Day 1:
Osaka Arrival - Kyoto
Arrive at Kansai International Airport in Osaka and transfer to your hotel in Kyoto.
Overnight in Kyoto for 3 nights
Day 2:
Kyoto
After breakfast, depart for a full day of touring in Kyoto. Visit Nijo Palace built in 1603 as Kyoto residence of Ieyasu Tokugawa, founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. Then, stop at Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavillion). Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was a retirement villa of a court noble, later changed to a Zen temple. Next, visit Ryoanji Temple, the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden. Your last stop will be at Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Day 3:
Kyoto
Begin your sightseeing today with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion tori gates. This shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital’s move to Kyoto in 794. Next, you are welcomed to a private temple where you will take part in the traditional tea ceremony. Rest of the day free at leisure for own activities.
Day 4:
Kyoto – Tsuruga – Yamanaka Onsen
After checking out of the hotel, depart for Tsuruga by private car (approx. 1.5 hours). Upon arrival in Tsuruga, begin your private tour. A highlight of your tour is the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum. Tsuruga Port flourished as a gateway to the Continent as was known as the “Harbor of the East” and later as the Port of Humanity. It was the only Japanese port open to the Polish orphans in 1920, and to the Jewish refugees with Visas For Life in 1940. You will also visit the Old Tsuruga Port Station, Old Red Bricks Warehouse with the early 20th century townscape depicted in the railroad and port diorama. Your final stop is Kami-Warabe Washi Paper Doll Museum where you will learn how to make origami. At the conclusion of your tour, you are transferred to Yamanaka Onsen by private car (approx.1h 28min)
Overnight in Yamanaka Onsen for 1 night
Day 5:
Yamanaka Onsen - Kanazawa
After a leisurely morning at the ryokan, you will visit some local artisan studios. Artisans you’ll meet here are indigenous organic food producers and traditional handicraft makers. Some of the possibilities include: visiting an organic rice producer, Japanese “Nihonshu” (sake) producer, traditional wood turner “Kiji-shi”, or Japanese “Kutani ware” potter. In late afternoon, transfer to Kanazawa by private car (approx. 1 hour).
Overnight in Kanazawa for 2 nights
Day 6:
Kanazawa
After breakfast, you will be taken on a full day of touring in Kanazawa. Begin your tour by visiting Kenroku-en Garden, recognized as one of Japan’s “Three Most Beautiful Traditional Japanese Style Gardens”. Continue your exploration with a visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. It opened in 2004, and has become one of Japan’s most popular art museums. After lunch at Omicho Market, the largest fresh food market in this area for nearly 300 years, enjoy the D.T. Suzuki Museum and deepen your understanding of the ideas and achievements of Daisetz Suzuki, a prominent Buddhist philosopher. Your last stop will be the Nagamachi Samurai District where samurai and their families used to reside.
Day 7:
Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama
This morning, depart for a full day of touring, visiting Ogimachi Village, Shirakawago’s largest village and main attraction. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit one of Gassho-style houses. Then, transfer to Takayama by private car (approx. 50 min)
Overnight in Takayama for 2 nights
Day 8:
Takayama
After breakfast, set off on a full-day tour of Takayama. First, visit Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall (Takayama Festival is regarded as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan). Then, visit one of Takyama’s morning markets. Next, explore the beautifully preserved old town. Your last stop will be the Higashiyama Teramachi district where you can enjoy the temples and shrines that are linked by scenic hiking trails.
Day 9:
Takayama - Yaotsu - Nagoya
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Yaotsu, the birthplace of Chiune Sugihara (approx.2 hours). Visit the Chiune Sugihara Memorial Hall. The building is made entirely from Japanese cypress grown in Gifu and was designed to suit the natural features of this area, and to express the humanism of Sugihara. Also, stop by the “Bells of Peace” Monument. If time permits, enjoy hiking in Goho Falls Park. Transfer to Nagoya.
Overnight in Nagoya for 1 night
More information about GIFU prefecture and SUGIHARA, CHIUNE, visit HERE.
Day 10:
Nagoya - Tokyo
This morning, embark on a half day of sightseeing. Your first stop is Nagoya Castle, one of the top attractions in the city. From here, follow “Chiune Sugihara’s Walk of Humanitarianism” by visiting his old school (present-day Aichi Prefectural Zuiryo High School). After lunch, transfer to Nagoya Station and catch the bullet train to Tokyo (approx. 100 min). Remainder of the day free at leisure.
Overnight in Tokyo for 2 nights
Day 11:
Tokyo
This morning, begin your full day tour of Tokyo. First, tour the Imperial Palace Plaza that surrounds the Imperial Palace. Continuing on, you pay a visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Next, discover the Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of the largest and most popular Buddhist temples in Tokyo. Later, take a guided walking tour of Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous up market shopping, dining, and entertainment center.
Day 12:
Tokyo - Narita Int'l Airport
Your journey comes to an end as you are transferred from your hotel to the airport to board your homebound flight.
This tour itinerary is tailor made travel arrangement. Dates are flexible and customizable for your preference.
Please contact us for a custom quote. The price is customized based on final itinerary, travel dates, choice of accommodation or other custom preference.