Classic Japan Signature Tour

Japan’s best group travel experience with a maximum group size of 12 guests.

Destinations

Tokyo / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Matsumoto / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Hiroshima / Saijo / Kurashiki / Himeji / Kobe

Itinerary in brief

Day 1 Arrival in Tokyo
Day 2 Nikko
Day 3 Tokyo
Day 4 Hakone
Day 5 Mt Fuji – Matsumoto
Day 6 Takayama
Day 7 Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa – Train to Kyoto
Day 8 Kyoto
Day 9 Kyoto
Day 10 Nara – Osaka – Bullet Train Ride – Hiroshima
Day 11 Miyajima Island
Day 12 Hiroshima – Saijo
Day 13 Kurashiki – Himeji – Kobe
Day 14 End of the Trip

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Trip description

This tour combines Japan’s most popular destinations, the country’s rural areas, and a wide range of cultural experiences to make your trip truly memorable.

Japan is a country that combines traditional and modern aspects of society. On this tour our stops will include Nikko, Tokyo, Hakone, Mt Fuji, Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Himeji. These are phenomenal places to learn about the culture and history that Japan has to offer. It is because of the efforts made by the country to preserve, maintain and restore the landmarks that have had an impact on its development that allow visitors the opportunity to experience unknown places in the world. Japan was once an isolated country, and since then it has made amazing advances in technology while also setting its high standards for quality control.

This package is ideal for travelers who have more time to enjoy Japan and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of each place. It features a wide range of cultural experiences by interacting with people, such as Geisha and meeting in places that inspire traditional atmospheres (green tea ceremonies and the grounds of the Toshogu Shrine). These experiences represent all that is authentic about the destination and provide you with an alternative and deeper understanding of Japanese culture and history. As you travel to these different areas, you will walk in historical places, practice culture, and admire centuries-old traditions. Imagine a first-hand experience at a tea ceremony, strolling through historical areas in kimonos, enjoying Kyoto cuisine accompanied by a beautiful maiko, and learning how to make your own sushi from a professional sushi chef and savor his delicious creations.

With a maximum of 12 people, our Classic Japan Signature Tour group tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education over time to appreciate its abundant surroundings.

 

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Detailed itinerary

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Day 1
Tokyo Narita Airport or Haneda Airport

Welcome to Tokyo! You will be picked up from the airport and taken to the hotel.
Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar class

NOTE 1: If you want to stay more nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodation.

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Day 2
Nikko (Irohazaka / Kegon Waterfall / Toshogu Shrine – Shinto ceremony with a Shinto priest or miko – priestess)

The Japanese have a saying: “Don’t say kekko (wonderful) without seeing Nikko.” Today, travel overland to Nikko National Park in the mountains north of Tokyo and discover this beautiful region. To get to Kegon Waterfall in Nikko one must travel the Irohazaka snake road. The name Irohazaka is based on the incredible 48-turn curves on a pair of twisty two-way roads. Kegon Waterfall is one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, which is finally surrounded by spring foliage. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun who ushered in more than 250 years of stability in Japan. In the shrine there will be a Shinto ceremony celebrated with a priest or Miko (priestess). During the ceremony, they will pray for good luck and prosperity for the group.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar class

 

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Day 3
Tokyo (Imperial Palace / Tokyo Edo Museum / Asakusa Sensoji Temple / Tokyo SkyTree)

The Imperial Palace is located in the former grounds of Edo Castle, and is the current residence of the Imperial family. The Edo-Tokyo Museum offers an interactive display of Tokyo’s past. Then onward Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the site of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and the Kaminarimon (“Thunder Gate”) is a symbol of Asakusa and all of Tokyo. The most recent addition to Tokyo is the Tokyo Skytree, which is the new broadcast television tower. Now, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in the city. You will have a great view from the highest observation decks in Japan.
Breakfast lunch
Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar class

 

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Day 4
Hakone (Open Air Museum / Lake Ashi Cruise / Komagatake Ropeway)

Travel to Hakone, which is among the most popular hot spring resorts in Japan, and see the forested slopes of Hakone National Park. We will first visit the Hakone Open Air Museum. Here, they have a Picasso exhibition inside, while the outside has sculptures that are meant to blend in with nature in harmony. The Lake Ashi cruise will be taken not on just any ship, but on a pirate ship. There are three different ships called the Royal II, Victory, and Vasa. Each ship has something unique as with each port. Lake Ashi is famous for having Mount Fuji in the background in combination with the lake, for example. Then, board a gondola on the Komagatake Cable Car for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Tonight, enjoy unsurpassed service and kaiseki cuisine at a world-class ryokan (traditional inn) in the Mt Fuji area.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen or similar class

 

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Day 5
Mt Fuji, Matsumoto (Matsumoto Castle / Wasabi Farm)

We will stop at Mt. Fuji 5th station (depending on the weather) to admire the world famous peak and enjoy spectacular views over the five Fuji lakes. From there, we will drive through Honshu towards the impressive Japanese Alps. Rice farms dominate the valleys, while lush forests cover the mountains. We will visit Matsumoto Castle, also known as Crow Castle, due to the black color that adorns the exterior walls. In contrast to the black colors, the cherry blossoms that bloom around the castle grounds in the spring provide beautiful scenery. Near the Matsumoto area is the town of Azumino, home to one of the largest wasabi farms. The wasabi fields are maintained by networks of small streams that use water from the Northern Alps. Stores and restaurants offer a wide variety of wasabi-flavored products, including wasabi ice cream.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Assiocia Takayama Resort or similar class

 

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Day 6
Takayama (morning market / Takayama Yatai Kaikan / Kusakabe Heritage House / Old Town)

Takayama is famous for artisans and craftsmen with traditions that continue to this day from the 9th century. The day begins with a visit to the Morning Market, where local snacks, produce and crafts are sold. 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 open to the public. Finally, there is the exploration of Sanmach Suji, one of the three streets in the old town that have survived in a beautiful state with a few companies that have been around for centuries.

Breakfast
Assiocia Takayama Resort or similar class

 

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Day 7
Shirakawa-go (Shiroyama Lookout – Gassho-zukuri Minkaen – Wada-ke House), Kanazawa (Kenrokuen Garden). Train to Kyoto

Shirakawa-go is home to the UNESCO designated Gassho-style farms (“praying hands”). First is the Shiroyama Lookout, where you can see great views of the Ogimachi Village. Next up is the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen open-air museum, where farmhouses and other structures were relocated to the area. The Wadake House was owned by one of the wealthiest families in Ogimachi, and is now a public museum. The Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is ranked as one of the three most beautiful landscaped gardens in Japan. This afternoon we will board the Thunderbird train for a train ride to Kyoto for three nights.

Breakfast lunch
Okura Kyoto or a similar class

 

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Day 8
Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine / Nijo Castle / Golden Pavilion / Visit a traditional wooden house to learn about Origami, Calligraphy and Ikebana art)

The day begins with a visit to the picturesque and historic Fushimi district. We will visit the impressive vermilion-colored Fushimi Inari Shrine, whose 4 km tunnel of scarlet torii gates was featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. This resort surrounds a bamboo desert that includes mountains, streams, and ponds, the perfect setting for a scenic hike or nostalgic photography. Then we travel to Nijo Castle, a former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Edo Period. There, a variety of cherry trees bloom in the landscape, creating a romantic scene. Then there is the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) known for the two upper floors that are covered with gold leaf designs, which creates a beautiful reflection in the surrounding water. Continue to a traditional wooden house to learn about origami, calligraphy, and the art of Ikebana. Let your hands bend and fold the traditional paper into a crane, rabbit, or flower with sparkly designs. Then learn quick brush strokes for Japanese characters and understand why calligraphy is considered one of the best arts in Asia with every stroke. Lastly, experience the art of flower arranging and harmonize delicate flowers with one another in this peaceful and traditional practice.

Breakfast lunch
Okura Kyoto or a similar class

 

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Day 10
Nara (Todaiji Temple / Deer Park), Osaka (Sushi Making Experience / Taiko Lesson), Bullet Train to Hiroshima

We start the day with the Todaiji Temple in Nara, which is over 1000 years old and is home to the Daibutsu, the largest bronze statue in the world. Surrounding the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where visitors can feed free-roaming deer with biscuits sold in the surrounding area. Deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, and therefore have been designated as natural treasures. Then, we go to Osaka where we will learn how to make sushi and play traditional taiko (festival drums). Next, we ride one of the fastest trains in Japan, the bullet train (shinkansen), until we reach Hiroshima, the site of the first atomic bombing.

Note: For Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, have gluten-free diets, have a shellfish allergy, or don’t eat raw fish, contact us for other ingredient options.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima or similar class

 

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Day 11
Miyajima Island (Itsukushima Shrine / Senjokaku Hall / Daisho-in Temple / Mount Misen – Cable Car)

From your hotel, a ferry will take you to the famous island of Miyajima, Shinto’s holy site, where the Itsukushima Shrine is located. The often photographed floating torii gate is iconic of Itsukushima Shrine because at high tide the base is covered, giving the illusion that it “floats”. Nearby is Senjokaku Hall, which is 1,000 tatami mats long. The building was commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to sing substras of Buddha, but it remained incomplete due to his death. At the base of Mount Misen is the Daisho-in Temple, one of the important places for Shingon Buddhism. Then, using the Mount Misen cable car, we will reach the highest peak of the island of Miyajima, where several more buildings of the Daisho-in temple reside. From here you can see the 1,300 cherry blossoms around the island.

Breakfast
Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima or similar class

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Day 12
Hiroshima (Peace Memorial Park / Atomic Bomb Museum), Saijo (Kamotsuru Sake Brewery – Kura Study Tour, Sake Tasting)

Today we will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also known as Genbaku Dome, where the first atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. It serves as a reminder of the hope of one day living in a world without nuclear weapons. Along the Peace Memorial Park is a river with 300 cherry blossoms lined up next to it. The A-Bomb Museum traces the history of Hiroshima and the aftermath of the destruction caused by the atomic bomb. Next up is Saijo, an area known for its sake breweries. At the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery, you will have the opportunity to learn about the process of making sake. The temperature of the kura (cellar) is maintained thanks to the thick walls, which allows a natural balance without the need for air conditioners. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of sake in their tasting room.

Breakfast dinner
Washu Highland Hotel or similar class

 

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Day 13
Kurashiki (Canal Area), Himeji (Himeji Castle), Kobe (Kobe Meat Dinner)

Kurashiki is a city in Okayama Prefecture, where a canal dating from the Edo Period is preserved. The area was used primarily as a rice distribution center with many warehouses. Many of those buildings have been converted into museums, shops, and cafes. Himeji Castle, or White Heron Castle, in Hyogo Prefecture is one of twelve castles that are still in their original state. This white painted castle is well preserved and built like a labyrinth. From Himeji Castle, dinner will be enjoyed in Kobe. The city of Kobe is famous for its meat, which is a prized delicacy. The meal will be enjoyed teppanyaki style where the chef will cook the meal in front of you.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Hotel Okura Kobe or similar class

 

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Day 14
Tour ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Check out time is at 11am. M., Free during free time until transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport or Itami Airport for departure.

Breakfast