Path of the Samurai

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Welcome through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.

Check in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

What to do in Tokyo on your first day

We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly by visiting the following districts:
- Harajuku, the avant-garde district ; 
- Meiji Jingû, the imperial sanctuary ;
- Takeshita-Dôri, a must-see street in the capital ; 
- Omotesandô, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées ; 
- Shibuya and its impressive crossroads.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

For this second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".

Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then head off to visit :
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district ;
- Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market ;
- Hama-rikyû, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings ;
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river ;
- Sensô-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital ;
- Tokyo Sky Tree, 643 metres high, with its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset.

Between Hama-rikyû Garden and Asakusa, why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River ?

There are still many places to discover according to your taste ! Ueno, Yanaka, Odaiba...

Don't hesitate to book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to visit Tokyo off the beaten path!

Make the most of our many optional activities:
- Are you looking more for fun? Ghibli Museum, Disneyland or Hello Kitty Park are waiting for you!
- Do you prefer a themed activity? Book a visit on an architecture tour, gardens, home cooking or Noh's theatre.
- Chasing thrills? Let yourself be tempted by a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)!

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Matsumoto (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Kawaguchiko.

Go to Tokyo station and board a train for Kawaguchiko (3h journey, 1 change, details in your travel guide, included in your package). The train leaves the Japanese megalopolis and gradually winds its way through the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Kawaguchiko in the late morning. 

Upon arrival, stash your bags at your conveniently located hotel near the station. Then, it's finally time to delve into the wonders of the Five Lakes region!
- Capture Mount Fuji framed by the iconic Chureito Pagoda and be prepared for a rewarding climb - the view is worth every step ;
- Next, embark on a scenic lake hopping adventure. Each glistening lake reflects Mount Fuji's majestic peak, offering countless opportunities for stunning photos ;
- Take the Kachi Kachi Ropeway for a breathtaking panorama of both the lake and Mount Fuji. 

Consider renting a bike for a half-day adventure around scenic Lake Kawaguchiko, capturing stunning views of Mount Fuji along the way!

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, soak up the beauty of Kawaguchiko and its surroundings. Then, in the afternoon, embark on a scenic train journey (approximately 3h30 with two transfers) that will whisk you away to Matsumoto, nestled in the heart of the majestic Japanese Alps.

Once arrived, check into your hotel located in the city centre, between the station and the castle.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Steeped in history, Matsumoto has preserved many traces of its prosperity from the feudal period. Yet, the crown jewel of the city is its imposing castle, nicknamed the "Crow" for its dramatic black exterior. This magnificent structure, the oldest of its kind in Japan, offers breathtaking panoramic views year-round.

Beyond its historical charm, Matsumoto thrived as an industrial and commercial center. Even today, the Nakamichi district preserves a unique collection of workshops from the Meiji era, offering a glimpse into the city's bustling past.

Unveil the secrets of Matsumoto with a captivating half-day private tour and explore the city's rich history, including its iconic feudal castle and charming historical districts. This experience allows you to delve deeper into the past, perhaps even step into the shoes of a samurai for a morning with our expert guide Sylvain.
Please not that during peak season, this tour may be substituted with a half-day guided tour in Tokyo. 

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Kanazawa (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Takayama.

Head to Takayama by bus, a memorable journey through the mountains (approx. 2h30, included in your package). Once arrived, check into your 3* Asunaro ryôkan or equivalent, located in the heart of the capital of the Japanese Alps.

Enjoy the charms of Takayama  at your own pace, its century-old homes, temples and museums.

We recommend you to visit:
- The traditional Kusakabe and Yoshijima houses ;
- The Yatai Kaikan Exhibition Hall, where old religious festival "matsuri" floats are on display ;
- The picturesque Shôwa-kan, museum on the 1940s to 1970s ;
- The old Sannomachi shopping district ;
- The Fuji Folk Art Museum.

Traditional Japanese dinner included in the ryôkan.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan.

Next stop: Shirakawago! Board a convenient bus ride (approximately 50 minutes, included in your package) and immerse yourself in this charming village nestled in the Japanese Alps. Stroll through the village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the traditional gassho-style farmhouses with their iconic thatched roofs. 

Consider stepping inside a minka, a traditional Japanese house, to get a glimpse into the local way of life. For those seeking spiritual serenity, a visit to the Myôzen-ji temple, the village's Zen temple, is a must.

In the middle of the afternoon, head to Kanazawa by bus (1h15 journey, included in your package). Once arrived, check into your hotel located in the heart of this dynamic city.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Discover Kanazawa, between the northern sea and the Japanese Alps :
- Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's magnificent Japanese garden ;
- The Museum of Contemporary Art and its outdoor gallery ;
- Omicho, the Sea of Japan fish market ;
- Nomura House, home of the samurai, and its picturesque old quarter.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Kanazawa.

For your next leg, whisk yourself away to Osaka on a high-speed shinkansen (approx. 3h, included in your package). Once arrived, check-in at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

What is there to do in Osaka in 2 days ?

We recommend that you start your visit to Osaka slowly, in the northern and eastern districts :

- Osaka's medieval castle, with its park full of plum and cherry trees ;
- The city centre and Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park surrounded by buildings ;
- Utsubo Park, a cool oasis in the business district ;
- Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping ;
- Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!).

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Osaka (optional, from 9am to 5pm). 

For your second day in Osaka, we recommend the following itinerary :

- Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium in terms of volume ;
- The Tennôji district and its Shitennô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan ;
- Spa World, Japan's largest thermal baths (onsen) ;
- Shinseikai, with its retro charm ;
- DenDen machi, the technologeek village ;
- Finish off with Dôtonbori, the liveliest district in Japan.

Take the local train to Kyoto (about 1h using your prepaid transport card) and check into the RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS or equivalent (rooms available from 3pm).

You have 3 days to visit Kyoto.
Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation :
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple ;
- The historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka ;
- Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.

Finish your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset.
Meet your guide at 7 p.m. to start your evening walk around Gion, Kyoto's historic district.
More details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide.

At the end of this 1h30 walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat dinner!
Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion..

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:
- The Zen garden of Ryôan-ji ;
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ;
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The enchanting Philosopher's Path ;
- Nanzen-ji temple.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).

Continue your visit to Kyoto by heading west:
- Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market;
- Nijô Castle, former residence of the shogun;
- Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and monkey mountain.

This is your last full day to visit Kyoto, so why not make the most of our many optional activities :
- Want to enjoy nature? Discover our cycling activities along the Kamo-gawa river or hiking in the Takao gorges!
- If you're more into the Japanese arts, you'll love our tea ceremony, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens!
- If you're in the mood for the Japanese countryside, let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara or try our popular activity: on the Tea Road!

Or, you could also take the 50 minute journey to Nara (not included in your package)! For your last evening, don't forget to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii.

Take a direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.

If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private Taxi to Airport" option.

Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in the Kansai area or elsewhere... Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!