Day 1: Tokyo, Japan
Upon arrival to Tokyo’s airport, our representative will be waiting to assist with transport to Tokyo Hotel via private vehicle.
After the check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Distance and journey time (approximation):
Narita International Airport (NRT) to Central Tokyo: 1.5 h
Haneda International Airport (HND) to Central Tokyo: 50 min
Optional Service: For those arriving a bit earlier, we give the option of having a spa service for two in one of the top spa and massage facilities in Tokyo.
Overnight in Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo, Japan
Enjoy a day touring Tokyo city alongside an expert local guide and private transport.
One of the main visits of the day will be to Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s shitamachi (old town) and home to Sensoji Temple. There will also be a stop made at Meiji Jinju, Tokyo’s most famous Shrine, including a chance to experience a traditional Shinto purification dance and receive a blessing from a Shinto Priest. Drive past famous Tokyo landmarks including the Ginza, Imperial Palace, and the Shibuya ‘scramble’ crossing.
The itinerary of the day is entirely flexible. Any other sites within the city can also be added into the day’s experience.
Time:
Duration (guided tour): 8 h
*including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times
Overnight in Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo, Japan
A private car and local guide will be available throughout the first half of the day. Make an early start to the day exploring the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, followed by a visit to the electronics district of Akihabara. Alternatively, discover Tokyo’s world-class museums and art galleries.
Optional Evening Tour (1) : Shimbashi Nightlife Tour
Head down to one of the atmospheric local eateries and small Japanese-style pubs, for some drinks and appetisers. Start-off by raising a toast in the charming company of epicurean guides in a kushiage bar. Kushiage is a popular accompaniment to drinks, and consist of deep-fried skewered vegetables, seafood, and meat.
Optional Evening Tour (2): Japan Whisky Adventure
Join a whisky expert and experience a range of whiskies from hidden gems produced by microdistilleries to more recognised brands. Starting in a high-rise bar in downtown Tokyo, and then moving on to the next distinguished establishment, experiencing microdistillery whisky tasting, and followed by a final tipple in a classy basement bar – aficionados and novices alike are sure to enjoy a wonderful evening and a true journey of discovery of the senses.
Overnight in Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo - Kamakura - Hakone, Japan
Leave the hustle and bustle of Tokyo behind and enjoy the private journey to Kamakura for a morning of guided sightseeing. One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a delightful seaside town home to many ancient temples and the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha.
Continue on to Fuji Hakone National Park for an unforgettable night at a luxury ryokan (traditional inn).
Dinner tonight will be kaiseki, or a multi-course Japanese meal, served within the dining area of the private living quarters.
Distances and journey time (approximation, by private car):
Tokyo to Kamakura: 80 min
Kamakura to Hakone: 70 min
Time:
Duration (guided tour): 8 h
*including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times
Overnight in Hakone
Day 5: Hakone, Japan
Enjoy a day of touring around the national park with a guide and private car.
The adventure will begin with a ride on the Guinness World Record-holder ropeway, heading to the peak of Mt. Owakudani, the source of the hot water in Hakone’s hot springs. Make a brief stop and enjoy the opportunity of tasting one of Hakone’s specialties, the kuro-tamago, an egg hard boiled in the sulphuric hot springs.
Head back to the cable car and continue the ride all the way to Togendai. Here, a majestic replica pirate ship will sweep across Ashinoko, a lake that was formed by a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago.
After the cruise, the next stop will be the Hakone Open Air Museum, which creates a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its spacious grounds. Besides the sculptures, the Hakone Open Air Museum also features various indoor galleries, including a sizable Picasso Collection.
Throughout the day, there will be a number of chances to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. Please keep in mind, however, that the mountain is quite shy and necessitates a clear day to see its splendour in full.
Time:
Duration (guided tour): 8 h (including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times)
Overnight in Hakone
Day 6: Hakone - Kyoto, Japan
Before taking the two-hour journey to Kyoto via Shinkansen (bullet train), enjoy one final soak in the onsen. The ride to Japan’s cultural capital will be in the spacious “Green Car” (first class) carriage. The driver of a private taxi will provide transport from the ryokan.
Kyoto is home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Upon arriving in Kyoto, a private chauffeur will provide transport to the hotel for check in.
Late in the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Gion District. A captivating walking tour begins in front of Minami-za Theater and continues past local shops and restaurants, before reaching Yasaka Shrine. A quick detour leads through the streets of Hanami-koji, the most popular street in Gion where lavish teahouses are lined up. Here, a theater lies tucked away where the Geisha and Maiko perform “Miyako Odori,” a famous traditional dance.
From Yasaka Shrine, the northern part of Gion is easily explored, crossing the Tatsumibashi Bridge and passing Tatsumi Daimyojin (a small street shrine), Gion Komori (a once dignified teahouse) and the Shirakawa Canal. (Note: depending on the location of the restaurant, the walking tour may need to backtrack to one of the places mentioned above).
After the walking tour, dinner will be enjoyed in a local restaurant serving kaiseki ryori (traditional multi-course dinner) in the company of a Maiko. During the dinner, there is ample opportunity to interact with the hostess and ask questions about her craft and the world of Geisha. During dinner, the Maiko will perform traditional dances and even invite guests to play Japanese drinking games.
After this unforgettable experience, it is time to return to the hotel and wind down from the day’s events.
Distances and journey time (approximation):
Odawara Station to Kyoto Station: 2 h
Time:
Duration: 4 h (including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times)
Overnight in Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto, Japan
Enjoy a half day of sightseeing today alongside an expert local guide with private transport.
Depart the hotel by private vehicle and meet the host at the entrance gate of Daitokuji, a sprawling Zen complex hiding dozens of small temples behind weathered walls. Explore one of these temples, taking in the dynamic Zen rock garden and learning the meaning behind the enigmatic landscape. The rich history of the temple complex is discussed, as well as the role that tea plays in the daily activities of the Zen monks.
Enter the host’s traditional wooden home on the edge of the temple complex and begin the tea ceremony. Through enlightening explanations, the ritual of tea unfolds in a friendly and relaxed manner. Watch as matcha tea is prepared, and then learn to savour both the moment and the flavour in each cup. The host seeks to find ways for his guests to connect with the concepts of tea in their own personal way. From an examination of the charcoal heating the water to the story behind the craftwork in each teacup, a focus on details makes this a unique experience.
After the ceremony, visitors are free to ask questions about the ritual and the host’s unique style of traditional living. Move then to Nijo Castle. This ornamental castle, surrounded by stunning gardens, was built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence. The main building was completed in 1603 and is well-known for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors, and ‘chirping’ nightingale floors.
Continue on to Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. After his death, it became a Buddhist Temple at his request and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
Part ways and return to the hotel via private vehicle.
Time:
Duration (guided tour): 8 h (including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times)
Overnight in Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto, Japan
This morning, travel by taxi to Otagi Nenbutsuji, a remote Buddhist temple that holds one of the city’s most impressive sights: 1200 moss-covered stone statues arranged throughout the temple grounds. This unique mix of religion and art tells a fascinating story at this hidden temple.
From here, walk through the backroads – almost all downhill – of the Arashiyama district. Along the way, visit a number of memorable sites. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Adashi no Nenbutsuji Temple; learn the story of an impossible romance that inspired Gio-ji Temple’s quaint moss garden; marvel at the rustic simplicity of Rakushisha, a preserved 17th century thatched roof house once home to a great haiku poet. Along the way, browse shops selling local folkcrafts and charming traditional goods.
Before the final approach to central Arashiyama, stop for a matcha tea break in the garden at Okochi Sanso Villa, and then walk through the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest. Too crowded for a selfie? Worry not, as the guide will have already pointed out a secret bamboo grove earlier during the tour.
Finish on the main street of central Arashiyama, where the guide can point towards a number of other enjoyable spots in the area. From here, it’s easy to return back into the city by train or taxi.
Time:
Duration (guided tour): 4 h (including pick-up, drop-off, and transit times)
Overnight in Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto - Ishigaki Island, Japan
This morning, private transport will be provided to Kansai Airport for the flight to Okinawa, an island chain located halfway between Japan and Taiwan.
During its long history, Okinawa has been both an independent country, as well as a protectorate under Chinese and U.S. rule, giving it a colourful culture found nowhere else in Japan.
The destination today is Ishigaki (approx. 2h20m), part of the Yaeyama Islands, famous for its clear waters, undiscovered beaches, forested interior and charming local character.
On arrival in Ishigaki, transfer directly to the Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort. The room features stunning views of the ocean; the afternoon is free to relax by the pool or beach.
Distances and journey time (approximation):
Kyoto to Kansai International Airport (KIX): 2 h
Kansai Airport (KIX) to Ishigaki Airport (ISG): 2h 40 min (by plane)
Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki City: 15 min
Overnight in Ishigaki
Day 10: Ishigaki, Japan
Enjoy the following 3 full days to relax on Ishigaki’s sandy beaches, discovering why the Okinawans live longer than anyone else in the world.
For the adventurous, Ishigaki offers some of Japan’s best snorkelling. It is also possible to hire a car to explore the island, or take a boat trip to one of the smaller Yaeyama Islands.
Taketomi Island, only 10 minutes by boat, has a population of just 300 and boasts a perfectly preserved Ryūkyū village. Slightly further away, Iriomote island is one of Japan’s last true wildernesses, with great hiking in the national park.
Distances and journey time (approximation):
Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island: 10 min (via high speed ferry)
Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island: 60 min (via high speed ferry)
Overnight in Ishigaki
Day 11: Ishigaki, Japan
Enjoy the following 3 full days to relax on Ishigaki’s sandy beaches, discovering why the Okinawans live longer than anyone else in the world.
For the adventurous, Ishigaki offers some of Japan’s best snorkelling. It is also possible to hire a car to explore the island, or take a boat trip to one of the smaller Yaeyama Islands.
Taketomi Island, only 10 minutes by boat, has a population of just 300 and boasts a perfectly preserved Ryūkyū village. Slightly further away, Iriomote island is one of Japan’s last true wildernesses, with great hiking in the national park.
Distances and journey time (approximation):
Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island: 10 min (via high speed ferry)
Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island: 60 min (via high speed ferry)
Overnight in Ishigaki
Day 12: Ishigaki, Japan
Enjoy the following 3 full days to relax on Ishigaki’s sandy beaches, discovering why the Okinawans live longer than anyone else in the world.
For the adventurous, Ishigaki offers some of Japan’s best snorkelling. It is also possible to hire a car to explore the island, or take a boat trip to one of the smaller Yaeyama Islands.
Taketomi Island, only 10 minutes by boat, has a population of just 300 and boasts a perfectly preserved Ryūkyū village. Slightly further away, Iriomote island is one of Japan’s last true wildernesses, with great hiking in the national park.
Distances and journey time (approximation):
Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island: 10 min (via high speed ferry)
Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island: 60 min (via high speed ferry)
Overnight in Ishigaki
Day 13: Ishigaki - Tokyo, Japan
This morning, transfer to Ishigaki airport for the flight to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. The rest of the day is free for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping in Tokyo.
Overnight in Tokyo
Day 14: Tokyo, Japan
Spend the rest of the day at leisure until the included private transfer to Tokyo Airport.
Distance and journey time (approximation):
Central Tokyo to Narita International Airport (NRT): 1.5 h
Central Tokyo to Haneda International Airport (HND): 50 min
