A Private Japan Family Tour – Tokyo, Yudanaka Snow Monkeys, kanazawa, Kyoto & Lake Biwa

Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel by private car. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to relax or soak in the energy of Shibuya Crossing, just steps from your hotel. 

Day 2 Tokyo (Market, Shrine & teamLab Planets)
This morning, step into two of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks—the serene, tree-lined sanctuary of Meiji Shrine and the vibrant Tsukiji Market, where the air is rich with the aromas of sizzling street food. Then, dive into the ultra-immersive world of teamLab Planets, a spellbinding digital art museum where glowing water, shimmering light tunnels, and interactive installations blur the line between art and reality. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 3 Tokyo (Sumo Show, Electric Town & Anime Cafe)
Morning at leisure to relax or explore Shibuya. Then head to Asakusa for a stroll along Nakamise-dori, its lively lanes lined with colorful snack and souvenir stalls, leading to Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Enjoy a lively sumo show with the chance to sample a sumo wrestler’s hearty meal, then dive into Akihabara, famed for its anime, gaming, and electronics culture. Continue to Ueno Park to watch giant pandas at play before capping the day at your choice of animal café in Shinjuku or Harajuku. The evening is yours to explore Shinjuku’s vibrant food and nightlife scene. (B,L)

***Note: guests are to make their way to Asakusa for the Sumo experience. Your guide will meet you afterwards for this afternoon’s tour. 

Day 4 Tokyo / Yudanaka 
This morning, board a bullet train for Nagano, followed by an express train to Yudanaka. Upon arrival, transfer to your ryokan by hotel shuttle van and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax and explore the nearby Shibu Onsen Village, which is just a few minutes from your hotel by foot or taxi. A Kaiseki Dinner (multi-course Japanese Banquet) is served at the ryokan this evening. (B,D)

Suggestion: While in Nagano between trains, suggest taking a short 10-minute bus ride to Zenko-Ji Temple located approximately 1.5 miles from Nagano Station (bus stop is located directly in front of Nagano Station main entrance/exit). Zenko-ji is one of the most important and popular Buddhist temples in Japan founded in the 7th century. It features an underground tunnel beneath the temple that is completely pitch black. Visitors can make their way through by feel, without seeing a thing. It’s a fun experience not to be missed!

Note: no guide is provided on this day. Specific instructions on getting from Tokyo to Yudanaka will be provided. 

Day 5 Yudanaka (Snow Monkey Park)
After breakfast at the ryokan, proceed by hotel shuttle to Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll spend the morning exploring the park and observing the playful snow monkeys bathing, swimming and jumping in and out of the hot spring pools. Afternoon free at leisure.  Overnight in Yudanaka. (B,D)

Day 6 Yudanaka / Kanazawa 
Continue your journey by rail to Kanazawa as we return to the rhythms of city life. On arrival, spend the afternoon uncovering its timeless charms, beginning at Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle, where towering gates and gleaming white walls once protected the powerful Maeda clan. Delve into the intrigue of Myōryū-ji, or Ninja Temple, a former Edo-period stronghold laced with hidden rooms, clever defenses, and secret escape routes. End the day wandering the atmospheric Higashi Chaya District, with the chance of a rare and graceful geisha sighting. Overnight in Kanazawa. (B)

Day 7 Kanazawa (Japanese Cooking Fun)
This morning, enjoy a fun-filled cooking lesson featuring Sushi-making and Kanazawan cuisine. Afternoon free at leisure to explore charming Kanazawa on your own. Your dedicated Japan travel specialist will be happy to help you plan out the day. (B,L)

Day 8 Kanazawa/ Kyoto 
Travel by rail to Kyoto. On arrival, tour one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples in Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then descend into the lively bustle of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka—vibrant lanes lined with quaint sweet shops and street snacks. Sample Kobe beef on a stick or mochi ice cream as you stroll through the iconic Yasaka Shrine and into the Gion District, where tradition hums beneath the energy of the city. Check into your hotel located steps from downtown where a plethora of dining and entertainment options abound. (B)

Day 9 Kyoto  (Bike Tour of Western Kyoto, Samurais & Ninjas)
This morning, hop on two wheels for a private cycling tour of Western Kyoto, where adventure meets scenery at every turn. Marvel at the shimmering Golden Pavilion, stroll through the towering stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, ride across the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge with sweeping river views, and pause for a quiet moment at the Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden. Return to downtown for some free time, then swap your bike for a sword in a ninja training session at the Samurai Ninja Museum—complete with stealthy moves, a bit of friendly family competition, and plenty of laughs. (B)

Day 10 Kyoto (Lake Biwa)
This morning, set out on an invigorating cultural and scenic journey around beautiful Lake Biwa. Pedal at a leisurely pace along a picturesque lakeside road before reaching a charming farm village. Here, life moves at a slower rhythm—off the tourist trail and deep into the heart of the Japanese countryside. Visit a local family’s home, where you’ll help prepare a simple, home-style Sukiyaki hotpot lunch, then share stories around the table. Afterwards, roll up your sleeves for hands-on agricultural activities. Bid farewell to your newfound friends and make your way back to Kyoto, with the rest of the day free to relax or explore. (B,L)

Day 11 Return Home
Transfer to Itami or Kansai Airport in Osaka by shared shuttle van for your departure flight onward. (B)