Glimpses of Japan
13 Days / 12 Nights
Culture - Cities - Scenery - Food - History
Private tailor-made / Luxury introduction to Japan
Bullet-train - Fuji-views - Geisha-encounter
The Essence
Key Highlights
- Guided time in Tokyo’s contrasting districts, from historic Asakusa to neon Shibuya and refined Ginza
- Scenic Hakone and Mount Fuji region, with multi-modal exploring and classic lake and mountain vistas
- Kyoto’s cultural depth with expert-led sightseeing and a private geisha / maiko tea house experience
- Hiroshima and Miyajima, combining powerful history, peace-focused storytelling, and iconic shrine views
- Osaka’s “Japan’s Kitchen” energy, with a dedicated evening street food tour and time to roam
- Seamless First Class Shinkansen connections and hand-picked hotels in prime, characterful locations
Itinerary
Day 1: Palace Hotel Tokyo
Day Itinerary
Welcome to Japan! On arrival at Haneda Airport, you will be warmly met by your private driver in the arrivals lobby, holding a sign with your name for easy identification. You will then be transferred by a comfortable private vehicle to your accommodation in Tokyo, ensuring a smooth and relaxing start to your journey.
The drive takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Sit back, unwind, and enjoy views of Tokyo’s striking skyline as you make your way into the city. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the property and settling in at your own pace.
Overnight: Palace Hotel Tokyo
Palace Hotel Tokyo is conveniently located on Marunouchi in Tokyo, Japan, adjacent to the Imperial Palace Gardens. Accommodation options feature 284 luxury rooms and suites with minibars, hairdryers, Nespresso machines, TVs, and safes. Guests can start the day with a delicious breakfast on-site. Facilities and services include restaurants, bars, meeting/event spaces, turndown services, and Wi-Fi. The spa features relaxation lounges, private treatment rooms, a spa suite, heated baths, a marble sauna, a dry sauna, and a cold plunge pool.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Palace Hotel Tokyo
Day Itinerary
Today, enjoy the services of a knowledgeable local guide for a private exploration of Tokyo. All our guides are fluent in English and bring deep insight into Japanese culture, history, and everyday life, helping you gain a meaningful understanding of the city along with a helpful orientation.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 9:00 a.m. (or at a time of your preference). Together, you’ll navigate the city using public transport—just like the locals—making use of your included IC card for a smooth and authentic experience. The guided tour concludes at 5:00 p.m., with your guide dropping you back at your hotel or any other location in the city where you’d like to continue your evening.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 3: Palace Hotel Tokyo
Day Itinerary
Today, experience Japan through its most iconic sights as you explore Tokyo. Begin in Asakusa, where the timeless Sensō-ji stands as one of Japan’s oldest and most revered temples, offering a glimpse into the country’s spiritual roots.
Continue to Ginza, showcasing Japan’s modern elegance through world-class shopping, cutting-edge architecture, and refined city life. Later, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Shibuya, home to the legendary Shibuya Crossing—an unmistakable symbol of contemporary Japan.
Throughout the day, discover additional landmarks and neighborhoods that highlight Japan’s unique contrast of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation, making for a truly engaging and memorable sightseeing experience.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 4:
Hakone Gora Byakudan, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Day Itinerary
This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel, where a private vehicle will be waiting to take you out of Tokyo and into the breathtaking landscapes of Hakone—one of the most scenic regions surrounding Mount Fuji. As the city gives way to rolling hills, forests, and lakes, enjoy a relaxed and comfortable journey designed to let you fully absorb the changing scenery.
From Hakone, continue toward Fuji-san itself, ascending to the iconic 5th Station, located at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. From here, weather permitting, take in sweeping views of Japan’s most celebrated natural landmark and explore the surrounding area, feeling the crisp mountain air and the spiritual presence that makes Mount Fuji so revered.
This private, unhurried experience allows you to discover the beauty of Mount Fuji and the Hakone region in complete comfort. After a day immersed in nature and iconic landscapes, you will be driven back and dropped off at your accommodation, carrying memories of one of Japan’s most unforgettable regions.
Overnight: Hakone Gora Byakudan
Hakone Gora Byakudan is situated in Kanagawa, Japan, near the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Gōra Park, the Hakone Museum of Art and the Okada Museum of Art. Rooms feature a television, a humidifying air purifier, a shower, a refrigerator, a kettle and an electronic incense burner. The hotel offers on-site dining for guests. Additional amenities include hot spring baths, parking and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 5:
Hakone Gora Byakudan, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, begin your day by activating your 2-Day Hakone Freepass, valid from today and offering unlimited access to six different modes of transport across the beautiful Hakone region. This thoughtfully designed network includes mountain buses, local railways, one of Japan’s longest cable cars, a funicular railway, scenic ropeways, and even a charming pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi—making exploration effortless and immersive.
Hakone is easy to fall in love with: forested mountains, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and a simple loop that connects it all. A wonderful place to begin is the ropeway to Owakudani, where dramatic steam vents rise from the hillside, revealing Hakone’s volcanic heart. Here, locals famously snack on black eggs, said to add seven years to your life.
From Owakudani, continue with the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise across Lake Ashi. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji reflected in the water. Disembark at Hakone-machi to explore the restored Edo-period checkpoint, then enjoy a peaceful walk along the cedar-lined avenue leading to Moto-Hakone, part of the atmospheric old Tōkaidō Road.
This is a self-guided day, allowing you to explore at your own pace using the Hakone Freepass, which also provides small discounts at many attractions—be sure to show it when purchasing tickets. Your Info Pack includes detailed maps, real-time closure updates, and suggestions for rainy days or family-friendly stops.
For those wishing to add a cultural layer to the day, Hakone is home to some exceptional museums. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a highlight, featuring expansive sculpture gardens and a dedicated Picasso Pavilion. Art lovers can also visit the Pola Museum of Art, showcasing masterpieces by Monet and Renoir, or the Narukawa Art Museum, perched above Lake Ashi and offering some of the finest Fuji views in the area.
Prefer to slow the pace? End the day as the locals do—with a relaxing onsen soak, letting the mineral-rich waters and mountain air bring your Hakone experience to a perfect close.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 6:
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, Kyoto
Day Itinerary
This morning, you will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred by private taxi to Odawara Station. While your driver may speak limited English, they will ensure a safe, smooth, and comfortable journey. Travel time is approximately 40–60 minutes, allowing you to relax and enjoy the passing scenery as you prepare for your onward journey.
From Odawara, board Japan’s world-famous bullet train in First Class, gliding swiftly along the eastern seaboard toward Kyoto—the country’s ancient capital and cultural heart. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, offering a refined and efficient travel experience as landscapes blur past at remarkable speed.
On arrival at Kyoto Station, you will be met directly on the train platform by a private driver. They will escort you to your waiting vehicle and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. Settle in and begin your time in Kyoto, a city of timeless temples, refined traditions, and quiet elegance.
Check in & enjoy the rest of your day at leisure at your property.
Overnight: HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, is located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. The hotel offers a selection of rooms and suites with air conditioning, USB outlets, coffee/tea makers, and minibars. Guests can visit the on-site restaurant and indulge in delicious meals. Other hotel facilities include a garden, a thermal spring, and a private onsen.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 7: Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, Kyoto
Day Itinerary
Today, explore Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital and cultural soul, in the company of a knowledgeable local professional guide. With an extraordinary concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kyoto can feel overwhelming—your expertly selected guide ensures a perfectly balanced journey, blending iconic landmarks with hidden corners known only to locals.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 9:00 AM (or at a time of your choosing). Together, you’ll navigate the city using local buses and taxis, allowing you to experience Kyoto as residents do. All transport, lunch, and entrance fees are included, so you can focus entirely on discovery and immersion. The guided experience concludes at 5:00 PM, with drop-off either at your hotel or anywhere in the city you wish to spend the evening.
Kyoto Gion Geisha Cultural Tour with Tea Ceremony
For many, the most enduring image of Japan is that of a graceful geisha in an elegant kimono gliding through lantern-lit streets—and nowhere is this tradition more alive than in Gion, Kyoto’s most renowned geisha district. Often misunderstood in the West, geisha—known locally as geiko—are highly trained artists, skilled in classical dance, music, poetry, conversation, and the refined etiquette of Japanese society. Alongside their maiko apprentices, they are the custodians of centuries-old traditions.
Although their numbers have declined since the 1920s, Kyoto remains the heart of geisha culture, with many still entertaining guests in exclusive ochaya (tea houses). Entry to these establishments is traditionally restricted, governed by long-standing social customs and personal introductions.
Thanks to our close relationship with the historic Gion Maruume teahouse, you will enjoy a rare 45-minute private visit offering an intimate glimpse into this hidden world. Over freshly prepared green tea and a traditional Japanese sweet, you’ll be entertained by a geisha or maiko performing a classical dance. You’ll have the opportunity to take photographs and ask questions, with your guide translating throughout, as the tea house staff and performers do not speak English.
Please note: Visits to such exclusive tea houses are subject to availability and cannot be arranged at short notice. Date or time changes are unlikely to be accommodated.
This carefully curated day offers a deeply immersive introduction to Kyoto—where living traditions, refined artistry, and timeless elegance come together in an unforgettable cultural experience.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 8: Hilton Hiroshima, Hiroshima
Day Itinerary
This morning, a private driver will meet you at your accommodation and transfer you comfortably to Kyoto Station for your onward journey.
From Kyoto, travel west to Hiroshima aboard Japan’s iconic Shinkansen bullet train. You’ll be travelling in First Class (Green Car) on the Nozomi Shinkansen, the fastest service on this route. During the 400 km journey, the train races along Japan’s eastern seaboard, passing major coastal cities including Kobe, world-famous for its premium beef.
The Nozomi completes the journey in just 1 hour 36 minutes, offering a refined travel experience with spacious seating, heated seats, carpeted footrests, at-seat entertainment, and even blankets. With frequent departures throughout the day, tickets can be arranged at a time that best suits your schedule.
On arrival at Hiroshima Station, you will be met by your private professional guide for a 6-hour guided tour of Hiroshima. Any luggage can be stored in station lockers or dropped at your hotel before sightseeing begins.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, explore Hiroshima’s deeply moving history and remarkable transformation. Learn about the city’s tragic past, its powerful message of peace, and how it has re-emerged as a vibrant cultural and culinary destination, as well as an important industrial hub—home to Mazda.
If you wish, you may also opt for a half-day excursion to Miyajima, renowned for its sacred shrine setting and serene natural beauty. Today’s sightseeing will be conducted using public transport; Hiroshima’s efficient tram network makes city travel easy, and regular ferries operate to Miyajima.
All local transport, lunch, and entrance fees are included. Your guided experience will conclude at 5:00 PM, with your guide dropping you either at your hotel or anywhere else in the city where you’d like to continue exploring at your leisure.
Overnight: Hilton Hiroshima
Located in the heart of Hiroshima City, the Hilton Hiroshima offers stylish accommodation near attractions such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and Hiroshima Castle. The hotel’s elegant rooms and suites feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, hairdryers and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes at several on-site dining options. Additional amenities and services include a bar, room service, an indoor swimming pool, a spa and a fitness centre.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 9: Hilton Hiroshima, Hiroshima
Day Itinerary
From Hiroshima, enjoy an easy and rewarding half-day excursion to the enchanting island of Miyajima, set within the tranquil Inland Sea National Park. The journey itself is part of the experience—your first unforgettable view comes as you approach the island by ferry, with the iconic “floating” torii gate rising from the sea.
This legendary landmark belongs to Itsukushima Shrine, ranked among Japan’s top three scenic sights and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tied to the rhythms of the tide, the shrine appears to float on water at high tide, creating one of Japan’s most photographed and spiritually significant scenes.
Further highlights include a ride on the scenic ropeway to the summit of Mount Misen, where sweeping panoramic views stretch across the Seto Inland Sea. Along the way, you may encounter Miyajima’s friendly native deer and playful monkeys, adding a touch of wildlife to the experience.
Back near the port, the island invites you to slow down and explore at leisure. Just a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal lies Omotesandō Shopping Street, the island’s liveliest area, lined with inviting cafés, local eateries, and souvenir shops. Many offer hands-on workshops and traditional crafts, making Miyajima not only visually stunning but also richly engaging—a perfect blend of nature, culture, and local charm.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 10: Patina Osaka, Osaka
Day Itinerary
This morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to Hiroshima Station for your onward journey. Board the Shinkansen bound for Shin-Osaka Station, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 hours. You’ll be travelling in First Class (Green Car) on the Nozomi Super Express, offering a spacious and refined ride with added comfort throughout the journey.
On arrival at Shin-Osaka Station, a private driver will be waiting to escort you to your hotel in central Osaka, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival.
Evening Street Food Tour – Osaka’s Culinary Soul
This evening, dive into Osaka’s legendary food scene with a private guided street food tour. Your local guide will meet you at your hotel and take you into the vibrant Namba district, the beating heart of the city’s nightlife and dining culture.
Begin in Dotonbori, Osaka’s most famous food street, where neon lights reflect off the canal and the air buzzes with energy. Here, casual eateries, buzzing bars, ramen counters, and hole-in-the-wall takoyaki stands line the streets, drawing locals and visitors alike. This is where Kansai locals come to celebrate—whether it’s a sports victory or simply the joy of eating well.
You’ll pause for photos at the iconic Glico Running Man, along with the district’s famous animated signboards, before strolling deeper into Dotonbori and learning about its colourful past and present.
For a touch of tradition and good fortune, your guide will lead you to Hōzen-ji Yokocho, where you’ll splash water on the moss-covered statue of Fudō Myōō—believed to bring luck in love and business.
Food is, of course, the star of the night. You’ll sample Osaka favourites such as kushikatsu (crispy skewers), freshly made takoyaki (octopus balls), and a variety of dishes at a traditional izakaya, paired with a couple of drinks.
By the end of the evening, you’ll fully understand Osaka’s famous philosophy of “kuidaore”—eat well, drink freely, and enjoy life to the fullest. Food, local transport, and drinks are all included, making this a delicious and memorable introduction to the city.
Overnight: Patina Osaka
Patina Osaka, located in the heart of Osaka, Japan, offers luxurious accommodations with modern and traditional elements. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, including Deluxe Rooms, Premier Rooms, and Urban Suites, all equipped with high-end amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Osaka Castle and Nishinomaru Park. The hotel offers on-site dining for guests. Guests can enjoy a range of services, including a spa and a 20th-floor sky lobby with panoramic views.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 11: Patina Osaka, Osaka
Day Itinerary
Today is yours to explore Osaka, the largest city in Japan’s Kansai region and proudly known as “Japan’s Kitchen.” Alongside several Michelin-starred restaurants, Osaka is celebrated for its incredible, affordable street food—especially takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and countless local specialties. Our advice? Try a little of everything—you may surprise yourself with new favourites.
Most visitors gravitate toward Dotonbori, famous for its neon lights, buzzing atmosphere, and the iconic Glico Running Man sign. It’s lively, energetic, and unmistakably Osaka. For a contrasting vibe, head to Shinsekai, a wonderfully retro neighbourhood that truly comes alive at night beneath the glowing Tsutenkaku Tower. It’s not fancy, but it’s full of character—this is the place for excellent kushi-katsu skewers and, for the adventurous, delicacies like fugu (blowfish).
Osaka also offers a rich sense of history. Visit Osaka Castle, a proud symbol of the city’s resilience. Though reconstructed over the centuries due to fires, storms, and wartime damage, the castle stands strong and now houses an excellent museum. With many exhibits in English, it provides a clear and engaging introduction to Japan’s feudal past.
Not far from Shinsekai lies Shitennō-ji, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples and a beautiful example of classical architecture, complete with a multi-tiered pagoda. Adjacent to it, the serene Gokuraku-jōdo no Niwa offers a peaceful retreat—especially lovely during cherry blossom season from late March to early April.
Whether you spend the day eating your way through the city, diving into history, or soaking up local neighbourhood life, Osaka rewards curiosity and appetite in equal measure.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 12: Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel, Tokyo
Day Itinerary
A private driver will meet you at your accommodation and transfer you comfortably to Shin-Osaka Station for your onward journey.
From Shin-Osaka, board the iconic Shinkansen bullet train for your return to Tokyo, travelling in First Class (Green Car) on the Mount Fuji side of the train. As you speed across Japan, keep an eye out to the left-hand side—on clear days, you may be rewarded with a memorable glimpse of Mount Fuji, Japan’s most celebrated natural landmark.
Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, you will be met by an English-speaking driver on the platform. They will escort you to your private vehicle and transfer you directly to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and relaxing end to your journey.
Overnight: BELLUSTAR TOKYO A Pan Pacific Hotel
BELLUSTAR TOKYO A Pan Pacific Hotel is located in the heart of Shinjuku, near Shinjuku Golden Gai, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Tokyo Sky Tree. The guest rooms and suites are light, modern and stylishly decorated, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TVs, fully stocked e-fridges, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryers and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurants serving delectable Japanese and international cuisine or relax at the comfortable bar with a refreshing drink while enjoying the spectacular views. Additional amenities and services include a gym, a spa, comfortable lounge areas and a reception.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 13: End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
As your journey through Japan comes to a close today, a private taxi will be arranged to collect you from your hotel and transfer you comfortably to Haneda Airport. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
You will be dropped directly at the departures entrance, ensuring a smooth and effortless airport arrival. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight home and hope the memories of your time in Japan continue to inspire long after you return.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
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