12 Days Premium Japan: Culture & Cuisine

Arriving in Tokyo is an experience in itself—this city pulses with energy, where ancient shrines stand next to neon-lit streets. After settling into your hotel, there’s time to explore before an evening welcome meeting. Wander the backstreets of Asakusa, visit trendy Shibuya, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere of Japan’s capital.

Later, gather with your group for a welcome dinner, a perfect introduction to Japan’s diverse culinary scene. Sample a spread of regional specialities, including handmade soba noodles, tempura, and yakitori, all paired with sake or local beer. After dinner, there’s the option to dive into Tokyo’s nightlife, perhaps at a lively izakaya, where locals unwind after work. If you prefer a quieter evening, a stroll through the illuminated streets of Shinjuku offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s contrasting worlds of tradition and modernity.

Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, and today’s tour captures both its historic and modern sides. Start the day in Asakusa, a district known for its Edo-era charm. Visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist site, then browse Nakamise Street’s lively stalls, where you can sample traditional sweets and local snacks.

From here, the city shifts gears as you head to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Next, explore the eccentric streets of Harajuku, famous for its quirky fashion and unique pop culture. Visit Meiji Shrine, set in a peaceful forested park, offering a stark contrast to the buzzing energy of nearby Shibuya.

End the day with panoramic city views from the Tokyo Skytree, towering 634 metres above the skyline. The rest of the evening is free—perhaps venture into Ginza for fine dining, or explore the lively bars and ramen shops of Golden Gai.

Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar

Today, food takes centre stage with a visit to Tsukiji Outer Market, the heart of Tokyo’s seafood scene. Wander through stalls overflowing with freshly caught fish, plump sea urchins, and sizzling street food. Your guide will introduce you to specialty ingredients and unique regional delicacies, offering insight into Japanese culinary traditions.

Then, join a sushi-making class, where a local chef will teach you how to prepare nigiri, temari, and hand-rolled sushi. Enjoy your creations for lunch before heading to the Ginza district, known for its luxury shopping and traditional theatres.

The afternoon is free for independent exploration—perhaps visit the Yayoi Kusama Museum, discover contemporary art at Mori Art Museum, or immerse yourself in a Kabuki performance at a historic theatre. As the sun sets, consider trying a Michelin-starred restaurant or a more casual yakitori spot tucked away in an alleyway.

Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar

Trade the city’s skyscrapers for the serene landscapes of Hakone, a region famed for its hot springs and Mount Fuji views. Take the Hakone Ropeway up to Owakudani, a volcanic valley with steaming sulphur vents, then embark on a scenic boat ride across Lake Ashi. On a clear day, the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji is visible in the distance.

Check into your traditional ryokan, where you’ll experience Japanese hospitality at its finest. Each room features a private onsen, while the larger communal baths offer a chance to soak in the mineral-rich waters. Dinner is a highlight—an elegant kaiseki feast, showcasing seasonal ingredients in a beautifully presented multi-course meal.

Spend the evening unwinding in the onsen, or take a quiet stroll through Hakone’s peaceful surroundings, where the night air is crisp and the atmosphere is pure tranquillity.

Accommodation: Susukinohara Ichinoyu or similar

Leave the modern world behind as you journey to Takayama, a town nestled in the Japanese Alps, known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture. On arrival, take a guided walking tour of the old town, where narrow streets are lined with wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and artisan shops.

Takayama is famous for its Hida beef, a regional delicacy with marbled texture and rich flavour. Stop at a local stall to try Hida beef sushi or skewers, then visit a traditional sake brewery, where you’ll sample locally brewed rice wine and learn about the fermentation process.

End the day at your charming ryokan, where warm hospitality and traditional comforts make for an unforgettable stay.

Accommodation: Hotel Around Takayama or similar

A short bus ride takes you to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, built with steep thatched roofs to withstand heavy snowfall. Stroll through this quaint countryside village, admiring the traditional homes and soaking up the peaceful rural atmosphere.

Return to Takayama in the afternoon with free time to explore. Visit the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, where intricately decorated floats from one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals are on display. Alternatively, wander through the town’s artisan shops, offering handcrafted souvenirs such as woodwork, textiles, and lacquerware.

In the evening, unwind at your traditional ryokan, where you can relax in an onsen bath or enjoy a quiet drink overlooking the garden.

Accommodation: Hotel Around Takayama or similar

Today, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that stands as a symbol of resilience and peace. On arrival, take an orientation walk with your guide to understand the local neighbourhoods, stopping by Hiroshima’s vibrant downtown shopping district and quiet side streets lined with cafés and bookstores.

In the afternoon, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, an area dedicated to those affected by the 1945 atomic bombing. Explore the Peace Memorial Museum, which offers a deeply moving insight into the city’s past and the importance of global peace efforts. Stand before the Genbaku Dome (A-Bomb Dome), one of the few structures left standing after the blast, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For dinner, head to a local okonomiyaki restaurant. Hiroshima’s version of this savoury pancake is layered with cabbage, noodles, seafood or meat, and topped with a special sauce. Watch as it’s prepared on a sizzling hotplate before enjoying it with the group. The evening is yours to explore—perhaps take a quiet walk along the riverbanks, where lantern-lit bridges offer a serene contrast to the day’s reflection.

Accommodation: Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar

Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s most picturesque locations. The island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, known for its vermillion torii gate that appears to float on the water at high tide. Spend the morning exploring the island’s peaceful streets, where you’ll find charming teahouses, souvenir shops, and deer roaming freely.

Walk through the Momiji-dani Park, especially stunning in autumn when the maple leaves turn fiery red. If you’re up for it, take the ropeway or hike to the summit of Mount Misen, where panoramic views stretch across the Seto Inland Sea. Along the way, stop by the historic Reikado Hall, home to the “eternal flame” that has been burning for over 1,200 years.

Return to Hiroshima in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is free. You might want to visit Shukkeien Garden, a beautifully landscaped park, or relax at a local izakaya, sampling Hiroshima-style oysters and locally brewed sake.

Accommodation: Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar

Board the bullet train bound for Kyoto, stopping at Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, Japan’s most spectacular surviving feudal fortress. Known as the “White Heron Castle” due to its elegant white exterior, Himeji Castle is a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend time exploring the castle’s maze-like defence system, secret passageways, and panoramic viewpoints.

After lunch, continue your journey to Kyoto, a city steeped in history and traditional culture. After checking into your hotel, take a guided walk through the Gion district, Kyoto’s most famous geisha quarter. Stroll past historic wooden machiya houses, exclusive teahouses, and cobblestone streets, learning about the traditions of Kyoto’s geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha).

The evening is free—perhaps enjoy a kaiseki dinner, an exquisite multi-course meal showcasing seasonal ingredients, or take a quiet walk along the Kamo River, where lantern-lit paths create a beautiful ambiance.

Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa or similar

Kyoto is a city of countless shrines and temples, and today begins with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. This Zen temple, covered in gold leaf, shimmers against a backdrop of lush gardens and a tranquil pond.

Next, explore the serene grounds of Daitoku-ji Temple, a lesser-known gem famous for its beautiful Zen gardens. Here, participate in a guided Zen meditation session, followed by a discussion with a Buddhist monk about the philosophy behind Zen Buddhism and mindfulness.

For lunch, stroll through Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” and sample local delicacies like yuba (tofu skin), matcha sweets, and fresh seafood skewers. The rest of the afternoon is free—perhaps take a tea ceremony in a traditional machiya townhouse or wander through the scenic Philosopher’s Path, a stone-paved walkway lined with cherry trees.

Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa or similar

Start the day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that wind up the forested mountainside. Walk through the gates, stopping at hidden shrines and peaceful lookouts, before making your way to the Fushimi sake district, one of Japan’s oldest sake-brewing areas.

Here, visit a historic sake brewery, where you’ll learn about the brewing process and sample different varieties of Japan’s beloved rice wine. For lunch, try Kyoto’s famous tofu cuisine, a specialty perfected over centuries by Buddhist monks.

The afternoon is yours to explore—perhaps visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo stalks create an otherworldly atmosphere. In the evening, reunite with your group for a farewell dinner at a traditional Kyoto restaurant, sharing memories of your journey over beautifully prepared seasonal dishes.

Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa or similar

Your Japanese adventure comes to an end today. Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out. If you have time before your flight, consider visiting Nijo Castle, once the residence of shoguns, or take a peaceful morning stroll through the Kyoto Imperial Palace gardens.

For those heading to Kansai International Airport, convenient train services are available. If you’d like to extend your stay, Kyoto offers endless opportunities to dive deeper into its culture and hidden treasures. Say farewell to your fellow travellers and take with you the unforgettable memories of Japan’s landscapes, traditions, and culinary delights.

Meals Included: Breakfast