine, the place where Emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined. You can also roam the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, the current residence of the Imperial family. If you are looking for a deeper look at the history of Japan, why not visit the Edo Museum in Tokyo?

There are many shopping options available in Tokyo, but depending on your preference it can take you to different parts of the city. High-quality branded items can be found in Ginza, extreme fashion style clothing is in Harajuku, otaku (geek) products can be purchased in Akihabara, and Shibuya is the middle ground between all your shopping needs.

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and offers great views of the city from its observatory. There are shops as well as an aquarium located in the area. Not interested in the tower? So what about going to the man-made island known as Odaiba? On the island there are many entertainment options available in addition to the famous Rainbow Bridge.

Breakfast
Hotel Ginza Creston or similar class

DAY 3
Kanazawa – The City of Arts, Crafts, Gardens and Geisha

Traveling from Tokyo and entering Kanazawa, you will experience the subtle transitions from Metropolis to the countryside, making the 2-hour 30-minute journey shorter after taking in the views through the train windows. Upon arrival, enjoy a full-day private tour of Kanazawa. It offers rich heritage values ​​with its traditional arts and crafts, including ceramic productions, gold leaf, and many more valuable practices. Kanazawa is full of different attractions with its well-preserved Geisha district, historic samurai lodges, and lively fish market. The city is also proud to host one of the top three landscaped gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen.

Breakfast
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kanazawa or similar class

DAY 4
Shirakawa-go – Remote countryside known for its straw farms

This morning we will visit the lively fish market at Omicho Market. Then we will travel by bus to the breathtaking landscapes of Shirakawa-go, which is a great attraction for photographers. The town is a gem in the Alps of southern Japan, deep within the mountainous beauty of the sheltered region, only enhanced by rice fields irrigated through its network of waterways. Thatched roof farms (gasshozukuri) are designed as a prayer hand to withstand heavy snowfall. The snow creates an unforgettable sight for explorers of this World Heritage Site.

Once there, take a walk through the cozy streets and its pleasant shops. Then enjoy an overview of the entire town from the observatory platform. Then we will travel to Takayama and spend 2 nights in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). There you can immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters of an onsen (hot spring) and enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki banquet dinner (seasonal ingredients).

Breakfast dinner
Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan or similar class

DAY 5
Takayama – Japanese Alps with Japan’s Most Atmospheric Cityscapes

Takayama is famous for the artisans and craftsmen who reside there with techniques dating back to the 9th century. The day begins with a visit to the Morning Market, where local snacks, produce and crafts are sold. Then your guide will take you to Takayama Jinya, which was a government office that was under the direct control of the Tokugawa shogunate. From there, you will have the opportunity to explore some other notable sites in the city.

The Kaikan Museum of Takayama Yatai (floats) features elaborately decorated floats, which are over 700 years old. The yatai demonstrate the legendary craftsmanship of Takayama. Then a visit is made to Kusakabe Heritage House which is one of the oldest merchant houses in Takayama. Explore Sanmachi Suji, one of three streets in the old town that have survived in a beautiful state. Some of the businesses that exist have been around for centuries and still operate to this day.

Breakfast dinner
Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan or similar class

DAY 6 and 7
Kyoto – The heart of traditional Japan

Take the limited JR express train to Nagoya, then take the bullet train to Kyoto, the traditional and cultural center of Japan. For more than 1000 years, Kyoto has influenced politics and culture in the country. It was the ancient capital before Edo (Tokyo). When the feudal era came to an end, much of the nation modernized, but the city set out to preserve its proud history. As a traditional center, history, religion, and culture remained unadorned. For two days you will have a private guide to take you to the most desired places.
There are many sites to see in Kyoto and they can be divided into the southern, eastern, central, northern and Arashiyama districts. No matter where you choose to visit each site, it has invaluable historical value that will leave you in awe. Just for quick reference, the Fushimi Inari Shrine has over 1000 torii gates; The Tofukuji Temple has the Hojo Garden that surrounds the four sides of the building, the Kiyomizudera Temple has the stage and the main hall that was built without nails, the Kinkakuji Temple is known as the Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama has the photogenic bamboo forest, and Gion is where you can find the Geisha district.

Breakfast
New Miyako Hotel or similar class

DAY 8
Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital with excellent examples of traditional architecture

Located about 1 hour from Kyoto, it is the first permanent capital, Nara. The city marks the change in history where a centralized government was established because before the capital changed its location when the Emperor died. During this time, culture in Japan had time to develop and evolve, which can be seen in the architecture and other structures that have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you can see the largest bronze Daibutsu (Big Buddha) in the iconic Todaiji Temple. Around the temple is Nara Park, where there are more than 1000 free roaming deer, which are considered deities of the city. The brief reign of the Nara Period ushered in cultural change in the nation and left its mark on history. The sites in the city signify a beginning that is often forgotten, but is well preserved.

Breakfast
New Miyako Hotel or similar class

DAY 9
Tokyo: Back to Tokyo to shop, eat, have fun, and have fun before heading home

Take the bullet train back to Tokyo. The trip is approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel. Tokyo has many services to offer to foreigners and locals as one of the most active and interesting metropolises in the world. He spends half the day following his own plans; last minute shopping, dining and entertainment all for you! Public transportation in Tokyo may have been overwhelming for some, but when you get used to it, you can carefully plan your wait time and see a lot in a short time.

Breakfast
Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar class

DAY 10
Hakone – A national park with the best views of Mt. Fuji or Nikko – Home of the Mausoleums of the Tokugawa Shoguns

On this day you can choose to visit Hakone or Nikko. Pass through Hakone, an iconic hot spring destination, and you’ll be greeted with magnificent views of the surrounding nature. Enjoy a panoramic view of the area from the Hakone Cable Car. Complementing the natural beauty, there are great museums like the Open Air Museum that we will visit. While there, you can take a leisurely boat cruise on Lake Ashi and get a chance to see the mighty Mt. Fuji in the distance weather permitting.
Nikko has been the center of both Buddhist and Shinto mountain worship. There is the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, where the Tokugawa Ieyasu Mausoleum is located. Near the shrine is the Taiyuinbyo, the mausoleum of Iemitsu Tokugawa, Ieyasu’s grandson. Villa Tamozawa was once the residence of the imperial family and is open to the public. At Nikko, you will be surrounded by beautiful nature as you go from one place to another.

Note: If you want to see both Hakone and Nikko, please contact us to add one more night in Tokyo.

Breakfast
Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar class

DAY 11
Tour ends

After check-out, make your own way to Narita Airport for your departure flight.

Note: If you want the private airport transfer to be included, please contact us for the agreement.