15-Day Discover Japan Tour of Kyoto, Miyajima, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Kiso Valley, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Mt. Fuji, Nikko, and Tokyo

Get a glimpse into Japan’s vibrant and unique culture and history on this wonderful 15-day journey through Kyoto, Miyajima, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Kiso Valley, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Mt. Fuji, Nikko, and Tokyo. Go beyond the usual attractions and experience Japan’s dynamic cultural heritage through a local’s point of view. Make your way through the bustling streets, tour around the popular destinations, and taste delicious local specialties. This tour is flexible and can be customized to suit your interests and needs.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Kyoto, Miyajima, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Kiso Valley, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Mt. Fuji, Nikko, and Tokyo in 15 days

• Discover Japan’s beautiful culture and fascinating history

• Visit some of the most famous temples and shrines around Japan, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Sensoji Temple

• See the iconic Mount Fuji

• Taste authentic and delicious Japanese culinary specialties

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 the iconic vermilion gate of the Yasaka Shrine. 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. 

Take in the Historic Gion District

Experience the nostalgic charm of the Gion district. Walk your way through the bustling Hanamikoji Street packed with well-preserved wooden machiya houses. Listen to fascinating stories behind the ancient district as you appreciate the grandeur of traditional Japanese architecture. Well known for its Geisha culture, Gion district is considered as its birth place. If you are lucky enough, you might get a glimpse of a geisha.

Enjoy a Delightful Multi-Course Japanese Kaiseki Dinner

Delight 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

See the Grand Kinkakuji Temple

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

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. Take in the picturesque scenery, learn the story behind the temple, and feel free to drink a cup of the Otowa Waterfalls’ stream water for good health, longevity, success, and auspicious love life. Then, 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. 

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 along the entire trail 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

Experience the Enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Immerse yourself into the serene atmosphere as you take an early morning stroll around the scenic Arashiyama district. Ride the nostalgic Sagano Romantic Train through the scenic valley, enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and take in the tranquil atmosphere of the scenic tunnel of towering bamboo stalks of the mesmerizing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

See the Japanese Macaques at the Monkey Park Iwatayama

One of the popular destinations in Kyoto, 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.  

Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Continue to the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, one of the largest sake breweries in Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto, and visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum to learn the rich history of Gekkeikan and its traditional sake brewery process. Experience a sake-tasting session and get to compare multiple sake brews, from dry to sweet and fruity, as your expert local guide explains the basics of sake and introduces new blends you may have never tried before. 

Day 4

Visit the Historic Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Travel to Hiroshima, the City of Peace. Hiroshima preserves the significant event of the world’s first nuclear attack through displays of belongings, photos, memorials, testimony, and other materials documenting the horror of the atomic bombing. Take in the historic atmosphere of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park as you tour around the memorial park and commemorate the past. You will also take a streetcar ride and see the Atomic Bomb Dome. 

Day 5

Explore the Heavenly Miyajima

Catch a ferry and make your way to Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate. Stroll the streets of Miyajima, visit the World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine, and enjoy the beautiful scenic panoramic views. Afterwards, head back to Hiroshima where you will be staying for the night.

Day 6

Travel to Tokoname

After breakfast, head to Tokoname, one of the most important ancient kiln town. Known for its unique pottery ware, Tokoname is the birthplace of the famous lucky cat, Manekineko. 

Explore the Historic Tokoname

An ancient kiln town, Tokoname is known for its pottery foot paths. Walk through a hillside community that was once the center of ceramics productions during the Edo period, see examples of different pottery styles, and learn more about traditional ceramics. You will see the preserved old ceramic pipes, clay rings, and even a few brick chimneys along the way. 

Visit the Monumental Vantelin Dome Nagoya

Home of the Chunichi Dragons Baseball Team, get a chance to watch a Chunichi Dragons’ home game up close. The Nagoya Dome is also an example of a geodesic dome, so make sure to get an insight of its elaborate architectural style.

Day 7

Experience the Idyllic Kiso Valley

Travel to the quaint 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 make your way through 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 8

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 families, and get an overview 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. 

Discover Appetizing Local Specialties at 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. 

Admire the Scenic Kenrokuen Garden

Take in the scenic landscape of the exquisite and tranquil Kenrokuen Garden. A must-see tourist attraction in the heart of Kanazawa, the Kenrokuen Garden is considered as one of Japan’s most famous landscape gardens. Admire the incredible 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 9

Visit the Famous Zenkoji Temple

One of the most important and popular temples in Japan, the historic Zenkoji Temple played a significant role in the development of Nagano. Make your way through the opulent 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, to get a good view of the temple grounds and check out the historic Nakamise Street packed with shops selling local specialities and souvenirs.

See the Spectacular Matsumoto Castle

Travel to Matsumoto City and visit the imposing 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, 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

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 10

Be Amazed at the Scenic Beauty of Mt. Fuji

Take in the picturesque 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 11

Journey to Nikko

Depart from Hakone to Nikko. Upon arrival, head to a Ryokan Inn to freshen up before heading out to explore the ancient town at your own leisure.

Day 12

See the Magnificent Toshogu Shrine

Take a day trip to Nikko and visit the lavishly decorated tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, at Toshogu Shrine. Marvel at the impressive architectural elements, such as intricate gold leaf, lacquer work, paintings, and patterns, used to cover every corner of the ornate shrine. Continue to the historic Nikko Toshogu Art Museum at the back of the temple complex. Check out the collection of artifacts and traditional works, see the beautiful sliding doors and screens decorated by the best painters of the day, and stop by the Shin-Kyo Bridge, one of the famous landmarks in Nikko.

Day 13

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 14

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.

Admire the Celebrated Sensoji Temple

Step into ancient Japan as you stroll around the historic Asakusa district and see the magnificent Sensoji Temple, the most visited temple and one of the oldest religious structures in the country. Learn more about Japanese architecture and get an in-depth understanding of Japanese history from your knowledgeable guide. You can also check out Nakamise Shopping Street, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, packed with local shops selling local specialities from typical Japanese souvenirs to delectable traditional snacks.

Experience Traditional Sumo Wrestling at the Ryogoku Kokugikan

Witness the thrilling excitement of watching a live sumo wrestling match in Ryogoku Kokugikan. Dedicated to Japan’s national sport, Ryogoku Kokugikan is one of the largest sumo stadiums in Japan.

Tour the Colorful and Dynamic Shinjuku District

Walk around the lively Shinjuku district and experience the local nightlife. See how the vibrant night lights transform the city, observe how the locals drink and dine, and check out Kabukicho, the infamous red light district. Then, end the day with an appetizing farewell dinner.

Day 15

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

• 14 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (15)

• Japanese Izakaya Welcome Dinner

• Kaiseki Dinner

• Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha Performance

• Farewell Dinner

• 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.