The Cultural Heart of Japan

Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun! Your holiday to Japan starts now! Upon your arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted at the airport by an assistant who will help you get back to your hotel by public transport and teach you how to use the transport pass. Depending on your arrival time, why not set out to start your discovery of this bustling metropolis or try some delicious ramen? Get a good night’s sleep and prepare to explore Japan!

After a good night’s sleep, get ready to explore Japan’s bustling capital! In the company of your English-speaking guide, get to the heart of the city by discovering the must-see sites of Tokyo. From the gardens to the imperial palace and finally, a visit to the famous vibrant districts of Tokyo where you will enjoy getting lost and listening to all the little stories from your local guide.

Today, continue your exploration of the Japanese capital and take a walk in the Asakusa district, far from the clichés. Pass through the doors of time as you enter the Asakusa district, the historic center of the capital, and take your time as you breathe the charm of yesteryear in a Tokyo that is not forgotten. This vibrant district is the perfect way to see slip into the country's history on your trip to Japan!

Today, leave the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and make your way to the Mount Fuji region and admire the mythical volcano from Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. Here, you can admire several charming shrines and temples scattered all over the lake. Hakone is also the perfect place to experience the Japanese hot springs called ”onsen” for some relaxation and one of the most peaceful moments of your holiday to Japan!

After relaxing in the Japanese hot baths, you can enjoy gentle hikes in the park along the lake to reach one of the higlights of Japan: Owakudani Volcanic Valley. Admire its famous fumaroles, steam vents, hot springs and hot rivers. The experience is definitely one of the highlights of a holiday to Japan and definitely worth the detour, and on clear days you may have the chance to see a spectacular panoramic view of Mount Fuji.

Today, set off to explore Kyoto, nicknamed “the Eternal City”, in the company of your English-speaking guide. Stroll the streets of Kyoto and witness ancient traditions, dazzling architecture and beautiful parks. The shrines and temples of the ancient Japanese capital will transport you to the past and you might be lucky enough to come across a Geiko.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Kyoto for a day-trip to Takao where you set off for a gentle and pleasant hike. Visit the Kozan-Ji Temple and admire the view from the temple’s veranda overlooking the valley before continuing along a river lined with maple trees. You cross a small arched bridge before reaching Jingo-Ji Temple with its nearby waterfalls and pools and take your time to relax and stroll in the gardens at your own pace before making your back back to Kyoto.

To continue your exploration of Kyoto, why not make your way to the largest Shinto shrine in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha, where 30,000 torii follow one another forming a red vault winding through the heart of the forest and the mountain. You then continue your journey by discovering the Philosopher’s Path, dotted throughout small temples and shrines. Visit the UNESCO-listed Ginkaku Ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, a lacquered wooden pavilion surrounded by a soothing, streamlined garden nicknamed "The Sea of ​​Silver Sand".

Take a day trip to Nara, the former capital of Japan and walk in its large park where you can meet the city’s famous residents: the shika deer. Seeing these friendly animals will delight both young and old! It is very easy to approach them and they will surely come to tease you and search your bags. A great way to get some funny photos!

Accompanie by an English-speaking guide, set out to discover the city of Kanazawa, located very near to the Japanese Alps. Visit one of the most beautiful gardens in the whole country, the Kenroku-En, which features typical Japanese landscaping and architecture. Take your time to stroll between ponds and streams, admiring the beautiful plants before making your way to Kanazawa Castle. Don’t forget to visit Nagamachi, the old samurai district and walk along its charming cobbled alleys admiring wooden houses that bring you into the heart of a bygone past.

Today, you have a free morning in Kanazawa. Why not set out for a trek in the surrounding nature? Afterwards relax in a traditional ryokan where you can taste kaiseki delicacies and bathe in the thermal baths. Then, when you are ready to set off, take the train to the small town of Takayama, and spend the evening discovering charming little streets lined with beautifully preserved old houses.

Today, explore the small town of Takayama, and discover charming little streets lined with beautifully preserved old houses. Dating from the Edo era, several of these wooden mansions have been converted to museums, such as the House of the Kusakabe Family or sake breweries – a great opportunity to have fun during a small tasting.

Take a day trip to the small village of Shirakawa-Go, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site for its large thatched-roof houses: the Gassho Zukuri. Take your time strolling through this quaint little village that almost resembles the chalets of the Swiss alps. Some of the minka can be visited during that day, allowing you to step inside one of these unique living spaces which can house up to fourty inhabitants. In the evening, make your way back to Takayama and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Back from your trip to the heart of the Japanese Alps, you make your way to Tokyo where you will spend your last moments in the districts of Ginza and Shinjuku which will delight lovers of shopping and contemporary architecture. In the evening, make sure to wander around Shinjuku’s alleys lined with small bars and restaurants and watch the neon lights come on, inviting you to a world of entertainment, as the sun sets.

Enjoy a free half-day in Tokyo, the perfect opportunity to do some last-minute souvenir shopping or enjoy a last bowl of hearty ramen.
According to your flight schedule, make your way to either Tokyo Haneda or Narita Airport for your departure flight.

We hope you enjoyed your holiday to Japan!