Welcome to Kyoto. Kyoto served as Japan’s capital – political, spiritual, and cultural – from the 12th to the 19th centuries. While political power has moved to Tokyo, Kyoto has retained a firm grasp on Japanese culture and traditions and is renowned for its temples, festivals, and art. Upon arrival, settle into the hotel and have time to relax after your flight or explore on your own.

Kyoto is the heart and soul of traditional Japan. With 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s filled with temples, shrines, talented craftspeople, specialty cuisine, ancient pilgrimage trails, and much more. Make sure you discuss your specific interests with your travel designer so your time here can be carefully curated.

Journey through Kyoto, visiting some of the city’s most iconic and unique temples, shrines, and castles. Your expert guide will take you on an immersive journey through history, from the glimmering gold leaf of Kinkaku-Ji, to a serene rock garden that encourages meditation and introspection, to the singing nightingale floors of 17th century Nijo Castle.

During your day, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony where you will Learn about this ancient tradition from a tea master and the significance it holds to Zen Buddhism.

Explore the traditional charm of Higashiyama District. Higashiyama is known for its narrow streets lined with traditional wooden homes, dangling paper lanterns, and the occasional geisha sighting as they make their way to their next appointment. Your local guide will help you to discover the temples, local artisans and craft workshops, and foodie havens of this unique zone of Kyoto. Beginning at Ginkaku-ji Temple, admire its elegant architecture and pine garden before strolling along the Philosopher’s Path, a tranquil trail lined with cherry trees. Marvel at the 1,001 statues of Kannon at Sanjusangendo, ending your day at Kiyomizu Temple, renowned for its stunning views and historic streets.

In the evening, we recommend a special dining experience complete with a visit from a maiko.

Journey through the iconic torii of Fushimi Inari, a shrine dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. These gates form a mesmerizing pathway leading through the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. After descending from Inari, continue on to Nara, Japan’s very first capital. Explore the Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, and wander through the serene Nara Park, filled with deer roaming freely, once thought to be messengers of the gods.

End your day in bustling Osaka. Osaka is known for having Japan’s best street food, dazzling neon streets, and friendly locals. The city was historically known as Tenka no Daidokoro (the nation’s kitchen), and is particularly well known for its street food. After settling into your hotel, take to the streets for a street food adventure that embodies the motto of Osaka “eat until you drop.” Your guide will steer you to the best spots for okanomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu and so much more. Kanpai!

Board the world-famous shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Hakone. Between industrial Osaka and modern Tokyo, it’s time to head into the countryside to unwind in Hakone. Hakone is a tranquil onsen town, renowned for being one of the best places from which to view Mt Fuji. On arrival, set out to explore the Open Air Museum, a space that creates a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its spacious grounds in combination with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. After, board the Hakone Ropeway for a breathtaking view of Fuji and to visit the volcanically active Owakudani Valley. Enjoy the vista from the top before descending on the ropeway to arrive at your ryokan. After settling in, enjoy a soak in the onsen before changing into your yukata and indulging in a magnificent kaiseki feast.