Japan Privately: Temples, Bullet Trains & Kyoto
Duration: 13 days
Countries: Japan
Cities: Gero Onsen, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, Hakone, Kyoto, Gero Onsen
Valid Travel Dates: 20 February 2027 - 18 November 2027
From
$21,175
Trip Summary
Overview
Thirteen days that move through Japan from its modern capital to its imperial heart — slowly enough to absorb what each place is actually offering. Tokyo opens with three nights at the Shangri-La in Marunouchi: the city's temples and towers, a Kagura ceremonial blessing, taiko drumming, and a sumo demonstration that puts one of Japan's oldest traditions in proper context. Hakone follows — Mount Fuji filling the horizon on clear mornings, the Hakone Open-Air Museum turning a hillside into an extraordinary gallery, and a flower arranging class rooted in Japanese aesthetic tradition. Then inland to Takayama and Gero Onsen, where the Yunoshimakan Ryokan offers the first real stillness of the trip: wooden architecture, onsen bathing, and the pace of a place that has not changed much in a century. Kanazawa's preserved samurai and geisha districts and the extraordinary Kenroku-en garden precede the closing chapter in Kyoto — Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu Temple, and a private home visit with tea ceremony and origami that holds more of Japan's essence than any museum could. Your Resident Tour Director accompanies the entire journey. Luggage moves ahead.
Accommodations
Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa – Hakone
Yunoshimakan Ryokan – Gero Onsen
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa – Kanazawa
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto – Kyoto
Shangri-La Tokyo – Tokyo
Inclusions
- ✓Guided sightseeing and cultural experiences as outlined in the daily itinerary
- ✓Private home visit in Kyoto with tea ceremony and origami
- ✓Geisha district exploration
- ✓Kagura ceremonial blessing and taiko drumming in Tokyo
- ✓Lake Ashi ferry ride with Mount Fuji views
- ✓Hakone Open-Air Museum visit
- ✓Flower arranging class in Hakone
- ✓Visits to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Kiyomizu Temple
- ✓Sumo wrestling demonstration
- ✓Meals specifically mentioned within the daily itinerary
- ✓12 nights in listed accommodations
Exclusions
- ✗Travel insurance (unless Guest Protection is purchased)
- ✗Personal expenses such as phone charges, laundry, etc.
- ✗Any services not specifically listed in the inclusions
- ✗International airfare
Optional Add-Ons(Not Included in Package Price!)
- International Airfare: Air travel to and from Japan is not included and may be arranged separately.
- Pre-Tour or Post-Tour Hotel Nights: Additional nights in Tokyo or Kyoto beyond the scheduled 12-night program.
- Optional Experiences or Personal Enhancements: Any activities not specifically included in the confirmed itinerary.
- Private Airport Transfers (if outside scheduled arrival/departure windows)
- Subject to operator policy and availability.
- Guest Protection Plan: Listed at $799 per person for Asia land tours. Provides cancellation flexibility and travel protection benefits.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s dynamic capital where centuries-old tradition meets modern precision. After arrival, transfer to Shangri-La Tokyo, located in the Marunouchi district near Tokyo Station. The remainder of the day is reserved for arrival and settling in before the journey officially begins.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Tokyo
Tokyo
Begin guided exploration of Tokyo with structured sightseeing introducing both historic and contemporary aspects of the city. The day includes a Kagura ceremonial blessing and taiko drumming, offering insight into traditional Shinto ritual and performance art. Additional touring provides context into Tokyo’s layered cultural identity.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Tokyo
Tokyo
Continue guided exploration of Tokyo. The program includes a sumo wrestling demonstration, providing perspective on one of Japan’s most historic sporting traditions. Further sightseeing highlights the city’s cultural districts and daily rhythms.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Tokyo
Hakone
Depart Tokyo for Hakone, a region known for its mountainous scenery and proximity to Mount Fuji. Cruise across Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji in clear weather. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring large-scale sculptures set within landscaped grounds.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa
Hakone
Continue exploration of Hakone with a flower arranging class rooted in Japanese aesthetic tradition. The day allows further time in the region before continuing deeper into the country.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa
Takayama, Gero Onsen
Travel toward Takayama and onward to Gero Onsen, one of Japan’s established hot spring regions. Check into a traditional ryokan, where the experience reflects classic Japanese inn hospitality. Guests may experience onsen bathing in a traditional setting.
Accommodation: Yunoshimakan Ryokan, Takayama
Kanazawa
Travel to Kanazawa, a city known for preserved historic districts and samurai-era architecture. Guided exploration introduces traditional neighborhoods and the cultural legacy that defines the city.
Accommodation: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Continue sightseeing in Kanazawa, including visits to traditional gardens and heritage areas that reflect the city’s historic role in Japan’s feudal era.
Accommodation: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan. Begin guided exploration of historic districts and architectural landmarks that define the city’s cultural importance.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto
Visit Nijo Castle, once home to the Tokugawa shogunate, followed by Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion. The day focuses on Kyoto’s architectural and political history.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto
Experience a private home visit featuring a traditional tea ceremony and origami. Explore a geisha district with expert guidance, offering insight into one of Kyoto’s enduring cultural traditions.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto
Visit Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto’s most recognized historic sites. Continue guided exploration of the city’s cultural and spiritual landmarks.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto
The journey concludes in Kyoto. Departure arrangements proceed according to individual travel plans.
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This journey is subject to our Traveler Terms and Conditions, which explain how bookings, pricing, payment, cancellation and travel protection work. Please read them before you book.
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