9 Days Takayama Festival | Hidden Village

Day 1 Tokyo | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour app for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus)
From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)

Day 2 Tokyo | Strolling Through Historic Asakusa

We start off our Tokyo tour with a visit to Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, the former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors, mouth-watering dishes, and incredible sushi meals at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the rest of the sights in Tokyo!

The tour will then head to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area and explore Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and the most popular temples in Tokyo.

For lunch, enjoy a Japanese seasonal dining experience.

Then we are off to Harajuku to explore the famous Takeshita Street and Omotesando area. The area is filled with cute shops, delicious crepes, high end stores, and beautiful cafés and restaurants. Don't forget to check out the Cat Café and Headgehog café for those who love animals.

We will then make our way to the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other.

Day 3 Tokyo & Nagano | Traditional Japanese Kimono Art

Our first stop for today is the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. Itchiku Kubota was a textile artist who devoted his life to recreating the forgotten 15th century Tsujigahana fabric tie dye technique. Many of his work is on display at this museum. Browse through the decadent collection of Kimono decorated in this traditional Japanese art. Western buildings built in a serene Japanese garden over looking Mt. Fuji, you will find yourself in a magical place.

For lunch, we will stop and enjoy a bowl of Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. Hoto is a flat udon noodle soup filled with lots of local fresh vegetable, like daikon and kabocha with miso based flavor and is considered a comfort food by locals.

Before heading to the hotel, your group will be visiting Matsumoto Castle, also named the Crow Castle due to the unique black color of the building. Considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, the castle has never been destroyed with its initial buildings still intact since construction. The castle tower is Japan’s oldest existing castle tower and is a designated national treasure.

Day 4 Nakasendo & Takayama | Takayama Night Festival

Today, our Takayama tour will have several stops before arriving in the city of Takayama. We’ll be following the Nakasendo Trail and enjoy a brief hike between Tsumago and Magome, the forty-second and forty-third stations of the trail respectively. The two towns are well-preserved and even go as far as making sure that electrical wires, TV antennas, and telephone poles do not show, allowing visitors to experience what it was like walking through town during the Edo Period. Enjoy some wagashi Japanese sweets and relax with a cup of tea before we make our way to Takayama.

Our Japan tour will finally reach Takayama. After checking into the hotel, we will follow the sound of drums to make it just in time to witness the festival in full swing. Takayama Festival is considered to be one of the best festivals in Japan. Their huge floats will light up the night’s sky with many arrays of color paper lanterns.

Day 5 Takayama, Shirakawago & Kanazawa | Exploring Little Kyoto

We’ll begin our day in Takayama with a visit to the morning market, one of the many areas in the city with buildings and shops more than 300 years old. Enjoy exploring the area by visiting the numerous vendors and important sightseeing spots. We recommend trying Hida Nikuman (beef buns) or Gohei-Mochi while at the market.

While at the market, we also recommend visiting the Takayama Jinya, a building which served as the local government office from 1692 up until 1969. Now a public museum, you can learn about the history of the building as well as old government documents and city plans of the area. The tour will also take a stroll through Takayama’s old town district which is filled with many well-preserved buildings from the Edo Period back when the city thrived as a wealthy merchant town.

Your group will then make its way to the small, rural farming village of Shirakawa-go, famous for its thatched-roof houses made using the gassho-zukuri method. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will get a glimpse into the traditional Japanese farming life in the early eras. A visit to the Nagase House, will provide insight on the various tools and trinkets used in the farming village back in the day.

Our last stop of the day will have you taking in the beautiful landscape of Kenrokuen Garden. Considered one of the top three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen contains everything nature has to offer including streams, hills, and seasonal flowers which are sure to calm the soul.

Day 6 Ishikawa & Kyoto | Feel the spiritual energy.

We begin our day with a visit to the Koke no Sato Wisdom Forest. The Forest of Wisdom is one of the best places to see various Japanese moss, and the Wisdom House in the forest is meant to encourage guests to share experiences with others or engage in a workshop before getting lost in nature.

Continue your exploration to Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its mesmerizing path lined with vibrant torii gates. Traverse this enchanting tunnel as you absorb the spiritual energy that envelops you.

As daylight fades, immerse yourself in the captivating display of the Kyoto Station Illumination. Witness the architectural marvel transform into a mesmerizing canvas of light and color, a fitting finale to your day of discovery.

Day 7 Kyoto | Dine with Japan's Next Generation of Geisha Artisans

Today, our Kyoto tour begins with a visit to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride. Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight

Next, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and it is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

After we take our photos, we head out to the ancient street of Ninenzaka. The street is filled with shops and souvenir stands as well as a great place for photos and to see what Japan looked like many years ago. We will also partake in a hands-on lesson on the tea ceremony. Learn about the history and meaning behind the ceremony as you watch it being performed before your eyes. Try your hand at making a traditional cup of matcha! We then proceed to the hotel.

Day 8 Kyoto & Nara | Meet & Greet the friendly Deer of Nara

Our cherry blossom exploration starts with a visit to Todaiji Temple, a monumental symbol that reverberates with the spiritual legacy of the area. Discover the awe-inspiring presence of the Great Buddha within its sacred walls, a testament to centuries of history and devotion.

Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of Nara Park, where gentle deer freely roam, adding a touch of enchantment to the natural landscape. Interact with these graceful creatures as they harmoniously coexist with human visitors.

Step into history at the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum, a captivating destination where ancient warrior traditions come to life. Gain a deeper understanding of their skills and culture, providing insight into Japan's martial heritage.

Day 9 Osaka | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.