Explore the wonders of the Japan Alps and its local cultures with this iconically-Japan itinerary.
or call to book:
Explore the wonders of the Japan Alps and its local cultures with this iconically-Japan itinerary.
4 and 5 star hotel options available. Call for pricing.
Arrive in Tokyo at the Narita Airport, where you will be met by an assistant in the arrival lobby for private transportation to your hotel. The rest of day is spent at your leisure after checking in to your hotel.
After breakfast, your guide will meet you for an 8-hour tour of the best parts of the city. You will begin in Asakusa, Tokyo's old town. Here, you will visit Sensoji, the city's oldest temple, and Nakamise, a shopping street with souvenirs and local food. You will then move on to Tokyo's Water Bus, where you'll travel down the Sumidagawa River. This will bring you directly to Hamarikyu garden, an Edo period Japanese garden. When walking through the garden, you can stop in a tea house for a cup of matcha and some sweets. After lunch, the tour will move to Meiji Shrine, a shine dedicated to the Emperor Meiji. Finally, as the sun is setting, take a walk through the Omotesando shopping street, a broad tree lined avenue.
Breakfast and Lunch are provided.
In the morning, a private car will take you to the train station, where you'll take the bullet train to Matsumoto. You will have free time to visit the Matsumoto Castle and explore the town, including Nakamachi, a former merchant district. You can also visit the Japan Ukiyoe Museum, home to over 100,000 Japanese woodblock prints, making it one of the world's largest private art collections. You'll spend the night in Matsumoto.
Breakfast is provided.
Today, you'll visit the kitchen of a Matsumoto soba restaurant, boasting of a history of over 130 years, to learn the secrets of soba noodles. You will join a shared cooking class to try your hand at kneading and cutting them, then you will be able to taste your noodles cooked by the chef in a traditional Shinshu way. After lunch, you are free to continue exploring at your leisure. You'll spend the night in Matsumoto.
Breakfast and Lunch are provided.
In the morning, you'll travel by private car to Takayama. You'll have the afternoon free, though it's recommended to visit one of the town's many breweries to have a taste of the local drop. That night, you'll stay in a Japanese style ryokan accommodation with a hot spring onsen bath. A dinner will be provided for you. You'll stay the night in Takayama.
Breakfast and Dinner are provided.
Today, you'll have a free day in Takayama. After breakfast, you can head up to the Miyagawa morning market, which has stalls selling fresh produce and local crafts. A short bus ride will take you to Hida No Sato Folk Village, and open air museum displaying over 30 typical farmhouses and other traditional buildings from the Hida region. In the afternoon, you may visit the Takayama Festival Floats Museum, displaying floats from the famous Takayama festival, or you can simply wander through the town. Another option is taking a half day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Shirakawago village, famous for its traditional farmhouses, some of which are over 250 years old. Dinner is included in the evening, and you'll spend the night in Takayama.
Breakfast and Dinner are provided.
In the morning, a private car will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the train station. From there, you'll take the bullet train to Kyoto. Upon reaching the train station, a private car will pick you up and take you to your hotel. This afternoon, you will try your hand at making Japanese cuisine. The course will consist of two parts. First, you will cook 2 or 3 dishes then enjoy them. Then you will return to kitchen and learn 2 or 3 more dishes before eating again. You'll spend the night in Kyoto once you're done.
Breakfast and Lunch are provided.
Today you will explore Kyoto with a local guide by private car, and will visit some of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites. You will start by visiting the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. It is a Buddhist Temple, and one of Kyoto's most famous temples. After, you will take a walk down Nishiki Market, a narrow, five block long street of over a hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto's Kitchen,†this lively market specializes in all things food related. To end the day, you get to decide where to visit. You may wish to visit Kiyomizu Temple, which has amazing views of Kyoto, and is one of their landmarks. Or you can visit Sanjusangendo, Kyoto's longest wooden structure, being 120 meters, or about 394 feet. It's famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. At the end of the day, you will be dropped off at your hotel, where you'll spend the night in Kyoto.
Breakfast is provided.
This morning, a car will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Tokyo Station, where you will take the world-famous bullet train using your Japan Rail Pass. Upon arriving at Odawara, a car will pick you up and take you to your hotel for the night. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure. You will have the Hakone Free Pass, and so will be able to use the extensive transport network. You can explore the cable cars, ropeways, and even a pirate ship that will take you across Lake Ashi with a view of Mt. Fuji. This evening, dinner is included, and you will stay overnight in Hakone.
Breakfast and Dinner are provided.
In the morning, a private transfer will take you to Hakone Station. Take the Romance Car train back to Tokyo, before another private car picks you up from the station. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, then you'll spend the night in Tokyo.
Breakfast is provided.
Allow 60-90 minutes travel time to Tokyo Narita Airport. International check-in requires a minimum of two hours, however, check-in time may vary by airline so be sure and check with your airline directly. Private transfer (included) to Narita Airport.
Breakfast is provided.
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