Grand Tour Across Japan’s Regions & Landscapes
Japan Panorama
Tokyo — Takayama — Shirakawa-go — Kanazawa — Kyoto — Hiroshima — Miyajima Island — Osaka
PLACES WHERE YOU'LL STAY
TOKYO (3 nights)
Day 1 - 3
Takayama (2 nights)
Day 4 - 5
Kanazawa (2 nights)
Day 6 - 7
kyoto (3 nights)
Day 8 - 10
Hiroshima (1 night)
Day 11
Osaka (1 night)
Day 12 - 13
From Cities to Countryside | See The Many Faces of Japan
Designed as a comprehensive journey across Japan, this privately guided experience brings together the country’s most varied regions, landscapes, and historic centers into one cohesive itinerary. Moving thoughtfully from city to countryside and coast, the journey offers a broad perspective on Japan—revealing how place, history, and modern life connect across the nation.
Japan’s contrasts come into focus where ancient ritual and contemporary energy intersect. In Tokyo, tranquil shrines and carefully tended gardens sit quietly amid soaring architecture and animated neighborhoods, each district revealing a distinct rhythm of daily life. That balance of continuity and change sets the tone for what follows beyond the capital.
Mountain landscapes introduce a slower, more traditional pace. Timber merchant houses line Takayama’s historic streets, while the gassho-style farmhouses of Shirakawa-go offer insight into rural life shaped by climate and community. Nearby, refined cultural expression emerges through Kanazawa’s preserved districts and time spent in Kenrokuen Garden, where landscape design reflects centuries of aesthetic philosophy.
Japan’s spiritual heart deepens the journey through temple-lined paths and sacred spaces. In Kyoto, golden pavilions, moss-covered gardens, and preserved neighborhoods reflect enduring devotion and craftsmanship. Nearby in Nara, ancient parklands dotted with shrines and freely roaming deer offer a gentle encounter with the country’s earliest cultural foundations.
The journey then turns toward the Inland Sea, where reflection and renewal shape the experience. Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park invites quiet contemplation, followed by a short crossing to Miyajima Island, where the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine rises gracefully from the water. Urban energy returns in Osaka, where illuminated streets, lively neighborhoods, and a celebrated food scene provide a dynamic finale.
Spanning cities, mountains, historic towns, and coastal landmarks, Japan Panorama offers a richly layered view of the country—diverse, expansive, and seamlessly connected from beginning to end.
What makes this tour unique
Japan, Seen in Full: A cohesive private route spanning cities, alpine towns, and coastal landmarks—designed to deliver geographic breadth without sacrificing clarity.
From Alps to Inland Sea: Shift from Takayama and Shirakawa-go’s mountain heritage to Hiroshima and Miyajima’s sacred coastal landscapes—revealing Japan through dramatic geographic transition.
Japan’s Early Cultural Foundations: Walk Kyoto’s temple corridors before continuing to Nara—Japan’s first capital—where sacred parklands reflect the country’s formative heritage.
Everyday Japan, Thoughtfully Layered: Morning markets, classical gardens, castle towns, and neighborhood food culture introduce the rituals of daily life alongside landmark settings.
Why Choose This Tour
- For Travelers Who Want a Broad View of Japan – Ideal for those seeking a journey that captures the country’s geographic and cultural range rather than concentrating on one region.
- For First-Time Visitors Ready to Go Beyond the Basics – Designed for travelers who want Japan’s defining cities paired with mountain towns and coastal reflection for a more dimensional understanding.
- For Those Who Value Variety Without Fragmentation – Best suited to travelers who want meaningful contrast delivered through a cohesive, intelligently paced route.
- For Travelers Drawn to Both Culture and Landscape – A strong fit for those who want historic centers, spiritual landmarks, scenic regions, and modern cities woven into one seamless experience.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- All Rail Tickets between Cities
- 13 nights accommodations with choice of hotels
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Privately guided excursions via public transit
- Private airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- One-day Osaka Amazing Pass
- Door-to-door baggage transfer service between Tokyo -Kanazawa – Kyoto – Osaka
- Carefree Travel with 24/7 Support
TOUR ITINERARY:
Days 1–3: Tokyo – A City of Contrasts
Begin your journey in Tokyo, where ancient temples meet modern marvels and tradition pulses beneath a futuristic skyline. Your personal guide will tour you through the city’s highlights, then show you the ropes to create your own version of Tokyo.
Day 1 (Welcome to Japan!): On arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel by private car. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon to relax or feel the energy of Shibuya Crossing, just steps from your hotel.
Day 2 (The City Highights): Today, we’ll discover the soul of the capital on a privately guided walking tour. Stroll through the peaceful Meiji Shrine, overload the senses at Tsukiji Market, and admire the centuries-old Sensoji Temple with its bustling Nakamise shopping street. Next, soak in Ueno Park’s serene gardens and temples*, then dive into the sensory buzz of nearby Ameyoko Market—where tradition meets Tokyo street life. (B)
*For those interested in digital art, we can substitute Ueno & Ameyoko Market for teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless museum.
Day 3 (Free to Explore Tokyo & Beyond): Spend the day exploring Tokyo’s neighborhoods at your own pace. Discover the city’s rich history, visit contemporary art museums and interactive digital art attractions, browse pop culture hotspots like Akihabara and Harajuku, or relax in serene Japanese gardens. Your dedicated travel specialist will help you design a day tailored to your interests. (B)
Discover More of Tokyo
A city of contrasts, Tokyo is where ancient Shinto shrines sit in the shadow of neon-lit skyscrapers, where quiet garden paths
Enhance your Tokyo Experience with add-ons
Wagyu & Sake Tasting
Night Izakaya & Foodies Tour
Sumo Show & Lunch Experience
Extend your trip: Hakone with a Ryokan Stay OR Climb Mt. Fuji!
Days 4–5: Takayama – Experience Old Japan & The Japanese Alps
Journey into the Japanese Alps for a glimpse of Old Japan, where Edo-period streets and serene alpine views reveal Japan’s rustic charm. Discover the cultural gems dotted across Takayama’s historic Sanmachi Suji district. Indulge in a traditional ryokan experience, where kaiseki dining and soothing onsen baths create a deeply authentic retreat. With a free day to explore the region’s hidden gems—from the storybook town of Hida-Furukawa to the breathtaking trails of Kamikochi—this is your chance to experience Japan at a slower, more soulful pace.
Day 4 (Journey to Edo Japan): Travel by Shinkansen and express train to the charming mountain town of Takayama. Wander through preserved Edo-era streets and explore the historic Takayama Jinya, once a regional government office. Sample local sake at a traditional brewery before checking in at your ryokan for an enchanting evening of kaiseki cuisine and onsen serenity. (B,D)
Day 5 (Leisure in the Mountains): Today is yours to explore the many gems in and around Takayama — visit nearby Hida-Furukawa or bask in the natural beauty of Kamikochi, a pristine alpine preserve that captures the heart of the Japan Alps. Your dedicated travel specialist can help you plan today’s itinerary based on your preferred pace and interests. (B)
Discover More of Takayama
Takayama is a beautifully preserved mountain town in the Japanese Alps, known for its Edo-period streets, traditional craftsmanship, and rich seasonal festivals.
Days 6–7: Shirakawa-go & Kanazawa – Living History in the Japanese Alps
Step back in time as you journey to Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa—where living history meets timeless beauty. Discover the fairytale charm of Shirakawa-go, with its thatched-roof farmhouses nestled deep in the mountains. Then continue on to Kanazawa, a city where tradition and artistry thrive. From bustling markets and peaceful gardens to teahouses and samurai quarters, these two days invite you to experience the grace and craftsmanship of old Japan.
Day 6 (From Alpine Village to Castle Town): Start your morning with a visit to Takayama’s lively morning market, a local tradition filled with fresh produce, flowers, and mouthwatering street snacks. Continue to the storybook village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses, nestled in the mountains like scenes from a bygone era. Take in panoramic views from the hillside before heading to Kanazawa by express bus. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. Ask your dedicated specialist about finding the best eats in Kanazawa! (B)
Day 7 (Tea, Gardens & Castle): Today, we’ll dive right into the city’s cultural riches. Wander through Omicho Market, tour Kanazawa Castle, and experience a Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional teahouse within the stunning Kenrokuen Garden—one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Next, stroll the historic Higashi Chaya District, where wooden teahouses whisper stories of geisha, and every step echoes with the quiet elegance of Kanazawa’s samurai past. Time permitting, explore the Nagamachi Samurai Quarter and Nomura Samurai House. (B)
Discover More of Kanazawa
Often called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa is a city where tradition, art, and elegance quietly thrive. Nestled on Japan’s western coast along the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is renowned...
Enhance your Kanazawa Experience with add-ons
Day 8–10: Kyoto – The Imperial Heart of Japan
Over three days, Kyoto reveals why it remains Japan’s cultural and spiritual soul. From shimmering temples and lantern-lit lanes to artisan shops and sacred shrines, the city invites you to slow down, wander, and connect with traditions that have endured for centuries. With a balance of guided discovery and time at leisure, you’ll experience the elegance, flavor, and timeless spirit of old Japan.
Day 8 (From Kanazawa to Kyoto’s Icons): Travel by rail to Kyoto. Upon arrival, marvel at the Golden Pavilion, its reflection shimmering on still waters framed by sculpted pines. Continue to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then descend into the lively lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka—lined with teahouses, sweet shops, and street snacks. Sample local favorites before strolling through Yasaka Shrine and into the Gion District, where tradition hums beneath the city’s vibrant energy. Check into your hotel downtown, steps from Kyoto’s dining and entertainment scene. (B)
Day 9 (Torii Gates & Ancient Capital): Today’s guided tour immerses you in Kyoto’s spiritual heritage and Edo-period legacy. Walk beneath the endless vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, then journey to Nara—Japan’s first capital. Visit the monumental Todaiji Temple, encounter friendly deer at Nara Park, and follow the lantern-lit paths of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. (B)
Day 10 (Kyoto Your Way): Spend your final full day in Kyoto at leisure, uncovering hidden temples, historic alleys, and local artisans. Your travel designer can arrange unique experiences, from samurai sword training to a kimono photoshoot in a traditional machiya, or a stroll through Nijo Castle to hear its melodic “nightingale floors.” (B)
Discover More of Kyoto
Kyoto is a city shaped by centuries of ritual, artistry, and imperial life, where temples, shrines, and wooden townhouses form a landscape...
Enhance your Kyoto Experience with add-ons
Enjoy a Tea Ceremony in a Kimono
Discover Kyoto’s backstreets
by E-Bike
Extend your trip: Kinosaki-onsen Experience
Spend a day with local farmers at Lake Biwa
Day 11: Hiroshima & Miyajima – Peace and Sacred Beauty
Board the Shinkansen to Hiroshima for a profound and inspiring day. Begin with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park, including the haunting remains of the A-Bomb Dome and the thought-provoking Peace Museum, which share Hiroshima’s message of remembrance and hope.
Enjoy an Okonomiyaki lunch (savory Japanese pancake), a local specialty, followed by a river cruise to Miyajima Island. Visit the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its iconic “floating” torii gate that appears to drift atop the sea at high tide. Stroll through the lively Omotesando Shopping Street, where traditional snacks, char-grilled oysters, and handcrafted souvenirs await. Return to Hiroshima for your overnight stay. (B,L)
Discover More of Hiroshima
Marked by a powerful past and a hopeful spirit, Hiroshima is a city that invites reflection and rewards curiosity. Known globally as the site of...
Day 12-13: Osaka – Flavor, Energy & Farewell
Conclude your journey in Osaka, where golden castles rise above the city and lantern-lit streets buzz with flavor. From serene gardens to sizzling takoyaki stands, this is Japan at its most vibrant and unforgettable.
Day 12 (On to Osaka!). This morning, travel by train to Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital. Along the way, you might pause at Okayama’s Korakuen Garden — one of Japan’s top three gardens, renowned for its seasonal beauty — or at Himeji Castle, celebrated as the nation’s most breathtaking fortress. After check-in, explore Dotonbori and Namba—iconic hubs of neon lights, vibrant street food, and hidden alleyways lined with izakayas and boutiques. (B)
Day 13 (Osaka Your Way): Enjoy a full day at leisure with your Osaka Amazing Pass in hand, giving you access to top attractions across the city. Step back in time at Osaka Castle, take in sweeping skyline views from the Floating Garden Observatory, and use your pass to hop between fun, free-entry sites and experiences. In between, savor street food in lively Dotonbori, browse the boutiques of Shinsaibashi, or wander into hidden backstreets. Your travel specialist will be happy to suggest experiences tailored to your interests. (B)
Discover More of Osaka
Bold, flavorful, and full of personality, Osaka is Japan’s kitchen and one of its most dynamic urban centers.
Enhance your Osaka Experience with add-ons
Night foodies tour: eat your way through Namba
Discover Osaka’s backstreets
by E-Bike
Extend your trip:
Naoshima Art Island (2-3 days)
Day 14: Depart Osaka – Sayonara Nippon
After breakfast, transfer to either Itami or Kansai Airport by private car for your departure flight. Carry home memories of temples and torii gates, onsen nights, market mornings, and the ever-beautiful spirit of Japan. (B)
PRICE CHART:
| 2026 Price Chart (Prices Valid Thru December 20, 2026) | |||
| Daily Departure | Hotels | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| January – February | S | 7,635 | 2,895 |
| D | 8,275 | 3,625 | |
| March – April | S | 8,625 | 3,825 |
| D | 9,475 | 4,575 | |
| May | S | 8,125 | 3,375 |
| D | 8,875 | 3,975 | |
| June – August | S | 7,655 | 2,895 |
| D | 8,275 | 3,625 | |
| September | S | 8,125 | 3,375 |
| D | 8,875 | 3,975 | |
| October – November | S | 8,425 | 3,625 |
| D | 9,275 | 4,385 | |
| December | S | 8,125 | 3,375 |
| D | 8,875 | 3,975 | |
| S = Superior | D = Deluxe | |||
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | |||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and a minimum of 2 passengers
- Price includes entrance fees, most hotel taxes (collected locally in Kyoto) and service charges
- Price excludes airfares, personal expenses, beverages during included lunches
- Tour commences in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto
- Sightseeing utilizes public transportation with services of English-speaking guides on private basis
- Tour prices are based on travel completing within the above said period. Due to hotel rate differences, pro-ration of tour price may be required for travel spanning two calendar months. Contact us for details.
- Peak Season Surcharges or blackout dates apply during Sakura season (Cherry Blossoms in late March – mid April), Golden Week Holiday (April 29-May 6) & December Holiday period (Dec. 24- Jan. 03).
- All hotels and excursions are subject to availability at time of reservation
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