The Best Discoveries Beyond

Descubra las gemas escondidas de Japón, visite atracciones famosas y viva la auténtica cultura japonesa.

Destinations

Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Hikone / Koka / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Himeji / Asago / Kinosaki Onsen / Tottori / Matsue / Izumo / Iwami Ginzan / Hiagi / Nagato / Yamaguchi / Iwakuni / Hiroshima / Miyajima / Kurashiki / Naoshima / Takamatsu / Isla Awaji / Kobe

Itinerary in brief

Day 1 Arrival in Tokyo
Day 2 Tokyo
Day 3 Mt. Fuji – Hakone – Bullet Train Ride
Day 4 Hikone – Koka
Day 5 Kyoto
Day 6 Kyoto – Nara – Osaka
Day 7 Himeji – Asago – Kinosaki Onsen
Day 8 Tottori – Matsue
Day 9 Izumo – Iwami Ginzan
Day 10 Hagi – Nagato
Day 11 Yamaguchi – Iwakuni – Hiroshima
Day 12 Miyajima – Kurashiki
Day 13 Naoshima
Day 14 Takamatsu – Awaji Island – Kobe
Day 15 End of the Trip

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Trip description

Japan’s “must-see” sites are popular for a reason, but the country is full of hidden gems for you to discover. This tour will take you to the most famous attractions in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, as well as the unique spots of Asago, Tottori, Matsue, Izumo, Hagi, and the artistic island of Naoshima. This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Japan or for visitors looking to experience popular sights and places tourists don’t often see.

This tour begins in Tokyo, where a private guide and driver will help you navigate through the city’s cultural landmarks, trendy neighborhoods, and colorful shopping districts. Learn how to make sushi from a professional chef. Enjoy the natural landscape of Mt. Fuji and Owakudani before boarding on a Shinkansen bullet train ride for the experience. Visit the original Hikone Castle on your feet before continuing to the Miho Museum, where you can appreciate impressive architecture and a path filled with hundreds of cherry trees.

Visit Kyoto for two days to visit the best gardens and temples, all of which are considered the best places to see cherry blossoms. Experience an authentic green tea ceremony, meet and greet a maiko (apprentice geisha), and watch a kimono fashion show. Next, travel to Nara to visit the exceptional Todaiji Temple and a nearby deer park filled with 1,000 free-roaming Sika deer. Spend time in the shopping and entertainment districts of Osaka, a city famous for its vibrant nightlife.

Our group will also go to Himeji Castle, a fine example of 17th century Japanese architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the Edo-inspired Kokoen Garden, enjoy the views from the Takeda Castle Ruins, and end the day by relaxing in a hot spring bath at Kinosaki Onsen. Continue to Tottori Sand Dunes, which are listed on CNN’s list of the most beautiful places in Japan. Explore Matsue, where you will spend time in an inspiring art museum, enjoy a boat ride, and visit a preserved samurai district.

Tour the Izumo Grand Shrine, one of the most important shrines in Japan. Next, head to the Iwami Gunzan Silver Mine. Explore an ancient castle town and samurai residence in Hagi. Travel to Nagato to visit the unique Motonusumi-Inari Shrine, renowned for its 123 vermilion torii tunnel and picturesque views of the Sea of ​​Japan. Next, travel through the largest cave in Japan, Akiyoshido Cave. Visit the Iwakuni landmark, the Kintaikyo Bridge, and then head to Hiroshima for its fascinating Museum of Peace.

Travel to Miyajima Island, one of the most picturesque places in Japan and famous for its “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Spend time in the charming canal town of Kursashiki and visit the nearby Ohara Museum. Our group will also spend a day in Naoshima, a small island that is best known for its contemporary art sites. Here, you can tour the impressive Casa Benesse, the Chichu Art Museum, and the Lee Ufan Museum. In Takamatsu, head to the Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of the Japanese landscape. Continue to the Awaji Island Water Temple, known for its fascinating architecture. Stroll through a beautiful greenhouse exhibition at the Kiseki no Hoshi Botanical Garden, then finish your tour by sampling world-famous Kobe beef for dinner.

 

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Detailed itinerary

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Day 1
Narita airport

Welcome to Tokyo! An OOT representative will meet you at the arrival gate with a “Only One Travel” sign.
Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar class
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar class (NOTE 1 and 2)

NOTE 1: If you want to stay in central Tokyo for the first night instead of Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu, we can arrange for you to stay at Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo (or similar class). In this case, the airport transfer is not included, but we will provide you with directions to get to your hotel in advance.

NOTE 2: If you are flying to Haneda Airport (HND) instead of Narita International Airport (NRT), we can arrange for you to stay in central Tokyo (Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar class) instead of Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu. In this case, airport transfer and meetings are not included, but we will provide you with full directions to the hotel in advance.

NOTE 3: The meet and greet is ONLY available for flights arriving at Terminal 1 and 2 after 11:00 AM. For guests arriving at Terminal 3, airport pick-up service is not included, but we will provide directions to your hotel in advance.

NOTE 4: If you want to stay more nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodation.

 

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Day 2
Tokyo (Asakusa Sensoji Temple / Ueno Park / Sushi Making Experience / Tsukiji Outer Market / Imperial Palace / Tokyo Tower)

In the morning, you will be taken to the Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. You can also explore the Nakamise Market, which is located just past the outer gates of the temple. It is a traditional style shopping street with several centuries of history. Continue to Ueno Park, famous for its 1,000 cherry trees that line the central paths, making it a great place to look at cherry blossoms. Next, learn how to create your own sushi from a professional sushi chef. Whatever you do, you can eat for lunch! Afterward, head to the Tsukiji Outer Market, packed with shops and restaurants where you can sample fresh produce and other food-related products. Then, we will proceed to the Imperial Palace, the current residence of the Imperial Family of Japan and the former site of Edo Castle. It is surrounded by moats and stone fortifications, located in the heart of Tokyo. In the afternoon, we will visit the tallest self-supporting steel tower in the world, the Tokyo Tower. Here, you can walk 150 meters to the main deck of the observatory and enjoy an aerial view of Tokyo.

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
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar class

In the morning, you will be taken to the Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. You can also explore the Nakamise Market, which is located just past the outer gates of the temple. It is a traditional style shopping street with several centuries of history. Continue to Ueno Park, famous for its 1,000 cherry trees that line the central paths, making it a great place to look at cherry blossoms. Next, learn how to create your own sushi from a professional sushi chef. Whatever you do, you can eat for lunch! Afterward, head to the Tsukiji Outer Market, packed with shops and restaurants where you can sample fresh produce and other food-related products. Then, we will proceed to the Imperial Palace, the current residence of the Imperial Family of Japan and the former site of Edo Castle. It is surrounded by moats and stone fortifications, located in the heart of Tokyo. In the afternoon, we will visit the tallest self-supporting steel tower in the world, the Tokyo Tower. Here, you can walk 150 meters to the main deck of the observatory and enjoy an aerial view of Tokyo.

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
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar class

 

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Day 3
Mt Fuji, Hakone (Hakone Ropeway / Owakudani), Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride

We will depart from Tokyo towards Mt. Fuji in our private coach. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes, from thick vegetation to lowlands and rolling clouds. Stop at Mt. Fuji 5th station (depending on weather conditions) to admire the world famous peak. Next, travel to Hakone, one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Japan. You will also get to see the forested slopes of Hakone National Park. We will take a 20 minute cable car from Togendai to Owakudani. Most of Owakudani is considered an active volcanic area since its creation since the eruption of Mount Hakone some 3,000 years ago. Visitors will encounter hot springs and bubbling pools in the area, with sulphurous fumes and steam vents. If the weather conditions are in our favor, Owakudani also grants splendid views of Mount Fuji. Then, experience a Shinkansen bullet train ride, which can reach speeds of up to 300km / h. We will stay at the Onsen Hotel at Hamanako Kanzaiji Onsen, where you can soak in the therapeutic waters of a hot tub and enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki banquet dinner.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Hamanako Royal Hotel or similar class

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Day 4
Hikone (Hikone Castle – Genkyuen Garden), Koka (Miho Museum)

After breakfast at the hotel, our group will visit Hikone Castle, an attractive place for hanami (flower viewing) during cherry blossom season. Hikone Castle is an original castle, which survived the post-feudal era without suffering destruction and reconstruction. The castle is considered a great impression of what a complete feudal castle looks like. It is also a national treasure, alongside four other castle fortresses in Japan, which is the highest designation a cultural property can achieve. Visitors will have the opportunity to climb to the top floor of the castle, where they can enjoy views of the castle grounds and the city. Then, head to Genkyuen Garden, a tranquil Japanese garden overlooking the castle. From there, head to the Miho Museum, known for its impressive architecture integrated into the surrounding nature. It displays works from different ancient civilizations, including Roman, Egyptian, and Asian cultures. There is also a tunnel that leads from the museum to a road lined with hundreds of cherry blossoms. It was designed by I. M. Pei, and has been listed as one of the “1000 places to see before you die”.

Breakfast lunch
Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto or similar class

 

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Day 5
Kyoto (Arashiyama – Tenryuji Temple Zen Garden – Sagano Bamboo Forest / Golden Pavilion / Nishijin Kimono Show / Kiyomizu Temple / Maruyama Park / Gion Geisha District)

Today, we will start our tour of Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan that has invaluable historical values. We will first visit Arashiyama, known for its natural landscapes and is particularly popular during the spring and fall season. Visit the Zen Garden of Tenryuji Temple, the first among the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. Then, enjoy a pleasant walk through the attractive Sagano Bamboo Forest. Head to the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), known for its upper two floors covered entirely in 18-karat gold leaf. See the elegant Nishijin Kimono fashion show and learn how kimonos are made. Continue to the famous Kiyomizu Temple, best known for its wooden stage that overlooks the picturesque hillside below. The stage offers visitors a beautiful view of the many cherry and maple trees below, as well as a beautiful scene of Kyoto in the distance. From the Kiyomizu Temple we will go to Maruyama Park, one of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto. Finally, we will visit Gion, the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. It is full of various restaurants and ochaya (tea houses), where maiko and geisha entertain their guests.

Breakfast dinner
Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto or similar class

 

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Day 6
Kyoto (Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko Interaction / Fushimi Inari Shrine), Nara (Todaiji Temple / Venado Park), Osaka (Dotonbori – Shinsaibashi)

The day begins with a green tea ceremony and a meeting with maiko. A maiko is simply an apprentice geisha. You will have photo opportunities and a chance to interact with the maiko. After that, head to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. The shrine is famous for its thousands of impressive vermilion torii that line the length of a 4 km long tunnel, which was even featured in the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”. This resort surrounds a bamboo desert consisting of mountains, streams, and ponds, making it the perfect setting for a scenic hike. Then we will travel to Nara, where we will go to the Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in Japan. The temple also houses one of the largest bronze statues of the Buddha at 16.3 meters tall. Nearby, explore the surrounding Deer Park, filled with more than 1,000 Sika deer. Our last stop of the day will be in Osaka. We will spend time in Dotonbori, a popular shopping, entertainment and food district. It is known for the hundreds of mechanized and neon signs that line its streets. Our group will also pass through Shinasaibashi, one of Osaka’s oldest shopping destinations.

Breakfast lunch
Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class

 

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Day 7
Himeji (Himeji Castle / Kokoen Garden), Asago (Takeda Castle Ruin), Kinosaki Onsen

Our tour begins by seeing the oldest example of Japanese architecture from the 17th century, Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle. It is labeled as a National Treasure and World Heritage site. Next, we will visit the Kokoen Garden, an elegant Edo-inspired garden that features 9 separate gardens and a tea ceremony house. After that, we will head to the “castle floating in the sky”, or the ruins of Takeda castle. Although the buildings are no longer preserved, the foundations offer an impressive view of their former layout plus the surrounding mountains. We will end our day by relaxing at Kinosaki Onsen, the premier hot spring destination in the Kansai region.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Kawaguchiya Kinosaki Riverside Hotel or similar class

 

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Day 8
Tottori (Tottori Sand Dunes), Matsue (Adachi Art Museum / Matsue Castle / Horikawa Boat Tour / Old Samurai District – Buke Yashiki)

We started our day at Tottori Sand Dunes, which is on CNN’s list of the most beautiful places in Japan. Here we will enjoy the largest sand dunes in Japan, along with stunning coastal views and a number of provided activities. We will then take a tour of the Adachi Museum of Art, founded by Adachi Zenko in hopes of broadening the appreciation of Japanese art and gardens. Afterwards, we will head to Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s original 12 castles and also a National Treasure. Then enjoy a Horikawa boat ride through the Matsue Castle Moats and other waterways. Lastly, we will visit the beautifully preserved samurai residence, known as Buke Yashiki.
Breakfast lunch dinner
Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Hotel Ichibata or similar class

 

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Day 9
Izumo (Izumo Grand Shrine), Iwami Ginzan (Silver Mine)

Our day begins at the Izumo Grand Shrine, one of the most important shrines in Japan. Its origins are considered mysterious, and it is considered to be the oldest shrine in Japan. No one knows its true date of establishment, but it has been mentioned as far back as 700 in the oldest chronicles of Japan. Its main deity is Okuninushi no Okami, founder of the land of Japan and head of all Japanese deities, according to creation myths. Our last destination for the day will be Iwami Ginzan, once the largest producing silver mine in the world. Its main attractions include the Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft, a 273-meter-long tunnel, as well as several temples and shrines.

Breakfast dinner
Hagi Grand Hotel Tenku or similar class

 

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Day 10
Hagi (Old Castle City – Kikuya Residence / Hagiyaki-Kaikan), Nagato (Motonosumi-Inari Shrine)

Today we will discover the Kikuya family residence, who were once samurai before becoming a wealthy merchant family. Situated in the castle town of Hagi, the property is a stellar example of Edo Period architecture. You will also participate in a unique ceramic art experience at Hagiyaki-Kaikan, where you will create your own Japanese pottery. Next up is the Motonosumi Inari Shrine, another of CNN’s most beautiful places in Japan. It is distinguished by its 123 red torii tunnel and breathtaking views of the Sea of ​​Japan. This unique shrine has an offertory box in a hard-to-reach location, but it is believed that the shrine deity will grant your wish if you successfully drop money into it.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Hagi Grand Hotel Tenku or similar class

 

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Day 11
Yamaguchi (Akiyoshido Cave), Iwakuni (Kintaikyo Bridge), Hiroshima (Peace Memorial Park – Atomic Bomb Museum)

Today we will embark on a unique journey through the long and beautiful limestone cave of Akiyoshido. The cave is the largest and most spacious in Japan, with paved trails, various rock formations, underground waterfalls, and more. At the end of the cave you will be greeted with a panoramic view of the Akiyoshidai Plateau. Next, we will cross the Kintaikyo Bridge, an eminent landmark of Iwakuni, and admire it for its five bold arches built on gigantic stone pillars. The Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima will be our final attraction for the day. There you can see the A-Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum, which are revealing reminders of war, the world, peace, and human life.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima or similar class

 

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Day 12
Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine), Kurashiki (Canal Area / Ohara Museum)

This day, we will experience one of the three most picturesque sights in Japan. The Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island gains worldwide attention for its 16-meter-high “floating” torii gate built on water. During low tide, visitors may walk up to it to get a closer look. Then, we will go to an impressive canal city in Kurashiki, where you will find original warehouses from the Edo Period (1603-1967). This nostalgic canal area is very photogenic, with many shops and restaurants available. Nearby, we will visit the Ohara Museum, Japan’s first Western art museum. It has several galleries, with its main one highlighting works by Picasso, El Greco, Gauguin and much more.

Breakfast lunch
Hotel Granvia Okayama or similar class

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Day 13
Naoshima (Benesse House / Chichu Art Museum / Lee Ufan Museum)

Clients will spend the day indulging in the “coexistence of nature, art and architecture” at the Benesse House Museum. Benesse House, along with the Chichu Art Museum and the Lee Ufan Museum, are all located on a small island known as Naoshima. Benesse House, the island’s top attraction, incorporates rooms for a unique experience and features extensive artwork throughout. The Chichu Art Museum is an underground art exhibition that uses natural light to create its unique atmosphere. The Lee Ufan Museum is the product of Japanese architect Ando Tadao, who also designed the Benesee House and the Chichu Art Museum, in collaboration with contemporary artist Lee Ufan.

Breakfast lunch
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu or similar class

 

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Day 14
Takamatsu (Ritsurin Garden), Awaji Island (Water Temple / Kiseki-no-Hoshi Botanical Museum), Kobe (Kobe Beef)

First, we will go to the quiet and peaceful Ritsurin Garden, which has many ponds, hills and a mount. Shuin background. There are a number of services for visitors to enjoy refreshments, such as the Kikugetsu-tei tea house, where you can enjoy a cup of tea while looking out over the gardens. Afterwards, we will head to the Water Temple of Tadao Ando, ​​a fascinating architectural concept of a sanctuary that gradually leads to a unique sacred space. Then, we will visit the Kiseki no Hoshi Botanical Garden, an impressive greenhouse exhibition. For dinner, we will enjoy an exquisite Japanese delicacy, Kobe Beef. This high-end meat must go through strict requirements before earning its Kobe Beef label.

Breakfast dinner
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar class
Elsereine Osaka Hotel or similar class (NOTE 5 and 6)

NOTE 5: If you want to stay in downtown Osaka for the last night instead of the Nikko Kansai Airport Hotel, we can arrange for you to stay at the Elsereine Osaka Hotel (or similar class). In this case, the airport transfer is not included, but we will provide you with full instructions so that you can get to the airport in advance.

NOTE 6: If you are flying from Itami Airport (ITM) instead of Kansai International Airport (KIX), we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Elsereine Osaka (or similar class) instead of Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport. In this case, the airport transfer is not included, but we will provide you with full instructions so that you can get to the airport in advance.

 

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Day 15
Tour ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Check out time is at 11am. M. And Osaka Kansai Airport can be reached in three minutes on foot.

Breakfast

NOTE 7: If you want to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to reserve hotel accommodation.