Exploring Japan 10 Days/ 9 Nights

Description

Japan Uncovered – A Journey Through Tradition, Mountains, Cuisine & Ancient Cities

Begin your adventure in Tokyo, where a private driver greets you on arrival and escorts you to your hotel—your first taste of Japan’s signature hospitality.

Your exploration starts in Asakusa, Tokyo’s historic “shitamachi,” where traditional artisans and craftspeople have thrived since the 15th century. Wander through Nakamise Street, one of Japan’s oldest shopping arcades, lined with charming stalls offering sweets, souvenirs and handmade crafts. Continue to Kappabashi Kitchen Street, a treasure trove of culinary tools, unique restaurants and quirky cooking-inspired shops. The rest of the day is free, with the option to add one of Tokyo’s incredible cultural or food experiences.

Enjoy the next day at your own pace. Dive deeper into modern Tokyo, relax in tranquil gardens, or select from a range of optional tours including sumo experiences, sushi workshops, or after-dark city adventures.

On Day 4, exchange the city for the mountains as you journey independently to Hakone using the 2-day Hakone Freepass. Travel by mountain railways and cable cars through the national park, then ascend Mt. Owakudani by ropeway, floating above steaming volcanic valleys filled with sulphur vents and hot rivers. Cross the serene waters of Lake Ashi aboard a replica pirate ship—keep an eye out for Mount Fuji on clear days. Your evening is spent in a traditional ryokan, where you’ll savour an exquisite kaiseki multi-course dinner and relax in the peaceful atmosphere of Japanese hospitality.

Next, board the Shinkansen for a cross-country bullet train ride to vibrant Osaka. In the evening, dive straight into the city’s legendary food culture with an Osaka Night Food Tour. Explore back-alley izakaya, hidden local eateries and the neon-lit lanes of Dotonbori, sampling grilled skewers, hotpot, tempura, takoyaki and other Kansai classics alongside your local guide.

Enjoy a full free day in Osaka with a menu of optional experiences—from castle tours and river cruises to street-food excursions and Universal Studios.

Then travel onwards to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. Begin with an elegant tea ceremony, where you’ll learn the meaning, ritual and artistry behind Kyoto’s famous matcha. Continue with a private back-street cycling tour, weaving through two atmospheric geisha districts, peaceful riverside paths and the Imperial Palace Park as your guide shares Kyoto’s history and timeless traditions.

The following morning, explore Kyoto on foot during a curated half-day walking tour. Visit the city’s oldest Zen temple, admire its stunning karesansui (rock garden), and view the national-treasure artwork “Fujin-Raijin-Zu,” depicting the Gods of Wind and Thunder. Conclude your walk in Gion, ending at the ancient Yasaka Shrine, a spiritual gateway between the geisha quarter and the historic Higashiyama district.

Your final day in Kyoto is yours to enjoy at leisure—perfect for visiting bamboo forests, exploring artisan boutiques, or adding one last unforgettable tour.

This itinerary blends iconic landmarks, authentic experiences, ancient history, world-class cuisine and the very best of Japanese tradition—ideal for travellers seeking a beautifully curated journey through Japan’s most captivating destinations.

Includes:

•    Airport transfers
•    Accommodation 9 nights
•    Meals: 9B 1D
•    2-day train pass to Hakone
•    Half-day Kyoto tour
•    Tea ceremony
•    Kyoto cycling tour
•     Osaka evening nightlife tour
•    Tokyo half-day tour
•     Public transport use covered by 3,500 JPY value IC card

Itinerary summary:

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Guest are met on arrival by the driver and transferred to the accommodation.

Day 2: Tokyo
Set off on a morning tour to explore Asakusa, a traditional “shitamachi” area of the city, meaning a place for artisans and craftspeople, since the Edo period in the 15th Century. During your journey, wander down Nakamise Street for a glimpse at one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping arcades in action. Wrap up the day at Kappabashi Kitchen Street for some time to enjoy its collection of restaurants and souvenir shops. The afternoon is free; travellers can opt in for one of our many optional Tokyo tours.

Day 3: Tokyo
Enjoy a free day to explore Tokyo at your own leisure. Travellers can opt into our fantastic Tokyo experiences.

Day 4:  Tokyo – Hakone
This morning, travellers make their way to Shinjuku station and head to Hakone via 2-day Hakone Freepass on their own. Take a series of cars and mountain railways through the national park and ride the Hakone ropeway all the way up Mt. Owakudani, soaring over sulphurous fumes emanating from hot springs and rivers in this volcanic area. Travellers can cross Ashinoko Lake on a replica pirate ship and keep an eye out for Mt. Fuji. That evening, enjoy a rest in the ryokan with a Japanese Kaiseki-style meal for dinner. 

Day 5: Hakone – Osaka  
Travel by across the country on a bullet train (via Odawara) to arrive at the city of Osaka. In the evening, join the Osaka Night Food Tour through the busy streets and the hidden, less frequented parts of central Osaka.  Explore the Doutonburi area, with a focus from the = local guide on exploring the back streets with their hidden secret bars and restaurants. Along the way, enjoy various grilled skewers, hotpot, tempura, octopus fritters, and other treats in many izakaya.

Day 6: Osaka
Enjoy a day at leisure in Osaka. There are plenty of options for additional tours for travellers.

Day 7: Osaka – Kyoto
Travellers make their way to Kyoto for a tea ceremony in the morning. This features an explanation of the importance of matcha green tea to Kyoto followed by a demonstration and hands-on involvement from the guests. Next, head to the meeting point to join Kyoto Back Street Cycling Private Tour. Listen to the knowledgeable tour guide and learn about the former Japanese capital’s captivating history and cultural heritage. Highlights include cycling through two geisha districts and admiring Imperial Palace Park.

Day 8: Kyoto
Enjoy a half-day walking tour of Kyoto this morning. Visit the city’s oldest Zen temple, founded in 1202. Explore its beautiful ‘Karesansui’, Japanese rock garden, and admire the famous artwork of ‘Fujin-Raijin-Zu. Depicting the Gods of Wind and Thunder, the painting by celebrated artist Soutatu Tawaraya is considered a national treasure. End this tour of Gion at the venerated Yasaka Shrine. Established over 1350 years ago, the Shinto shrine connects the Geisha District of Gion and the beautiful Higashiyama Temple District and is the location of the popular Gion Festival.  

Day 9: Kyoto
A free day at leisure in Kyoto. Again, travellers have plenty of options for additional tours.

Day 10: Departure
Enjoy the final morning in Kyoto before departing for the flight.