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14-Day Ultimate Japan Discovery

Customisable Itinerary
4.8 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

This 13-night journey will deliver the ultimate experience of Japan's biggest cuisine and culture sites. This adventure takes you from the bustle of Tokyo and Osaka to Kanazawa - a samurai town, ancient Kyoto, and the peacefulness of Mount Fuji.

Travel and cuisine go hand in hand, and Japan is the ideal destination for a cultural and gourmet trip. Japan's kitchens provide something for every palette, from high-class restaurants to backstreet noodle stalls, and its cities are likely to please the most ardent appetites for magnificent sights and new experiences.

Tokyo, with a plethora of restaurants, is a foodie's paradise and the ideal site to begin your journey. Here, you will meet your “sensei” and learn all the secrets and techniques behind Japan’s most famous dish - sushi. The adventure continues as you travel to Kyoto, the city with the most ramen restaurants in Japan. In Kyoto, you will learn and make the noodle from scratch but also learn how to make the base soup and the topping meat (Chachu).

During this trip, you will truly immerse in Japanese culture with activities such as a private Geisha dance performance with dinner or a Samurai Experience at Kanazawa, during which you will learn how to use the Japanese sword from the descendants of a real Ninja family.

This trip is a real treat for foodies and anyone who really wants to get in touch with Japanese culture.

Accommodation listed or similar.
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Outdoors & Nature
Food & Drink
Hiking & Trekking
Cruising

Customise this trip for a perfect match

Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
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End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
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More than 1900 travellers have booked with us. Join them to make your next trip full of lifelong memories.

Highlights of this Trip

Explore incredible Tokyo, from the Tsukiki ‘Fish' market to both old and new Tokyo, before learning all the secrets and techniques behind Japan’s most famous dish, Sushi, from your expert sushi sensei
Explore Kyoto through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, embark on a food tour of ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’ Nishiki Market and uncover the history of Nijo Castle
Giesha is one of the most recognised Japanese cultural experiences, you’ll be amazed with a private dance from a Geisha, while enjoying a traditional dinner
Embark on a unique Samurai experience at Myoruji Ninja Temple, meet Ninja descendants and learn about the cultural significance and meaning of the Japanese sword
Kyoto is the ‘ramen’ capital of Japan, here you’ll learn to make all elements of the Ramen dish from an expert chef
Witness the extraordinary beauty of Mt Fuji, take in the breathtaking views from the Hakone Ropeway and visit the surrounding lakes and villages in an amazing day trip from Tokyo

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Tokyo!

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Welcome to Tokyo!

Welcome to Japan! Your private English-speaking assistant will greet you at the arrival lobby. You will then transfer to central Tokyo by private car. After check-in, you will be free to rest or explore the city at your leisure. Your hotel will be located in central Tokyo, with convenient access to many attractions and restaurants.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Tokyo Prince Hotel4 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Narita International Airport to Tokyo

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Minato

Day 2

Explore Tokyo's Hidden Gems and Traditional Landmarks ( guided).

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Explore Tokyo's Hidden Gems and Traditional Landmarks ( guided).

For this first day in Japan’s Capital, your private English-speaking guide will meet you at your accommodation and show you around some of the city’s must-see sites by public transportation.
You'll start the morning with a walking tour of Tsukiji fish market where you can sample the freshest fish in Tokyo.
For lunch, you will join a cooking experience and make your own sushi under the guidance of a Sushi chef.
In the Afternoon, You'll continue to an Asakusa Traditional district. see Asakusa Sensoji - one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples.

to conclude this first day, why don't you head to the top of Tokyo Sky tree for a 360degree panorama of Tokyo. ( optional)

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Tokyo Prince Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tsukiji Market

    Hamarikyu Gardens

    Sushi Cooking Experience in Tokyo

    Asakusa

    Tokyo SkytreeOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Metro from Tokyo to Tokyo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Minato

    Tokyo

Day 3

Nostalgic Tokyo ( guided)

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Nostalgic Tokyo ( guided)

You'll meet your English-speaking guide at the hotel lobby and start your day with a tour of the Yanaka district - one of the few districts in Tokyo where the shitamachi atmosphere, an old town ambience reminiscent of Tokyo from past decades, still survives. Afterwards, you will visit the Nezu shrine - one of Tokyo’s best secrets. Nezu shrine is probably Tokyo’s most scenic spot, a real breath of air nests in the heart of a busy district just northwest of Ueno Park and at the end of the Yanaka district. You'll finish the day exploring the streets of Golden Gai on a food and bar hopping experience.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Tokyo Prince Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Yanaka District

    Nezu Shrine

    Ameyoko Shopping Street

    2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan

    Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai Street Food and Bar Hopping

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Metro from Tokyo to Tokyo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Minato

    Tokyo

Day 4

Tokyo - Day Trip to Hakone & Mt Fuji ( guided)

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Tokyo - Day Trip to Hakone & Mt Fuji ( guided)

Today, you will head to Mt Fuji for the day with your English-speaking Guide. Symbol of the country, Mt Fuji is part of the Hakone-Izu National park and is known for its natural beauty and hot springs. You will visit Owakaduni Hell Valley, where boiling steam comes up from the mountains and cruise on Lake Ashi. Later in the day, you will pay a visit to the Hakone protective shrine.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Tokyo Prince Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Owakudani Valley

    Hakone Ropeway

    Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

    Hakone Shrine

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from The Prince Park Tower Tokyo to Hakone

    Train from Hakone to Tokyo Prince Hotel

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Minato

    Ashigarashimo District

Day 5

Transfer from Tokyo to Osaka

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Transfer from Tokyo to Osaka

In the morning, you will check out from your accommodation and make your way to JR Tokyo Station., where you will take the bullet train bound for Shin-Osaka station. After a quick stop at your accommodation to leave your luggage in a secure storage room, you will start a day sightseeing Osaka with an English-speaking guide. Japan’s second-largest city and the city of merchants, Osaka's Kuromon Market is a lively covered market and a must-do in Japan. Nicknamed “Osaka’s kitchen” because both local homeowners and restaurant chefs get their supplies here. You will continue exploring Osaka Castle, Shinsekai district, Shinsaibashi & Namba - one of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Cross Hotel Osaka4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Kuromon Market

    Osaka Castle

    Shinsekai District

    Shinsaibashi-Suji

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Tokyo to Osaka

    Metro from Osaka to Osaka

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Minato

    Osaka

Day 6

Enjoy a Free Day in Osaka ( not Guided)

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Enjoy a Free Day in Osaka ( not Guided)

Today, you will enjoy a relaxing day at your leisure in Japan’s second-largest city. You can jump on a train and visit Nara. Here, you will see deer roaming freely in Nara Park, the site of the Tōdai-ji temple. You can visit Kasuga Shrine, Nara's most celebrated shrine and walk around Naramachi - the former merchant district of Nara, where several traditional residential buildings and warehouses are preserved and open to the public. Boutiques, shops, cafes, restaurants and a few museums now line the district's narrow lanes.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Cross Hotel Osaka4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Todai-ji TempleOptional Activity

    Kasuga-Taisha ShrineOptional Activity

    NaramachiOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Osaka to NaraOptional Activity

    Train from Nara to OsakaOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Osaka

    Nara

Day 7

Bullet Train From Osaka To Hiroshima

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Bullet Train From Osaka To Hiroshima

After check-out, make your way to JR Shin-Osaka station and take your bullet train ride to Hiroshima. Upon arriving at Hiroshima, after a quick stop at your hotel to leave your luggage, you will head to Hiroshima Peace Park and learn about the city's tragic past on a self-guided tour of the area.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Royal Park Hotel Hiroshima Seaside3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial ParkOptional Activity

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial MuseumOptional Activity

    ShukkeienOptional Activity

    Hiroshima Orizuru TowerOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    High-Speed Rail from Shin-Osaka Station to HIROSHIMA STATION

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Osaka

    Hiroshima

Day 8

Hiroshima - Day Trip to Miyajima

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Hiroshima - Day Trip to Miyajima

In the morning, you will meet your English-speaking guide at your accommodation and head to Miyajima Island by public transportation. After a quick ferry ride, you will arrive on Miyajima sacred Island. Formally named Itsukushima, the island is more popularly known as "Miyajima", literally "shrine island" in Japanese, thanks to its star attraction. The shrine is known worldwide for its iconic "floating" torii gate. After a quick Misen Gondola ride, you'll take in the views from the top of Mt Misen. The panorama view of Miyajima below and Hiroshima are stunning.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Royal Park Hotel Hiroshima Seaside3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Miyajima Omotesandō Shōtengai (Kiyomori-dōri)

    Miyajima Omotesandō Shōtengai (Kiyomori-dōri)

    Itsukushima Shrine

    Mount Misen

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal

    Ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi

    Ferry from Itsukushima to Hiroshima

    Train from Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal to Hiroshima

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hiroshima

    Hatsukaichi

Day 9

Transfer to Kyoto For Ramen Making Experience

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Transfer to Kyoto For Ramen Making Experience

This morning, you'll check out from your Hiroshima accommodation and make your way to JR Hiroshima Station, where you will take the bullet train bound for JR Kyoto Station. You'll meet your English-speaking guide on the train platform. After sending your luggage to your accommodation through the luggage delivery system, you will start a half-day tour of Kyoto.
First Visit Kyoto's kitchen, The Nishiki Market for lunch. In the afternoon walk Gion district and try to spot one of elusive Geisha. Finish the day with a fun experience ; make your own ramen from scratch !

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    TUNE STAY KYOTO(HIDEOUT)4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Nishiki Market

    Gion District

    Ramen making experience ( Kyoto)

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    High-Speed Rail from Hiroshima to Kyoto Station

    Bus from Kyoto to Kyoto

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hiroshima

    Kyoto

Day 10

Explore Japan's Cultural Capital: Kyoto

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Explore Japan's Cultural Capital: Kyoto

You'll start early in the morning and head north of the City to the Arashiyama district. The area is well known for its bamboo grove. After a walk through the bamboo grove, you will head to Kiyomizudera temple, best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, and you will continue to Ninnezaka and Sanenzaka districts, one of the city's best preserved historic districts. You will finish the day with a private Geisha/Maiko dance performance. After the performance, you will be able to ask her question and take pictures and if time permits, play some maiko games with her. All while enjoying a Kyoto Kaiseki Dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    TUNE STAY KYOTO(HIDEOUT)4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kinkaku-ji - The Golden Pavilion

    Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Ninenzaka Street

    Sanneizaka

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Bus from Kyoto to Kyoto

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kyoto

Day 11

Kanazawa's Highlights Tour

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Kanazawa's Highlights Tour

After breakfast, you will check out and make your way to JR Kyoto Station. From JR Kyoto Station, you will take the express train bound for Kanazawa Station. You will meet your English-speaking guide at the train platform. Kanazawa is often nicknamed "Little Kyoto" for its strong tradition of arts and crafts, as well as for being one of the best-preserved cities in Japan. The city boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts, as well as modern museums. You will eat lunch at Omicho Market (Kanazawa's largest fresh food market), walk around Kenrokuen Garden, explore Higashi Chaya - a traditional district with many Japanese-style houses and visit a Geisha house.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The square hotel KANAZAWA4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Kenroku-en Garden

    Higashi Chaya District

    Ochaya Shima

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Omicho Fish MarketOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    High-Speed Rail from Kyoto to Kanazawa

    Bus from Kanazawa to Kanazawa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kyoto

    Kanazawa

Day 12

Samurai Experience in Kanazawa

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Samurai Experience in Kanazawa

Today, you will meet your English-speaking guide at your accommodation and start full-day sightseeing in Kanazawa by public transportation. You will start your Samurai experience by visiting Myoruji Ninja Temple. While not actually associated with ninjas, the temple earned its nickname because of its many deceptive defences. After the visit to the temple, you'll meet the descendants of a real Ninja of Kaga party who will give you a demonstration and teach you about the Japanese sword. To further enhance your Samurai experience, you will visit a beautiful preserved Samurai House. You will finish the day at Fukumitsuya sake brewery like a true Samurai.

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    Accommodation

    The square hotel KANAZAWA4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Myoryuji Temple

    Kyudo Experience (kanazawa)

    Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery Tasting

    Nomura House

    Nagamachi

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Bus from Kanazawa to Kanazawa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kanazawa

    Tokyo

Day 13

Transfer From Kanazawa Back to Tokyo

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Transfer From Kanazawa Back to Tokyo

Today, you will check out of your accommodation and make your way to JR Kanazawa Station.
From the station, you will take the bullet train bound for Tokyo. Arriving at JR Tokyo Station, you will meet your private English-speaking driver and get transferred to your accommodation by a private car.
You can spend the rest of the day at your leisure, visiting Tokyo or trying delicious Japanese snacks.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Tokyo Prince Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Day in Tokyo

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    High-Speed Rail from Kanazawa to Tokyo

    Private Driver from Tokyo Station to Tokyo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kanazawa

    Tokyo

    Minato

Day 14

Departure to Tokyo Haneda or Narita Airport

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Departure to Tokyo Haneda or Narita Airport

Today marks the end of your Japan journey. Depending on your departure time, you will be able to do some last-minute shopping before your English-speaking driver meets you at your accommodation. You will then get transferred to the airport by private transportation.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Tokyo to Narita International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Minato

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What’s included?

  • 13 nights accommodation
  • 38 activities
  • 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits

Inspiration for you

Explore the authentic activities in Japan

Tsukiji Market, Tokyo, Japan|Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan|Sushi Cooking Experience in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan|Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo, Japan|Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai Street Food and Bar Hopping, Tokyo, Japan|Yanaka District, Tokyo, Japan|Ameyoko Shopping Street, Tokyo, Japan|Nezu Shrine, Tokyo, Japan|2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, Tokyo, Japan|Owakudani Valley, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan|Hakone Ropeway, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan|Hakone Shrine, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan|Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan|Osaka Castle, Osaka Prefecture, Japan|Shinsaibashi-Suji, Osaka Prefecture, Japan|Shinsekai District, Osaka Prefecture, Japan|Kuromon Market, Osaka Prefecture, Japan|Mount Misen, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan|Miyajima Omotesandō Shōtengai (Kiyomori-dōri), Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan|Miyajima Omotesandō Shōtengai (Kiyomori-dōri), Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan|Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan|Gion District, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan|Nishiki Market, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan|Ramen making experience ( Kyoto), Kyoto Prefecture, Japan|Kinkaku-ji - The Golden Pavilion, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan|Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan|Ninenzaka Street, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan|Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan|Sanneizaka, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan|Kenroku-en Garden, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan|Higashi Chaya District, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan|Ochaya Shima, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan|Nagamachi, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan|Myoryuji Temple, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan|Nomura House, Tokyo, Japan|Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery Tasting, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan|Kyudo Experience (kanazawa), Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan|Free Day in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

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