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
Price: CHF 4014
Duration: 14 Days 13 Nights
Seasonal Availability: Jan- Dec
Places You'll See
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
Book the Tour