Essence of Japan: A 14-Day Grand Cultural Tour
From neon-lit cities to peaceful temples – discover the soul of Japan in comfort and style.
🗺️ Tour Highlights
- Mt. Fuji, Kyoto temples, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial
- Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, Hakone, Kanazawa & Hiroshima
- Cultural immersion: tea ceremony, kimono dress-up, calligraphy class, samurai museum
- Local life: bullet train rides, markets, street food tastings
- Nature escapes: bamboo groves, deer parks, hot springs, Japanese gardens
- Culinary activities: sushi-making, kaiseki dining, matcha tasting
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo
- Meet & greet at the airport
- Private transfer to hotel
- Welcome dinner at a local izakaya
- Overnight in Tokyo
Day 2 – Tokyo: Traditional Foundations
- Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street
- Asakusa cultural walking tour
- Tea ceremony & kimono-wearing experience
- Visit the Samurai Museum
- Overnight in Tokyo
Day 3 – Tokyo: Future Meets Culture
- teamLab Planets immersive art experience
- Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views
- Explore Shibuya & Harajuku (including Shibuya Crossing)
- Optional: Manga café or robot show
- Overnight in Tokyo
Day 4 – Mt. Fuji & Hakone
- Day trip to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting)
- Lake Ashi cruise & Hakone Ropeway
- Stay in a traditional ryokan with hot spring baths
- Multi-course kaiseki dinner
- Overnight in Hakone
Day 5 – Shinkansen to Kanazawa
- Ride the bullet train to Kanazawa
- Visit Kenrokuen Garden (one of Japan’s top 3 gardens)
- Explore the Samurai District and Gold Leaf Museum
- Try gold-leaf soft serve ice cream
- Overnight in Kanazawa
Day 6 – Kanazawa Art & Heritage
- Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
- Tea ceremony in a traditional teahouse
- Free time to explore local markets or crafts
- Optional: Try on a traditional samurai outfit
- Overnight in Kanazawa
Day 8 – Kyoto Spiritual Sites
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (thousands of red torii gates)
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Monkey Park
- Zen meditation session at a local temple
- Traditional vegetarian Buddhist lunch
- Overnight in Kyoto
Day 9 – Nara Day Trip
- Visit Todai-ji Temple and see the Great Buddha
- Walk through Nara Deer Park
- Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Return to Kyoto for sushi-making class
- Overnight in Kyoto
Day 10 – Kyoto Free Day or Optional Excursions
- Choose from:
- Ikebana flower arranging class
- Matcha-making in Uji
- Day hike to Kurama-dera temple
- Optional evening: Nishiki Market street food crawl
- Overnight in Kyoto
Day 11 – Hiroshima & Miyajima
- Bullet train to Hiroshima
- Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Museum
- Ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous “floating” Torii Gate
- Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
- Overnight in Hiroshima
Day 12 – Osaka: Culture & Street Food
- Morning train to Osaka
- Visit Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market
- Street food tasting in Dotonbori (takoyaki, kushikatsu, etc.)
- Optional: Visit Universal Studios Japan
- Overnight in Osaka
Day 13 – Osaka Free Day + Farewell Dinner
- Free time for shopping or exploring
- Optional cooking class or visit to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
- Farewell dinner with group photo slideshow and gift
- Overnight in Osaka
Day 14 – Departure Day
- Transfer to Kansai or Tokyo Airport depending on flight schedule
- Assistance with check-in and tax refund if needed
- End of tour
Price Includes
- 13 nights in well-located 4-star hotels or ryokans
- Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 6 dinners (including kaiseki, izakaya, and farewell dinner)
- Private local guide throughout the tour
- Entrance fees and activity costs (tea ceremony, sushi-making, temples, museums, etc.)
- Shinkansen (bullet train) & local transport
- Group transfers to/from airport
- Luggage forwarding service (where applicable)
- 24/7 support + custom welcome kit
Price Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (snacks, shopping, minibar)
- Tips for guides and drivers (~$5–10/day recommended)
Perfect For
- Leisure travelers who want cultural depth & comfort
- Small groups (friends, couples, solo travelers)
- Affinity groups (photography, art, wellness, culinary clubs)
- Mature travelers or first-time visitors to Japan
Optional Add-Ons:
- Business class airport transfers or upgrades: +$150–$300 pp
- Geisha private dinner: +$200–$300 pp
- Luxury ryokan upgrade in Hakone: +$250–$400 pp
- Single room supplement: +$850–$1,200 total