Highlights of Japan Tour

Get a taste of Japan’s rich culture and history on a memorable, self-guided tour.

You will immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Japan by combining the essentials with futuristic cities & imperial heritage.

And discover Japan’s most iconic natural, modern and historic sites on this Highlights of Japan Tour. From Tokyo to Miyajima through Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka, this trip makes you discover the essentials of this fascinating country.

A 100% customizable tour idea by Yoko.

This is a sample itinerary. Feel free to contact us anytime to order your very own customized program.

Day 1: Travel Day

Upon arrival at Haneda or Narita Airport, transfer to your hotel by shared bus Limousine bus, train or private car. Then you’ll likely spend your first day in Japan just getting settled. Depending on whether or not your purchased any discount passes, as well as a phone SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi, you may have to pick them up and/or get them activated.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Nishi Shinjuku Hotel Mystays or equivalent.

Day 2/3: Tokyo

After enjoying your breakfast, you can meet with an English-speaking guide and embark on a private tour of Tokyo. Or explore the city by yourself using public transport, just as the locals do and experience its unique sights and personalities.

No visit to Tokyo is complete without a night out at a friendly local izakaya, Japan’s answer to a pub.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Nishi Shinjuku Hotel Mystays or equivalent.

Day 4: Tokyo/Kanazawa

After breakfast, take a train journey from Tokyo to Kanazawa, enjoying breathtaking views of Japanese countryside (approximately 2h30).

Check-in at your ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel), located very close to the historic Higashi Chaya district, Kanazawa’s geisha quarter.

Overnight and dinner at your 3*** ryokan.
Sumiyoshiya or equivalent.
Dinner & Breakfast Included

Day 5: Kanazawa/Takayama

After breakfast, take a bus from Kanazawa to Takayama, stopping in the tranquil mountain village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Check-in at your ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel).

Overnight and dinner at your 3*** ryokan.
Ryokan Seiryu or equivalent.
Dinner & Breakfast Included

Day 6: Takayama

After breakfast, stroll through the nostalgia-invoking streets of Takayama, also known as “Little Kyoto”.

Overnight and dinner at your 3*** ryokan.
Ryokan Seiryu or equivalent.
Dinner & Breakfast Included

Or Hida Beef dinner at Maruaki Hida Takayama (Japanese).

Day 7: Takayama/Kyoto

Take the JR Hida limited express train to Nagoya, in the morning, followed by a shinkansen bullet train west to Kyoto (about 4h15).

Late afternoon and evening, catch a glimpse of a geisha or “geiko” as they’re known in Kyoto.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or equivalent.

Day 8/9: Kyoto

You have 2 days to visit Kyoto, known for its geisha-famed streets of Gion, Buddhist temples, as well as its beautiful gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses.

Some sights that you may wish to visit include Fushimi Inari or Kinkakuji (golden pavilions) with its golden centerpiece and gardens.

In the evening a shabu shabu dinner by the river.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or equivalent.

Day 10: Nara

Day trip to Nara, just 40 minutes from Kyoto. This former ancient capital is known for its shrines and temples.

Spend your last night in Kyoto at Gion Hatanaka for a Maiko Evening.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or equivalent.

Day 11: Himeji/Hiroshima

Take a shinkansen from Kyoto to Himeji, approximately 1h.

Himeji is famous for its magnificent white castle which is widely considered to be Japan’s most beautiful surviving feudal castle.

Then take a shinkansen from Himeji to Hiroshima, approximately 1h.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima or equivalent.

Day 12: Hiroshima & Miyajima/Osaka

Start your day with a visit of Hiroshima, then, make your way to the beautiful island of Miyajima, known as one of the “3 best scenic spots” in Japan.

In the afternoon, transfer to Shin-Osaka by shinkansen, approximately 1h25.

Osaka is one of the biggest cities in Japan and the nightlife in Osaka is….Dotonbori, Shinsekai.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu or equivalent.

Day 13: Time to leave

Transfer by shared bus, train or private car to KIX – Osaka International Airport.

Hope you had a good time in Japan and we’ll see you again