Discover the Many Faces of Japan on a 9-Day Cultural Adventure
Tailored by Locals has designed this itinerary for someone visiting Japan for the first time to provide a taste of many aspects of the culture, beautiful places and traditions. In the vibrant capital Tokyo, a mixture of sights, sounds, peaceful temples and bustling streets, new architecture as well as up-to-the-minute pop culture, historical and traditionally-orientated districts, restaurants, night life, shops and entertainment. From the excitement of the capital, the journey continues to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, famous for its unique volcanic landscapes, a lake cruise, historic spas and the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. Shrouded in mist as it often is, this most famous of Japanese mountains is a striking sight. After leaving the National Park, the route continues into the Japanese Alps and to three of Japan’s loveliest and most traditional towns: The beautifully-preserved old streets of Takayama, the historic mountain village of Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa with its samurai district, magnificent gardens, historic geisha teahouses, beautifully restored to their former glory. The final destination of the trip are two of Japan’s most famous cities, Kyoto and Nara, filled with magnificent golden temples, modern street food markets, wild deer and the famous red gates of Fushimi Inari. An interesting and varied journey through the cultures, landscapes and experiences of Japan. With your own guide, first-class hotels, beautiful transfers and plenty of time to explore each location in depth, this journey provides the perfect immersion into the many-sided land of the rising sun.
What's included
Itinerary
Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival at Tokyo International Airport you will be greeted by your own personal driver who will take you to your hotel. After checking into your hotel, you can then start to explore this wonderful city. The capital of Japan, Tokyo is a great mix of the modern, neon lit streets and beautiful gardens, temples and everything related to pop culture. One of the first things to explore can be the famous area of Shibuya, which is a haven for shopaholics as it is home to many boutique shops. This is also where you can witness the famous Shibuya Crossing, which is said to be the busiest crossing in the world. After admiring the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, you can take a short stroll to the wonderful Shinjuku Gyoen. This beautiful green space in the middle of the city is especially lovely during the cherry blossom season. Just a short walk from here is Shiba Park, which offers great views of the iconic Tokyo Tower. In the evening you will venture to Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, where you can delve into the world of manga, anime, gaming and the latest in electronics, as well as sampling some of the quirky themed cafes. Browse the many multi-level character stores, play the latest games at one of the many arcades and experience the vibrant, colorful atmosphere that is a hallmark of modern Japan.
Today, explore several of Tokyo’s essential landmarks with your guide. Begin at Meiji Jingu Shrine, built in 1920 and set within a peaceful forested sanctuary. Walking beneath the towering torii gate, you will discover a quieter side of the capital and learn about the traditions that continue to shape daily life in Japan. From there, continue along Omotesando, a broad tree-lined avenue known for bold architecture and flagship boutiques. Later, cross the city to Asakusa, where Senso-ji Temple has welcomed worshippers and visitors for centuries. Pass beneath the great lantern of Kaminarimon Gate, stroll the snack and souvenir stalls of Nakamise-dori, and reach the temple’s main hall and five-story pagoda. End the day at Hama-rikyu Gardens, an elegant former imperial garden surrounded by the glass towers of Shiodome. Enjoy matcha tea and a Japanese sweet in the teahouse set over the tidal pond, then return by waterbus for a scenic close to the day.
Leave Tokyo behind this morning as your driver takes you into the countryside toward Hakone and the Mount Fuji area. Begin at the Fuji Visitor Center for background on the mountain’s nature, symbolism and history, then continue to Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station, the highest point reachable by car and a memorable vantage point at approximately 7,500 feet. Continue to Lake Ashinoko, a volcanic lake formed around 3,000 years ago. Board a replica pirate ship for a cruise across the water, with possible views of Mount Fuji and Hakone-jinja Shrine’s striking torii gate rising at the lake’s edge. Next, visit the Hakone Checkpoint, once part of the historic Tokaido route linking Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period. Tour its reconstructed gates, lookout tower, and prison chamber with your guide, then settle into Hakone’s onsen atmosphere. This evening, relax at a ryokan, sample local specialties such as soba, kamaboko fish cakes, sake, or black eggs and experience Japan’s warm tradition of hospitality.
Travel by train today to Nagoya and then travel to the Japanese Alps. In this region of Japan is the beautiful and historic town of Takayama, often known as ‘Little Kyoto’ due to the amount of unchanged buildings. See how local sake is made, walk around the historic and beautiful old town, its old townhouses and walk down the famous Sannomachi Street that has beautifully preserved old shops and historic houses. Moreover, the town has two great festivals in the spring and the autumn. Also, the town has a Festival Exhibition Hall where some of the amazing parade floats are displayed including a life size replica of one of the giant Sagano Floats. Enjoy the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere of this old town and experience a real part of Japan. Lastly, enjoy a delicious dinner of shabu shabu, a hot pot of thinly sliced meat and lots of vegetables etc. There are also many restaurants and bars in the old town to choose from.
Begin the day at Miyagawa Market, set along the river and filled with local produce, crafts, snacks and regional specialties such as mitarashi dango. Later, go on through Takayama’s preserved merchant quarter, where generations of traders and sake makers helped shape the town’s character. Visit Takayama Jinya, a former government office and one of the best places to understand the region’s Edo-period administration. Then, step inside a local sake brewery to learn more about the brewing process before leaving Takayama for the mountain village of Shirakawa-go. This UNESCO-listed village is famous for its steep thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses, designed to withstand heavy winter snow and shaped like hands joined in prayer. Stroll through the lanes, visit Wada House and take in the panoramic view from the Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck before continuing to Kanazawa, overlooking the Sea of Japan.
Spend the day discovering Kanazawa, a city celebrated for its gardens, samurai districts, artisan traditions and elegant teahouses. Begin at Kenroku-en, widely regarded as one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens and beautiful in every season. Directly opposite, explore Kanazawa Castle and learn how the city flourished under the powerful Maeda clan. Move on to Kaga Yuzen Kaikan, where you will be introduced to the refined silk-dyeing technique for which the region is known. Then, walk through Nagamachi, Kanazawa’s former samurai district, where earthen walls and tiled roofs preserve the atmosphere of the Edo period. At Nomura Samurai House, admire the traditional rooms, garden, tea ceremony space and historic artifacts. Later, visit Higashi Chaya, the city’s largest geisha district, now home to atmospheric shops and preserved teahouses. Enjoy tea at Shima Teahouse before boarding the train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart.
Welcome to Kyoto! Kyoto is a city of temples, gardens, geisha districts, palaces and old traditions. This half day tour of Kyoto’s sights includes the famous Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji, the old Kyoto residence of the first shogun of the Edo period at Nijo-Jo, including the Ninomaru-Palast with its famous painted night-side panels as well as some of the elegant rooms used by the Shogun and his court. Details within the palace were used to emphasize the power of the Shogun as well as his refined taste. In the old town near the castle is a 400 year old food street called Nishiki Ichiba Market. This is a five minute walk and has more than 100 shops and stalls, including places to eat, selling local specialties to take away and consume elsewhere and also sit down to eat in. Lunch can be taken here as well as in the surrounding streets. There are foods to try for every budget, yudofu (boiled soy milk), nishin soba (grilled fish on buckwheat noodles), soy milk doughnuts, pickles and sweets. The tour then visits the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, and the longest wooden hall in the world, Sanjusangendo, which contains 1,001 statues of the goddess of mercy, Kannon.
This morning, travel by train to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and a city known for its ancient temples, leafy parks and free-roaming deer. Begin at Kofuku-ji, founded in 669 CE, where the five-story pagoda and temple halls reflect the city’s early Buddhist heritage. Carry on to Todai-ji, one of Japan’s most historically important temples and home to a monumental bronze Buddha. Nearby, visit Kasuga-taisha, a beautifully detailed Shinto shrine framed by the Kasugayama Primeval Forest and lined with bronze and stone lanterns. As you walk through Nara Park, look out for the local deer, known for bowing in exchange for treats. On your return toward Kyoto, stop at Fushimi Inari-taisha for a memorable walk beneath thousands of vermilion torii gates. Follow the path up the mountain to viewpoints over the surrounding forest, passing smaller shrines, moss-covered statues and ancient stone markers before returning to Kyoto for your final night.
The last day of your trip will be spent in quiet contemplation in the serene city of Kyoto before departing for Kansai International Airport in Osaka by private car transfer depending on the flight time. This journey has included the contrast of the very modern Tokyo with the icon of Japan, Mount Fuji, the Onsen of Hakone and the quaint alpine village of Takayama with its historic streets. You will also have enjoyed the beautiful city of Kanazawa with its plethora of historic sites and last but not least the sacred temples and shrines of Kyoto and Nara. We hope you have enjoyed your trip and look forward to organizing your next tailor-made holiday.
