PERFECT FOR:
- Honeymooners & Couples
- Nature Lovers & Foodies
- Independent Travelers
- Relaxation & Spa Experiences
- Off-the-beaten path experiences
- Touring Japan at a relaxed pace
- First time and repeat travelers of Japan
A Private Japan Tour – Tokyo, Kamakura, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Gero, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka
11 Days / 10 Nights – Tour Code (JPR) – private tour – Departs Daily
Experience the true essence of Japan like no other with this romantic, awe-inspiring journey that promises memories of a lifetime. This tour features both the must-sees and the hidden gems of Japan with an exotic mix of electric cosmopolitan vibes, alluring natural beauty and heart-warming culture – all with our signature private service to ensure you experience Japan to the absolute fullest – Your Way.
Your introduction to Japan begins by touching down in the world’s most modern city – Tokyo. Its contrasts between the old and the new, the traditional and eclectic make Tokyo an exciting place for travelers to visit from all over the world. Here, explore the city’s top spots including the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, the dazzling Sensoji Temple and its colorful Nakamise shopping street and the sacred Meiji Jingu Shrine, plus a chance to get a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo atop the country’s newest architectural marvel – the Tokyo SkyTree. We also journey beyond the bright lights to beautiful Kamakura, a heritage town about one hour outside Tokyo, famed for its Hasedera Temple and Great Buddha.
After a few days of excitement in Tokyo, embark on a time journey to one of Japan’s most romantic regions, Gifu, known for its traditional culture and sleepy atmosphere, reminiscent of the ancient Edo period. Here, we soak up the tranquil atmosphere of Takayama, a castle town of old wooden houses and cobbled alleyways that instantly captivates the visitor, as well as a visit to Shirakawa-go, a small rustic village and UNESCO World Heritage Site of traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with a 250 year history. Next, proceed to Gero. Affectionately known by locals as one of the most beautiful Onsen (hot spring) destinations, Gero rewards the visitor with its sensational Onsen spas, pristine natural setting and fabulous Ryokans, which offer beautiful gardens and incomparable hospitality.
Your journey continues to the ancient capital of Kyoto, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through the back streets of the city, which are dotted with spectacular shrines and imposing temples. Visitors become truly immersed in its unsurpassed charm, fascinating Japanese culture and omnipresent spirituality. In addition, we take a trip to another ancient capital, Nara, catching a glimpse of its remarkable Todaiji Temple, famed for being the world’s largest wooden building that houses the country’s largest Buddha statue. It’s adjacent to Nara Park, where over 1,000 free-roaming deer abound, and Kasuga Taisha, one of the most celebrated Shrines in all of Japan.
From Tokyo’s towering SkyTree to Shirakawa-go’s rustic wooden villages, Gero’s soothing hot-springs to Kyoto’s Imperial castles and architectural masterpieces – this is a journey that goes beyond the imagination.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- 10 nights deluxe hotel accommodations per itinerary
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Extensive sightseeing by private guide by public transportation
- Tourist Class Rail Tickets between Cities per itinerary
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Separate baggage transfer between Tokyo and Kyoto
TOKYO (4 nights)
- 4 nights at Cerulean Tower Hotel
- Full-day private walking tour of Tokyo via use of public transportation
- Full-day private excursion to Kamakura
TAKAYAMA (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Ryokan Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan
- Full-day private walking tour of Takayama and Shirakawa-go
GERO (1 night)
- 1 night at Sumeikan Ryokan (or similar)
- Traditional Kaiseki Japanese Dinner (1) at Ryokan
KYOTO (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Dhawa Yura Hotel
- Half-day private tour of Kyoto by bicycle
- Afternoon tour of Nara and night foodies tour of Osaka
- Departure transfers to airport in Osaka (Itami or Kansai) by shared shuttle van
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival, be met by an airport representative and transferred to your hotel by reserved private taxi.
Day 2 Tokyo
Today, enjoy a full-day walking tour of Tokyo accompanied by your private guide (using public transportation). Visits include Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, the revered Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple and its colorful Nakamise Shopping Arcade, and the awe-inspiring Tokyo SkyTree, or Teamlab Planets Digital Museum. (B)
Day 3 Tokyo (Kamakura)
Today, travel outside the city to the ancient town of Kamakura. Surrounded by hills and a long beach, Kamakura is one of Japan’s most beautiful cities. Your tour includes visits to several Buddhist temples in the town, including Hasedera Temple, home of the Great Buddha, and several Zen Buddhism temples and their beautiful Japanese Gardens. Return to Tokyo in the afternoon. (B)
Day 4 Tokyo
Full day at leisure to shop and explore Tokyo. (B)
Day 5 Tokyo / Takayama
Proceed by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for Takayama, a quaint little town nestled in the Japan Alps. Upon arrival at Takayama Station, transfer to your hotel on your own (by taxi or by foot). Enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure to relax and soak up this heritage town’s serene atmosphere and timeless traditions. This evening, enjoy a Traditional Kaiseki Japanese Dinner at the ryokan. (B,D)
***Note: Passengers are to transfer between cities on own arrangements. No Guide Service Provided***
Day 6 Takayama (Shirakawa-go)
Today you will take a tour with a local guide to the beautifully preserved old town of Takayama and the UNESCO site Shirakawa-go village. Start the day with a visit to the bustling morning market, which is lined with local crafts and farm products, along the Miyagawa River. Take a walk in the district called San-machi Suji, the traditional home of Takayama merchants and sake brewers, which has been preserved in almost exactly the same state for the past two to three hundred years. Visit the Takayama Jinya, which served as the former local government office headed by the officials dispatched from Edo. In the afternoon, catch the bus to Shirakawa-go region. Your guide will show you around the village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some dating 250 years back. Gassho-zukkuri translates as ‘Praying Hands,’ as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer, and are designed to withstand the heavy snows which fall in the region. Return to Takayama for your overnight accommodation. (B)
Day 7 Takayama / Gero
Proceed by rail (approx. 45 min.) to Gero on your own. Check in at the renowned Suimeikan Onsen Resort, located just three minutes by foot from Gero Station. A traditional Japanese Dinner is served at the Ryokan. (B,D) ***No Guide Service Provided***
Day 8 Gero / Kyoto
After breakfast at the resort, proceed by rail to Kyoto. Upon arrival, bet met at Kyoto Station and commence sightseeing of Kyoto, visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple and Gion District. Check in to your hotel in Kyoto. (B)
Day 9 Kyoto
This morning, enjoy a fascinating tour of Kyoto by bicycle. Your tour includes visits to the Golden Pavilion, one of the most photographed spots in all of Japan; Ryoan temple, home of the most famous rock garden; and Arashiyama, famed for its bamboo forest. At the end of the tour, you will make your way back to Kyoto by local train on your own. Balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax and explore Kyoto on your own. (B)
***Note: Bicycle tour is privately guided. Passengers are to make their own way (approx. 20 minute by taxi) to/from meeting point in Western Kyoto. ***
Day 10 Kyoto (Nara & Osaka)
Morning at leisure. This afternoon, travel to the outskirts of Kyoto to Nara, Japan’s first capital from 710-784 A.D. and yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, famed for being the world’s largest wooden building that houses the country’s largest Buddha statue; Nara Park, where over 1,000 free-roaming deer abound; and Kasuga Taisha, one of the most celebrated Shrines in all of Japan. Afterward, continue to Osaka, highly recognized as Japan’s Food Capital. Visit Dotonbori, a popular shopping and entertainment district that is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign. After enjoying the atmosphere and the shops, stroll through the hundreds of dining outlets featuring all kinds of local delights, including Osaka’s famous takoyaki (octopus dumplings), okonomiyaki savory pancakes, ramen noodles, kushikatsu fried skewers, and even Fugu (blowfish). Return to your hotel in Kyoto later this evening. (B)
Day 11 Depart Kyoto
Transfer to Itami or Kansai Airport by shuttle van for your departure flight home. (B)
***End of Program***
| 2024 Price Chart (Prices valid through December 20, 2024) | |
| Departs Daily | Twin Sharing |
| Jan. – Feb. | 6,300 |
| Mar. – Apr. | 6,750 |
| May | 6,550 |
| July – August | 6,300 |
| September | 6,400 |
| Oct. – Nov. | 6,600 |
| December | 6,400 |
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | |
- Price is per person, based on double occupancy and minimum of 2 passengers
- Price includes entrance fees, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes all airfares, personal expenses and beverages
- Tour commences in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto.
- 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). Please contact us for details and restrictions.
- 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.
- All sightseeing on private basis utilizing public transport
- All services are subject to availability at time of reservation
Japan Gallery
HIGHLIGHTS
- Tokyo’s bight lights & foodies scene
- Tsukiji Market & Meiji Shrine
- Takayama & UNESCO Shirakawa-go
- Gero Ryokan stay & Onsen experience
- Kyoto Tour on foot and by Bicycle
- UNESCO Nara
- Osaka Foodies tour
Price Starting From:
$6,300
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Tokyo – Cerulean Tower
Kyoto – Yura Hotel by MGallery
Takayama – Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan
Gero – Sumeikan
WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS
