Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer to Nara

Hotel: Noborioji Hotel, Nara

Area Description: Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is famous for its temples, shrines, and free-roaming deer in Nara Park.

Activities: Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX) and private transfer to Nara. Evening stroll in Nara Park.

Distance: Kansai International Airport → Nara: ~45 km / 1 hour by private car

Day 2 – Nara Temples & Park

Activities:

• Morning tour of Tōdai-ji Temple – home to the Great Buddha.
• Kasuga Taisha Shrine – forested paths lined with stone and bronze lanterns.
• Nara Park – feed and interact with friendly deer.

Hotel: Noborioji Hotel, Nara

Day 3 – Nara → Asuka / Hōryū-ji

Hotel: Branchera Ishibutai Terrace, Asuka

Area Description: Asuka is a historic village with ancient tombs, temples, and scenic rice terraces, known as the cradle of Japanese culture.

Activities: Visit Hōryū-ji Temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site with the oldest wooden structures in the world.

Distance: Nara → Asuka: ~20 km / 35 min by private car

Day 4 – Asuka Exploration

Activities:

• Morning cycling tour on e-bike around Asuka Village – temples, stone monuments, countryside.
• Ishibutai Tumulus – ancient burial mound.
• Amakashi-no-Oka Viewpoint – panoramic views over Asuka Valley.

Hotel: Branchera Ishibutai Terrace, Asuka

Day 5 – Asuka → Mount Koya (Kōyasan)

Hotel: Ichijo-in Temple (Pilgrim’s Lodging), Kōyasan

Area Description: Kōyasan is the spiritual center of Shingon Buddhism, surrounded by forested mountains and sacred temple complexes.

Distance: Asuka → Kōyasan: ~140 km / 3.5 hours by private car

Day 6 – Kōyasan Guided Tour & Okunoin Cemetery

Activities:

• Guided walk through Okunoin Cemetery with a monk – learn about Shingon Buddhist practices.
• Visit Danjō Garan and Kongōbu-ji Temple complexes.

Hotel: Ichijo-in Temple

Day 7 – Kōyasan → Sekijuku / Mie Prefecture

Hotel: Hacienda VISON, Mie

Area Description: Sekijuku is a historic Edo-period post town with preserved streets and traditional architecture.

Activities:

• Explore the old town of Sekijuku.
• Lunch at Hinome Kameyama Restaurant – hidden gem by Chef Tomohiro.

Distance: Kōyasan → Sekijuku: ~180 km / 4 hours by private car

Day 8 – Mie Region – Ise & Cultural Experiences

Activities:

• Morning visit to Ise Jingu Shrine & Oharaimachi – sacred shrines and historic town streets.
• Mikimoto Pearl Island – learn about pearl cultivation.
• Visit ISEKADO Brewery – artisanal sake tasting.
• Lunch at Kishin – seasonal cuisine featuring natural vegetation.

Hotel: Hacienda VISON, Mie

Day 9 – Shima Peninsula – Ama Divers & Workshop

Activities:

• Meet Ama Divers – traditional female free-divers, experience their techniques.
• Visit Ise Katagami LED Light Carving Workshop – traditional stencil art meets modern design.

Hotel: Shima Kanko Hotel

Distance: Hacienda VISON → Shima Kanko Hotel: ~40 km / 1 hour by private car

Day 10 – Mie → Niigata (via train/private transfer)

Hotel: Satoyama Jujo, Minami-Uonuma

Area Description: Minami-Uonuma is a mountainous region known for rice terraces, pristine nature, and traditional rural culture.

Distance: Shima → Niigata: ~650 km / 5–6 hours by Shinkansen & local trains (via Nagoya and Joetsu-Myoko)

Day 11 – Niigata – Mountain Onsen & Nature

Activities: Explore Uonuma region’s rice terraces and scenic trails. Relax in the ryokan’s onsen and enjoy local cuisine.

Hotel: Satoyama Jujo

Day 12 – Matsunoyama Onsen & Sake Experience

Hotel: Matsunoyama Onsen Tamaki-ya Sake Inn

Area Description: Renowned for therapeutic hot springs and exquisite sake, Matsunoyama is a serene mountain retreat.

Activities: Onsen relaxation, sake pairing, and local culinary specialties.

Distance: Satoyama Jujo → Matsunoyama Onsen: ~35 km / 1 hour by private car

Day 13 – Niigata Coast / Sado Island

Activities: Explore seafood markets, local crafts, scenic coastlines. Ferry to Sado Island for historic and cultural exploration.

Hotel: Nipponia Sado Island or AZUMA Sado Island

Distance: Matsunoyama → Niigata Port: ~130 km / 2.5 hours by private car; Niigata → Sado Island Ferry: ~1.5–2 hours

Day 14 – Uminochou Ryokan, Niigata

Hotel: Uminochou Ryokan Hotel – luxury coastal ryokan with ocean views, traditional hospitality, and fresh seafood cuisine.

Activities: Enjoy seaside landscapes, onsen baths, and strolls in a local fishing village.

Day 15 – Tokyo Arrival & Leisure

Hotel: Super Hotel Premier Tokyo Station Yaesu-Chūōguchi

Area Description: Centrally located in Tokyo, perfect for exploring Marunouchi, Ginza, Asakusa, and transport connections.

Distance: Niigata → Tokyo Station: ~330 km / 2 hours 15 min by Shinkansen

Day 16 – Tokyo Full Day Exploration

Activities: Explore museums, gardens, shopping districts, or optional day trips.

Hotel: Super Hotel Premier Tokyo Station

Day 17 – Tokyo Leisure & Departure Prep

Activities: Final exploration or relaxation before departure.

Hotel: Super Hotel Premier Tokyo Station

Day 18 – Departure

Private transfer to Haneda or Narita Airport for flight home.