Days 1 | Osaka and Kyoto
We will be greeted by our local team in Osaka and embark on a 1.5-hour journey to Kyoto. In Kyoto, we will explore the traditional Gion district, where the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha” was filmed. In the evening, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Accommodation in Kyoto

Day 3 | Kyoto
After breakfast, our exploration of Kyoto continues. We will visit the Sanjusangendo Temple with 1001 Buddha statues, followed by a tour of the Kiyomizu Temple, which offers a panoramic view of the ancient city of Kyoto. We will then experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and proceed to Fushimi Inari, an impressive complex of shrines and Torii gates creating a maze-like structure. Fushimi Inari is the most important Shinto shrine dedicated to the rice deity, Inari, and is adorned with scattered fox statues, believed to be messengers of Inari. We will return to our accommodation in Kyoto for the night.
Accommodation in Kyoto

Day 4 | Kyoto
We will depart early in the morning to visit the Zen garden at Ryoanji, exploring the Japanese dry landscape garden and its profound meanings. Afterward, we will visit the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji, and then explore Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street with over a hundred shops and restaurants specializing in Kyoto’s cuisine. Next, we will head to the green and beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit Nijo Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, initially built by the first shogun of the Edo period. We will spend the night in Kyoto.
Accommodation in Kyoto

Day 5 | From Kyoto to Okayama and Kurashiki
After breakfast, we will visit the impressive Miho Museum, built as part of and within its natural surroundings. We will then take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto to Okayama. Upon arrival in Okayama, we will proceed to the town of Kurashiki, where we will spend the night. Kurashiki, translated as “town of storehouses,” was a hub for wealthy merchant families trading mainly in rice. The town features a network of canals beneath the small, elegant historic houses.
Accommodation in Kurashiki

Day 6 | From Kurashiki to Naoshima
We will take a ferry to Naoshima, an island known for its contemporary art museums, architecture, and sculptures. Our first stop will be the Chichu Art Museum, a unique structure built entirely underground. We will then visit the Benesse House Museum and explore the Art House Project, a collection of abandoned houses turned into contemporary art galleries by local and international artists. After the tour of Naoshima, we will return by ferry to Kurashiki for the night.
Accommodation in Kurashiki.

Day 7 | From Kurashiki to Nagoya
After breakfast, we will explore the historic quarter of Kurashiki Bikan and enjoy its rich history and charming atmosphere. We will then visit one of Japan’s beautiful and unique gardens, Korakuen, before taking the Shinkansen to Nagoya, where we will spend the night.
Accommodation in Nagoya

Day 8 | From Nagoya to Kiso Valley and Matsumoto
After breakfast, we will embark on a 1.5-hour journey to our first destination of the day, the town of Magome. Magome was an important town on the Nakasendo, a historic route during the rule of the Shoguns in Japan, facilitating crucial information exchange between Tokyo and Kyoto. The town retains a special atmosphere with small villages scattered along the ancient path. We will then walk through small villages and enchanting forest landscapes towards the beautiful town of Tsumago. After the quiet tour of Tsumago, we will continue north to Matsumoto, where we will spend the night. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we will visit the park housing Matsumoto Castle, which can be admired from the outside.
Accommodation in Matsumoto

Day 9 | From Matsumoto to Tokyo
After breakfast, we’ll embark on an approximately 4-hour journey from Matsumoto towards Japan’s capital and largest city, Tokyo. Upon arrival in Tokyo, we’ll explore the trendy Harajuku district, known for its vibrant street art and unique fashion scene, featuring vintage clothing stores, luxury and traditional boutiques, small bars, and trendy cafes. From there, we’ll continue to Omotesando, Tokyo’s famous shopping street, and delve into the hidden treasures along Omotesando Street, marveling at the iconic structures along the way. We’ll proceed to the Nezu Museum, designed as a Japanese garden, adorned with cherry blossoms, and showcasing traditional Japanese art. In the evening, we’ll head to the Shibuya district, renowned for its lively streets and, of course, the famous Shibuya Crossing, immortalized in the movie “Lost in Translation.”
Accommodation in Ginza

Day 10 | Tokyo
We’ll start the day with a visit to the Midtown area of Tokyo, exploring the architectural masterpiece 21_21 Design Sight by Tadao Ando and Issey Miyake. Next, we’ll head to Ueno Park, enjoying the scenery created by Emperor Meiji with European influences. We’ll visit the Mori Art Museum. In the evening, we’ll wander through the bustling streets of Shinjuku, experiencing the famous Shinjuku Station Rush Hour, the busiest railway station in Japan, featured in the movie “Lost in Translation.”
Accommodation in Ginza

Day 11 | Tokyo
After breakfast, we’ll explore the Roppongi Art Triangle, visiting three major art museums within walking distance in the Roppongi district. These museums form the “Art Triangle of Roppongi” (ATORO). Following this, we’ll visit Kiyosumi Garden, considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan and a source of inspiration for renowned haiku poets. Afterward, we’ll proceed to Fudo-do-do Shrine, known for its intense Shinto and esoteric Buddhist rituals. We’ll continue the tour in the Ginza district, known for its beautiful and adorned architecture, visiting the Tokyo Forum, one of Japan’s architectural masterpieces.
Accommodation in Ginza

Day 12 | From Tokyo to Kawaguchiko and Hakone
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey to the area surrounding Mount Fuji, reaching the Kawaguchiko area for a visit to the Chureito Pagoda, offering a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. We’ll then visit the Kimono Museum showcasing the revitalized art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing. Continuing to Lake Saiko, we’ll admire the beauty en route to the preserved village of Iyashi no Sato, a former agricultural village that was destroyed by a natural disaster and transformed into a traditional artist village. Finally, we’ll travel through various viewpoints of Mount Fuji to the town of Hakone for our overnight stay.
Accommodation in Hakone

Day 13 | Hakone
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Mishima Sky Walk, a picturesque viewpoint where we can see the beautiful Mount Fuji from a giant suspension bridge, followed by a visit to the viewpoint designed by the photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto. We’ll then tour the Hakone Open Air Museum, the first modern sculpture park in Japan, featuring works by renowned artists. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a festive farewell dinner. Accommodation in Hakone

Days 14-15 | Hakone to Narita Airport and back home
After breakfast, we’ll complete our tour of the Fuji area as time permits. We’ll head to Narita Airport for our afternoon return flight back home

The Price Include:

• Accommodation in 5-4 stars hotels on a bed-and-breakfast basis
• 9 Dinners
• Tea ceremony in Kyoto
• 2 Bullet-train (Shinkansen) as detailed in the program
• All the sites and shows that are written in the program, including entrance fees
• Travel in an air-conditioned bus
• English/French-speaking local guides accompany the trip
• Mineral water on the bus 

The Price does not Include:

• International Flight
• Tips for service providers
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Drinks during meals
• China entry visa – $115 in cash to be paid at the border crossing
• Personal expenses (shopping, etc.)
• personal insurance
• Everything that is not under the section “The Price Include”