Explore Ancient Japan

Konichiwa and welcome to Tokyo, Japan's bustling metropolis. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to the hotel via a shared transfer. Explore the city at your own leisure.

• Hotel Description

Join an English-speaking guide for a flexible half-day tour of Tokyo. With one-day transport passes and entrance fees included, you have the freedom to choose your itinerary. You can start at Meiji Shrine to experience Shinto rituals and the serene surroundings. Then dive into the energetic Shibuya district, renowned for its fashion and bustling atmosphere, including the famous "scramble" crosswalk. Conclude with a visit to the Imperial Palace, where you can admire the palace’s exterior and enjoy a walking tour of the tranquil East Gardens. Your guide can provide suggestions, but the choice of sights is entirely up to you. (B)

• Hotel Description

Enjoy this day at your leisure or enhance your experience with optional paid tours. Please contact us for numerous options of private or join-in tours in Tokyo. (B)

• Hotel Description

Today, depart Tokyo by boarding the Limited Express Train at Shinjuku Station bound for Matsumoto Station, the second-largest city in Nagano Prefecture. (B)

• Hotel Description

Meet your guide at the hotel for a full-day tour of Matsumoto. Begin at Narai-juku, a well-preserved Edo period post town listed among Japan’s Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Sites. Explore Nakamura House, offering insights into Edo-period living. Afterwards, stroll through Narai-juku, discovering local restaurants and shops. Return to Matsumoto by train to visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, renowned as the Black Crow Castle - one of Japan's twelve original castles. Marvel at its turret structure, distinctive black wainscoting, and wooden interior, providing an authentic glimpse into feudal Japan. (B)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, travel to Nagano, known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. Begin with a visit to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll walk through a forest to see monkeys bathing in hot springs during the colder months. Next, have lunch at Nakamise Street before visiting Zenkoji Temple, a significant landmark in Nagano with a Main Hall designated as a National Treasure. Note that the local train from Matsumoto to Nagano is not included and must be paid for separately. (B)

• Hotel Description

Today, take the Shinkansen from Nagano to Kanazawa, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. After arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (B)

• Hotel Description

Begin your day in the well-preserved Higashi Chaya District from the Edo Period, visiting a tea house turned museum and exploring a gold leaf shop. Proceed to Kenrokuen Garden, acknowledged as one of Japan's top three gardens, known for its harmonious aesthetics. Continue to the Nagamachi Samurai District, with its winding lanes and former samurai residences, including the captivating Nomura Samurai House with its ornamental garden. End the day in Owaricho's merchant district at the renowned Omicho Market, Kanazawa's largest market since the Edo period, offering a variety of goods including seafood, local produce, flowers, clothing, and kitchen tools. (B)

• Hotel Description

Today, you'll travel from Kanazawa to Takayama in a private vehicle. An English-speaking driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kanazawa and take you to your accommodation in Takayama. En route, you'll visit the UNESCO site of Shirakawago and have 2 hours to explore. After arriving in Takayama, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. (B)

• Hotel Description

Explore Takayama's morning markets, Asaichi, offering local crafts and farm products. Near the old town, enjoy strolling, sampling food, and admiring architecture. The tour also includes Takayama Jinya, the last main building of an old provincial magistrate office in Japan, and a local sake brewery where you can savour jisake, produced in one of Takayama's breweries.  After the tour, take the train to Nagoya and check-in at your hotel. (B)

• Hotel Description

Meet your guide at the hotel lobby to start your exploration of Nagoya. Begin with a visit to the historic Endoji shopping district and the nearby Shikemichi preservation area, then proceed to Nagoya Castle, which has been authentically reconstructed and offers insights into its history. Enjoy matcha tea with gold leaf in the castle's garden, sample tofu ice cream with gold leaf in Kinsachi Yokocho, and end the day at the Touken World Museum, which features exhibits on swords and armour. After the tour, transfer to Kyoto via Shinkansen. (B)

• Hotel Description

Explore Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, with a knowledgeable local guide, using the city's bus system to visit renowned World Heritage Sites. Start at Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), originally a Shogun's retirement villa turned Buddhist Temple. Move on to Nijo Castle, known for its ornamental design, stunning gardens, and unique architecture. Visit Heian Shrine, constructed for Kyoto's 1100th anniversary, dedicated to the city's first and last emperors. Conclude at Kiyomizu Temple for panoramic views from the 13-meter-high veranda. Learn about the history, emphasizing the construction without nails or joiners in both the Main Hall and Veranda. (B)

• Hotel Description

Enjoy this day at your leisure or enhance your experience with optional paid tours. Please contact us for numerous options of private or join-in tours in Kyoto. (B)

• Hotel Description

This morning marks your departure from the "ancient Japan" atmosphere and its scenic surroundings, as you board the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Once in Tokyo, you'll have free time to explore or make last-minute souvenir purchases. (B)

• Hotel Description

Make the most of your last morning before proceeding to the airport for your flight. (B)