Tokyo - Utsunomiya - Nikko

Meet your English-speaking guide at your hotel. Depart from Tokyo Station for Utsunomiya Station by bullet train (1h 9min). Then, transfer to Nikko by private vehicle(37 min). Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Toshogu Shrine built in 1617 as a mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and the first Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This World Heritage shrine is Nikko's most majestic attraction. Then, stop by Tamozawa Imperial Villa, former Nikko residence of the Imperial Family. The Villa was erected in Nikko in 1899, using parts of a residence that originally stood in Tokyo. After lunch, you will take the famous Irohazaka widing road to Kegon Waterfall, located at Lake Chuzenji in Nikko National Park.

Overnight : Hoshino Resort KAI Nikko or similar

Nikko - Utsunomiya - Koriyama

After breakfast, a private car will take you to Utsunomiya Station(1h). You will then board the bullet train bound for Koriyama(47 min). Visit a local master artisan that restores the katana, Japanese swords that have become rusty or chipped. After lunch at at a local restaurant you will be driven to Nihonmatsu(26 min) where you will have an opportunity to participate in a private kendo lesson. Next, visit the ruins of Nihonmatsu Castle and the surrounding park. Learn about the history of the castle and its role in the Boshin War. After a busy day of exploration, you will then be driven to your ryokan. Rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight : Yomogino Ryokan or similar

Koriyama - Urabandai - Koriyama - Tokyo

After breakfast, embark on a full day of sightseeing. Your first stop is Urabandai, known as Bandai-Asahi National Park. Following a massive eruption of Mt.Bandai in 1888, the ensuing massive landslides blocked rivers and created a number of lakes and marshes. Enjoy a short hike (approx 1h) to the mysterious Goshikinuma Ponds. The combination of the weather, seasons, and volcanic substances in the water give mysterious hues such as emerald green and pastel blue. Next, visit lake Hibara, the largest lake in the Urabandai region and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of Mt. Bandai. Depending on weather conditions, you can also go kayaking on the lake. Your next stop is Morohashi Museum of Modern Art, located in the heart of the Bandai Asahi National Park. The museum is one of the only a handful of museums in the world with a permanent Salvador Dali exhibition. At the conclusion of your tour, you are transferred to Koriyama(55 min) by private car. Catch the bullet train to Tokyo (1h 20 min).