Traditional Culture, Modern Art & Food in Japan’s Iconic Cities

Tokyo

Arrive at Narita International Airport, where an airport transfer is arranged to take you directly to your luxury hotel in Tokyo. This vibrant capital city blends modern design and ancient tradition. Upon arrival, the hotel reception offers convenient check-in and assistance to ensure a smooth start to your stay. 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.

Tokyo

Visit Tokyo by starting 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tokyo

Tokyo

Start your day in Asakusa, a traditional district known for its historic atmosphere, at Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest ji temple. Here, incense floats through the air and colourful shops line the Nakamise street, highlighting the temple's cultural and spiritual significance. 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tokyo

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KAGA ONSEN

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 through the city's former merchant district and geisha district, both rich in history and culture, where you can visit historic tea houses that showcase Kanazawa's cultural heritage. Afterward, head to the peaceful hot spring town of Kaga Onsen. Check into your ryokan, a traditional Japanese accommodation—also known as a Japanese-style inn—offering an authentic lodging experience. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner. Tonight offers comfort, flavour, and a taste of Japan’s warm hospitality.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KAGA ONSEN

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan, and explore Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Begin with Nijo Castle, the former residence of the shogun and one of the city's key historical landmarks. Then visit Nishiki Market to try Kyoto’s specialties, from pickles to sweets. Walk through the narrow lanes of the Higashiyama traditional district, filled with preserved architecture, old-style houses, and shops. Reach Kiyomizudera, one of Kyoto’s most sacred temples and historical landmarks, and enjoy views over Kyoto from its wooden terrace. Taste the water at the Otowa Falls, believed to bring blessings. While in Kyoto, take the opportunity to participate in a traditional tea ceremony for an authentic cultural experience. As night falls, explore Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, where you might see a geisha or maiko on their way to an evening engagement.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kyoto

Kyoto

This morning, visit Ryoanji, one of Kyoto's sacred temples, and its Zen rock garden, known for its peaceful simplicity. Then go to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, another sacred temple shining beside a calm pond. Continue to Arashiyama for Tenryuji, a UNESCO site and sacred temple set among mountains. In spring, the Arashiyama area is especially beautiful with cherry trees in full bloom. 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. For those interested in exploring more of Kyoto's cultural highlights, consider visiting Nanzen-ji temple, renowned for its Zen gardens and historical significance. The day is filled with natural beauty and timeless places.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Nara

Take a day trip to Nara, Japan’s first capital. Visit Todaiji, a renowned ji temple and one of the sacred temples of Japan, home to a giant bronze Buddha. Explore Kasuga Grand Shrine, another sacred temple, surrounded by stone lanterns. Stroll through the peaceful Isuien Garden and encounter Nara’s tame deer, which roam freely in the park and add to the area’s charm. 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Naoshima & Seto Inland Sea Islands

Travel by public transport, combining trains and ferries, to Naoshima Island, known for its unique mix of art and nature. Train tickets are arranged in advance for a seamless transfer, ensuring a hassle-free journey to the island. 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Naoshima & Seto Inland Sea Islands

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Osaka

Arrive in Osaka, Japan’s food-loving city with a bold personality. After checking in to your hotel, head to the Umeda Sky Building, a striking landmark in Osaka's vibrant city centre, for sweeping city views. As evening falls, explore Dotonbori, also located in the bustling city centre, 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 a deeper taste of the city, consider dining at a local restaurant to experience authentic Osaka cuisine. 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Osaka

Osaka

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, one of the city's historical landmarks, 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

OSAKA - DEPARTURE

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. Airport transfers are available, including shared shuttle bus options for Kansai International Airport. Your journey concludes with your international flight from Kansai International Airport. 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast