Luxury Japan Tour package and upscale Japan vacation by Explorient

PERFECT FOR:

  • Travelers of all ages 
  • Those seeking an upscale travel experience of Japan 
  • Nature Lovers 
  • History & Architecture Buffs
  • See the many faces of Japam
  • First time & repeat travelers of Japan

A Private Luxury Japan Tour – Tokyo – Nikko – Hakone – Takayama – Kanazawa – Kyoto – Nara

12 days / 11 nights – land only – private tour – Departs Daily

Experience for yourself the One of a Kind private luxury journey to Japan. This luxuriously appointed program begins in the ultra-modern, yet ancient city of Tokyo, affectionately known as Edo, with glimpse of Capital’s major sights. Have a chance to enjoy a Sumida River Cruise from Asakusa to Hinode. Take an excursion to sacred Nikko to see Toshugu Shrine and other attractions in the area. Visit Mt. Fuji and indulge in an Imperial experience at the luxurious Gora Kadan Ryokan, famous for being the best traditional inn in all of Japan.

Next, take a first class seat on an Shinkansen to the beautiful heritage town of Takayama. Nestled in the Japan Alps, Takayama delights the visitor with its charming old town of cobbled alleyways and wooden shophouses, invigorating onsens and the famed Shirakawa-go and Gokayama grasho-style farm villages. Continue to Kanazawa for a visit to Kenrokuen, one of Japanese three most famous gardens with the Kanazawa castle as its backdrop. Here, we’ll visit the quaint Higashi Chaya district plus a fun filled make-your-own sushi lesson with a private chef. 

Finally, conclude your Japan journey in yet another ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, where you’ll enjoy inspiring visits to the Golden Pavilion,  Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Nijo Castle and the ancient capital of Nara famed for its free-roaming deer and Todaiji Temple. 

From Tokyo’s glamorous Ginza shopping district to Shirakawa-go’s rustic wooden villages, Mt. Fuji’s breathtaking panorama to Hakone’s soothing hot-springs, Kyoto’s ancient imperial architectures to Kanazawa’s Nagamachi Samurai Houses — this one private luxury journey with absolutely the finest touches that will exceed your highest expectations.

Route Map, Luxury Japan Tour: Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara

TOUR INCLUDES:

  • 11 nights accommodations at the finest hotels in each city
  • First Class (Green Car) Rail Tickets for all inter-city transportation 
  • Private Tour with Services of specially appointed, expert guides
  • Private Sedans used for all ground transportation
  • Hotel Breakfasts Daily
  • Kaiseki Dinners (3) during ryokan stays in Hakone & Takayama
  • Other lunches as specified per itinerary 

TOKYO (4 nights)

  • 4 nights at THE PENINSULA TOKYO | THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL 
  • Full day tour of Tokyo visiting the city’s must-sees and sites personalized to your interests 
  • Full day excursion to UNESCO Nikko 

HAKONE (1 night)

  • 1 night at GORA KADAN RYOKAN
  • Full day tour of Fuji’s famed Five-Lakes Region by private car 

TAKAYAMA (2 nights)

  • 2 nights at RYOKAN HIDATEI HANAOUGI
  • Private tour of Takayama Town, UNESCO Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Villages 

KANAZAWA (1 night)

  • 1 night at HOTEL NIKKO KANAZAWA
  • Private sightseeing of Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa Castle & Kenrokuen Garden
  • Private cooking lesson with Omicho Market Visit 

KYOTO (3 nights)

  • 3 nights at THE HOSHINOYA KYOTO | FOUR SEASONS KYOTO
  • Full day tour of Kyoto’s famed temples and shrines with tea ceremony
  • Excursion to UNESCO Nara 
Tokyo City - Japan Tour Packages
Tokyo Skyline at Night
Autumn in Kyoto
Autumn in Kyoto
Shirakawa-go, Japan Takayama tours
Shirakawa-go, Takayama

Day 1 Tokyo
Upon arrival, be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Tokyo
Today, enjoy full day tour of several of Tokyo’s must-sees. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo’s most famous Shinto Shrine dedicated to the late 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West, home to a 40-foot-high torii gate and a 200-acre park made of 1,500-year-old cypress. Next, proceed to Tsukiji Market, the former site of the world’s largest fish market, now a vibrant marketplace filled with produce and seafood stands and sushi joints.  Next visit the beautiful gardens and landscape at the Imperial Palace East Gardens (closed Mondays and Fridays) that offer a glimpse into the country's imperial history and stunning traditional Japanese landscapes.

After lunch, visit the Mori Museum located in Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills that overlooks the city that features modern art (or for those who prefer Japanese and and East Asia Art in a serene atmosphere, visit Nezu Museum designed by the famous architect Kengo Kuma most notable for the creation of Japan's latest Olympic stadium). Cap off the day with a visit  to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist Temple at Senso-ji in Asakusa followed by a stroll thru its colorful Nakamise Shopping Street. (B,L)

Day 3 Tokyo (Nikko)
Today’s full day excursion visits Nikko, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s major attractions located north of Tokyo. Besides being treated to spectacular views of its Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenji, highlights of today’s journey include three of the most impressive architectural gems in the region if not all of Japan. Visit Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for about 260 years from the beginning of the 17th century. Top artists and first-rank craftsmen were summoned from all over the country and they created a high quality art with their best performance. Located nearby is Futarasan Shrine. Much older than its more lavish neighbor, Futarasan Shrine was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko and is dedicated to the deities of Nikko’s three most sacred mountains. Continue on to Rinnoji Temple. Until Toshogu was built, Sanbutsudo of Rinnoji Temple had been the most important building of Nikko. It houses three big golden Buddhist statues, the manifestations of three mountain gods. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)

Day 4 Tokyo
Enjoy a free day at your leisure. (B)

Day 5 Tokyo / Fuji / Hakone
Today, enjoy a scenic adventure in quest for the best views of Mt Fuji. We’ll leave Tokyo’s hustle and bustle for Fuji’s famed Five Lakes Region. Our program features Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Taisha, a historic Shinto shrine that serves as the main entrance to the sacred Mount Fuji, attracting pilgrims and visitors for its spiritual significance and beautiful architecture. The iconic Chureito Pagoda, a five-storied pagoda found in numerous photos of Mt Fuji; Oishi Park, a scenic lakeside park nestled along Lake Kawaguchi boasting stunning views of Mount Fuji and vibrant flower displays. 

After lunch, visit Kubota Icchiku Museum, a unique art museum dedicated to showcasing the works of the renowned textile artist Kubota Icchiku. The museum exhibits his intricate and mesmerizing kimono creations, featuring exquisite tie-dye and hand-painting techniques. Continue on for a ride Fuji Panorama Cable Car for a bird’s eye views of the region and of course, the sacred mount fuji, before proceed to transferring to your hotel in Hakone. Check-in to your ryokan and enjoy a Kaiseki dinner and the resort's onsen. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Hakone / Takayama
After a traditional Japan breakfast at the Ryokan. Proceed to Odawara station and board a bullet train to Takayama. Traveling at well over 100 MPH, catch a glimpse of Japan’s coastal towns, lush Green Tea Plantations and inspiring Mountain Terrain.

Upon arrival, be met by your guide at Takayama Station and enjoy a walking tour of beautiful Takayama Town visiting its charming Old Town, Takayama Jinya (building where the region was ruled during the Shogunate period) plus some sake tasting at a local brewery for which the region is famed. Check-in at your ryokan where a Kaiseki Dinner is served this evening. (B,D)

Day 7 Takayama (Shirakawa-go & Gokayama)
Start the day with a visit to Takayama morning market to see the locals shop for the day’s meals. Next, embark on a culturally inspiring visit to the traditional towns of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. Located in a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. The large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs are the only examples of their kind in Japan. Here, stroll through the heritage town in a tranquil atmosphere and catch a glimpse of the region’s rural farm culture as it was hundreds of years ago. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Return to your ryokan for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Takayama / Kanazawa
After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to Kanazawa by rail. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of Kanazawa starting with Kanazawa Castle, the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan from 1583 to the end of the Edo Period. The castle burnt down several times over the centuries and was later rebuilt. On the grounds of Kanazawa castle lies Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful traditional gardens, followed by 21 Century Museum which showcases contemporary art by both Japanese and international artists.

Next up is Higashi Chaya, Kanazawa’s famed Old Town lined with wooden homes and shophouses, even the occasional Geisha sighting. Last but not least, take a stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai House district and visit the Nomura Samurai House. Overnight in Kanazwa. (B)

Day 9 Kanazawa / Kyoto
This morning, enjoy a foodies experience of Kanazawa. We’ll start our journey with a short walk to Omicho Seafood Market -- the hub of Kanazawa’s food culture. Here, we’ll explore the stalls and wind our way through the bustling crowds to seek out the day’s freshest ingredients. Continue to the In-Kanazawa House Cooking studio where your chef will teach you the tips and tricks on how to cook your very own Sushi lunch. Afterwards, proceed by Express Train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, be met and transferred by taxi to your hotel for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. (B,L)

Day 10 Kyoto
Today, enjoy a tour of Kyoto’s must-sees. Visit the famed Nijo Castle, a historic fortress located in built in 1603 and an UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. The castle is famous for its splendid architecture, beautiful gardens, and "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked upon, serving as a security feature against intruders. Continue to the beautiful Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavilion). Originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun that later became a Buddhist Temple after his death at his request, followed by a stroll through the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Our next stop is Koke-dera, or Moss Temple (subject to approval), a Zen Buddhist Temple compound famed for its 35,000-square-meter garden comprised of an estimated 120 different varieties of moss. Last but not least, visit Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most celebrated temples of Japan founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto. This UNESCO world heritage site is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below boasting panoramic views of Kyoto City. Cap off the day with a Tea Ceremony at a local Michiya House before returning to your hotel. (B)

Day 11 Kyoto (Nara)
Enjoy This morning, enjoy a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates straddling a network of trails behind its main buildings leading into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. Afterwards, travel via Express Train to Nara, on the outskirts of Kyoto. Nara is Japan’s first Capital from 710-784 A.D. and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Todaiji Temple, famed for being the world’s largest wooden building and houses one of the country’s largest Buddha statues. It is adjacent to Nara Park, where over 1,000 free-roaming deer abound. Last stop is Kasuga Taisha, one of the most celebrated shrines in all of Japan. Return to Kyoto in the afternoon. (B)

Day 12 Depart Kyoto
After breakfast, transfer to Osaka Airport by private vehicle for your departure flight onward. (B)

2023 Price Chart (Prices valid Thru December 31, 2023)
Hotel

Low Season

High Season

Luxury accommodations as listed$19,500$21,000
Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate

  • Low Season = Dec*, Jan - Feb, Jun. - Aug.
  • High Season = Mar. - May, Sep. - Nov. 
  • Price is per person, based on double occupancy
  • Price includes all entrance fees, separate luggage transfer between cities, hotel taxes & service charges
  • Price excludes Airfares. 
  • Tour excludes personal expenses, beverages, and gratuities to guides & drivers
  • Black out dates apply and holiday surcharges apply during Cherry Blossoms Season (March 24 - April 10), and Christmas Holiday Period (December 24-January 5). Contact us for details
  • All hotels and excursion are subject to availability at time of reservation 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, Sensoji Temple & Imperial Palace East Garden
  • Nikko’s Kegon Waterfall & Toshogu & Rinnoji Shrines
  • Luxury ryokan stays in Hakone & Takayama 
  • Takayama Town & Shirakawa-go Village 
  • Kanazaw’s Higashi Chaya District & Kenrokuen Garden 
  • Private Cooking Lesson with Omicho market visit 
  • Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion & Fushimi Inari Shrine 
  • UNESCO Nara 

  Price Starting From:
   $19,500

RELATED TOURS

ACCOMMODATIONS

Peninsula Tokyo, luxury Japan tours

The Peninsula Tokyo

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, luxury Japan tours

Kanazawa – Hotel Nikko 

Hakone GoraKadan

Hakone – Gora Kadan

Four Seasons, Kyoto Luxury Travel and tours

Kyoto – The Four Seasons Hotel

Hidatei Hanaougi Takayama, luxury Japan Honeymoons

Takayama – Ryokan Hidatei Hanaougi

WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS

Explorient

TESTIMONIALS

"I can absolutely vouch for Explorient as a trustworthy and extremely knowledgeable Asian travel agent. Kervin has now planned two totally custom solo trips for my husband and myself, first to Thailand five years ago and now Japan. He is especially in tune with my accommodation tastes and even managed to get us in one of the hardest to book Ryokans in Japan for an incredible 3 night stay.“
Deanne Turim - Illinois
December 2018
“We had a wonderful experience with our trip to Japan. All our accommodations and private guides were awesome. We visited Tokyo, stayed at a Ryokan in Hokone where we had a spectacular day to see Mt Fuji, took the bullet train to Kyoto and then also squeezed in Hiroshima…I cannot say how thankful I am to have found Explorient Travel and would highly recommend them.”
Desiree Z.
June 2017
“We cannot praise the advice and help we received from Kervin Yu of Explorient enough. My wife went to Japan 49 years ago as a teen and always wanted to return to relive that magical trip. We did a lot of research of various companies and selected Explorient which had a tour which closely matched our desired sights. All the arrangements (hotels, guides and drivers) were perfect and flawlessly carried out. We would not hesitate to plan and book with Explorient again.”
Ron Henson - California
June 2017