Wander Across Japan

Nov 7

Arrival day

Included: Dinner

Upon arrival in Tokyo, you'll be met by our local representative and taken to our hotel in the city center via train. Once everyone has arrived we'll have an evening orientation followed by an excellent local dinner to kick off this Japan experience!

Nov 8

Highlights: Full tour of Tokyo

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the buzz of Tokyo and dive straight into the action with a stroll through the vibrant streets of Shibuya, crossing the world-famous scramble and soaking in the electric energy. Fuel up with fresh sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market before heading to Asakusa to wander around Senso-ji Temple’s ancient grounds. Zip up to the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views stretching to Mt. Fuji on clear days. Afterward, explore the quirky fashion and street food delights of Harajuku’s Takeshita Street. As the sun sets, unwind at a great restaurant among the neon glow of Shinjuku, wrapping up the perfect Tokyo introduction.

Nov 9

Highlights: Yanaka, Shimokitazawa and Koenji neighborhoods

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After ticking off Tokyo’s main sights yesterday, today is all about local culture. Start the morning in Yanaka, a charming old Tokyo neighborhood where time slows down - wander past traditional wooden houses, tiny artisan shops, and quiet temples. Grab a coffee at a local kissaten before heading to Shimokitazawa, the city’s hipster haven packed with vintage boutiques, indie record stores, and cozy cafés. For lunch, dive into a family-run soba shop, where the handmade noodles and warm hospitality shine. In the afternoon we'll explore the art and street food scene in Koenji, Tokyo’s underground cultural hub.

Nov 10

Highlights: Train to Kyoto, Nishiki Market, tea-tasting, Gion

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Boarding a morning train to Kyoto, we'll arrive after only 2.5 hours. We'll check into our centrally-located hotel before heading out to explore! We'll have lunch at the wonderful Nishiki food market, Kyoto’s culinary treasure trove and then sit down at a traditional tea house for an authentic tea-tasting experience, savoring rich, earthy matcha while learning about Japan’s intricate tea culture. This will be followed by some free time before we finish off the day with local ramen and a wander through the atmospheric streets of Gion, keeping an eye out for geisha gliding to evening appointments.

Nov 11

Highlights: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Golden Pavilion

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's first stop will be the Fushimi Inari Taisha, where you’ll wander through thousands of vibrant torii gates winding up the mountainside. Afterwards we'll cross the city to visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion shimmering in the afternoon sun. We'll have a chance to take a walk along the paths and admire the temples and beautiful nature all around. We'll then wrap up the day with Kyoto-style kaiseki dining in the heart of town and for those with a sweet tooth, some local matcha desserts as well!

Nov 12

Highlights: Arashiyama, Philosopher's Walk

Included: Breakfast

A short train ride from the center of Kyoto will take us to the well-known Arashiyama area of the district. Here we'll find scenic views along the water, dreamy bamboo forests and a collection of peaceful temples and impeccably manicured gardens. We'll also have a chance to walk beyond the main tourist area, to visit an impressive Buddhist temple and bamboo forest that sees much fewer visitors! After some free time for lunch, we'll return to Kyoto for some free time. In the late afternoon, we'll then head for a stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk, a peaceful, cherry tree-lined path along a canal, perfect for reflection and scenic views. This relaxed walk will be followed by another special Japanese dinner.

Nov 13

Highlights: Day trip to Nara, sacred deer and temples, sake tasting

Included: Breakfast

Start your day with a scenic train ride from Kyoto to Nara, where history and nature await. Begin at Nara Park, where friendly, free-roaming deer bow for treats - an unforgettable encounter for sure. Wander over to Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and marvel at its massive wooden structure and serene atmosphere. After temple hopping, indulge in an elegant afternoon tea at the historic Nara Hotel, savoring delicate sweets and matcha while overlooking beautiful gardens. As the afternoon rolls in, dive into Nara’s sake culture with a tasting at a renowned local brewery, sampling rich, aromatic brews crafted with pure spring water. Return to Kyoto in the evening with a happy buzz, charmed by Nara’s peaceful vibes and rich heritage.

Nov 14

Highlights: Train to Osaka, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The unforgettable experience shall continue as we take a morning 1 hour train to the city of Osaka! After getting settled, we'll begin our stay with a short afternoon visit to the majestic Osaka Castle, where history meets stunning skyline views. As evening falls, get swept up in the neon wonderland of Dotonbori, known for it's incredible and diverse range of restaurants and food stalls. We'll have a feast tonight as the food all around us will be too hard to ignore! For those looking for some nightlife, we'll head to one of the areas small bars for some local drinks and perhaps some karaoke!

Nov 15

Highlights: Umeda Sky Building, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Shinsaibashi-Suji Street

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today will be a relaxed day. The morning will involve a trip up to the top of the futuristic Umeda Sky Building for impressive city panoramas. We'll then head into the culinary paradise of Kuromon Ichiba Market for lunch - think melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, fresh sushi, and fluffy takoyaki made right before your eyes. The afternoon will consist of free time to enjoy this vibrant city at your own pace. For those who are interested, when the evening comes around, we'll go for wander along the always bustling Shinsaibashi-Suji Street, full of local shops and market stalls before heading back to Dotonbori for another delicious meal.

Nov 16

Highlights: Toyama, Kurobe Gorge train, Toyama Glass Art Museum

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Osaka behind, we'll take a 2.5 hour train ride north, soon arriving in Toyama, where we'll be greeted by the crisp mountain air. After checking into our hotel, we'll enjoy some time for lunch before taking a stroll along the picturesque Matsukawa River. Next, we'll hop on a scenic train to the Kurobe Gorge, crossing towering bridges and deep valleys as you soak in breathtaking alpine views. We'll then finish the day at the stunning Toyama Glass Art Museum, where contemporary art meets delicate craftsmanship. As the sun sets, we'll have a chance to gaze at the waves of the Japan Sea before wrapping up the day with a cozy izakaya dinner.

Nov 17

Highlights: Sirakawa-go village, Kanazawa, geisha district

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day in Toyama with a train ride through the Japanese Alps, heading toward the fairytale village of Shirakawa-go. Wander through the UNESCO-listed village, where thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses stand against a backdrop of rolling mountains. Climb to the Shiroyama viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views before savoring a hearty lunch in a cozy countryside eatery. In the afternoon, explore the village’s traditional workshops, trying your hand at local crafts. As the sun begins to dip, we'll continue to the town of Kanazawa, arriving just in time to stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Higashi Chaya, where geisha culture and gold-leaf artistry come to life.

Nov 18

Highlights: Kenroku-en gardens, Kanazawa Castle, farewell dinner

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your Kanazawa adventure at Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, where stone bridges, koi-filled ponds, and delicate teahouses create a scene straight out of a painting. Next, step back in time at Kanazawa Castle before wandering into the preserved samurai district of Nagamachi, exploring Nomura-ke, a former warrior residence with stunning gardens. For lunch, indulge in a great meal at Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s culinary hub. In the afternoon, we'll have some free time to enjoy a dip in one of the town's onsen (hot springs) or simply stroll around the laid-back streets, soaking up the vibe one last time. In the evening, we shall all come together for our farewell dinner as we finish this surreal trip through Japan!

Nov 19

Highlights: Train to Tokyo, departure day

Included: Breakfast

With a 2.5 hour morning train ride, we'll soon find ourselves right back where it all began - in Tokyo. Upon arrival in the capital city, this memorable tour of Japan will come to an end and we will assist with airport transfers so that you can catch your departing flight. **IMPORTANT: Please make sure your departure flight out of Tokyo is later than 3:00pm in order to have enough time to transfer to the airport from the train station.