Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Tokyo - Hida Furukawa - Tsumago - Kyoto - Kumano - Katsuura - Osaka - Onomichi
100% customisable for you
Tokyo’s neon lights and fascinating sights beckon, so head to the airport for your flight east. You’ll be airborne for just under 14 hours, touching down early the next morning, Tokyo time. Upon arrival, one of our friendly local representatives will meet you and whisk you away to your hotel for the next three nights: a contemporary skyscraper-set establishment located in the Shiodome area.
The best way to tackle your jet lag is to get out and about (don’t worry, you’ll have time for some shut-eye later). We haven’t arranged any tours for today, so you can discover the city at your own pace. Whether you’d rather window shop in upscale Ginza, wander the Imperial Palace East Gardens or work your way through the city’s galleries and museums, our Dossier is full of insider intel. For dinner, why not ask your helpful local Concierge for their favourite recommendations? They’ll direct you to the best spots in the world capital of sushi.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel this morning before a busy day of sightseeing. We’ve arranged a private guided tour of the city with a Tokyo local, so strap in for a whistlestop walking adventure. Your expert guide will take you to their favourite local haunts, as well as famous Buddhist temples such as Senso-ji and Shinto shrines like Meiji-Jingu. Get to know this contemporary city’s diverse districts, from the colourful cosplay of Harajuku to the electronics of Akihabara, and make sure to let your guide know what you’re most interested in seeing.
It's up to you how to spend the rest of the day. Whether it’s spent wandering the streets of the old town, Yanaka, visiting Shinjuku Gyo-en botanical garden, taking a boat cruise down the Sumida River or discovering the museum district, Ueno. If Tokyo’s nightlife tempts you this evening, consult our Dossier for the best bars in town (karaoke included…).
After Tokyo’s dizzying sights, a break in Mother Nature might be just what you need. We recommend catching the train from Shinjuku to nearby Mount Takao – the most climbed mountain in the world – which is just under an hour away. It takes around one and a half hours to reach the peak on foot, or alternatively, you can ride up the mountainside in a cable car. From the summit, on a clear day, you can enjoy views of Tokyo, Yokohama and even Mount Fuji in the distance. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Yakunoin temple and sample delicious dango (mochi dumplings) here too.
Hop on the train back to the capital in time for some early evening drinks and toast to your time in Tokyo. Perhaps you’ll revisit a favourite restaurant, or seek out some new regional delicacies at dinner.
Wave goodbye to Tokyo this morning (for now) as the next leg of your journey begins. You’ll hop on the country’s most famous mode of transport, the bullet train, heading for the city of Takayama via Nagoya. From here, catch a local train to Hida Furukawa, your final destination. Hida Furukawa is a charming city full of narrow, traditional alleys, rice paddies and cattle farms (their locally-reared beef is pretty famous). You’ll spend two nights here in a characterful hotel built in the style of a traditional Hida house, with contemporary wooden features throughout. Settle into your room before heading out to explore and grab a bite to eat. As always, consult our Dossier for our tried-and-tested eateries and you can’t go wrong.
The Hida region, nestled in the heart of the magical Japanese Alps, is the perfect place to get active in nature. This morning, we’ve organised a cycling tour around the satoyama – the villages that occupy the area between mountains and farmland. With the help of a trusty local guide, you’ll find out about traditional rural lifestyles, passing through towns, villages, rice paddies and agricultural land. The inhabitants of the Japanese countryside seek to preserve the natural heritage of the satoyama, maintaining old farms and folk houses to continue the delicate balance between man and nature. Your guide will take you to the most beautiful spots in the region and can recommend somewhere for a bite to eat when hunger strikes.
Head back to Hida Furukawa this afternoon in time for a walking tour. Stroll past impressive temples, sake breweries, the Setogawa Canal (full of giant carp in the warmer months), and the museum devoted to Furukawa’s festival. Soak up the slow-paced rhythm of rural Japan as you enjoy views of the surrounding tree-lined hills.
It’s time to hit the next stop on the itinerary, so hop on a five-hour train heading south to Tsumago. Once a post town on the old Nakasendo highway linking Kyoto and Matsumoto, Tsumago has sought to preserve its Edo Period ambience. Power lines are hidden from view and cars are banned from the main roads during the daytime to best showcase the traditional buildings and flagstone streets. You’ll spend two nights in a charming hotel located just outside the town, surrounded by forest in the lush rolling hills. Settle in and enjoy dinner in the alpine-style dining room before relaxing in the lounge area (make sure to look out the window at the incredible views).
Today, we suggest you follow in the footsteps of Japanese history and tradition and take the ancient Nakasendo path connecting the villages of Magome and Tsumago. The best way to get to the starting point is to catch a local shuttle bus. Once there, allow around two-and-a-half hours to amble through the forest on this historic journey, making sure to admire the beautiful Metaki and Otaki waterfalls along the way. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch in the preserved town of Magome and rest your weary legs before the journey back (if you don’t fancy the walk, there’s always the bus…).
Once you're back at your hotel later today, wind down with a dip in the hot springs while gazing out at the spectacular scenery. Maybe you’ll want to head into Tsumago for dinner, or stay at the hotel to sample local delicacies like Shinshu apple Wagyu and Shinano snow trout.
Swap countryside for city life today and begin your journey to Kyoto. First, hop in a taxi heading for Nagiso and board a one-hour train to Nagoya. From here, it’s a speedy bullet train journey west towards the ancient city of Kyoto. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel you’ll call home for the next three nights, located in the historic Gion district. Settle into your cosy, comfortable room and have a quick catnap if you need it; otherwise, we recommend making the most of the remaining day and exploring the local area. Gion is the old Geisha district of Kyoto, characterised by its traditional wooden machiya merchant houses. Brimming with quaint shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), stroll along the willow tree-lined Shirakawa Canal to find a delightful dinner spot.
We’ve arranged a private guided tour of Kyoto’s treasures this morning. Learn to ‘live like a local’ with the guidance of a trusty guide, who’ll take you to all the city’s big hitters and hidden gems. From visiting some of the 1,600-plus Buddhist temples, including Ninna-ji and Kinkaku-ji, to exploring the beautifully preserved Higashiyama district, there’s so much to see in this culture-laden city.
The activities don’t end here; this afternoon, we’ve arranged for you to partake in a Chanoyu tea ceremony in a traditional setting. Set in a beautiful house with equally gorgeous gardens, you’ll follow the traditions of Buddhist monks in a meditative practice which celebrates harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity of mind. Hopefully, you’ll leave feeling a little more peaceful…
Get your hiking boots on this morning for today’s activity: the ascent of Mount Daimonji in the north east of the city. The peak is most famous for its annual festival in August when the Daimonji lights illuminate the city below. You’ll be accompanied by a clued-up local guide on a gentle two-hour hike up the mountain – where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Kyoto, as well as some hot tea and snacks – followed by a one-hour descent. Along the way, visit one of the most famous Rinzai Zen sect temples in Japan, Nanzen-ji, and end your walk with a stop at the silver temple, Ginkaku-ji, best known for its stone gardens.
Back in the heart of Kyoto, we’ve organised a private cycling tour of the city’s quieter backstreets (it’s one of the best ways to see the real Kyoto). Meet your guide at the station and take your two wheels around Gion, the riverside and the Imperial Palace Gardens.
Hop back on the bullet train today, this time zooming towards Osaka. From here, you’ll take a train to Kii-Tanabe, about a two-and-a-half-hour journey south. Kii-Tanabe is the gateway to the Kumano region, so feel free to take a pitstop at one of the local restaurants before catching a bus to Kawayu Onsen, a small hot spring town located around a two-hour journey away. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for the night – a traditional Japanese-style establishment overlooking the bubbling Oto River.
Starting today, you’ll be embarking on the ancient pilgrimage network of roads and paths known as the Kumano Kodo. After an early breakfast, board the bus to Hosshinmon-oji, the starting point of the trail that leads to Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand shrines in Kumano Kodo dedicated to the worship of the forests in Hongu. Hike along this seven-kilometre road, comprised of forested paths and small farm villages, stopping to admire the beautiful views along the way. Once you’ve explored the shrine (and tucked into your lunch box), continue on towards Oyunohara, the site of the largest torii gate in Japan, set among brilliant green farmland and hills.
If your legs are weary, hop back on the bus to the next destination, Yumiomine Onsen. Otherwise, continue the hike towards this hot spring village, where you’ll be spending the night (and soothing your aching limbs in the atmospheric baths).
Fuel up with an early breakfast before catching a bus to the Shingu area. Here, visit Hayatama Taisha, another grand shrine dedicated to one of the gods believed to have discovered Japan. Within walking distance are also Kamikura-jinja Shrine and Gotobiki-wa Rock, nestled among the trees.
Stop for a bite to eat before hopping on the next train or bus from Shingu to Daimon-zaka, where you’ll climb the forest-shrouded, 2,000ft high staircase at the foot of Mt. Nachi. There’s a small shop for renting traditional Heian clothes if you want to look the part before taking the stairs up to the fairytale-like Kumano Nachi Taisha. This spectacular shrine is one of the main pilgrimage sites in Japan, its religious foundation originating from the ancient worship of Nachi Falls, the backdrop to the shrine and the tallest waterfall in the country. Take in the majesty of this sight, and then board a bus to Katsuura, a popular fishing village, where you’ll spend the night in a seaside ryokan. This evening, sample fresh seafood and soak in the large outdoor baths overlooking the bay.
Say goodbye to the seaside and hello to another Japanese metropolis, Osaka. This morning, board a four-hour train heading north to the country’s friendliest city. Pulling into Osaka around lunchtime, make your way to the hotel where you’ll stay for one night. Explore the local area on foot to get a taste of the city’s vibrant atmosphere this afternoon.
As night begins to fall, Osaka, the ‘nation’s kitchen’, comes alive. And what better way to experience it than with a street food tour? In the hands of a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll tour the colourful Shinsekai district, a neon-lit retro neighbourhood dating back to the early 1900s. Discover the vintage district’s hidden gems, shopping and entertainment on this fun-filled group tour. From takoyaki (octopus dumplings) to kitsune udon (the local tofu noodle specialty), sample some of the tastiest street food in Osaka. Afterwards, why not let your hair down and enjoy the city’s famed nightlife?
Leave Osaka’s delights behind this morning and board the bullet train to Fukuyama, followed by a local train on to Onomichi. It should take around an hour and a half to reach this photogenic port city set upon the Seto Inland Sea, connected by bridges to neighbouring islands. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for the next two nights, a trendy multipurpose establishment complete with bike hire, restaurant, bar, bakery and boutique shop. Settle into your comfortable, cosy room and check out what’s on offer at your hotel.
You’ve got the rest of the day to explore the city. Whether you take the city centre’s ‘temple way’, a pleasant path passing 25 historic temples, or the ‘literature way’, a trail engraved with poems, you’ll get a taster for the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the city. There’s also the Art Museum, designed by architect Tadao Ando, and for the best views in Onomichi? Head to Senko-ji Park for panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding islands.
This morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before the day’s activities begin. You’re going to be hitting part of the Shimanami Kaido – a 43-mile-long bicycle trail traversing six islands in the Seto Inland Sea between Onomichi and Shikoku – so what are you waiting for? Hire an electric mountain bike from your hotel and get pedalling. Enjoy the picturesque scenery as you pass lush greenery, charming towns and secluded coves; don’t miss the Kojo-ji temple, Setoda Sunset Beach and the Oyamazumi-Jinja sanctuary. It’s up to you how much of the route you complete, but intermediate cyclists can comfortably complete the trail in a day. If your legs get tired, however, there are always ferries and buses to hop on to, and stations for bike returns on each island.
Once back at your hotel, enjoy a well-deserved beer and dinner while enjoying the sunset over the water. Pick up any final souvenirs from the boutique shop – there are a plethora of traditional arts and crafts on offer – before hitting the hay.
Your time in Onomichi ends today, so take the local train to Fukuyama before boarding the final bullet train of the holiday, heading to Tokyo. The journey should take around four hours in total. For your final night in the Japanese capital (and of the trip), you’ll be staying in the hotel you started your holiday in. Get re-acquainted with the comfortable rooms and head out for one last afternoon of exploring. Tick off any remaining spots on your list of sights to see, whether it’s the Tsukiji Fish Market or the Shibuya Crossing. Head to your favourite Tokyo neighbourhood for dinner and drinks. Perhaps you’ll end your holiday on a high and treat yourself to a kaiseki meal, a true fine-dining experience, Japanese style.
Sadly, your sushi and sake-filled active adventure has to come to an end today. Enjoy one final Japanese breakfast, and then hop in a private transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to the UK, which is just shy of 14 hours long. You’ll have plenty of time to get some shut-eye and reminisce over all the amazing sights you’ve seen. We could think of worse times to start planning your next trip away…
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
