12-Day Highlights of Japan Tour from Tokyo: Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at Narita International Airport today, you will be met by our representative and assisted to board transfer to your hotel (standard Check-In time is 14:00 hrs. Early check-in is subject to availability). Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Start your Tokyo city tour from Meiji Jingu, a shrine built in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Although located in Tokyo's bustling city center just a few minutes' walk away from Harajuku, the shrine's surrounding forest creates a peaceful, tranquil vibe, and if you happen to enter from the Yoyogi entrance, you can see a massive torii gate standing in the road leading to the main shrine. In addition to making offerings and praying at the main shrine just like the locals do, you can also visit Meiji Jingu Museum to see the treasures from the shrine's collection.

Perhaps there is no better place to learn about Japan's culinary culture in Tokyo than the centrally-located Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. Dating all the way back to the Edo Period, it was moved to the current location after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Around 400 shops and restaurants are crammed into the narrow lanes here, trading all kinds of fresh and dried seafood, traditional snacks and cooking ingredients. Roam around the market as your guide explains Japan's culinary culture, and stop at a restaurant to try some fresh seafood for breakfast or lunch if you wish.

Step into the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only place open to the public in the palace. The garden sits on the grounds of the former Edo Castle, featuring seasonal flowers, lush green lawns, water features, teahouses and guardhouses. You can also take in the sight of the double-arched Nijubashi Bridge, which originally was built with wood but later rebuilt with steel. Please note East Gardens of the Imperial Palace closes on Monday and Friday.

Afterward, visit Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo's most significant Buddhist temples with a history dating back to the 7th century. After slipping pass the giant lanterns on the Kaminarimon, which is the outer gate of the temple, stroll along the lively Nakamise-dori, a 250-meter-long street lined by shops bursting with traditional souvenirs, snacks and sweets. Then arrive at the second gate Hozomon, beyond which stands the temple's main hall and a five-story pagoda. You can pray to the Kannon enshrined in the main hall just like the locals do, pick up an omikuji (random fortunes written on strips of paper), and get a temple seal stamp at the Yokodo located next to the main hall.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Today is yours to explore this charming city at your own pace. Apart from numerous historic spots, you can step into some popular neighborhoods for a glimpse of Japanese daily life. Ramble around the Harajuku district - the center of teenage fashion and cosplay culture, or enjoy shopping at Ginza where the streets are lined up with high-end fashion boutiques, art galleries, and designer brand stores.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Meet your local guide at the hotel lobby and depart for Mount Fuji. Upon arrival, aboard a cruise on Lake Kawaguchi and appreciate Mt. Fuji from a distance. Afterward, take the Mt.Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to an observation deck near the peak of Mount Tenjo for a panoramic view of the lake below and Mt. Fuji.

In the afternoon, drive to Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can capture its beautiful pagoda with Mount Fuji as backdrop. Immerse in the beauty of Oshino Hakkai, a set of eight ponds fed by snow melt from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji. After the tour, transfer to Hakone and overnight in a ryokan with hot spring pools. Dinner is served in your hotel.

Overnight in Hakone.

With an easy guide and map on hand, make your way to Odawara Station (Hakone), from where you'll board Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (1h20min), and then change Express Train to Takayama Station(2h50min). Upon arrival in Takayama, go to the hotel by yourself and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Takayama.

Start your day from the Morning Market, where you can mingle with the locals, get a close look at their daily lives and stop at stands selling local crafts, snacks and fresh produce. Then move on to Nakabashi, a traditional-styled crimson bridge spanning over the Miyagawa River with dreamy cherry blossom vista in Spring.

In the afternoon, visit Kusakabe Folk Museum. An Edo period merchants' house owned by the Kusakabe family, the museum now boasts a wide collection of folk craft, including Hida ceramics. Roaming within the museum is like a journey back in time. Afterward, head to Kami-Sannomachi located at the southern part of Takayama's old town to discover traditional homes, shops and sake breweries lining both sides of the narrow street.

Overnight in Takayama.

A 1-hour drive will take you to Shirakawa-go, the fairy tale world made of traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses hidden in the valley. Take off the shoes and explore the living room, guest room, butsuma, and so on inside Wada House to get an idea of how people lived back then. Thereafter, check out the great view of this area at Shirakawa-go Observation Deck. Before going to Kanazawa, you'll explore more farmhouses in gassho style in the Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum.

Overnight in Kanazawa.

This morning, visit Kenrokuen Garden to appreciate its water features, bridges, teahouses, trees, flowers and stones. Just a few steps from the garden is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Spend time according to your interest inside the museum and then visit the reconstructed Kanazawa Castle. After the tour, your guide will drop you off at Kanazawa Station, from where you can take Shinkansen to Kyoto Station. Find your way to the hotel upon your arrival and have a rest.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto is a popular spot for you to enjoy the beauty of nature. Today, you and your family will embark on a journey to Arashiyama, a place that is filled with scenic beauty and cultural significance. Your first stop will be at Jojakko-Ji Temple, where you will witness the serenity of the Japanese garden and experience the spiritual ambiance of the temple. After that, you will take a leisurely stroll through the Sagano Bamboo Grove, where you will be surrounded by towering bamboo trees that sway gently in the breeze. Don't forget to capture some stunning photos of the bamboo grove as it is one of the most photographed locations in Japan. Next, board a Yakatabune, a traditional Japanese pleasure boat, and admire the breathtaking view of the Togetsukyo Bridge from the water. 

Later, you and your loved ones will sit back and relax on the Sagano Scenic Railway, which will take you on a mesmerizing journey through the countryside. You will be able to hear the gentle rustling of the leaves and feel the cool breeze on your face. As you pass along the Hozugawa River, you and your little ones will be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the place. Finally, your guide will accompany you and your family back to the city.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Explore the landmarks of Kyoto, including the Kinkaku-ji Temple with the top two floors completely covered in gold leaf and the Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Later, depart for Osaka, visit Osaka Castle, which is arguably Osaka's most prominent landmark and belies bloody power struggles leading up to the 1603 foundation of the Edo era.

After that, go to Shinsaibashi shopping district.

Overnight in Osaka.

In the morning, meet your private guide and head to Nara, visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, it is Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine. It was established at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. and to visit Nara Park. Nara Park is a large park in central Nara, and also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer.   

If energy and time allow, visit Wakakusa Mountain, which is a 342-meter-high mountain that is located in Nara Park, near Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The bright green of the lawn that covers the whole mountain shines beautifully. Afterwards, back to Osaka.

Overnight in Osaka.

Have some time at leisure until your private driver escort you to the airport for your departure flight.