Japan In Style
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
A singularly unique setting for those special-occasion trips, Japan is blessed with a cultural pedigree and natural bounty that is second to none. Enjoying a mix of private guided tours, indulgent meals and unforgettable cultural encounters, this extraordinary journey takes you from the bustling charms of Tokyo to the romantic island beaches of Okinawa.
Beginning in the Japanese capital, you will have a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of one of the world's most dynamic ...
A singularly unique setting for those special-occasion trips, Japan is blessed with a cultural pedigree and natural bounty that is second to none. Enjoying a mix of private guided tours, indulgent meals and unforgettable cultural encounters, this extraordinary journey takes you from the bustling charms of Tokyo to the romantic island beaches of Okinawa.
Beginning in the Japanese capital, you will have a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of one of the world's most dynamic cities before heading off into the serene landscapes of Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps. Staying in traditional ryokans, your journey through the highlands takes in the UNESCO gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawago before moving on to Kyoto and the splendours of Japan's golden age.
Flying on to the islands of Okinawa, you then head out to the remote island landscapes of Ishigaki, where you will end your journey amongst the clear waters, golden sands and the romantic setting that this idyllic corner of the northern Pacific can provide.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
Arriving in the Japanese capital, you will be met on arrival with your welcome pack and assisted with the transfer to your hotel.
DAY 2: TOKYO
DAY 2: TOKYO
A chance to spend this morning exploring Tokyo by way of its efficient metro system, you could start with an early morning visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the late emperor. Beyond its tree-lined confines lies Harajuku and the shops and cafes of Takeshita Street. Nearby you can also find Omotesando, Tokyo's very own Champs-Elysées. Moving on to Ginza and the gardens around the Imperial Palace then provides a chance to enjoy Tokyo's rich cultural contrasts before ending in Asakusa, the city's oldest Geisha district.
DAY 3: TOKYO - HAKONE
DAY 3: TOKYO - HAKONE
Travelling by train this morning you'll head next for the town of Hakone, your gateway to Mount Fuji and its surrounding national park famed for its natural hot springs and picturesque beauty. This evening, enjoy the hospitality of a traditional Japanese ryokan complete with tatami mats, rice-paper sliding doors and onsen baths. Relaxing from the journey in a yukata (lightweight kimono), you will savour a Japanese dinner of kaiseki ryori before taking a dip in the hot springs.
DAY 4: HAKONE - TAKAYAMA
DAY 4: HAKONE - TAKAYAMA
Journeying high up into the Hida alpine region of Gifu today, your journey continues towards the small town of Takayama. Beginning with the famous bullet train, you'll then transfer to a limited express service that promises one of the most scenic train journeys in Japan. After settling into your traditional Japanese ryokan inn, you'll have a chance later to explore the rambling old streets of Takayama's Shitamachi district, where century-old merchants' houses share the landscape with sake breweries and food stalls selling Hida beef sushi.
DAY 5: TAKAYAMA - KANAZAWA
DAY 5: TAKAYAMA - KANAZAWA
This morning you depart by bus for Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its intricately designed gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Developed over generations and built entirely without the use of nails, these remarkable houses are still lived in by local families and after a chance to visit some of them, you will continue on to Kanazawa. Once a thriving centre for culture and the arts, this castle town is home to the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, ranked as one of the top three gardens anywhere in the country.
DAY 6: KANAZAWA - KYOTO
DAY 6: KANAZAWA - KYOTO
A private half-day tour this morning begins with a visit to Kanazawa's romantic garden and adjacent castle, a designated National Cultural Asset. There may also be time to take lunch in one of the local eateries in the Omicho Market, renowned for their sushi and fresh seafood. This afternoon then sees you catching the onward train towards Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital and a rich repository of shrines, gardens and temples.
DAY 7: KYOTO
DAY 7: KYOTO
Making full use of Kyoto's efficient transport system, spend today exploring the former imperial capital visiting Nijo Castle, whose Momoyama architecture once housed the founder of the Edo Shogunate. To the north of the city meanwhile lies the sumptuous Kinkaku-ji Temple, one of the city's most revered, whilst the grounds of Ryoan-ji Temple houses Japan's most famous rock garden. A visit to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple then provides a chance to take in the views before ending with a stroll along the characterful streets of Higashiyama.
DAY 8: KYOTO - NARA - KYOTO
DAY 8: KYOTO - NARA - KYOTO
Today provides an opportunity to visit nearby Nara, which for 74 years during the 8th century was Japan's capital. Many of the temples and shrines built during that period still remain and the town's park attracts a number of tame deer to its wooded landscapes. Here you can also find the celebrated shrine of Kasuga Taisha and the Todai-ji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and the home of the largest Buddha in the country.
DAY 9: KYOTO - OSAKA - OKINAWA - ISHIGAKI ISLAND
DAY 9: KYOTO - OSAKA - OKINAWA - ISHIGAKI ISLAND
Taking the train on to Kansai Airport this morning you will then fly directly to the southwestern Okinawan island of Ishigaki. Okinawa is the island chain located midway between Japan and neighbouring Taiwan. With a colourful culture unique to Japan, the main island has been an independent state and a protectorate of both the Chinese and the United States. Ishigaki makes up part of the Yaeyama Islands archipelago. Here you will spend the rest of the day enjoying the clear waters and undisturbed beaches at your leisure.
DAY 10: ISHIGAKI ISLAND
DAY 10: ISHIGAKI ISLAND
With two full days to make the most of this idyllic spot, you may just discover why the Okinawans have a reputation for living longer than anyone else! For those looking for a bit more activity, the island can boast some of the finest snorkelling spots in Japan, whilst cars and boats are available to hire to explore farther afield.
DAY 11: ISHIGAKI ISLANDS
DAY 11: ISHIGAKI ISLANDS
Another day to indulge in the beauties of the area. The nearby island of Taketomi boasts a perfectly preserved Ryukyu village, whilst the national park on Irimote Island is home to one of Japan's last true wildernesses.
DAY 12: ISHIGAKI ISLAND - OKINAWA - TOKYO
DAY 12: ISHIGAKI ISLAND - OKINAWA - TOKYO
Transferring to Ishigaki airport this morning you will fly back to Tokyo, where the rest of the day is then free to enjoy some last-minute sightseeing and shopping.
DAY 13: TOKYO DEPARTURE
DAY 13: TOKYO DEPARTURE
Depending on your flight’s departure, you may have a morning at leisure before taking the train to Narita International Airport in time for your flight, where the tour of Japan ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Fusaki Resort, Ishigaki Island
Situated on Fusaki beach on the west coast of Ishigaki Island, the resort has two equally comfortable styles of accommodation. The Garden Terrace Hotel and Ryukyuan’s red-tiled cottage create a laid-back atmosphere featuring western-style beds and Okinawan-style interior design. Every room has a balcony, living room area and bathroom essentials. The resort features a number of restaurants so that guests can choose between Western cuisine and the delicious Japanese island cuisine which makes use of the Ishigaki’s local ingredients. During a stay here, guests can partake in water sports, enjoy the beautiful sunset views across Fusaki beach and stroll through the luscious gardens of tropical trees and flowers.
Kanazawa Tokyu, Kanazawa
Kanazawa Tokyu is well situated in the heart of the city for getting around and visiting the main sites as well as being just a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station. Furthermore, the samurai district and the city’s iconic garden and castle is within walking distance. For those with a more modest budget that desire a blend of comfort and luxury, Tokyu will provide the ideal accommodation with its pleasing design and decoration. Divided across standard and luxury floors, the hotel features over 200 well-equipped rooms ranging in style and size. Each contains standard mod-cons and hotel amenities. Along with a daily buffet breakfast, Tokyu boasts two brilliant restaurants: one is French and offers a casual setting and the other Japanese, serving Kaga cuisine. There is also a beauty salon within the hotel for all your pampering needs.
Park Hotel, Tokyo
Situated in the Ginza area of the city, the four-star Park Hotel offers up an elegant blend of modern comforts and Japanese style. Each generously appointed room offers outward facing views across the Shiodome and Shimbashi districts and comes with a range of amenities and comforts including en suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and TVs. Conveniently located close to the Hamarikyu Gardens it is ideally situated for exploring the modern and historic parts of the city whilst the area directly surrounding the hotel is home to some of the city’s finest restaurants and bars. The hotel itself also boasts a choice of fine dining options with a Michelin star French restaurant and a more traditional Japanese menu on offer. The hotel is renowned for supporting Japanese artists and the "Artist rooms" offer a unique opportunity to stay in a one-off room painted by local artists.
Palace Hotel, Tokyo
Located in the Marunouchi business district, the five-star Palace Hotel lies close to the Imperial Palace and is just a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station. Offering breathtaking views over the palace gardens, its central location makes it ideal for exploring the city’s bustling commercial district. Tasteful contemporary design is found throughout the hotel and its 278 rooms, of which, many come with expansive balconies and verandas that offer stunning views over the Wadakura-Bori moat. Other features include a large indoor swimming pool, an Evian spa, a gym and a choice of 10 restaurants serving up an array of Japanese and European dishes.
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu, Hakone
Relax into your time in Hakone at the Kowakien Tenyu. The ryokan is an exceptional blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and beautiful design, nestled in the lush green hills in the centre of the park. The ryokan has its own onsen, both public and private in-room, and a spa offering massages. Be sure to enjoy the delicious traditional Japanese dinner served each evening.
Honjin Hiranoya kachoan, Takayama
The hotel’s location is perfect for guests looking to explore Takyama as it is situated near the Jinya morning market area which is one of the biggest in Japan. Also nearby is the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village which is also a popular attraction. Guests are treated with especially warm hospitality and have the opportunity to stay in comfy, Japanese-style rooms. The guest rooms have a relaxing ambiance with standard amenities. The on-site restaurant is an added luxury as authentic Japanese meals are served for breakfast and dinner and can be eaten privately also. The ingredients have been carefully selected from local sources to ensure the finest of dining.
Royal Park Hotel, Kyoto
A modern and stylish hotel conveniently located in one of Kyoto's popular commercial districts. The rooms are well-equipped and spacious rooms but the real draw is the on-site restaurant, Monsieur Itoh, owned and run by an award-winning chef that serves western cuisine with a Kyoto flair.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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