Traditional and Cultural Japan: 16 Nights Tour
Discover the culture and traditions of Japan’s main island, Honshu, through a carefully crafted 17-day journey. Spend 16 nights exploring the heart of the country—from the neon vibrance of Tokyo to the tranquil mountain scenery around Mount Fuji and the historic streets of the old capital, Kyoto.
Highlights
- Experience Tokyo, Japan’s ultra-modern capital.
- Visit Takayama with its well-preserved Edo-period merchant houses.
- Wander Kanazawa’s tranquil gardens and bustling markets.
- Explore Kyoto’s temples, palaces and shrines.
- Delve into the heritage and tragedy of Hiroshima.
- Taste Osaka’s thriving culinary scene via a walking tour.
- Admire the mountain landscapes of Hakone and catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Room only
Day 2: Tokyo – Private Full-Day Tour
After breakfast, meet your private guide and proceed to the rail-pass exchange desk where you will receive your 14-day Japan Rail Pass (standard class). One-day local transport passes and JPY 2,000 per person for entrance fees are included. The route is flexible, guided by your preferences.
You’ll visit the Asakusa district—Tokyo’s entertainment hub during the Edo period—browse the historic Nakamise Street and view the old Senso-ji temple. Continue to the peaceful grounds of Meiji Shrine, enter via the 12 m high torii gate, and observe traditional Shinto customs. End your tour in the youthful, electric district of Shibuya, home to the famous Shibuya Crossing. You’ll conclude the tour at Shibuya Station with the option to explore further independently.
Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 3: Tokyo – At Leisure
Today is free for you to explore Tokyo on your own schedule. Choose from attractions such as Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Outer Market, various museums or the Imperial Palace grounds.
Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 4: Travel to Takayama
Depart Tokyo via the Shinkansen bullet train to Takayama in Gifu Prefecture—a charming town known for its preserved merchant homes from the Edo era. Upon arrival, transfer from the station to your hotel independently and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Hidatei Hanaougi (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 5: Takayama – Private Full-Day Tour
Spend the day exploring Takayama’s morning markets: the modern “Asaichi” market from the early 20th century and the older market dating from the 19th century. Both lie near the old town and offer local crafts, produce and street food. Visit Takayama Jinya, the only surviving magistrate’s office of its kind in Japan. Later, stop by a local sake brewery to sample a regional “jisake” brew.
Accommodation: Hidatei Hanaougi (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 6: Travel to Kanazawa
After breakfast, board the Shinkansen to Kanazawa, capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, famed for its Edo-era districts, the 17th-century Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle which dates to the late 16th century. Once in Kanazawa, transfer independently to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 7: Kanazawa – Private Full-Day Tour
Your local English-speaking guide will start at Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens—spacious, lush, water-rich and tranquil. Next is Omicho Market, nicknamed “Kanazawa’s Kitchen” and operational for nearly 300 years. Then explore Kazue Machi tea-house district and enjoy a hands-on workshop in gold-leaf decoration, crafting a lacquered souvenir yourself. Finally, visit Higashi Chaya, Kanazawa’s largest preserved Geisha district, including a visit to Shima Teahouse museum to learn about the customs and instruments of geishas. Evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 8: Travel to Kyoto
Board the Shinkansen to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital. Here, temples, palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional dining experiences await. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon free.
Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by HULIC (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 9: Kyoto – Private Full-Day Tour
Join a local guide and use Kyoto’s bus network to visit major UNESCO sites. Start at Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), whose upper floors are coated in gold leaf and were originally built as a shogun’s retirement villa. Next, explore Nijo Castle, an ornate fortress with sliding doors and “nightingale” flooring. Then visit Heian Shrine, built to commemorate Kyoto’s foundation and dedicated to the city’s first and last emperors. Finally, visit Kiyomizu-dera, famous for its 13-metre high veranda and panoramic views, built entirely without nails.
Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by HULIC (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 10: Kyoto – At Leisure
A free day for you to further explore Kyoto. Options include the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or relaxing in a traditional onsen.
Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by HULIC (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 11: Travel to Hiroshima
Depart Kyoto and ride the Shinkansen to Hiroshima—renowned for its wartime history and peaceful resurgence. After arrival, transfer independently to your hotel and the rest of the day is yours to rest or explore.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 12: Hiroshima – Private Full-Day Tour
Your guide will take you to the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum—dedicated to the atomic bombing and its aftermath, but oriented towards a message of peace rather than blame. After lunch you’ll take a ferry to Miyajima Island, a sacred site with Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, walkways and wild deer. Visit the legendary Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float above water at high tide, and try local specialties such as oysters farmed here for over 300 years and maple-leaf shaped castella filled with red bean paste. Return to the mainland in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 13: Travel to Osaka & City Food Tour
Check out of your hotel and take the bullet train to Osaka—known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and above all, its street food. On a walking tour you’ll visit Shinsekai (New World) district and sample kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). Then head to the Namba area to see the iconic Glico Man neon sign. Visit Honzenji Yokocho alley for a prayer etiquette session and wrap up at Kuromon Market where you can try takoyaki (octopus-filled dough balls).
Accommodation: Hotel Vischio Osaka (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 14: Travel to Hakone
After breakfast, board the train to Odawara station, collect your Hakone Free Pass (3-day) and continue to your hotel in Hakone. The rest of the day is free.
Accommodation: Ichinoyu Honkan (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 15: Hakone – Private Full-Day Tour
A full-day exploration of Hakone National Park in the backdrop of Mount Fuji. Ride the cable car from Gora to the Hakone Ropeway over steaming Owakudani valley, try the famous kuro-tamago (black eggs boiled in sulfur springs), then board a pirate-style boat across the volcanic crater lake, Lake Ashi. Entrance to the Hakone Open Air Museum is included. Note: there will be quite a bit of walking so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Accommodation: Ichinoyu Honkan (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 16: Return to Tokyo
Use your Hakone Free Pass to travel back to Tokyo via the Shinkansen, alight at Shinjuku station and check in to your final Tokyo hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotel (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast included
Day 17: Departure
Enjoy a final morning in Japan before your private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast included
