Arrival
Welcome to Sapporo, the northernmost hub of the Country of Sunrise! Upon arrival, your private driver transfers you to the centrally located hotel.
After check-in, you have the rest of the day free. Just discover beautiful surroundings, dine in a local restaurant or try amazing street food.
Exploring Sapporo Highlights
After breakfast at the hotel, your private guide meets you at the lobby and takes you to discover the most interesting locations of the city.
Since Sapporo is an excellent blend of urban life and nature, this tour will be perfect for enjoying Sapporo. During the tour, you visit Hokkaido Shrine, Odori and downtown, Sheep Hill, Sapporo Beer Garden and enjoy shopping. We will also visit Odori Park, The Clock Tower, former Hokkaido Government Building. The highlight of our tour is Okurayama Jump Hill, a scenic point where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sapporo City, and Ishiya Chocolate Factory Shiroi Koibito Park. The last spot is the famous Sapporo Beer Museum and Beer Garden restaurant.
After the tour, you have free time.
Shirogane Blue Pond Tour
In the morning, start your day with a guide-driver with a scenic route, allowing the captivating landscapes to gradually unfold before you. Upon reaching your destination, be greeted by the tranquil allure of the Blue Pond. This mesmerizing spectacle, with its luminous blue waters cradled by the embrace of verdant forests, presents an almost otherworldly scene, inviting you to pause and immerse yourself in its serene beauty.
After lunch there, continue your exploration with a visit to the magical Shirahige Waterfalls. Witness how the falls' mineral-rich, azure waters create a striking contrast against the backdrop of the landscape, adding to the region's mystique and charm.
As your day comes to a close, embark on the return journey to Sapporo.
Departure
After breakfast and check-out, your private driver takes you to the airport and you continue your amazing trip!
Arrival
Welcome to Tokyo - the ultramodern and the traditional at the same time capital of Japan! Your driver meets you at the arrivals hall and transfer you to your hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you check in and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your trip or start exploring the vibrant city on your own.
Tokyo Sightseeing Tour
In the morning, you meet your private guide and start your first half-day tour of Tokyo. During the tour, you use the convenient Tokyo public train transportation to travel around the city.
First, you see the incredible Imperial Palace to get a taste of Japanese culture and glance at the precious interior of the building. Notably, The Imperial Palace has served as the residential place of successive Emperors since 1868. It contains the Imperial Residence and the Imperial Palace Complex, where His Majesty the Emperor undertakes official duties. Moreover, various ceremonies and public activities are held there too.
Then you have a visit to the Tokyo Sky Tree by metro, a television broadcasting tower, and the tallest structure in Japan. Its observation decks offering spectacular views over Tokyo are the highlights of the tower. You visit the deck located at the height of 350 meters (1148 feet), so make sure to have your camera and phone charged!
After the tour, you return to your hotel.
Nikko Exploration Tour
Embark on an enchanting adventure to the mesmerizing realm of Nikko with a private guide and driver. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and steeped in ancient traditions, Nikko beckons with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, captivating shrines, and serene natural wonders.
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Toshogu Shrine, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colours, and traverse the awe-inspiring Kegon Falls, where cascading waters create a symphony of tranquillity.
You will discover and unravel the secrets of Nikko's rich cultural tapestry. Whether strolling through vibrant markets, savouring delectable local cuisine, or indulging in a rejuvenating onsen experience, every moment in Nikko is a delightful embrace of Japan's captivating heritage.
After the tour, return back to Tokyo.
Departure from Tokyo
Today in the morning, a private guide/driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to the train station to continue your amazing trip!
Hakone Shrine & Ashi Lake Cruise
Upon arrival at Odawara Station, together with your guide you get to the hotel in Hakone and continue your exploration of Hakone Shrine. This day is full of amazing scenery and iconic views, so make sure to have your cameras and phones charged.
One of the classic images of Japan is the red shrine gates floating on the water with Mt. Fuji in the background. This is the Hakone Shrine, which you have a chance to see today, a place of history, culture, and tradition.
The high peaks of Hakone have been worshipped for thousands of years as a place where the souls of the dead would go to travel to the next world, for this reason, several shrines were established on the surrounding peaks and later combined at the Hakone Shrine, founded over a century ago. Hakone Shrine played an important role in the history of Japan, which you have a chance to discover during your visit.
Then you enjoy a cruise on Ashi Lake. The lake was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago. Today, the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone. The cruise gives you an opportunity to take in the best views of Mount Fuji and the lake.
After the tour, you take a public bus and arrive at your traditional Ryokan hotel overnight.
Morning at Leisure & Departure
In the morning after breakfast, you have some leisure time to enjoy the hot spring baths at your ryokan hotel. Later you meet your private driver who takes you to the train station to catch your bullet train.
Arrival
Today you arrive in Takayama - an authentic city surrounded by mountains. Your driver takes you to your hotel and you spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Gokayama and Shirakawa go Tour
Explore Shirakawago's UNESCO heritage at leisure, enjoying tranquil landscapes and local cuisine. Set off on an enriching journey to the UNESCO-recognized villages of Gokayama and Shirakawa-gō, coupled with an exploration of Hida Takayama's ancient township. This tour not only uncovers the traditional dwellings that have stood the test of time for 4,000 years but also immerses you in Japan's profound heritage and architectural wonders.
It's an opportunity to experience the enduring legacy and the time-honoured way of life, offering a distinctive glimpse into the historical fabric of this remarkable region.
Departure
After breakfast and check-out, you walk to the railway station and continue your journey.
Arrival in Kyoto
Upon arrival in Kyoto, a private driver meets you at the train station and takes you to the hotel.
The rest of the day you can enjoy free time and some independent sightseeing or feel free to book any optional activities with us.
Tea Ceremony & Kyoto City Tour
In the morning after breakfast you meet your private guide and start your full day exploration of Kyoto.
You start with the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Imperial Family's residence from 794 until 1868, during the times when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Here you have a chance to explore the palace buildings (from the outside) and the gardens, which was just recently opened to the public.
Head to Arashiyama, the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto that is filled with temples and shrines. The highlight of the district is the famed Bamboo Forest, one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto. Standing in the midst of this sprawling bamboo grove is like being in another world, it has a sense of otherness that is very much unlike that of any other forest. This is an experience that is not to be missed!
Your tour continues with visiting Kinkakuji, one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most remarkable Buddhist temples, and a gorgeous golden must-see attraction! So welcome to one of the most luxurious temples in Japan, also known worldwide, reflecting its fame in traditional arts and modern media. Here you will find peace, tranquility, and spiritual renewal.
Conclude your day with a Japanese tea ceremony experience, that provides an engaging induction to the traditional tea ceremony. This activity dates back hundreds of years and is the most idealistic pastime of ancient Japan. In this ceremony you will have an opportunity to wear traditional kimono robes, taste the green matcha tea and eat unique Japanese sweets specifically made to match the tea's flavour.
After the ceremony you return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Departure
Today in the morning, you check out from the hotel and continue your trip.
Arrival
Upon arrival in Osaka, your driver takes you to your centrally located hotel, you check in and have the evening at leisure.
Osaka City Tour
In the morning after breakfast you meet your private guide and to explore Osaka on a full day tour of the city. During the tour you use public transportation, just like a local.
First you visit the Umeda Sky Building, a high rise building that consists of two towers connected with each other by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck.
Then you have a chance to see the Osaka Castle. The construction of the original castle, that was intended to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule, started in 1583. It was the largest castle at the time. Your guide will share with you the history of the castle, that was destroyed and rebuilt since then.
After some time for lunch, you proceed to the Shinsaibashi shopping area, the best-known shopping area in Osaka, and a symbol of the city that has its own history of nearly 400 years. Among the numerous shops you can find here local specialties and great cafes and restaurants.
After having some free time at the Shinsaibashi, you return to your hotel.
Himeji and Himeji Castle Exploration
Get insights into the History of Himeji Castle with your local guide. Located 1-hour train ride from Osaka, Himeji has 2 major spots symbolizing Japanese culture. That is Yamadera/Enkyoji with a history of more than 1000 years, and Himeji Castle, Japan's first world heritage site.
Enkyoji is a traditional temple, a cultural property designated by the country. The municipal hall, large auditorium, and dining hall are all spiritual places with a harsh atmosphere. It has been used as a Hollywood location set. If you spend enough time here, you may reach enlightenment.
Next is Himeji Castle, feel the history of the Samurai and see the remains of the war. Don't forget to admire the castle from the outside too!
Departure
After breakfast and check-out your private driver transfers you to the Osaka Airport.