Japan

After landing at Haneda or Narita International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a private transfer and escorted to The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, an elegant hotel with a prime location in central Tokyo. After settling in, the journey kicks off with a welcome dinner, where you’ll meet fellow travelers, get an overview of the itinerary, and enjoy an introduction to Japanese cuisine.

For those with energy to explore, the night is yours to experience Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife—from the buzzing Shinjuku Golden Gai alley bars to an izakaya soul-food experience, or a live jazz club.

Meals Included: Dinner

Lobby Call: 9:15 am for 9:30 Departure

The day begins with Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, where you can explore the historic Nakamise shopping street, filled with street food, souvenirs, and artisan goods. Next, a traditional sumo wrestling demonstration, where you’ll learn about Japan’s most revered sport, see wrestlers in action, and enjoy a chanko-nabe sumo lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll ascend Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest tower, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and possibly Mt. Fuji on a clear day. The evening is free for rest or further exploration, with a recommended visit to Shinjuku Golden Gai.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Lobby Call: 8:45 am for 9:00 Departure

Begin the day at Shijuku Park, making your way to the Imperial Palace garden and lunch at Tsugihagi.  After lunch, visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, a peaceful Shinto sanctuary surrounded by a lush forest. Then, explore two vastly different districts—Harajuku, a hotspot for cosplay and trendy street fashion, and Omotesando, an upscale avenue filled with luxury boutiques and cutting-edge architecture.

As the sun sets, experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing, followed by dinner in the heart of Shibuya, known for its energetic nightlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lobby Call: 8:15 am for 8:30 Departure

After breakfast, you’ll board a private coach to Hakone, a region famous for hot springs, stunning landscapes, and views of Mt. Fuji. Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to Hakone Shrine, an ancient torii gate standing in the waters of Lake Ashi.

Next, you’ll take the Komagatake Ropeway up Mt. Komagatake, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Tokyo, and the Pacific Ocean on clear days.

In the late afternoon, you’ll check into a traditional Japanese inn where you’ll change into a yukata robe, enjoy a kaiseki dinner, and unwind in the onsen (hot spring baths).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lobby Call: 9:15 am for 9:30 Departure

The day begins with a guided nature hike through Hakone’s ancient forests, filled with towering cedars, volcanic landscapes, and seasonal cherry blossoms. You’ll enjoy lunch on the trail while exploring the diverse flora and fauna of this historic region.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to relax back at the ryokan, visit museums such as the Kubota Kimono Museum, or explore Hakone’s open-air art installations.

Dinner will once again be a kaiseki feast at the ryokan, allowing for a peaceful evening of traditional Japanese hospitality.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lobby Call: 8 am breakfast, check-out for 8:40 departure

In the morning, you’ll board the world-famous Shinkansen Bullet Train, a high-speed ride from Hakone to Kyoto, traveling at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph). Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Nijo Castle, a stunning samurai-era palace known for its intricate sliding doors and nightingale floors.

Next, visit Kiyomizudera Temple, a breathtaking wooden structure built without nails, offering panoramic views of Kyoto.

The evening features an exclusive geisha performance dinner, where you’ll experience traditional Kyoto hospitality, dance, and music.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lobby Call: 8:15 am for 8:30 Departure

Today is a deep dive into Kyoto’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Begin the day at Sanjusangendo Hall, home to 1,001 golden statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Then, experience a Zen meditation session at Shorinji Temple, led by monks who will introduce you to the art of controlled breathing and mindfulness.

After lunch, you’ll take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a ritualistic and meditative experience that embodies Japanese hospitality. The afternoon concludes at Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO-listed temple with the famous Phoenix Hall, featured on Japan’s 10-yen coin.

The evening is free for personal exploration—whether it’s strolling through Kyoto’s historic streets, enjoying a kaiseki dinner, or visiting a hidden sake bar.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

(Optional Nara Dash)
04:50 meet in the lobby for taxi to Kyoto station
05:33 train to Nara > Taxi to Deer Park
08:05 train to Kyoto > Taxi to hotel arriving by 9:30 am

Lobby Call: 9:50 am for 10:00 Departure

Start the day with a Ryoanji Temple visit, home to the world-famous Zen rock garden, a minimalist masterpiece that invites contemplation.  Next, Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully over its serene pond.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time in Arashiyama, Kyoto’s bamboo forest district, where you can walk among towering bamboo groves, visit Tenryuji Temple, or explore local tea houses and artisan shops. Plenty of lunch options around.

Bus plans to return to the Hotel Mitsui by 5 pm, but there are several options to branch off from the bamboo forest via train or taxi.

4:00 pm Geisha Makeover (Geishas will leave the bamboo forest by taxi)

The evening is open for personal exploration, whether it’s visiting a sake brewery or dining along the Kamo River.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lobby Call: 8:15 am for 8:30 Departure

Today, you’ll leave Kyoto and travel to Awajishima, an island steeped in Japanese mythology, known as the birthplace of Japan’s creation story. Upon arrival, you’ll participate in a Zen wellness retreat at Zenbo Seinei, a serene hilltop retreat where you’ll take part in meditation, Japanese calligraphy, and mindfulness exercises.

In the afternoon, walk above the Naruto Whirlpools, a breathtaking natural phenomenon where powerful ocean currents create swirling whirlpools in the Naruto Strait.

You’ll then check into AoAwo Naruto Hotel, a comfortable ryokan-style accommodation with stunning views of the sea. The evening is spent unwinding with a kaiseki-style dinner, followed by relaxing in the hotel’s onsen.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lobby Call: 8:45 am for 9:00 Departure

Today, you’ll embark on a journey along the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, one of Japan’s most sacred Buddhist routes, dating back over 1,200 years. Traveling by Brompton folding bikes, you’ll follow a scenic pilgrimage route through the first few temples of the 88-temple circuit, stopping at each to witness rituals, prayers, and sacred calligraphy stamp collections.

After a full day of cultural immersion, you’ll return to Aoawo Naruto Hotel, where you can relax with another traditional dinner and onsen bath.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lobby Call: 9:45 am for 10:00 Departure

Today, you’ll travel back to Tokyo, flying from Tokushima to Haneda Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll check into The Capitol Hotel Tokyu for your final night in Japan.

The trip concludes with a farewell dinner, a final evening celebrating the friendships, experiences, and unforgettable memories created throughout the journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Haneda or Narita Airport for your departure flight. Sayonara, Japan—until next time.

Meals Included: Breakfast