The Grand Japanese Tapestry: From Neon Lights to Sacred Heights (G066)

🔸Start: Upon arrival at Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda Airport, after clearing immigration, collecting your luggage, and passing through customs, you will be met in the arrivals hall by a staff holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation in Tokyo.

🔸Highlights: Check-in at a city hotel. You will receive a small welcome package at your accommodation, including essentials such as rail tickets and IC transport cards. Please pick it up at check-in and take a moment to review the contents. Day 1 is typically reserved for arrival and rest.

🔸Start: Your local guide will meet you at your accommodation and begin a city tour with an introduction to Tokyo, including tips for using your IC transport card.

🔸Highlights: Visit Asakusa and Nakamise Street, home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Explore Ueno and Ameyoko or Yanaka to enjoy a nostalgic, old-town feel and a glimpse of everyday local life.

🔸Start: Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation early in the morning and take you by private vehicle to the sumo stable.

🔸Highlights: Visit an active sumo stable and observe morning practice from close range. Watch the discipline and dedication of rikishi firsthand. Explore the city at your own pace in the afternoon.

🔸Start: Board the bullet train from Tokyo to Nagoya, then transfer to the limited express train to Takayama, enjoying scenic countryside views.

🔸Highlights: Stay at a beautifully preserved ryokan, relax in traditional onsen baths, and enjoy a carefully prepared kaiseki dinner with seasonal local ingredients.

🔸Start: Stroll through the Miyagawa Morning Market, a lively riverside market with fresh produce and crafts.

🔸Highlights: Explore the old town district with traditional merchant houses and sake breweries reflecting Takayama’s past as a castle town.

🔸Start: Depart Takayama by private vehicle to Shirakawago Village, then continue to Kanazawa.

🔸Highlights: Visit the UNESCO gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawago. Experience the contrast between the mountain village and the elegant atmosphere of Kanazawa.

🔸Start: Head out from your hotel to explore Kanazawa independently on foot or via local transport.

🔸Highlights: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, the Nagamachi Samurai District, and the Higashi Chaya geisha quarter. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony experience.

🔸Start: Travel from Kanazawa to Kyoto by train via Tsuruga. Total travel time is approximately 2 hours.

🔸Highlights: Begin discovering Kyoto’s classical Buddhist temples. Stroll through Nishiki Market and Teramachi Shopping Street, ending at Pontocho Alley.

🔸Start: Your local guide meets you at your accommodation for a private tour of Kyoto's landmarks.

🔸Highlights: Visit Kiyomizu-dera and the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, gaining insight into Kyoto’s rich heritage.

🔸Start: Travel to the western edge of Kyoto to the lush riverside area of Arashiyama.

🔸Highlights: Explore the Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge. In the afternoon, participate in a hands-on Japanese kitchen knife sharpening workshop.

🔸Start: Explore Kyoto at your own pace after breakfast.

🔸Highlights: Consider the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, or a day trip north to the mountain villages of Kibune and Kurama.

🔸Start: Transfer by private vehicle from Kyoto to the sacred mountain of Koyasan (approx. 2.5 hours).

🔸Highlights: Stay at a traditional temple lodge (shukubo), explore the Okunoin Cemetery, and enjoy sacred Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin-ryori).

🔸Start: Participate in morning prayers before traveling to Osaka via cable car and local trains.

🔸Highlights: Enjoy an evening stroll through Dotonbori. Sample takoyaki and okonomiyaki on a food-focused introduction to the city.

🔸Start: Begin your day at your own pace to explore Japan's "kitchen" independently.

🔸Highlights: Visit Osaka Castle and its park. Explore Namba and Shinsaibashi, or view the skyline from the Umeda Sky Building.

🔸Start: Travel by bullet train to Okayama, then local train to Kurashiki (total approx. 1.5 hours).

🔸Highlights: Discover the Bikan Historical Quarter, a district of white-walled merchant houses and willow-lined canals.

🔸Start: Enjoy a slow morning in the historic streets of Kurashiki.

🔸Highlights: Visit the Ohara Museum of Art or take a side trip to Okayama’s Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three great landscape gardens.

🔸Start: Return to the capital by bullet train (approx. 3 hours 20 minutes).

🔸Highlights: Enjoy your final day at leisure for souvenir shopping or a last visit to your favorite Tokyo neighborhood.

🔸Start: At the appointed time, your private driver will transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your departure.

🔸Highlights: Enjoy a smooth and stress-free transfer for your journey home.