10-Day Highlights of Japan Cultural Heritage Tour of Kyoto, Kiso Valley, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Mt. Fuji, and Tokyo

Journey through the Land of the Rising Sun on this amazing 10-day excursion! Explore the beautiful destinations of Japan, such as Kyoto, Kiso Valley, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Mt. Fuji, and Tokyo, learn more about the rich cultural heritage, visit popular attractions and landmarks, be amazed at how breathtaking the scenic views are, and get a taste of authentic Japanese specialties. The tour is flexible and can be customized to fit your interests and needs.

Tour Highlights

• Discover the cultural highlights of Japan in 10 days

• See the famous Kinkakuji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sensoji Temple

• Visit the majestic Matsumoto Castle and Osaka Castle

• Marvel at the beauty of Mt. Fuji

• Admire the well-preserved Machiya Houses in Gion district

• Stay at a traditional Ryokan Inn for a night

• Enjoy a traditional Kaiseki-style dinner

• Sample delicious Japanese culinary delights

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kyoto

Arrive at Kyoto Station. Your local guide will meet you at the train station and take you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up before heading out to explore the city.

Visit the Famous Yasaka Shrine

Tour the most famous shrine in the Gion area and see its iconic vermilion gate. One of the most important shrines in Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine is also considered as the Spiritual Heart of Kyoto. Ring the large bells at the main sanctuary to notify the gods of your presence and feel free to offer your prayers for beauty and love. 

Tour the Historic Gion District

Immerse yourself into the nostalgic charm and historical atmosphere of the Gion district. Walk along the bustling Hanamikoji Street packed with beautifully preserved wooden machiya houses. Hear fascinating stories behind the ancient district from your knowledgeable guide as you appreciate the magnificence of traditional Japanese architecture.

Enjoy a Delightful Multi-Course Japanese Kaiseki Dinner

Indulge yourself in a night of elegant entertainment with traditional Japanese performance and fulfilling multi-course kaiseki dinner. Admire the elegance of the beautiful geishas as they perform traditional dance and music, learn about the interesting make and geisha traditions, and get an insight into the cultural significance of the geisha’s performance. 

Day 2

Visit the Magnificent Kiyomizudera Temple

One of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Kiyomizudera Temple is best known for its large wooden stage juts out over the hillside, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city. Feel free to drink a cup of the Otowa Waterfalls’ stream water for good health, longevity, success, and auspicious love life. 

Explore the Historic Higashiyama District

Walk along the steep and bustling Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka alleys of the well-preserved Higashiyama district packed with traditional shops and restaurants offering a selection of local specialities. 

Stop by the Beautiful Marayuma Park

Take in the scenic and tranquil view of Marayuma Park. The oldest park in Kyoto, Marayuma Park is the perfect place to sit and rest after exploring the area.

Get a Taste of the Delightful Japanese Cuisine at Nishiki Market

Find your way around the historic Nishiki Market and get a taste of the fascinating Japanese culture. Visit family-run food stalls, interact with the local shopkeepers, explore the distinct flavors of Japanese cuisine, and get an insider’s perspective on the Kitchen of Kyoto. Try some of the mouth-watering local specialities, such as sashimi, dashi, and tamagoyaki, and feel free to ask your knowledgeable guide for some recommendations on the best stalls and restaurants to check out.

Walk through the Endless Torii Gates Passage in Fushimi Inari Shrine

Head to the Fushimi Inari Shrine and make your way through the fascinating tunnel of seemingly endless path of vermilion torii gates. Learn the story behind the torii gates and try the delicious Inari Sushi (Rice Stuffed into Pockets of Aburaage) and Kitsune Udon (Wheat Noodles in Broth Topped with Aburaage) that are considered as the favorite food of the divine messengers of the deity Inari.

Day 3

Admire the Picturesque Tenryuji Temple

Visit the beautiful and breathtaking Tenryuji Temple, the most important Zen temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area. See the attractions within the temple grounds, take in the serene atmosphere of the temple, and enjoy the enchanting scenic landscape garden. 

Take in the Enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you walk along the magical, scenic path of the towering bamboo stalks of the mesmerizing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. One of the most photographed places in Kyoto, make sure to capture the scenic beauty of Japan’s most famous bamboo forest.

See the Japanese Macaques at the Monkey Park Iwatayama

Climb the steps up to the Monkey Mountain and get to see the wild Japanese macaques up close in their natural habitat. Afterwards, board a row boat and cruise across the river to explore the valleys in traditional Japanese style.  

Marvel at the Grandiose Kinkakuji Temple

One of the must-see tourist attractions in Kyoto, the Kinkakuji Temple is also known as the Golden Pavilion. Stroll around the beautiful gardens surrounding the grand Kinkakuji Temple and admire the stunning Japanese architecture showcasing the opulent traditional culture during Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s rule. 

Visit the Tranquil Daitokuji Temple

Experience the Zen life as you take a relaxing stroll around the peaceful Daitokuji Temple, take in the serene atmosphere, enjoy the natural scenery, and learn more about Zen culture and architecture through the temple’s beautiful Zen gardens. 

Day 4

Experience the Charming Kiso Valley

After breakfast, travel to the quaint and idyllic town of Tsumago in the Kiso Valley. A remote town where time stands still, get a good sense of the Japanese traditional post town atmosphere as you stroll around one of the beautifully preserved post towns in Japan, walk along the stone paths, and admire the traditional wooden architectural structures of Japan’s bygone feudal past.

Day 5

Travel to Kanazawa

Head to Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Known for its pristine geisha and samurai districts, the city of Kanazawa boasts a diverse range of historical attractions, art museums, traditional handicrafts, and interesting food culture. 

Explore the Well-Preserved Higashi Chaya District

Discover one of Kanazawa’s largest and most famous geisha districts, Higashi Chaya District. Stroll around the beautifully preserved historical area packed with traditional wooden teahouses, get a glimpse inside a traditional teahouse, and visit local shops selling gold-leaf products. 

Tour the Historic Nagamachi Samurai District

Visit the former residences of samurai and their families, and get an insight of their daily lives as you visit the restored samurai residence of the Nomura family, Nomura-ke. Then, continue to the Shinise Kinenkan Museum, a restored pharmacy displaying the lives of the merchant class during the Edo Period. 

Go to the Bustling Omicho Market

Be amazed with the incredible selection of fresh seafood at the Omicho Market. The largest fresh food market since the Edo Period, the Omicho Market is also known as Kanazawa’s Kitchen and has become a popular tourist destination for its high-quality, fresh seafood and produce. Check out the popular restaurants and sample their must-try rice bowls topped with fresh Kanazawa seafood. 

Appreciate the Beautiful Kenrokuen Garden

Take in the scenic landscape of the exquisite and serene Kenrokuen Garden. A must-see tourist attraction in the heart of Kanazawa, the Kenrokuen Garden is considered as one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens. Admire the amazing variety of flowers and trees around the garden, see the stunning artificial pond called Kasumigaike, and get an insight of the Japanese traditional landscape. You can also look out for the Ishikawamon Entrance, Yugaotei Building, Funsui Fountain, and the Flying Wild Geese Bridge.

Day 6

Visit the Famous Zenkoji Temple

One of the most important and popular temples in Japan, the consequential Zenkoji Temple played a significant role in the development of Nagano. Make your way through the ornate main hall to see the various Buddhist statues, rub the statue of Obinzuru-sama for good health, and watch the ritual ringing of the temple bell, and even experience a Buddhist morning service. You can also stop by the temple’s main gate, Sanmon Gate, where you can get a good view of the temple grounds and check out the historic Nakamise Street lined with shops selling local specialities and souvenirs.

See the Imposing Matsumoto Castle

Travel to Matsumoto City and visit the spectacular Matsumoto Castle. One of the most complete and most beautiful among the original castles in Japan, the Matsumoto Castle is designated as one of the National Treasures of Japan. Admire the sophisticated black exterior of the castle, marvel at the complex combination of architectural structures from the Warring States Period and Edo Period, check out the wooden interior of the castle giving you a more authentic experience unlike most of the others castle in Japan that are built of concrete, and see other interesting features of the castle, including the steep wooden stairs and the narrow wooden windows once used by archers and gunmen. 

Explore the Historic Nakamachi District

Just a short walk from the Matsumoto Castle, head to the charming Nakamachi district and walk along the popular shopping street packed with well-preserved traditional storehouses that have been converted into various local shops offering a great selection of Japanese handicrafts, such as pottery, lacquerware, and wooden crafts. Check out the shops, cafes and restaurants around the area as well as the Kurassic-kan, the symbol of Nakamachi Street. You can enjoy some leisure time before heading to your hotel.

Day 7

Admire the Scenic Beauty of Mt. Fuji

Bask in the breathtaking scenery as you head towards Lake Kawaguchi, one of the best places to see the grandeur of Mt. Fuji. The most visited of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko serves as the main entry point to the famous lake region. Admire the picturesque sight of Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchiko in the foreground, hop on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for impressive scenic views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji, board on the popular excursion boat offering spectacular panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, and visit the unique Itchiku Kubota Art Museum featuring kimonos. 

Experience the Ultimate Traditional Japanese Ryokan

Take time to rejuvenate after an exhausting day at a traditional Japanese ryokan, take a dip in a mineral-rich, revitalizing traditional Japanese onsen, and have an authentic, multi-course Japanese Kaiseki dinner. An exceptional and unforgettable way to experience traditional Japanese luxury!

Day 8

Travel to Tokyo

Enjoy a comfortable, hassle-free trip to Tokyo after breakfast. Be at leisure, rest, and relax throughout the journey.

Visit the Impressive Tokyo National Museum

The oldest national museum in Japan, the Tokyo National Museum takes pride in its extensive collection of art and archeological artifacts with over 110,000 pieces including almost a hundred national treasures. Admire the well curated collections and get an in-depth overview of Japanese history. 

Explore the Lively Shibuya District

Take in the bright lights and lively atmosphere of Shibuya district as you make you way through its bustling streets, go across the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and find the famous bronze statue of the legendary pet, Hachiko. Enjoy some leisure time before heading back to your hotel.

Day 9

See the Famous Meiji Shrine

Take in the tranquility of the Meiji Shrine as you stroll around its walking paths and forested area. Learn about Shintoism and how to respectfully visit Japanese shrines from your knowledgeable guide. Believed to possess a spiritual energy powerful enough to grant your wishes, feel free to offer your prayers for happiness, love, success, health, and anything you can hope for.

Marvel at the Celebrated Sensoji Temple

Walk around the historic Asakusa district and get the feel of the ancient Japan era. See the treasured Sensoji Temple, the most visited temple and one of the oldest religious structures in the country. Admire the splendid Japanese architecture, get an in-depth understanding of Japanese history, and walk along the oldest shopping streets in Japan. The quintessential Nakamise Shopping Street  offers an incredible selection of local specialities, from typical Japanese souvenirs to delectable traditional snacks.

Walk around Sumida Park

Take a leisurely stroll around Sumida Park and enjoy the serene panorama of the Sumida River as well as the impressive views of the Tokyo Skytree. Walk across Kototoi Bridge, connecting the historical Asakusa district with modern Tokyo, and see the contrast of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. 

Marvel at the Monumental Tokyo Skytree

One of the world’s tallest towers, enjoy the colorful and spectacular Tokyo cityscape as you watch the city transform from day to night at the Tokyo Skytree’s Observation Deck. Visit to the Tokyo Solamachi, a combined entertainment complex at the base of Tokyo Skytree with numerous shops and restaurants as well as a planetarium and aquarium. Then, end the day with an appetizing farewell dinner.

Day 10

Depart from Tokyo

Check out from the hotel after breakfast. With the help of the local guide, take the shuttle bus to Narita International Airport for your journey back home.

Inclusions

• Pick Up and Drop Off

• 9 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (10)

• Dinner (2)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Airport Shuttle

• Local Hotel Tax

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic conditions.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.