Arrival in Japan via Kansai Airport. Meet your English-speaking driver and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kyoto.Welcome to the former imperial capital! Enjoy a panoramic view from the wooden verandas at the famous Kiyomizudera Temple.After a brief walk, you get to the Sanjusangendo Monastery and its Thousand Armed Avalokiteshwara statue, before proceeding to Ginkakuji Temple.In the late afternoon, visit the traditional Gion district.
Its famous ochaya (old house) and geisha houses are a must!

We offer two choices on how to spend today:You can go to Yoshino Region to see the cherry blossoms and one of the most beautiful floral parks in West Japan.Walk down the spiritual path in the Chikurin Park, and then witness the Kinpusen-ji temples together with their beautiful cherry blossom.Alternatively you can go to Nara by train. First, visit the immense Todaiji Temple which enshrines the largest bronze Buddha in Japan.Next, head to the Nara-Koen, a famous park that is cavorted freely by thousands of deers.
Return to Kyoto in the early evening.

Discover the Japanese countryside and its various crafts on the banks of the largest lake in the country, Lake Biwa.You will be brought back to the time before the samurai of ancient stone ramparts, houses belonging to wood merchants and historical paths by getting to one of the few preserved and still intact medieval castles – part of Japan’s National Treasures.

First, visit the Nijojo Castle, former home to the powerful Tokugawa family. Here you will find the secret “nightingale floor”.You will then meet the brilliant Kinkakuji, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion; and relax in the Zen garden by the Ryoanji Temple.Immerse yourself in the subtle artwork at the Hosomi Museum, exhibiting pieces from the primitive times to the present, while a tea ceremony will allow you to sit back and enjoy the ambiance.Having had a glimpse of Buddhism through various temples, you will go to Yasaka Shrine to learn the beliefs of the Japanese archaic Shintoism.

Take a train to Arashiyama, to the foot of the mountains in Kyoto.After crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge, continue on the soothing bamboo Arashiyama path and the “temple of the heavenly dragon” Tenryuji.After a smooth journey aboard the train, walk along the river canyons to Hozu Kameoka, where you will then return to Arashiyama, admiring the cherry trees along the banks.You could alternatively visit Kyoto earlier in the day to see the fish market Nishiki, and the traditional music and dances.

Kenrokuen Garden, Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Geisha District Journey to the North, to the brink of the Japanese seashore where Kanazawa awaits.Stroll through the Kenrokuen, containing many different flowering plants – one of three exquisite Japanese gardens.Among the many museums in Kanazawa, visit Ishikawa, home to the Museum of Arts and Crafts.
Boasting pottery, lacquer boxes, paper lanterns, umbrellas, etc.the museum will take you right through to the city centre.Lastly, reach the Geisha district, Higashi Chaya near the Kanazawa Station.

Bus ride to Takayama from Shirakawago, a remote village in the Japanese Alps that will charm you with its thatched houses. It is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.Visit the museum in Tayakama, a former house owned by a family of wealthy merchants Kusakabe.Tread the soil at the mystical sanctuary Sakurayama Hachimangu and walk the streets of the Old City.In the evening, wander a bit further to the eccentric Furukawa Festival, well-known for its impressive drummers!

Explore the Takayama market “San-Machi Suji” in the morning.Watch the impressive procession of palanquins at the Takayama Festival, before browsing about the city, passing many temples including Takayama Higashiyama Teramachi.Later, admire the beautiful landscapes with a hike in the area.

Transfer by train or bus to Matsumoto, going further east.Famous for its elegant medieval castle, this city also has lively traditional shops, small temples and shrines where you’ll find pure water sources throughout the city.Observe the old buildings built in the nineteenth century, including a famous school.

Depart for the Kiso Valley, the border between the norths and south; joined by the old road of Nakasendo.Stroll through antique wooden inns, and enter into the forest.
If you want to hike, we can organise a short trek to Kisoji.

From Matsumoto, travel to Tokyo by bus and enjoy a free day discovering the capital.We suggest you explore the great modern districts of the megalopolis: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Odaiba, etc.If you would like to know more about the city’s history, it’s worth visiting the magnificent Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Why not make like the Japanese and have a “Hanami” picnic under the cherry blossoms? Visit some recommended lesser-known places where you can gaze at the flowers which carpet the area.

Today you are able to choose between to two excursions:
Excursion A: train to Nikko via Asakusa. Walk to the Toshogu Temple to see the famous statues of Nemuri Neko and the wise monkeys.

Discover the hot springs in Yumoto Onsen and walk to the preserved Chuzenji Lake.

In the afternoon, hike to the Ryuzu No Taki waterfall.

Excursion B: Discover Kamakura with a walk through market streets until to reach Hachimangu Shrine.

Hike briefly up the hills and through the forests of Kamakuran, in which you’ll find several small temples and shrines.

Visit the Kotokuin Temple and its great bronze Buddha.

Take a shared taxi to Narita Airport.
Leave Japan with a tonne of amazing memories and new experiences ready to be ticked off your bucket list.