Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest urban areas in the world. Tokyo is the financial center of Japan and a blend of high-technology and tradition. Tokyo is huge and a well-organized modern city. The city landscape of Tokyo consists of temples and shrines, quiet nature reserves, historical buildings, futuristic architecture and neon lights. The core of the city includes Chiyoda and Chuo. This area features the impressive Imperial Palace, the national government buildings, the famous shopping area of Ginza, Tsukiji fish market, Akihabara electronics market and the historic Tokyo Station. The quiet neighborhood of Asakusa has some must see attractions such as the Sensoji Temple, the Nakamise-dōri shopping arcade, and the Golden Poo. Nearby is the Ueno area, including the Ameyoko market. A perfect spot to shop for traditional gifts and see a great Buddhist temple. Another major attraction of the city is the Meiji Shrine, located in Shibuya. Tokyo is a unique city that has something for everyone, busy shopping areas, famous nightlife, historical sights, quiet parks, and amazing scenery.

Points of interest: Harajuku, Roppongi Hills, Odaiba, Disneyland Tokyo, Roppongi, Tokyo Skytree, Kōkyo, Sunshine City Convention Center, Edo Castle, Sensō-ji, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market, Ueno Park, Hamarikyu Gardens, Rainbow Bridge, Tokio Town Hall, Tokyo Big Sight, Shrine of Meiji Jingu, Tokyo tower, Tokyo Dome, City Center, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Upon arrival at Narita Intl Airport, you will be welcomed by our English-speaking assistant/guide then assist you from the moment you land until you are on your way to your hotel.

English Speaking Assistant (service hours between 07:00 and 21:59)

Airport | Assistance | Convenience

Highlights

• Personalized meet-and-greet board for easy identification

• Escort through the airport to your next transport (train, taxi, or limousine bus)

• Assistance with Wi-Fi rental, ticket purchases, or other travel needs

Good to Know

• Service available at selected airports

• Assistance time is limited to 2 hours

• Additional fees may apply for extra services 

Accommodation: Shiba Park Hotel or similar class - breakfast included

1 - Standard King (Double) - Non smoking

Night:                          3 Nights
Address:                      1-5-10 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku

Japan Rail Pass Ordinary 14 days - Inclusive of exchange voucher shipping fee

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is a special fare ticket that is available only to travelers visiting Japan from foreign countries for sightseeing.

Eligibility

Non Japanese national tourist visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing, under the entry status of "temporary visitor."

Important information

Please provide the following  at the time of booking.

Photocopy of customer passport information

Shipping address of exchange voucher (The guest must bring a physical exchange voucher to the exchange counters in Japan).

For pass exchange location, please refer to https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html

JR Pass – Exchange & Seat Reservations

When to exchange the JR Pass:

You may exchange the JR Pass voucher after arriving in Japan, at a JR Pass exchange office (airport or major JR station).

At the time of exchange, you can choose the activation (start) date of the pass. The pass becomes valid from 00:00 on that date.

Tip: It’s best to exchange the pass 1 day before or the morning of their first long-distance train trip to avoid queues and stress.

Seat reservations:

Yes, seat reservations are included and free with the JR Pass.

You can reserve seats:

• At JR ticket offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi)
• At ticket machines that support JR Pass reservations

You can reserve multiple future trips at once.

Trains that can be reserved:

• Shinkansen (except Nozomi & Mizuho)
• Limited Express trains
• Some long-distance rapid services

Additional tips:

• Seat reservations can be changed or canceled for free
• They can use unreserved cars if reserved seats are full
• A passport is required when exchanging the pass and reserving seats
• Reserve seats early during peak seasons (cherry blossom season, autumn foliage, weekends, holidays)

Discover the art of taiko drumming in Tokyo. Learn from experts, feel the rhythm and connect with a remarkable Japanese tradition.

Included

1 hour taiko lesson

Not Included

Private vehicle, Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off, Food & drinks, Transportation to/from studio, Spare clothes or towel, Any not mentioned above included

Start Time

6:00 PM

Meeting Point

Please proceed to Okubo Station, South Exit. The exact meeting point address to be advised once booking is confirmed. Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time to have time to prepare.

35-40 mins by car or 42 - 46 mins by train. Please head to the meeting point at your own arrangement.

Maximum Group Size

12-16 pax

Overnight at Shiba Park Hotel or similar class

Bonsai Workshop with a Master Artist (Small Group Experience)

Art | Nature | Tradition

Join a hands-on bonsai workshop in Tokyo led by a master artist. Learn the history and delicate techniques of this traditional “living art” and create your own miniature tree during a guided session at a professional bonsai museum.

Tour Highlights

• Learn the art and history of bonsai in a guided workshop

• Create your own bonsai under expert supervision

• Workshop held at a dedicated bonsai museum

• Ideal for travelers interested in Japanese culture and art

Good to Know

• Your bonsai creation will stay at the museum for proper care

• Taking soil or live plants abroad is generally prohibited

• Not wheelchair accessible

• Stroller/pram accessible

• Infants welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap

• Easily accessible via public transportation

Included

Instruction available in English, Bonsai making lesson, Admission to the museum, All the materials and tools for the workshop

Not Included

Private vehicle, Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off Transfers, Food & drinks, Transportation fees, Gratuities, Other expenses, Any not mentioned above included

Start Time

10:00 AM

Meeting Point

Shunkaen Bonsai Museum (Exact address to be advised once booking is confirmed)

30 mins by car or 1 hr and 30 mins by train/subway. Please head to the meeting point at your own arrangement.

Duration

1 hr

Maximum Group Size

12-16 pax

Overnight at Shiba Park Hotel or similar class

You may head to the Train Station and then board the train to Matsumoto. Upon arrival, please head to your hotel at your own arrangement.

Tokyo → Matsumoto

Recommended train (JR Pass friendly):

Take the JR Limited Express “Azusa”

• From: JR Shinjuku Station (Tokyo)
• To: JR Matsumoto Station
• Travel time: approx. 2.5–3 hours
• Direct train (no transfers)
• Fully covered by the JR Pass
• Seat reservations are free with the JR Pass

This is the easiest and most comfortable option.

Suggested timing (for 3:00 PM check-in):

• Aim to arrive at Matsumoto Station around 2:00–2:30 PM
• Recommended departure from Shinjuku around 11:30 AM–12:00 PM
• This allows buffer time for delays, walking, or a quick lunch.

From Matsumoto Station to Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel:

• 10–15minute walk from the station
• Or a short taxi ride from outside the station

MATSUMOTO, JAPAN

The new city of Matsumoto includes the old town of Matsumoto and four villages. Matsumoto is surrounded by mountains and it's famous by its beautiful sights. The local transport network gives the ability to access the mountains to practice climbing or hiking. Among its historical attractions there's the Matsumoto Castle, the School-museum of Kaichi and the Temari. Matsumoto is a touristic highlight because of its traditional culture, its warm weather and its typical products. Matsumoto's Soba is famous thanks to its fine taste. There are also many onsen (typical bathrooms).

Points of interest Matsumoto Castle, Agata Forest Park, Kaichi School Museum

 

Accommodation:            Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel or similar class - breakfast included

1 - Standard Double Room

Night:                          2 Nights
Address:                      3-5-15 Ote

Full-Day Itinerary: Nakasendo Trail Hike with Private Guide

• From Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu – Tsumago to Magome (Approx. 8 km)

07:30 AM – Meet Your Private Guide at Hotel Lobby

• Introduction, briefing, and walk to Matsumoto Station (approx. 10 minutes).

Train from Matsumoto to Nagiso Station

Take the JR Chuo Line (Limited Express Shinano).

Arrival: Around 09:10 AM at Nagiso Station.

• Bus or Taxi to Tsumago-juku

Local bus (10 minutes) or taxi if preferred.

Start the day with a short orientation of Tsumago by your guide.

• Explore Tsumago

Visit restored Edo-period buildings, former inns, the Honjin and Waki-Honjin.

Short stop for snacks or a local specialty.

• Begin Hike on the Nakasendo Trail

Hike from Tsumago to Magome with your guide.

The trail is well-marked, passing waterfalls (Odaki & Medaki), forests, and traditional homes.

Your guide will explain historical markers, flora/fauna, and local life.

• Arrive in Magome & Lunch

Celebrate the hike with lunch at a local restaurant (your guide can suggest places).

Stroll through the picturesque town streets lined with shops and cafes.

• Bus to Nakatsugawa Station

Short bus ride (25 mins) from Magome to Nakatsugawa.

• Train from Nakatsugawa to Matsumoto

Via JR Chuo Line (change at Shiojiri).

Arrival in Matsumoto by around 5:30 PM.

• 05:45 PM – Return to Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu

Your guide will walk you back to the hotel or say goodbye at the station.

Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off by guide only, English Speaking Guide, Admission Fees

Not Included

Private vehicle, Transportation Fees, Taxi/Cab Fare, Food, Drinks and Lunch, Other Personal Expenses, Any not mentioned above included

Start Time

7:30 AM

Meeting Point

Hotel lobby

Difficulty level:

Easy to moderate

Well-maintained trail with gentle slopes

No technical hiking skills required

Age limit:

No official age limit

Generally suitable for children ~7–8 years and older who can walk several hours

Commonly completed by adults and seniors in their 60s–70s in normal health

Overnight at Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel or similar class

After checking out, you may head to Matsumoto Bus Terminal around 9:15 - 9:30 AM then board the 9:55 AM bus to Nohi Bus Centre (In front of JR Takayama Station). Upon arrival, walk 3 - 5 mins to your hotel.

Cabin Class: Economy                         

Description:

Bus from Matsumoto bus terminal to Nohi Bus centre (In front of JR Takayama station)

The bus ticket will be sent to you 3-4 weeks prior to the service date.

Note:

Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel to Matsumuto Bus Terminal takes 15 mins by walk or 5 mins by car. Private car not included.

TAKAYAMA, JAPAN

Takayama was settled as far back as the Jōmon period. The city is best known for its inhabitants' expertise in carpentry. It is believed carpenters from Takayama worked on the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and on many of the temples in Kyoto and Nara. The town and its culture, as they exist today, took shape at the end of the 16th century, when the Kanamori clan built Takayama Castle. About a hundred years later the city came under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. However, the high altitude and separation from other areas of Japan kept the area fairly isolated, allowing Takayama to develop its own culture over about a 300-year period. The city was formed on November 1, 1936 by a merger of the towns of Takayama and Onada. On February 1, 2005, the town of Kuguno, and the villages of Asahi, Kiyomi, Miya, Nyūkawa, Shōkawa and Takane (all from Ōno District), the town of Kokufu, and the village of Kamitakara (both from Yoshiki District) were merged into Takayama, which made Takayama the largest city in Japan by surface area.

Points of interest Yoshijima Heritage House, Takayama Jin'ya, Sakurayamahachimangu, Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village, Shiroyama Park, Kusakabe Folk Museum, Miyagawa Morning Market, Hida Takayama Town Museum, Takayama Yatai Kaikan, Castle of Takayama

Accommodation:            Oyado Koto No Yume or similar class - breakfast included

                                                         1 - Standard Twin Room, NonSmoking (Japanese-Style), 2 Twin Futons

Night:                          2 Nights

Address:                      6-11 Hanasato-cho

Note: Nohi Bus Centre/JR Takayama Station to Oyado Koto No Yume takes 3 - 5 mins walk. Private car not included.

Countryside | Cycling | Culture

Enjoy a relaxing 2.5-hour guided bike ride from the charming town of Hida Furukawa to a peaceful farming village. Perfect for beginners and families, this flat route showcases rural landscapes, local culture, and pure mountain spring water.

Tour Highlights

• Cycle through scenic rice fields and learn about Japan’s rice-growing traditions
• Visit a local market selling fresh vegetables and regional products
• Stop at natural spring wells for fresh, free drinking water
• Discover shrines, farmland, and quiet village life away from the city

Good to Know

• Perfect for beginner and family cyclists
• Tours may be changed to walking in case of thunderstorms (especially July–August afternoons)
• Morning tours have lower risk of thunderstorms
• Bring your own water bottle; free refills available at SATOYAMA STAY NINO-MACHI to reduce plastic waste

Included

Guide fee, Use of bicycle, Bike gear, Helmet, Water, Tea break

Not Included

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off Transfers, Private Vehicle, Food & drinks, Transportation fee, Gratuities, Personal expenses, Any not mentioned above included

Start Time

10:15 AM

Meeting Point

SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE Hida Furukawa Desk

20 mins by car from the hotel or 40 min to 1 hr by train. please head to the meeting point at your own arrangement.

Duration

2 hours and 30 mins

AFTERNOON TOUR AND SAKE TASTING AT TAKAYAMA’S OLDEST SAKE BREWERY (JOIN IN SMALL GROUP)

History | Sake | Culture

Step into Takayama’s Edo-period charm and discover its rich sake-making tradition. Visit the town’s oldest sake brewery, learn about its history and brewing process, and enjoy a guided sake tasting.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Takayama’s old town with its preserved historic buildings
• Visit the oldest and largest sake brewery in the area, nearly 400 years old
• Learn about sake brewing traditions and the region’s unique climate and water
• Enjoy a sake tasting with several varieties

Good to Know

• Meeting point is 12 minutes from Takayama Station (details provided after booking)
• Minimum drinking age in Japan is 20; underage guests cannot join the sake tasting
• Not recommended for pregnant guests or those with heart disease or serious medical conditions

Included

Tasting of several different varieties of sake, 30-minute guided tour of one of Takayama’s oldest sake breweries, Local English-speaking tour guide

Not Included

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off Transfers, Food & drinks, Transportation to and from the venue, Gratuities, Personal expenses, Any not mentioned above included

Start Time

4:00 PM

Meeting Point

Takayama Station

Duration

1 hr

Maximum Group Size

12- 16 pax

Overnight at Oyado Koto No Yume or similar class

This private driving tour will allow you to take in the beauty of Shirakawago without the worry of catching trains or buses. This driving tour is perfect for independent travelers that would like to take in the sites on their own. Allow your private chauffeur to take you around in comfort and style. Once you have explored the area, your chauffeur will take you to beautiful Kanazawa so that you can continue your travels across Japan. We hope to send you to gorgeous Shirakawago soon!

Included

Driving tour, Hotel pick up and drop off

Not Included

Entrance fees, Food & drinks, Gratuities, Personal expenses, Any not mentioned above included

Start Time

10:00 AM

Meeting Point

Hotel

Drop off

Soki Kanazawa Hotel

KANAZAWA, JAPAN

Kanazawa is a historic city in Ishikawa prefecture. Kenrokuen Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden with an area of 11.4 hectares located on the heights of the central part of Kanazawa and next to Kanazawa Castle. Kenrokuen Garden has a big artificial pond, and hills and houses are dotted in the garden. Visitors can appreciate the whole, dropping in at them. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa as a new-style art museum different in image from conventional art museums was opened in October 2004. The museum exhibits experiment-type contemporary arts that visitors can touch or sit on, and includes zones where visitors can enter free. Both adults and children can experience an excited time in the museum.

Accommodation:            Soki Kanazawa- breakfast included

                                                         1 -   Moderate King Room-Non-Smoking

Night:                          2 Nights

Address:                      2-1 Fukuromachi

History | Culture | Tradition

Tour Highlights

• Omicho Market – Stroll through a 300-year-old market and sample fresh local foods

• Kanazawa Castle Park – Visit the historic grounds of the Maeda clan’s castle

• Kenrokuen Garden – Discover one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens

• Higashi Chaya District – Step into the elegant world of geisha culture and teahouses

• Matcha and Sweets – Relax with traditional matcha tea and sweets in a historic setting

Good to Know

• Tour starts on time; late arrivals cannot join, reschedule, or be refunded

• Vegetarian options are limited, and gluten-free requests cannot be accommodated

• Extreme weather may cause cancellations; dress appropriately for the season

• Itinerary order may change due to weather, traffic, or closures

• Some locations are not wheelchair or stroller accessible

• Group tour may include other participants; private tours require at least two people

Included

English-speaking guide, Kanazawa style Lunch, Sweets and Matcha at the Teahouse, Entrance fees, Photos during the tour

Not Included

Hotel pick up and drop off Transfers, Transportation fees, Gratuities, Personal expenses, Any not mentioned above included

Start Time

10:00 AM

Meeting Point

FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store (5 mins walk from hotel)

Maximum Group Size

12-16 pax

Overnight at Soki Kanazawa or similar class

You may head to the Train Station and then board the train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, please head to your hotel at your own arrangement.

Recommended Train/Line: Kanazawa → Kyoto (JR Pass Route, after March 2024 timetable change)

Route (JR Pass covered, with one transfer):

1. Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tsurugi)
   1. From JR Kanazawa Station → JR Tsuruga Station
   1. Travel time: ~50–60 minutes
   1. Seat reservations recommended (free with JR Pass)
2. Limited Express Thunderbird
   1. From JR Tsuruga Station → JR Kyoto Station
   1. Travel time: ~2 hours
   1. Seat reservations recommended (free with JR Pass)

Note:

Soki Kanazawa to JR Kanazawa Station takes 16 - 20 mins by walk or 6 - 8 mins by car. Private car not included.

KYOTO, JAPAN

For over a thousand years Kyoto was the capital of Japan and it is probably the best preserved of all its cities. It’s a beautiful vibrant city where modern life meets old traditional Japan. The city is surrounded by the mountains of Western Honshu and is a perfect base when visiting the Kansai region. The city is rich in heritage sites and culture, it has a great variety and number of restaurants and is fairly easy to navigate around. Its rich culture and heritage permeates from each and every architecture and customs. Kyoto has thousands of temples and shrines, including the spectacular golden Kinkaku-ji, Ryoanji with its Zen garden, the popular Kiyomizudera, Sanjusangendo with its life-size statues of Kannon and the more tranquil Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama. Also in Arashiyama, there is the famous Bamboo Grove. A wonderful thing to do in Kyoto is a walking tour of Gion, one of the main Geisha districts. Its wooden buildings and lamps create the perfect ambiance. Kyoto is one of the greatest historical cities in the world, filled with temples, shrines, teahouses and imperial residences. Kyoto is a city steeped in culture and heritage it’s a must for anyone with an interest in Japanese history and culture.

Points of interest Tofuku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Castle of Nijō, Philosopher's Walk, Imperial Palace of Kyoto, Kyoto International Manga Museum, Fushimi Inari-taisha, Heian Shrine, Sanjūsangen-dō, Kioto Tower, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market Shopping, Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji, Maruyama Park, Higashi Honganji, Kyoto Aquarium, Kinkaku-ji, Ninna-ji

Accommodation:            Noku Kyoto - breakfast included

                                                         1 -   Deluxe King

Night:                          3 Nights

Address:                      205-1, Okura-cho Nakagyo-ku

Note: Kyoto Station to Noku Kyoto takes 12-15 mins by car or 10 - 12 mins by train. Private car not included.

Join in Small Group Tour

Nature | Culture | Harmony

Explore the scenic charm of Arashiyama on a half-day walking tour through bamboo groves, peaceful temples, and elegant

gardens. Led by a local guide, discover Kyoto’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, topped with a traditional temple lunch.

Tour Highlights

• Meet at JR Saga Arashiyama Station (North Exit)
• Visit a local temple and Japanese garden
• Explore Ohkawauchi Sanso Japanese garden
• Walk through the Bamboo Grove
• Visit Tenryu-ji Temple
• Shojin-style lunch at Shigetsu in Tenryu-ji
• Tour ends at the main souvenir street

Good to Know

• All ages are welcome
• Entrance fees and lunch are included
• Wear respectful clothing for temple visits
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Not accessible by wheelchair or stroller
• Not recommended for guests with mobility issues
• Allergy-free or custom meals cannot be guaranteed
• Childcare referrals available upon request before booking
• Bring water and wear a hat during summer
• Private tours require a minimum of two guests

Included

An English-speaking guide, Tour Photos, Entrance fee of all venues we will visit, Lunch: Kyoto's local dishes

Not Included

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off Transfers,  Food & drinks, Transportation Fees, Gratuities, Personal expenses., Any not mentioned above included

Start Time

9:00 AM

Meeting Point

North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama (20 mins by car from hotel or 36 - 45 mins by train). Please head to the meeting point at your own arrangement.

Maximum Group Size

12-16 paxOvernight at Noku Kyoto or similar class

Culture | Cuisine | Kimono

Experience the elegance of Kyoto with a private tour combining cultural landmarks, local flavors, and the beauty of wearing a traditional kimono. Stroll through historic streets, visit iconic sites, and explore the city’s famous market while customizing your itinerary from the highlights below.

Tour Highlights

• Fushimi Inari Taisha – Thousands of red torii gates, scenic mountain trails, and a shrine dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity
• Kiyomizudera Temple – UNESCO site with panoramic views, a historic wooden stage, and the Otowa Waterfall
• Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka – Preserved historic streets with wooden shops, tea houses, and photogenic charm
• Kodaiji Temple – Elegant Zen gardens, historic tea houses, and cultural heritage pavilions
• Yasaka Shrine – Famous for the Gion Festival, lantern-lit evenings, and grand gates
• Nishiki Market – “Kyoto’s Kitchen” with 100+ stalls offering local produce, seafood, and sweets
• Gion District – Geisha quarter with traditional architecture, shops, and possible maiko sightings
• Nijo Castle – 17th-century shogunate fortress with ornate interiors and “nightingale floors”
• Arashiyama – Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Tenryu-ji Temple with its scenic garden and pond

Good to Know

• Itinerary is customizable; select 3–4 locations
• Custom spots available with advance request
• Tour uses public transportation for a relaxed, local-style experience.
• Guided in your preferred language.
• Suitable for all ages and walking levels.
• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for varied weather.

Included

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off, Entrance fees, Public transportation cost, English speaking guide

Not Included

Private vehicle, Taxi/Cab Fare, Lunch/Meals, Gratuities, Other expenses, Any not mentioned above included

Start Time

9:00 AM

Meeting Point

Hotel lobby

Overnight at Noku Kyoto or similar class

After checking out, you may head to Kyoto Train Station then take the train to Osaka Kansai Airport for your departure.

Note: JR Pass can be used for JR Trains connecting to this airport.

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