Nostalgic Japan Private Tour

Tokyo - Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa - Kyoto

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Private

Price From

£4,220 pp

Overview: Nostalgic Japan Private Tour

Experience a more traditional side of Japan on this private guided tour, combining Tokyo’s modern attractions with historic landmarks, cultural sites, and preserved heritage locations. From Takayama and Shirakawago to Kanazawa and Kyoto, this itinerary offers the opportunity to discover Japan’s unique customs, architecture, and traditions, including stays in a traditional ryokan and local farmhouse.

Tour Highlights:

Explore Tokyo’s highlights, including Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Ginza, and a Sumida River Cruise
Discover Takayama’s well-preserved heritage, including Yatai Kaikan, Jinya House, and Kamisannomachi
Visit Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses
Experience traditional Japanese accommodation with a stay at a ryokan and a local minshuku farmhouse
Explore Kanazawa’s historic sights, including Kenrokuen, Higashichaya Street, and Nomura Samurai House
Discover Kyoto’s cultural landmarks, including Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu Temple

From traditional accommodation and UNESCO World Heritage sites to historic landmarks and cultural experiences, this private guided tour provides an authentic introduction to Japan’s heritage.

Day 1 - London Heathrow to Tokyo

Day 1 London Heathrow to Tokyo

Depart London Heathrow for international flight to Tokyo.

We can also arrange departures from your local airport.

Day 2 - Tokyo

Day 2 Tokyo

Upon arrival at Tokyo International Airport, you will be greeted by our English-speaking assistant and transferred to hotel.

Breakfast

Day 3 - Tokyo

Day 3 Tokyo

This morning meet our guide in hotel lobby, embark on tour of Tokyo, visiting Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing Street, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Sumida River Cruise and Ginza etc. Return to hotel after tour.

Breakfast

Day 4 - Tokyo - Takayama

Day 4 Tokyo - Takayama

Morning take Shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya and proceed to Takayama with our guide. Located in the mountainous Hida region, Takayama is well preserved and offers a rare glimpse into the ancient past. Visit Yatai Kaikan, Jinya House and Kamisannomachi.

Transfer to ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for dinner.

Breakfast / Dinner

Day 5 - Takayama - Shirakawago

Day 5 Takayama - Shirakawago

After breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of Takayama and Shirakawago (deep in the mountains in Shogawa River Valley, and UNESCO world heritage site, Shirakawago is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses). Visit Takayama Morning Market, Shirakawago Hamlet, Wada House and Observatory Deck.

Tonight we will have the opportunity to stay at minshuku (local farmhouse).

Breakfast / Dinner

Day 6 - Shirakawago - Kanazawa

Day 6 Shirakawago - Kanazawa

After breakfast at minshuku, we proceed to Kanazawa – a beautiful coastal city with a rich history and well preserved buildings. Take a guided tour of Kanazawa, visit Kenrokuen, Higashichaya Street and Nomura Samurai House.

Breakfast

Day 7 - Kanazawa - Kyoto

Day 7 Kanazawa - Kyoto

Morning continue to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. After check in to hotel, you’ll have some free time to explore this historical city.

Breakfast

Day 8 - Kyoto

Day 8 Kyoto

Today enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto which will include Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogun in 1603, noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors.

Then continue to the Golden Pavillion, with the most authentic and exquisite Japanese style garden. Continue to visit the Heian Shrine, a brightly coloured shrine with vermilion pillars and green roof, with enchanting inner gardens and ponds. Later this afternoon the tour continues with Sanju-Sangendo Hall and Kiyomizu Temple, where you will enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city from its lofty terrace, surrounded by a quaint old lane lined with pottery shops.

Breakfast

Day 9 - Osaka to London Heathrow