Japan's Hidden Treasures

Arrive in Tokyo's Haneda Airport, from where you will be transferred to your hotel in a shared vehicle.

Spend the next few days exploring this fascinating city of contrasts, where you find glittering skyscrapers rubbing shoulders with ancient shinto shrines. From manga and Michelin-starred restaurants to edgy fashion and beautiful parks, there is plenty to entertain you here.

Private Traditional Tokyo by Day Tour

Spend the day discovering Tokyo’s rich heritage in the company of a local expert. Begin in Asakusa, famed for its ‘shitamachi’, old-town charm. Next, visit Sensoji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, steeped in history and having spiritual significance. Nearby lies Nakamise-dōri, a traditional shopping street where you can try some local delicacies.

After, travel across town to Omotesando, a boulevard lined with avant-garde architecture and luxury flagship stores. End your journey at the serene Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Nestled within a forest of over 300 tree species, the grounds often host traditional weddings, offering a delightful glimpse into Japanese customs.

Explore Tokyo’s Food Scene on your own

Tokyo offers an extraordinary range of dining experiences. You have casual eateries around major stations and department stores. Also known as izakaya, these informal taverns serve local favourites like yakitori and sashimi, typically paired with a cold beer. Omoide Yokocho, near Shinjuku, is a network of alleys filled with cozy eateries. There is also the underground restaurant district near Yurakucho station where you can stop by a yakitori restaurant or pub.

For fine dining, visit Ginza or the Shiodome district. You could also explore themed cafés in Akihabara and Ikebukuro. For the freshest sushi, begin your morning at Tsukiji Outer Market or the Toyosu Market.

Sumo Show at a Restaurant with Lunch

Originating in Japan hundreds of years ago, sumo wrestling is synonymous with the country. Watch a sumo match in a restaurant during this unique experience. Sit close to the ring and feel the intensity as the wrestlers clash in this time-honoured contest. Afterwards, savour a traditional Chanko-nabe hotpot, a hearty, protein-rich stew favoured by the wrestlers themselves. Post this unforgettable blend of tradition, sport and cuisine head back to your hotel.

Explore Tokyo’s Anime and Manga Attractions on your own

For enthusiasts of Japanese pop culture, Tokyo is a veritable playground. Begin in Akihabara, the city’s centre for anime, manga and gaming. Visit electronics and anime stores at your leisure. When you need a break, stop at a cosplay- themed cafe. Then, head to Nakano Broadway for rare anime finds and stroll down Tokyo Character Street within Tokyo Station.

Fans of Pokémon can explore five dedicated Pokémon centres across the city. For Hello Kitty devotees, Sanrio Puroland offers whimsical attractions and performances. At the Ghibli Museum, learn more about the beloved Studio Ghibli films and the characters. Finally, you could stop by Tokiwaso Manga Museum and Suginami Animation Museum  for fascinating insights and interactive experiences.

Group Tokyo Riverside Cycling Tour

Enjoy a guided 12-mile cycling tour of Tokyo’s bay area. Meet your guide at the depot for a safety briefing, then pedal towards Toyosu Ohashi Bridge for sweeping views of Rainbow Bridge and Minato Ward.

The route continues through Monzen-Nakacho, home to the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and Fukagawa Fudodo Temple. Pass through Tsukishima’s charming Nishi-Nakadori Street and the seafood-rich Tsukiji Outer Market. Then, cycle through glamorous Ginza, with its iconic department stores, elegant boutiques and charming cafes, before returning to base.

From Tokyo, travel by train to Takayama via Nagoya. The duration of the trip is around 5 hours. Once you reach Takayama, you can either make your own way to your hotel, or a group transfer can be organised by Honjin Hiranoya.

Takayama is a picturesque city located in the Japanese Alps. While it serves as a starting point for hikes into the Hida Mountains, it also offers various cultural attractions. Tour the historic old town area, check out traditional handicraft stores, and dine at quaint restaurants where you can enjoy local flavours.

Explore Takayama on your own

In the morning, head out on a stroll through Takayama’s lively market. Browse stalls of fresh produce, local crafts, and household wares while mingling with the locals. After, walk to the beautifully preserved old town where many of the buildings date back to the 17th-century Edo period.

Stop at a traditional inn or a historic tavern and treat yourself to refreshments. Later, visit the open-air Hida Folk Village, with its relocated traditional homes that showcase regional architecture. At the nearby Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Centre you can learn how to make handicrafts at the hands-on workshops.

If you are visiting in spring or autumn, you cannot miss the biannual Takayama Festival which features ornate floats and captivating performances.

Group Takayama Food and Culture Walk

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Takayama has been shaped by its remote location. This has preserved its rural character and distinct culture. The old town, with its Edo-period streets and heritage buildings, is officially protected as an area of cultural significance.

On this shared walk, delve into the town’s unique traditions. Visit family-run establishments that have survived for generations. Sample local delicacies along the way. The experience includes a sake tasting as well. Please note that participants must be 20 years or over, in accordance with the legal drinking age under Japanese law.

Explore Shirakawa-go on your own

Discover the serene beauty of Shirakawa-go at your own pace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is famed for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These are  centuries-old wooden homes with steep, thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow.

Begin in Ogimachi, the largest village in the region. Many homes feature vast attic spaces, once used for silkworm cultivation. The surrounding network of ancient roads and irrigation canals remains largely untouched by time.

Later, you could travel to the smaller hamlets of Ainokura and Suganuma in nearby Gokayama. After a day immersed in traditional architecture, return to your hotel.

Private Kanazawa Tea Ceremony

Immerse yourself in a quintessential Japanese tea ceremony. Under the guidance of a skilled sado, a tea art host, you’ll discover the history and cultural significance of this revered tradition. Enter the tearoom and be gently guided through the subtleties of the ceremony. This nearly hour-long experience offers a window into Japan’s rich aesthetic heritage. Savour the ritual, steeped in grace, and enjoy the moments of tranquility long after the ceremony is over.

Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour- Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest and Markets

Take in the sights, sounds and culture of Kyoto, Japan’s best preserved feudal city. Begin at the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple, which was originally a villa built for the Shogun, and was later converted into a Buddhist temple. Continue to the 15th-century Nijo Castle, with its exquisite Edo-period gardens and intricate architecture. Later, walk through the atmospheric Nishiki Market, known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’. At the restaurants and traditional eateries that line the market, you can enjoy regional delicacies including pickled vegetables, dried seafood and sushi. Conclude your tour with a stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama bamboo grove.

Group Kyoto Home-Style Cooking Lesson

Join a Japanese cooking class and master traditional Kyoto dishes. Under expert guidance, you’ll learn to prepare classics like miso soup and sushi rolls. Discover the key ingredients and techniques that make these dishes so special. You’ll also make sushi rice, shape the rolls, and prepare teriyaki chicken and crunchy tempura. Finally, enjoy the delicious dishes you learned to prepare before returning to your hotel.

Explore Kyoto’s Museums on your own

Kyoto boasts a host of museums dedicated to art, crafts, and history. The Kyoto National Museum, founded in 1897, is one of Japan's oldest. It holds a vast collection of pre-modern Japanese and Asian art, along with historical artefacts. The museum hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, and displays sculptures, archaeological finds, and historic costumes from its permanent collection.

Next, visit the Museum of Kyoto, where you’ll find a fascinating exhibition on the city’s history. At the Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MoMAK), view a superb collection of 20th-century art, with a focus on Kyoto and Western Japan. For something different, explore the four-storey Kyoto International Manga Museum. Learn about the evolution of manga here and see works by both Japanese and international artists.

Private Osaka Highlights Tour

Discover the key sights of Osaka. Accompanied by your guide, travel by local train and subway to explore this dynamic port city. Begin at the iconic Osaka Castle. This imposing structure was once central to Japan’s unification in the 16th century, and is steeped in history. Enjoy a walk through its grounds as your guide brings the past to life.

Afterwards, make your way to Dotonbori, Osaka’s buzzing entertainment and shopping district. Known for its iconic mechanised signs and neon-lit façades, the area offers a lively experience. Look out for the famed Glico running man and the giant mechanical crab, two popular signs in the area.

Explore Osaka’s Museums on your own

Osaka offers a number of interesting  museums for the culturally curious. Begin at the Osaka Museum of History, with its impressive scale models that bring to life the city’s past. Peace Osaka presents a sobering look at the impact of World War II, with a particular focus on the city.

At the Osaka Science Museum, explore hands-on exhibits across four levels. Art lovers should visit the National Museum of Art, home to an excellent collection of Japanese and international contemporary works. For a touch of whimsy, tour the Cup Noodles Museum in Ikeda. Manga enthusiasts may enjoy the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, dedicated to the influential artist who is often hailed as the ‘God of Manga’.

Group Evening Food Tour of Osaka

Experience Osaka’s culinary delights on a guided walk. The city is considered to be the food capital of Japan. In the evening, meet your guide at one of the renowned food quarters. Walk down lively, pedestrian-only streets, sampling dishes that the people of Osaka eat. Visit ramen bars and restaurants that the locals frequent. Savour regional specialities such as takoyaki (fried octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), and kushikatsu (skewered meats and vegetables).

For an in-depth taste of Japanese dining culture, conclude the evening at a traditional izakaya, an informal tavern offering small plates and drinks.

Visit Hakone with Free Pass (2 Days)

Experience the natural and cultural beauty of Hakone with the Hakone Free Pass by Odakyu Railway. This two-day pass allows unlimited travel on Odakyu-affiliated transport and offers discounts at select museums, onsens, and restaurants.

Begin your journey at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, home to over 1,000 works of art. Highlights include the Picasso Pavilion and the Symphonic Sculpture. Then, from Gora, take the cable car to Sounzan, from there ascend by ropeway to Owakudani. Discover a dramatic volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs.

On your second day, visit Hakone Shrine, an ancient Shinto sanctuary nestled on the shores of Lake Ashi. Afterwards, board a replica pirate ship for a scenic cruise across the lake, from Togendai to Hakonemachi-ko. Disembark and walk to the historic Hakone Checkpoint, once a key post on the old Tokaido Road. Finally, at the Sekisho Museum, learn about travel during the Edo-period through historical artefacts and displays.

Explore Hakone on your own

Soak in the timeless charm of Hakone, framed by the majestic Mount Fuji. After breakfast at your ryokan, set out on a tranquil boat ride across Lake Ashi. From the water, take in views of forested hills and steaming volcanic vents, with Fuji rising beyond.

Visit the lakeside Hakone Shrine and its iconic red torii gate emerging from the lake. Take the ropeway over Ōwakudani Valley, with its volcanic landscape, and visit its sulphurous springs.

After, savour a lunch of teppanyaki chicken or wagyu beef with rice, paired with a local craft beer. Next, spend the afternoon exploring the area’s museums. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, admire sculptures by Rodin and Henry Moore as well as Japanese masters. The Picasso Pavilion is not to be missed.

Stop at the Okada Museum of Art to view exquisite Japanese screen paintings, Chinese porcelain, and Korean ceramics from the private collection of Okada Kazuo. Follow this up with a quiet stroll through the surrounding gardens and woodland. Finally, relax with a pot of matcha and traditional sweets at a serene tea house.

You will be transferred from your hotel in Hakone to Haneda Airport by private vehicle. This is a two hour journey. Please note that your driver may not speak English.