- Overview
- Trip Itinerary
- Trip Includes
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Experience the very best of Japan on this immersive 17-day journey blending ancient tradition, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic modern cities. From the neon energy of Tokyo to the timeless temples of Kyoto and the culinary delights of Osaka, this tailor-made itinerary showcases Japan’s rich culture and striking contrasts.
Begin in Tokyo, where you’ll explore historic Asakusa, visit Senso-ji Temple, master the art of sushi-making, and cruise along the Sumida River as the city lights sparkle. Venture to the Fuji Five Lakes region for spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, scenic lake cruises, and panoramic ropeway rides before continuing into the Japanese Alps to discover Matsumoto Castle, charming Takayama, and traditional mountain villages.
In Kanazawa, stroll through beautifully preserved samurai districts and one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens, then experience hands-on cultural traditions including pottery and washi paper crafting. Kyoto reveals its treasures through golden pavilions, serene rock gardens, vibrant markets, bamboo forests, tea ceremonies, and the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari.
Reflect on history in Hiroshima and visit sacred Miyajima Island before exploring the grandeur of Himeji Castle. Conclude your adventure in Osaka, known for its lively atmosphere and world-famous street food, where you’ll even try your hand at making takoyaki.
Blending guided touring with free time to explore at your own pace, this journey offers a perfect balance of culture, cuisine, history, and natural beauty — an unforgettable way to experience Japan in depth.
Hotels: Premium standard
Meals: Daily breakfast, welcome & select dinners
Transport: All local transport including Coach, Limited Express and Bullet trains
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Itineraries
Day 1
Date : November 8, 2026
Tokyo
Meals Included: Dinner
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo. If you get to the city early, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole in the wall eateries and bars. Depending on your arrival time and preference, dinner will be arranged either at the hotel or through catered meals, allowing you to relax after your journey.
Included Activities
Tokyo - Group arrival transfer
Tokyo – Welcome dinner
Accommodation
Asakusa View Hotel or similar
Day 2
Date : November 9, 2026
Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
This morning, we have a welcome meeting with our tour leader at the hotel. Your tour ofcially begins in Asakusa with a visit to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, followed by a walk along Nakamise Street. At lunchtime, enjoy a hands-on sushi-making class and taste the sushi you prepare yourself. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Asakusa, then meet up again at Sumida Park, located along the Sumida River. The day concludes with a relaxing Sumida River dinner cruise, enjoying a meal on the water as the city lights come on.
Included Activities
Tokyo – Welcome meeting
Tokyo – Asakusa DIstrict
Tokyo – Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo – Sushi making class
Tokyo – Sumida Park
Tokyo – Sumida river dinner cruise
Transportation
Tokyo – Public transport
Accommodation
Asakusa View Hotel or similar
Day 3
Date : November 10, 2026
Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day three begins with a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk through its beautifully landscaped grounds. Next, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck for views over the city. In the afternoon, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, a serene Shinto sanctuary surrounded by forest in the heart of Tokyo. The day concludes with a walking tour of Shibuya, including a stop at the famous Shibuya Crossing, where you can experience the energy of one of the world’s busiest intersections.
Included Activities
Tokyo – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tokyo – Government Metro building observation deck
Tokyo – Meiji jingu
Tokyo – Shibuya Walking Tour
Transportation
Tokyo – Public transport
Accommodation
Asakusa View Hotel or similar
Day 4
Date : November 11, 2026
Tokyo – Kawaguchiko
Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner
On this day, you will depart Tokyo in a private coach and head to Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. Upon arrival, you will board the Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat to enjoy the scenery from the water. Next, take a ride on the Kawaguchiko Ropeway to reach a scenic viewpoint. Surrounded by majestic nature, you can relax and admire the ever-changing landscapes. After sightseeing, you will head to your hotel to freshen up before dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Activities
Kawaguchiko – Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat
Kawaguchiko – Kawaguchiko Ropeway ride
Transportation
Tokyo – Private coach
Kawaguchiko – Private coach
Accommodation
Hotel Route Inn Kawaguchiko or similar
Day 5
Date : November 12, 2026
Kawaguchiko - Matsumoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
On this day, you will also travel by private coach from Lake Kawaguchiko to Matsumoto. During the journey, you will stop at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, where you can admire exquisite textile art inspired by nature, especially Kubota’s stunning “Kimono Art” that vividly expresses the beauty of Mt. Fuji. Next, you will visit the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, located halfway up Japan’s iconic mountain. From here, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and experience the fresh mountain air, immersing yourself in the grandeur of Mt. Fuji’s natural beauty. After these enriching stops, you will continue your trip to Matsumoto.
Included Activities
Kawaguchiko – Itchiku kubota art museum
Mt. Fuji – Mt. Fuji 5th station
Transportation
Kawaguchiko – Public transport
Matsumoto – Public transport
Accommodation
Richmond Hotel Matsumoto or similar
Day 6
Date : November 13, 2026
Matsumoto - Takayama
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, begin your day with a visit to Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. Stroll through the spacious grounds, which are part of a scenic park, and enjoy the stunning autumn colors surrounding the historic architecture. Next, visit a Wasabi Farm, where you can leisurely observe the cultivation area and enjoy the serene riverside scenery unique to the region. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of Matsumoto’s Old Town. Wander through streets lined with traditional buildings, charming shops, and local eateries, immersing yourself in the historic atmosphere and cultural charm of the city.
Included Activities
Matsumoto – Matsumoto Castle
Takayama – Wasabi Farm
Takayama– Walking tour of the old town
Transportation
Matsumoto – Private coach
Takayama – Private coach / Walk
Accommodation
Hotel Around Takayama or similar
Day 7
Date : November 14, 2026
Takayama
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a visit to the Takayama morning market. The Gifu region is known for its production of highaltitude vegetables, and local women have been travelling in from the countryside to sell their produce for more than 600 years. Your leader will guide you through the market stalls selling colourful pickles, bags of miso wrapped in leaves, genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved sh, spices and the delicious marshmallow treat of owara tamaten. After some time to peruse the local treats, hop on a public bus and head to the either Hida Folk Village or Shirakawago, both of which offer a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and rural life. The rest of the day, you have a free time to explore by own your pace. Please note: The current pricing is based on a visit to Hida Folk Village. If you choose Shirakawago instead, the cost may differ.
Included Activities
Takayama – Morning Market
Takayama – Hida Folk Village or Shirakawago
Transportation
Takayama – Public transport / Walk
Accommodation
Hotel Around Takayama or similar
Day 8
Date : November 15, 2026
Takayama – Gokayama - Kanazawa
Meals Included: Breakfast
On this day, you will travel by private coach to Kanazawa, a journey of approximately three hours. Along the way, you will stop at Gokayama to visit the Washi Paper Village, where you will have the opportunity to experience washi paper crafting. Gokayama is also famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which you can admire as you explore the village. After arriving in Kanazawa, head to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most famous landscape gardens. Please note that the garden closes at 5:00 PM.
Included Activities
Gokayama – Gokayama village for washi paper crafting
Kanazawa – Kenrokuen
Transportation
Takayama – Private coach
Kanazawa – Private coach
Accommodation
Daiwa Roynet Hotels Kanazawa Nishi-guchi or similar
Day 9
Date : November 16, 2026
Kanazawa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Kanazawa on foot today, on a walking tour of the Nagamachi Samurai District. Wander through the historic streets where samurai once lived, passing traditional residences, earthen walls, and narrow lanes that reect the lifestyle of Kanazawa’s warrior class. If you’re interested, you might also visit a restored samurai house to get a glimpse of life in feudal Japan. In the afternoon, enjoy a pottery experience, where you can try your hand at traditional craft-making and create your own unique ceramic piece. After the activity, the rest of the day will be free for you to explore Kanazawa at your own pace.
Special Information
The pottery you create on the day will be kept by the staff for nishing and ring and will be completed in approximately two months. When it is ready, you can either pick it up directly at the studio or have it shipped to you (shipping fee applies, payment by the clients).
Included Activities
Kanazawa – Nagamachi Samurai District
Kanazawa – Pottery Experience
Transportation
Kanazawa – Public transport / Walk
Accommodation
Daiwa Roynet Hotels Kanazawa Nishi-guchi or similar
Day 10
Date : November 17, 2026
Kyoto
Kanazawa - Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you will travel from Kanazawa to Kyoto by Shinkansen, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. After arriving in Kyoto, you will head directly to the Arashiyama area by private coach. Upon arrival, start your visit with a rickshaw ride, where a rickshaw puller will guide you through Arashiyama’s scenic pathways in a traditional style. After the rickshaw experience, enjoy some free time for sightseeing before your scheduled activity. At 4:00 PM, you will participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Once the ceremony is nished, take a stroll through the famous bamboo groves.
Special Information
We will send your suitcases to Hiroshima today, since you will travel a lot by trains and public transportation. Please prepare a light overnight backpack for two nights in Kyoto. Your guide will help you this morning. One suitcase per person is included; if you wish to send additional luggage, the cost is around JPY2800 per bag paid locally.
Included Activities
Kyoto – Arashiyama area
Kyoto – Tea ceremony
Kyoto – Bamboo Forest
Kyoto – Rickshaw ride
Transportation
Kanazawa – Public transport
Kyoto – Private coach
Accommodation
KOKO Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or similar
Day 11
Date : November 18, 2026
Kyoto
Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
On this day, you will enjoy a full day exploring some of Kyoto’s most iconic spots. Begin at Nishiki Market, where you can stroll through lively stalls selling fresh seafood, local specialties, and traditional snacks. After the market, enjoy a fan painting experience nearby, creating your own hand-painted fan as a memorable Kyoto souvenirNext, visit the Gion District, Kyoto’s famous geisha area, and wander through its atmospheric streets lined with traditional wooden machiya houses. Finally, head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, world-renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form the iconic “Path of the Gates.” Take your time to explore the trails and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding city and mountains.
Included Activities
Kyoto – Nishiki market
Kyoto – Fan painting
Kyoto – Gion District Walk
Kyoto – Fushimi Inari
Transportation
Kyoto – Public transport / Walk
Accommodation
KOKO Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or similar
Day 12
Date : November 19, 2026
Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today will begin by visiting Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Afterward, continue to Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its serene rock garden and peaceful atmosphere. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Visit stunning temples and shrines, wander through traditional streets, or enjoy the serene beauty of Kyoto’s gardens. You can also try local specialties at cafés and restaurants. Relax and soak in the rich history and culture of this beautiful city.
Included Activities
Kyoto – Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto – Ryoan-ji Temple
Transportation
Kyoto – Public transport / Walk
Accommodation
Hiroshima Grand Intelligent Hotel or similar
Day 13
Date : November 20, 2026
Kyoto - Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hiroshima is a bustling metropolis with a tragic history. Today, you’ll travel there via Shinkansen. When you arrive, your leader will take you to the Peace Park and the ruins of the A-Bomb Dome building – one of 11 structures left partially standing as a reminder of the destruction of nuclear war following the atomic bomb blast on 6 August 1945. The Peace Park contains monuments and a sobering museum dedicated to Hiroshima and international peace. The afternoon is free to rest, relax or continue exploring the city. Then, head to Orizuru tower take in panoramic views of the city and the Peace Park from the observation deck. Here, you can also try folding your own origami cranes, a symbol of hope and peace, and add them to the tower’s display.
Included Activities
Hiroshima – Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima – Peace Park & A – Bomb Dome
Hiroshima – Orizuru tower
Transportation
Kyoto – Public transport
Hiroshima – Public transport
Accommodation
Hiroshima Grand Intelligent Hotel or similar
Day 14
Date : November 21, 2026
Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner
Today you’ll jump on a local train and a ferry to spend the day at the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'oating' Torii Gate and the grand Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Hike through the woods to the peak of Mt Misen for some stunning views of the Inland Sea stretching far out below you. Be sure to watch out for inquisitive and eternally hungry deer that roam the island. Tonight, head out with your leader for one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood).
Included Activities
Hiroshima – Miyajima Island
Hiroshima – Okonomiyaki dinner
Transportation
Hiroshima – Public transportation
Accommodation
Hiroshima Grand Intelligent Hotel or similar
Day 15
Date : November 22, 2026
Hiroshima – Himeji - Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
As you speed north to Osaka on the Shinkansen, you’ll stop at Himeji Castle, Japan’s most impressive samurai castle. Surviving earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, it was fully restored in 2015. Explore the castle grounds and then stroll through the nearby Kokoen Garden, with its ponds, tea houses, and seasonal owers. Arrive in Osaka in the mid-afternoon. Known for its lively streets and delicious street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, Osaka is a city full of energy and local charm. The rest of the day, you have a free time to explore by own your pace.
Special Information
We will send your suitcases to Osaka today, since you will travel a lot by trains and public transportation. Please prepare a light overnight backpack for one night in Osaka. Your guide will help you this morning. One suitcase per person is included; if you wish to send additional luggage, the cost is around JPY2800 per bag paid locally.
Included Activities
Himeji – Himeji Castle
Himeji – Kokoen Garden
Transportation
Hiroshima – Public transport
Himeji – Public transport
Osaka - Public transport
Accommodation
Osaka View Hotel or similar
Day 16
Date : November 23, 2026
Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner
Today, you will explore Osaka by private coach. Start with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. Next, head to Osaka Castle, the city’s iconic landmark, and stroll through its historic grounds and gardens. Continue to Shinsekai, a lively shopping district with a retro atmosphere, and then visit Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest temples, including the serene Gokuraku-jodo Garden. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Dotombori District, famous for its neon signs and bustling streets, and nish the day with a takoyaki cooking experience, where you can try making Osaka’s famous specialty yourself.
Included Activities
Osaka – Umeda Sky Building
Osaka – Osaka Castle
Osaka – Shinsekai area shopping
Osaka – Shitennoji temple including the serene Gokuraku-jodo Garden
Osaka – Dotombori area
Osaka – Takoyaki cooking experience for dinner
Transportation
Osaka – Private coach
Accommodation
Osaka View Hotel or similar
Day 17
Date : November 24, 2026
Departure
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch
Finish your day with a farewell lunch near your hotel, where you can enjoy one last meal with your group before heading to KIX Airport. Say sayonara, Japan!
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Hotels: Premium standard
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Meals: Daily breakfast, welcome & select dinners as per itinerary
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Transport All local transport including Limited Express and Bullet trains.
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Guided sightseeing & experiences:
- Tokyo highlights: Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street, sushi-making class, Sumida River dinner cruise, Meiji Jingu Shrine & Shibuya Walking Tour
- Mount Fuji & Kawaguchiko: Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko sightseeing boat, Kawaguchiko Ropeway, Mt. Fuji 5th Station & Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
- Alpine charm: Matsumoto Castle, Takayama old town & morning market, wasabi farm
- Kanazawa & Gokayama: Kenrokuen Garden, Nagamachi Samurai District, pottery experience & washi paper crafting village
- Kyoto treasures: Arashiyama bamboo forest, rickshaw ride, tea ceremony, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji Temple, Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari & Gion district
- Hiroshima & Miyajima: Peace Memorial Park & A-Bomb Dome, Orizuru Tower, Miyajima Island & okonomiyaki dinner
- Himeji & Osaka highlights: Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden, Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Shinsekai, Dotonbori & takoyaki cooking experience
- English-speaking local guides throughout.
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Entrance fees to all sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
- Flights are not included. Note: Add return flights from $1899 per person
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quoted at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
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