Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Japan - Tokyo - Alps - Kyoto - Osaka
100% customisable for you
Your Japanese adventure begins today. Head to the airport, fast-track through security, then relax in the airport lounge before your overnight flight to Tokyo, which takes around 13-and-a-half hours and lands the following evening.
Once you land, ride the monorail into Tokyo, a journey that takes around an hour. Check into your central hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner then head up to bed ready for an exciting day exploring the megacity tomorrow.
There's no better way to take the pulse of Japan's capital than exploring its must-see spots with a local expat guide. Start by delving into the vibrant world of manga (Japan’s iconic comic book culture) and meet a professional animator who will give you the inside scoop on this popular art form. Then stroll along the charming streets of Asakusa, home to Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo’s oldest) and enjoy a scenic walk beside the Sumida River.
Next, level up to cool parent status with a visit to Shinjuku, Tokyo’s stylish entertainment district, before heading south to trendy Harajuku and hipster Nakameguro, where youthful street style meets up-and-coming creatives.
Rise and shine for an early-morning visit to Tsukiji Fish Market, where fishmongers slice through gigantic tuna with samurai-like precision that will impress even the most screen-obsessed youngsters. After fuelling up on fresh sushi, head to Roppongi Hills and admire contemporary art and sweeping skylines from the 53rd floor of the Mori Art Museum. Then, prepare to set some new step count records with a visit to Meiji Shrine’s lush gardens before wandering to the nearby Omotesando district for a spot of shopping. Don’t forget to strike a pose at a purikura (Japanese photobooth) for a manga-style portrait.
Worked up an appetite? Tuck into some tasty ramen dishes at a local neighbourhood haunt (your Concierge can recommend the best spots), then let loose with an early-evening karaoke session in Shibuya (if the children are still awake) before grabbing some much-needed shut-eye.
Today, unleash your inner artist at teamLab Planets, Tokyo’s groundbreaking digital art exhibition. Walk on water, admire floating flower gardens, stroll through an extinct forest filled with prehistoric creatures and fill your camera roll with endless fluorescent photos.
The project is the result of a collaboration between 40 talented artists – think graphic designers, engineers and architects – who share a passion for digital art. And it’s brought to life by over 450 projectors and 500 computers – Tokyo knows a thing or two about cutting-edge technology. Or, for a relaxed afternoon, enjoy an optional private manga drawing workshop.
Swap cityscapes for snow-capped peaks as you head to Matsumoto, the gateway to the Japanese Alps. You’ll be met at your hotel in Tokyo and transferred to Shinjuku Station for a scenic two-hour-and-40-minute train ride to this historic city.
Glimpse into the past with a visit to the 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also dubbed the Raven Castle thanks to its distinctive black exterior. Built during the reign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this monument was designated as one of Japan's national treasures in 1952. Stroll across the brilliant red bridges spanning the moat and capture the perfect shot of the castle, or follow in the footsteps of ancient archers and peek through the narrow slits once used to defend the military base.
Today, you’re venturing further into the Japanese Alps. Hop on a two-and-a-half-hour bus bound for the picturesque city of Takayama where you’ll spend two nights in the city centre in a simple yet charming ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). Ease into the afternoon with a relaxing dip in the outdoor onsen (hot-spring bath). Crafted from local cypress wood and rocks from the surrounding area, you’ll be immersed in nature as you soak up the idyllic alpine scenery.
Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated? It’s time to prepare for dinner. Savour Hida beef – the pride of the region's farmers – expertly grilled over a charcoal barbecue. Locally-grown vegetables perfectly complement this traditional Japanese dish for an authentic and seasonal experience.
Kick off the day bright and early with a visit to one of Takayama’s morning markets. Stroll along the Miyagawa River in the old town and pass stalls laden with fresh vegetables, fragrant spices and intricate crafts. Or head to Jinya-mae Market, in front of the Takayama Jinya heritage building, where plenty of homemade goods await (your clued-up Concierge can suggest the best local delicacies to sample).
Next, walk over to the nearby Kusakabe Folk Museum – set inside a traditional Edo-style house which was rebuilt in 1879 by skilled artisan Jisuke Kawajiri after a fire. Today it’s home to traditional mingei (folk crafts), historic furniture and even hosts performing arts events from time to time.
From here, head to the beautiful Hida Folk Village in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture. With 30 traditional houses to explore in this open-air museum, it’s like stepping into a storybook world.
Round off your day with a private guided tour of the beautiful Hida region. You’ll pass mountains, rice fields and ancient villages, with plenty of breaks along the way to take in the view and wait for the stragglers (not necessarily the children!).
Wave goodbye to Takayama’s towering peaks; you’re off to Kyoto for three nights. Board the train at Takayama Station and unwind on the three-and-a-half-hour journey to Kyoto Station – with a quick transfer in Nagoya. It’s the perfect opportunity to reminisce over photos of your alpine adventure or just admire the passing scenery.
Upon arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to a machiya (traditional townhouse), which will be your home for the next few nights. These properties were once the residences of merchants and craftsmen and are over 12 centuries old. Now restored with modern comforts, they offer an authentic glimpse into the past and form an integral part of Kyoto's traditional urban landscape.
Prepare for an action-packed day discovering Kyoto. Begin your morning with a serene stroll along the cherry blossom-fringed Philosopher’s Path. Sitting pretty in the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, this canal-side walk begins around Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and winds south to the Nanzen-ji neighbourhood. Then, play hide and seek in the Buddhist garden paradise of Kinkaku-ji (the Gold Pavilion). Once a statesman’s villa, this ornate building was transformed into a Zen temple by Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga in the late 14th century and rebuilt in 1955 after a fire.
Head back into central Kyoto and tuck into tasty cuisine at Nishiki market. Aptly nicknamed 'Kyoto's kitchen,' this lively market offers everything from eel to fresh octopus, with stalls stacked full of steaming tempura, sumptuous seafood and pickled vegetables.
Still hungry? We have you covered. Visit Kyoto’s Traditional Arts Centre, just a short walk from the market and try your hand at washoku – a traditional Japanese approach to cooking. Recognised on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, washoku focuses on proper seasoning, locally sourced ingredients and beautifully decorated dishes. Sushi is the most emblematic dish in Japanese cuisine, consisting of shari (vinegared rice) and layered with neta (a topping of raw fish or vegetables). The private class lasts an hour and 40 minutes, so pull up your sleeves and start rolling some rice. Or for a crafty afternoon, opt for an optional origami session.
Another day, another train. Today you’ll travel to Osaka for a comfortable stay in a stylish, centrally-located hotel. Aboard one of the Shinkansen bullet trains, the journey can take as little as 15 minutes.
Venture beyond the lobby and discover vibrant Osaka with a friendly expat guide. Wander through lively neighbourhoods, discover hidden foodie spots and uncover artsy corners of the city. From Nakanoshima Park to the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, there’s plenty to see.
Your Japanese adventure has sadly come to an end. Bid farewell to the scenic city as you head to Osaka airport for your international flight back to London which takes just over 16 hours and lands the following day.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
