12-Day Highlights of Japan

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Your first stop is Harajuku, where both traditions and modernity meet. You’ll explore one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, Meiji Jingu Shrine; visit the trendy Takeshita St and high-end Omotesando and continue to Shinjuku, one of the largest urban hubs in Tokyo. Wander around Kabukicho, a nightlife district in the city and the Golden Gai, a small area with 200 tiny bars and restaurants. You'll make a final stop at the metropolitan government building city to visit the observatory.

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Launch into your Tokyo tour with a trip to the largest fish market in the world. Then, jump in your private car to visit Nakamise Street and the stunning Senso-ji Temple. We eat lunch before leaving Asakusa. On the way to Aoyama, you'll go past Akihabara, Nihonbashi and Ginza. You'll then have the unique opportunity to watch an ASIMO demonstration at the Honda headquarters and finish the day at Shibuya, where you'll cross the busiest crossing in the world.

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You'll be picked up at the hotel and driven to Kamakura to start your tour at the Kotokuin Temple where you will see the second-largest Buddha statue in Japan before moving onto the Hasadera Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. You'll have lunch along the way, and have time to explore the souvenir shops before moving onto your final location for the day, Hokoku-ji Temple, known for its bamboo groves. You'll be returned to Shinjuku by 4 PM and have time to explore a little more if you wish.

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The long road trip begins today! Once you arrive at Hakone, you'll visit Hatajuku village and the ancient highway connecting Kyoto with Tokyo. You'll have the option of stopping in an ancient tea house before arriving at Lake Ashinoko looking over Mount Fuji. Cruise across the lake and ascend on a ropeway to Owakudani to observe the volcanic activities before lunch. You'll then drive for a couple of hours to reach Mt. Fuji Five Lakes District, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

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You'll start your day with a bit of morning exercise. After climbing up 398 steps, you will reach the Chureito Pagoda, one of the best places in the area to view Mount Fuji. Continue to one of two original shrines dedicated to the Goddess of Mount Fuji built in the eighth century. Next, you'll visit Lake Yamanaka-ko and stop at a local noodle restaurant for lunch. You'll stop at viewpoints from two of the five lakes, Lake Sai-ko and Lake Shoji-ko and then drive to Matsumoto.

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Explore one of five castles in Japan designated as a National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle which was completed in the 16th century. We’re headed to Takayama, the ancient town that was put under the direct control of Shogun and is known for its craftsmanship. The area is also famous for its high-quality local ‘Hida Beef’. Finally, you'll leave Takayama and drive to Ogimachi village in Shirakawago. You'll go straight to the observation deck at the top of the hill for a view of the entire village.

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Explore the village on your own before tourists arrive, then meet at the farmhouse to go to Suganuma, a much less populated village with nine farmhouses, then go to Ainokura to wander around for lunch. Then, you'll drive to Kanazawa, ruled by the powerful and wealthiest Maeda clan in the feudal ages. You'll stop in the tea house districts where you still see Geisha performing at the restaurants in the back alleys before continuing to the district, where the samurai warriors used to live.

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Go straight to the highlight of Kanazawa, Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. You'll continue to Kanazawa Castle, the home of the Maeda clan for 250 years. Then, you'll continue to the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts to learn how Maeda clan educated people on how to make fine handcrafts, which was one of the reasons why the Maeda family had been prosperous over the centuries. Before you leave, you'll stop at the Omich Market for lunch.

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Head to the picturesque bamboo grove in Arashiyama. Then, drive to Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion. We move to the eastern Kyoto to explore Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and then stroll Ninenzaka St. and Sannenzaka St., lined by small traditional shops. Stop along the way for lunch. Then walk to Gion, the biggest nightlife district in Kyoto where you still spot some Geisha. The last stop is Nishiki Market, a narrow and bustling shopping street called ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’ by the locals.

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Today, it’s your last day to explore Japan. Your first stop is Fushimi Inari Shrine, most famous for its 10,000 shrine gates. Then, we drive to Nara. Begin exploring at Kofukuji Temple, famous for its large collection of the Buddhist statues then walk to Todai-ji Temple, home to the largest Buddha statue in the country. Stop for lunch then continue to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, built when Nara became the first capital of Japan. Walk through Nara Park where wild deer roam and then drive back to Kyoto.