Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Tokyo - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Hiroshima
100% customisable for you
It’s time to head to the airport for your flight to Tokyo, which is just under 14 hours. Arriving early the next morning, you’ll receive a warm welcome from a friendly local guide who’ll accompany you to Tokyo station. From here, it’s a short taxi ride to your hotel, a stylish establishment occupying the top floors of a skyscraper which is ideally located for exploring in the heart of the city’s business and culture centre.
After a brief tour of the local area, wave goodbye to your trusty guide and head back to your hotel to indulge in a hearty breakfast and freshen up before this afternoon’s private guided tour of Tokyo. Trust us, getting up and out is the best way to beat jet lag and this tour is tailored to your interests, so your clued-up guide will know where to take you whether you’re interested in history, art, temples or green spaces.
This evening, consult our Dossier for tried-and-tested eateries in your local area or contact your Concierge to find out their favourite spots to sample sushi and sake. Then head back to your hotel and hit the hay, ready for another busy day tomorrow.
After a delicious breakfast, meet your local guide for the morning’s tour. Today, you’ll be immersed in contemporary Japanese culture, beginning by delving into the wonderful world of Manga. In the more-than-capable hands of a seasoned Tokyo resident, learn all the secrets of this distinctly Japanese art form. Visit iconic locations around the city that have inspired countless authors and influenced best-selling stories, such as Naruto and One Piece.
All that walking means you’ll have worked up an appetite and it’s a great excuse to discover Tokyo’s foodie scene. From rice to ramen, sashimi to nigiri, you can’t go wrong with Japanese cuisine, known as washoku. To accompany your food, make sure to order a glass of amazake (a drink made from sweet, fermented rice).
This afternoon, explore more of Tokyo’s tantalising sites. Head to Asakusa, part of the city’s old town, to marvel at Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. For the grandest Shinto shrine in the city, check out Meiji-Jingu, before scaling the towering Sky Tree building for panoramic views across the city. Fancy a spot of shopping? The Akihabara district is full of quirky shops (and plenty of bizarrely themed cafes), while the Ginza district is the place to go for luxury fashion. Tuck into another delicious meal this evening before discovering Tokyo’s colourful nightlife. Karaoke, anyone?
It’s your final full day to explore Tokyo, and there’s still so much left to see of the city. Walk the famed Shibuya crossing; visit the Imperial Palace, Kyokyo, or the Shinjuku Gyo-en botanical garden; shop ‘til you drop in the Aoyama district, where you’ll find luxury boutiques against a backdrop of architectural wonders; or take a relaxing stroll in Aoyama’s Yoyogi-koen park – one of Tokyo’s largest.
And if you’re after a culture fix, check out Tokyo’s museum district, Ueno; the Tokyo National Museum; or the National Museum of Western Art’s collections. TeamLab Planets also houses a surreal collection of immersive digital art installations.
On your final evening in the Japanese capital, perhaps return to a favourite restaurant or consult our Dossier for recommendations. Then toast to terrific Tokyo with a glass of sake (or two).
Today, it’s goodbye to Tokyo and hello to Kanazawa. This charming city was once the fourth largest in Japan, its wealth built on rice production and traditional crafts. To get there, hop on an essential Japanese mode of transport: the shinkansen, or ‘bullet train’. The journey takes around three hours, travelling at a mind-boggling speed of almost 200mph, and you’ll pass expanses of farmland before reaching the outskirts of Takasaki, where you’ll spy the mountains of the Nagano Prefecture before coming to the seascape of Naoetsu.
Upon arrival in the coastal city of Kanazawa, make your way to your hotel, a boutique ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) renowned for its spacious suites, where you’ll be staying for the next couple of nights. Freshen up after the journey before setting off on a private tour of the city.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this outing begins with a visit to the pristine Kenroku-en Garden, ranked as one of Japan’s top three gardens. It’s home to the oldest water fountain in the country, a couple of teahouses, and a large villa that was once the retirement home of one of the richest clans in Kanazawa. Next up is the majestic Kanazawa Castle which was originally built in 1580 and has been a symbol of power and prestige in the region for centuries. The tour ends with a trip to the well-preserved Higashi Chaya District, where your ryokan is located. Your guide will fill you in on the district’s fascinating history while you wander among the historic wooden buildings, artisanal shops and chaya teahouses.
Enjoy a hearty (and healthy) breakfast at your ryokan before the day’s activities begin. First up is a wagasa (Japanese umbrella) masterclass in Kanazawa’s last remaining studio led by a talented craftsman with over 40 years of experience. During the session, you’ll learn about the history and philosophy behind wagasa, see the art in action and be taken on a studio tour.
Refuel with lunch then set off on another artisanal adventure to learn the art of kintsugi. Translating as ‘golden seal,’ kintsugi is a technique of repairing a broken object with urushi lacquer (tree sap) and gold-pigmented powder. Repair your own object with the guidance of an expert and learn about the Buddhist worldview of accepting life’s imperfections. We could all learn a thing or two from this philosophy…
Why not explore some of the city’s quaint museums for the rest of the day? Every niche interest is accounted for here, from phonographs and gold leaf to pottery and folklore. Take time to visit the city’s fascinating shrines and temples, too; we recommend the Myoryu-ji temple and the Shirayama Hime shrine.
Come evening, tuck into some of the freshest seafood around, with crab, yellowtail and sweet shrimp all on the menu. Kanazawa’s proximity to the sea and fertile mountains means its cuisine is, unsurprisingly, spectacular.
It’s all aboard the speedy bullet train again today. Your destination? The culture-rich city of Kyoto which is around 160 miles away. The journey takes around two-and-a-half hours and has spectacular views of the sea and Lake Biwa along the way. When you arrive, check into your contemporary yet characterful hotel, where you’ll spend the next four nights in a room designed by a celebrated artist.
This afternoon, embark on a private guided tour of Kyoto, visiting the city’s most beautiful Buddhist temples (out of a total of over 1,600!). Beginning with Ninna-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site with buildings dating to the 1600s, you’ll then move on to Kinkaku-ji, the famed Golden Pavilion of Japan. Last, but not least, is the serene Ryoan-ji Temple, known for its mysterious rock garden.
End your day of adventure by indulging in Kyoto’s rich culinary traditions. From the vegetarian delights of shojin ryori to the skilfully prepared obanzai (traditional, home-style) dishes, your tastebuds are in for a treat.
This morning, it’s time to delve into another Japanese tradition: indigo dying. Head to a specialised factory and become immersed in the world of the ‘Japan blue’ dye, engaging in hands-on experiments and learning about the intricate preparation process. Take the secrets you’ve learned with you, and you’ll leave an expert on all things indigo.
After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the city. Beyond the temples you became acquainted with yesterday, there’s so much more to see and do. Why not start with a stroll through the well-preserved historic district, Higashiyama? Admire the quaint wooden buildings, narrow lanes and hidden alleyways nestled along the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains. This is the perfect place to pick up traditional crafts and have a quick bite to eat (wagashi, or Japanese sweets, will do). Other must-sees include the beautiful Shinto shrines across the city, such as Fushimi Inari-taisha, famed for its photogenic vermilion torii gates. The bamboo forest of Arashiyama is another unforgettable sight.
If you’re feeling fancy this evening, indulge in a delicious kaiseki meal, the ultimate Japanese fine-dining experience designed around a tasting menu of exquisitely presented (and exquisitely tasting) dishes.
Another day, another artisanal adventure. On the cards today is a lesson in Kimono creation. A staple in Japanese life, the kimono is one of the most recognisable symbols in Japanese society. In this private lesson, you’ll be in the workshop learning the secrets behind kimono-making, from the delicate fabrics to the patterns painted on the silk. The experience ends with a lesson in traditional fabric dyeing techniques.
The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. If you’re a foodie, check out the historic Nishiki Market in downtown Kyoto for lane upon lane of food stalls, shops and eateries. Afterwards, wander one of Kyoto’s tranquil botanical gardens or parks. Depending on the time of year, you might spot blooming cherry blossoms, red and orange leaves, or carpets of lush green. In the mood for more shrines and temples? You’re in the right place. Revisit your favourites or seek out new ones, like Kinkaku-ji’s less famous (but no less spectacular) sister, Ginkaku-ji, a tranquil set of buildings surrounded by stunning gardens.
It’s your final day in magical Kyoto, and guess what? We’ve planned another activity for you. This time, you’ll be cultivating your creativity in a raku pottery experience. Traditional raku pottery was originally crafted for tea ceremonies and embodies a deep connection to Zen philosophy. Led by a master craftsman, you’ll delve deep into the Japanese tradition and create your own bowl. This is a wonderful way to get hands-on with a rich cultural heritage which has been passed down through generations of artisans.
Make the most of your last afternoon in the city, whether you want to wander the old Geisha district of Gion, visit shrines and temples or take a tour of the massive Nijo Castle compound. At dinner, make sure to sample the best of Kyoto’s regional cuisine. Try aji (horse mackerel), tsukemono, pickled vegetables, and tofu yuba—all washed down with your favourite sake.
It’s back on the bullet train this morning with a one-and-a-half-hour journey southwest to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, head to your stylish hotel for the next two nights, nestled in the city's bustling heart.
Once you’ve settled in, we recommend a self-guided visit to Hiroshima Peace Park and the Peace Memorial Museum. Learn about the tragic events of 1945, the history of Hiroshima before the bombing, the lives of people during WWII and Japan's efforts to promote international peace. Expect a moving collection of articles and personal belongings left by victims of the nuclear horrors. Afterwards, stroll in the beautiful Shukkei-en garden, stopping in one of its plentiful teahouses.
Satisfy your appetite this evening with Hiroshima’s speciality: okonomiyaki, a type of savoury Japanese pancake that you cook at your table. Head to okonomiyaki-mura, a building in the centre of town, and take your pick from the 24 different okonomiyaki restaurants housed within. We hope you’re hungry…
Today is your last in Hiroshima, and we’ve organised an exciting morning. You’ll be heading for ‘the land of the brushes’, Kumano Prefecture, which has championed the traditional craft of fude brush-making since the Edo period. Kumano-fude are characterised by their fine tips and firmness, making them ideal for the art of calligraphy. You’ll learn all about the history and techniques behind the craft in a fude workshop before making your own brush under the guidance of the masters. Finish by trying your hand at calligraphy (just make sure to keep a steady hand).
This afternoon, explore more of Hiroshima, a city that has risen from the ashes of tragedy. Visit the City Museum of Contemporary Art for pieces inspired by the bombing and fabulous views across the city. Hiroshima’s majestic reconstructed castle, which rises out of the trees, is also well worth a visit. And you could take a fast ferry to the island of Miyajima to see the striking Itsukushima shrine and enjoy views from the Misen Wild Woods.
Come evening, consult our Dossier of recommended restaurants to find the best spot to end your time in Hiroshima on a high.
Bid Hiroshima goodbye after breakfast and hop back on the trusty bullet train back to Tokyo. Settle in for the four-hour journey and enjoy the shifting scenery as you whizz along. Once you arrive in Tokyo, head back to the hotel where your trip first began, this time for one night only.
You’ve got the rest of the day to see all the city sights you might’ve missed the first time around (or revisit your favourite spots). Soak up the vibrant, buzzing atmosphere in the most populous city in the world one last time then, as dinnertime approaches, consult our Dossier for the best tried-and-tested restaurants. Why not head to a fancy establishment to celebrate your trip? Then head back to your hotel and get a good night sleep ready for an early start tomorrow.
Get up bright and early this morning and savour the final Japanese breakfast buffet of the trip before transferred to the airport. Pick up any final souvenirs (sake and wagashi will go down a treat) and try to get some shut eye on the 14-hour flight home. Filled with tales from Tokyo and co, it’s time to start preparing your own kaiseki-style dinner party…
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.
ENQUIRE NOW
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
