Discover the cultural and scenic wonders of Japan with this 13-day itinerary, exploring iconic cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, alongside hidden gems such as Kanazawa, Beppu, and Kumamoto. Highlights include visits to Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing, and Mt. Aso; a serene cruise on the Sumida River; the beauty of Kenrokuen Garden; Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest; and Beppu’s famous onsen experiences. Enjoy local cuisine, visit historic sites like Kumamoto Castle, and take a scenic ferry ride to Osaka, completing your immersive journey through Japan’s history, nature, and culture.
Day 1 Tokyo
Upon arriving in Tokyo at either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your assistant guide at the arrival gate. From there, you'll enjoy a comfortable bus transfer to your hotel (ticket included), followed by a short, leisurely walk—less than 10 minutes—from the bus stop to your accommodation. Settle in and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 Tokyo
Your exploration of Tokyo begins with a 9:00 AM meeting in the hotel lobby, where your guide will give a brief introduction to the day’s activities. At 10:00 AM, you'll visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks, and stroll through the lively Nakamise Street. Next, enjoy a scenic 35-minute cruise on the Sumida River, offering a different perspective of the city (ticket included). At 12:15 PM, you’ll take a peaceful walk through Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo-period gem (ticket included). Lunch is at your leisure, with options like the Tsukiji Outer Market or nearby restaurants (not included). In the afternoon, experience the excitement of the famous Shibuya Crossing before returning to the hotel around 5:00 PM.
Day 3 Tokyo – Omiya Bonsai Village
Your day begins at 9:15 AM with a meeting in the hotel lobby, where your guide will assist with transferring your main luggage to Kyoto, while you pack an overnight bag for Kanazawa (ticket included). At 10:22 AM, board the bullet train (Kagayaki 509) to Kanazawa, arriving at 12:49 PM (ticket included). After arrival, you’ll have free time to explore Omicho Market, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the market’s many fresh seafood stalls (not included). In the afternoon, visit the tranquil D.T. Suzuki Museum (ticket included) before checking in at your hotel around 5:30 PM.
Day 4 Tokyo to Kanazawa
Meet your guide at 9:00 AM for a day of exploring Kanazawa’s historical and cultural sites. Begin with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden at 9:30 AM, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens (ticket included). At 11:00 AM, you’ll step back in time at the Shima Old Geisha House (ticket included), followed by some free time to explore the Higashi Chaya Geisha District and enjoy lunch at your own pace. The afternoon takes you to the Samurai Residence, Kurando Terashima's House, at 2:30 PM (ticket included), before returning to your hotel at 4:00 PM.
Day 5 Kanazawa
At 9:15 AM, meet your guide to begin your journey from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Depart Kanazawa at 9:54 AM via the bullet train (Tsurugi 15) to Tsuruga, followed by a transfer to the Limited Express (Thunder Bird 16), arriving in Kyoto at 11:39 AM (ticket included). Once in Kyoto, drop off your bags at the hotel if needed and head to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine at 1:00 PM. Here, you’ll have time to explore the surrounding Sando street, known for its quaint shops and food stalls, before checking into your hotel at 4:00 PM.
Day 6 Kanazawa to Kyoto
Start your day at 9:00 AM with a visit to the magnificent Kiyomizu Temple at 10:00 AM (ticket included), followed by free time to wander the charming streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where you can stop for lunch at one of the many traditional tea houses (not included). At 2:00 PM, take a peaceful stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before heading to the historic Gion District. Here, you’ll visit Kenninji Temple (ticket included) at 3:30 PM, before returning to your hotel by 5:00 PM.
Day 7 Kyoto
Meet your guide at 8:30 AM and walk to Kyoto Station for your bullet train journey to Hakata, Fukuoka. Your luggage will be transferred to Beppu, so pack an overnight bag for Fukuoka. At 9:25 AM, board the Nozomi bullet train, arriving in Hakata at 12:09 PM (ticket included). After lunch at Hakata Station (not included), visit the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum at 1:45 PM (ticket included) and explore the nearby Kushida Shrine. Check in to your hotel at 4:30 PM, then head out at 6:00 PM to visit the lively Yatai food stalls, where you can sample local specialties with your guide’s help (meal not included).
Day 8 Kyoto
Start the day at 8:30 AM with a bullet train ride (Sakura 543) to Kumamoto, arriving at 10:06 AM (ticket included). From the station, transfer to Mt. Aso, where you’ll take in breathtaking views at the Mt. Aso View Point around noon (ticket included). Afterward, transfer back to Kumamoto for a visit to the majestic Kumamoto Castle at 3:00 PM (ticket included), before returning to your hotel for a restful evening.
Day 9 Kyoto to Okayama
At 9:00 AM, depart with your guide to Takachiho Gorge, where you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at your own pace (not included). Afterward, visit the Amano Iwato Shrine and, if time allows, the nearby Amano Yasukawara Cave. In the afternoon, transfer to Beppu, arriving at your hotel around 6:30 PM for check-in.
Day 10 Okayama
Meet your guide at 9:00 AM to explore Beppu’s famous hot springs and thermal activities. Start with a ride on the Mt. Tsurumi Ropeway for stunning panoramic views at 10:00 AM (ticket included). At 1:00 PM, participate in an Onsen steam cooking class and enjoy a unique lunch prepared using natural geothermal steam (ticket included). In the afternoon, visit the Jigoku Onsen Museum (ticket included) and the mesmerizing Umijigoku (Sea Blue Hell) hot spring (ticket included), before returning to your hotel to relax in the onsen. Dinner is available at a nearby restaurant (not included).
Day 11 Okayama to Osaka
Enjoy a free day in Beppu to explore at your leisure. You can experience more onsen, take a trip to Yufuin, or join hands-on activities at Space Beppu. Your main luggage will be transferred to Osaka, arriving the next day. In the evening, meet your guide at 4:45 PM to transfer to the port by local bus and board the Ferry SunFlower at 6:45 PM (ticket included). Dinner is available on board (not included).
Day 12 Osaka
Arrive at Osaka Port at 6:35 AM and transfer to your hotel. After dropping off your luggage, enjoy a short break or grab a coffee before starting the day. At 9:00 AM, visit Osaka Castle and its beautiful garden (ticket included). At noon, explore the Umeda Sky Building Observatory (ticket included) for stunning views of the city. After some relaxation at your hotel in the afternoon, head to Dotonbori at 5:00 PM for a farewell dinner at a traditional izakaya (ticket included).
Day 13 Osaka
On your final day, make your way to the station or airport for your departure, filled with memories of your unforgettable journey through Japan.
