Private Travel
Japan
Private
Private Tour
Tokyo to Osaka – 14 Days
This 14-day journey through Japan takes you from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the quiet temples of Kyoto, the scenic hot springs of Kaga Onsen, the deer parks of Nara, the art-filled islands of Naoshima and Teshima, and the culinary heart of Osaka. Along the way, experience Japan’s layered traditions—Shinto shrines, Zen gardens, tea houses—alongside its modern creativity, from interactive art museums to futuristic cityscapes.
The itinerary blends cultural discovery with relaxation and food, offering stays in luxury hotels and traditional ryokans. Highlights include sushi tastings at Tsukiji, bamboo forests in Arashiyama, and private art viewings at Benesse House. Travel is seamless via bullet trains and ferries, allowing you to explore Japan’s regions with comfort and ease. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this immersive tour offers a balanced, in-depth look at the classic and contemporary faces of Japan.
TOKYO’S CULTURE AND CUISINE: Discover Tokyo through its ancient temples, lively markets, and innovative food scene. Enjoy sushi at Tsukiji, visit digital art museums, and experience local rituals. From neon-lit streets to peaceful shrines, Tokyo offers a rich introduction to Japan’s blend of tradition and modern life.
KYOTO’S TEMPLES AND GEISHA DISTRICTS: Wander Kyoto’s historic streets, visiting iconic sites like Kiyomizudera, Nijo Castle, and the Golden Pavilion. Explore Nishiki Market and the atmospheric Gion district, where geisha traditions still thrive. Kyoto offers timeless charm, traditional craftsmanship, and a deep connection to Japan’s cultural heritage.
NAOSHIMA AND TESHIMA ART ISLANDS: Sail to Naoshima and Teshima, Japan’s famous art islands, where nature and creativity come together. Explore museums like Chichu and Teshima Art Museum, enjoy architecture by Tadao Ando, and stay at Benesse House for exclusive access to remarkable installations in peaceful surroundings.
OSAKA’S STREET FOOD AND LOCAL LIFE: End in Osaka, Japan’s food capital. Visit Kuromon Market, taste street food in Dotonbori, and try your hand at making ramen. Explore Osaka Castle, attend a local baseball game, and enjoy the city’s friendly energy and bold flavours before your journey concludes.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Private Travel
Light Moderate
Premium
Discover Japan’s timeless culture, artistic landscapes, and culinary delights on a 14-day journey through Tokyo, Kaga Onsen, Kyoto, Nara, Naoshima, and Osaka. From temples and tea houses to art islands and street food, this luxury holiday blends tradition, modern design, and immersive local experiences across Japan’s most iconic regions.
Arrive at Narita International Airport and transfer to your luxury hotel in Tokyo. This vibrant capital blends modern design and ancient tradition. As you drive into the city, you’ll notice peaceful shrines tucked between sleek skyscrapers. Take time to relax at your hotel and recover from the journey. If you feel ready, step out for a gentle walk in the nearby neighbourhood or enjoy a quiet dinner. Tokyo’s energy is exciting yet balanced, and tomorrow your discovery begins. Tonight is for rest and soaking in the first impressions of Japan.
Start your day with a visit to Toyosu, Tokyo’s modern fish market, where huge tuna auctions and seafood trade take place daily. Continue to Tsukiji’s outer market, full of small shops selling kitchen tools and fresh seafood. Enjoy a delicious sushi breakfast and, if interested, try a sushi-making class with a local chef. Later, explore the Edo Tokyo Museum for insight into the city’s history. Walk through the Imperial East Gardens before ending your day at the Mori Art Museum. From its sky deck, enjoy panoramic views of the city—peaceful and inspiring above Tokyo’s busy streets.
Begin at Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, where incense floats through the air and colourful shops line the Nakamise street. Next, dive into the high-energy world of Akihabara, known for electronics, anime, and themed cafes. Take a break from the buzz at teamLab Planets or Borderless, digital museums filled with immersive art and light. In the evening, join a traditional fire ritual at a local temple—a quiet, spiritual experience said to bring inner peace. Today offers a mix of deep tradition, pop culture, and new media art, showing Tokyo’s many faces.
Explore Tokyo’s green and stylish side. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine in Yoyogi Park, a peaceful escape in the middle of the city. Walk to Harajuku, the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture, and nearby Omotesando, home to designer shops and modern buildings. Try one of Tokyo’s quirky animal cafes before heading to Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama. These trendy neighbourhoods are great for browsing vintage stores, bookshops, and cosy cafés. The slower pace offers a different look at Tokyo’s lifestyle, giving you space to relax and enjoy its creative atmosphere.
Board a bullet train to Kanazawa, a city blending old-world charm and modern creativity. Begin at Omicho Market, filled with local seafood and snacks. Then visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art for a look at Japan’s innovative art scene. Wander through Kenrokuen Garden, one of the country’s most beautiful. Stroll the city’s samurai and geisha districts before heading to the peaceful hot spring town of Kaga Onsen. Check into your ryokan, where you’ll enjoy a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner. Tonight offers comfort, flavour, and a taste of Japan’s warm hospitality.
Start your day with a quiet walk through Kaga Onsen’s main street, lined with small craft shops and art galleries. You’ll visit local workshops to see how artisans make beautiful lacquerware and pottery. Take your time browsing, learning, and perhaps shopping for something special. Return to your ryokan in the afternoon and enjoy the hot spring baths surrounded by peaceful gardens. This is a day for slowing down and reconnecting with nature, art, and self-care. Let the stillness and scenery bring calm before you head to Kyoto tomorrow.
Travel to Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan. Begin with Nijo Castle, once home to powerful shoguns. Then visit Nishiki Market to try Kyoto’s specialities, from pickles to sweets. Walk through the narrow lanes of the Higashiyama district filled with old-style houses and shops. Reach Kiyomizudera Temple and enjoy views over Kyoto from its wooden terrace. Taste the water at the Otowa Falls, believed to bring blessings. As night falls, explore Gion, the famous geisha area, where you might see a geisha or maiko on their way to an evening engagement.
This morning, visit Ryoanji Temple and its Zen rock garden, known for its peaceful simplicity. Then go to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, shining beside a calm pond. Continue to Arashiyama for Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO site set among mountains. Walk across Togetsukyo Bridge and through the nearby bamboo forest, a magical place of tall, swaying stalks. Visit the monkey park for great views over the city. If time allows, take a river boat or ride the scenic train along the Sagano Gorge. The day is filled with natural beauty and timeless places.
Take a day trip to Nara, Japan’s first capital. Visit Todaiji Temple, home to a giant bronze Buddha, and Kasuga Grand Shrine, surrounded by stone lanterns. Explore the peaceful Isuien Garden and meet Nara’s friendly deer, which roam freely in the park. If you're up early, you might witness deer being called with a French horn—a rare sight. Walk through Naramachi, an area with old merchant homes and small shops. On the way back to Kyoto, stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine to walk through thousands of red torii gates stretching into the hills.
Travel by train and ferry to Naoshima Island, known for its unique mix of art and nature. This peaceful island in the Seto Inland Sea is home to world-class museums and outdoor installations. Visit the Chichu Art Museum, Ando Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and the Art House Project—each with a different take on modern art. Many of the buildings are designed by architect Tadao Ando. Spend the night at Benesse House, where you can explore the museum after hours. It’s a calm, inspiring place that makes you feel part of the art itself.
Take a ferry to nearby Teshima and Inujima islands, each offering a quiet and creative escape. On Teshima, visit the stunning Teshima Art Museum and Boltanski’s “Les Archives du Coeur,” which stores recorded heartbeats. Inujima is small enough to explore on foot and is home to the Seaside Inujima Gallery and Seirensho Art Museum, built on the site of an old copper refinery. These islands show how art can revive and respect nature and history. The slower pace allows you to truly connect with the landscape and the thoughtful, inspiring works.
Arrive in Osaka, Japan’s food-loving city with a bold personality. After checking in to your hotel, head to the Umeda Sky Building for sweeping city views. As evening falls, explore Dotonbori, known for neon lights, lively crowds, and mouthwatering street food. Sample local favourites like takoyaki (octopus balls), kushikatsu (fried skewers), and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes). For the adventurous, you can even try pufferfish or horse meat. Osaka’s fun, relaxed vibe offers a perfect contrast to the quiet temples and gardens of Kyoto, adding a final splash of flavour to your journey.
Begin with a visit to Kuromon Ichiba Market, where you can try fresh seafood, juicy fruits, and premium wagyu beef. Then head to the Momofuku Ramen Museum, where you’ll learn about Japan’s love for instant noodles and design your own cup noodles. Later, explore Osaka’s historic side at Osaka Castle and Tenmangu Shrine. If you're interested in modern history, visit the International Peace Centre. Depending on the season, you might be able to join the energetic crowd at a baseball game, cheering along with passionate fans and soaking up the lively local spirit.
Your journey across Japan ends today. Take time in the morning to enjoy one last walk, pick up gifts, or relax at your hotel. A private car will take you to the airport for your flight home. As you leave, reflect on the experiences—Tokyo’s bright lights, Kyoto’s quiet beauty, Naoshima’s creativity, and Osaka’s flavours. Each day has brought a new discovery, showing different sides of Japan’s culture, food, nature, and people. You’ll return home with warm memories and stories that stay with you long after the trip ends.
This tour was meticulously designed to immerse participants in the profound contrasts and harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that define Japan.
Inspired by the desire to offer a comprehensive and intimate exploration of Japanese culture, history, and natural beauty, the expedition showcases the country's iconic cities, serene landscapes, and unique cultural practices.
It caters perfectly to those interested in a wide range of activities, including culinary adventures, historical explorations, cultural immersion, and nature appreciation. The inclusion of both well-known destinations and hidden gems ensures a holistic and enriching experience, making it ideal for travellers keen on embracing the full spectrum of Japanese life, from its ancient rituals to its cutting-edge art scenes.
Our expedition's flexible approach allows us to adapt to new opportunities and conditions. We offer a range of activities from easy to moderate, tailored to your preference. Participants should be fit for activities such as walks, treks, and visits to cultural sites, with options for more strenuous hikes. Our trips are suitable for families.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Our tours feature the finest accommodations in each destination, from charming boutique hotels to cosy lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with authentic cuisine. We carefully choose each location for its alignment with our itinerary and the activities planned, prioritising comfort and local experience.
TRANSPORTATION: All transportation for your tour is meticulously planned according to the itinerary. For personal explorations beyond the scheduled activities, your Expedition Leader is ready to suggest the best transportation choices, ensuring your travel within the tour is seamless and tailored to your interests.
Prices are per person, based on double or single occupancy (unless otherwise noted) and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in US dollars and subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information.
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The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
