Timeless Japan: A Private Journey Through Tradition, Design, and Flavor
Your unique journey begins here.
9-night itinerary
Japan is a country where ancient traditions and progressive modern culture blend harmoniously. Its architecture features minimalist wooden shrines and Zen gardens alongside innovative, boldly designed urban skyscrapers, and its aesthetic is rooted in subtlety, seasonality, and respect for nature.
During your journey, you will experience the country’s contrasting rhythms—from the futuristic pace of major cities to the tranquility of mountains, gardens, and temples, and from meticulously crafted architecture to the art of haute Japanese cuisine. This is an immersive cultural experience that allows you to feel the spirit of Japan through its design, rituals, landscapes, and flavors.
Day 1: Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka
Airport pickup and transfer: private transfer to the hotel.
Dinner: flexible dining at the hotel, depending on arrival time
Day 2: Kyoto Aesthetics and Markets (5 hours)
- Ryoanji Temple: minimalist Zen rock garden
Kinkakuji: Golden Pavilion, reflected in the pond
Nishiki Market: Kyoto’s culinary traditions and tastings
Kyoto Imperial Palace Park: spacious gardens and seasonal views
Lunch: Nishiki Market tasting experience
Dinner: at a carefully selected Kyoto restaurant
Preliminary itinerary
Additional sights can be added, as well program can be shorter or longer
Day 3: Uji Tea Heritage (5 hours)
Byodo-in Temple: Phoenix Hall, reflected in the water
Ujikami Shrine: the oldest surviving shrine structure in Japan
Koshoji Temple: a tranquil Zen temple path
Uji Town Walk: historic tea merchant streets and tastings
Lunch: Tatsumiya (local Uji tea cuisine with a view of the Uji River)
Dinner: a carefully curated dining experience in Kyoto
Gion District: traditional streets of the geisha quarter
Pontocho Alley: a lantern-lit restaurant street along the river
Day 4 : Arashiyama Cultural Landscapes (5 hours)
Sagano Scenic Railway: views of the river valley and rural landscape
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple: a hillside temple with expressive stone figures
Tenryuji Temple grounds: Zen gardens and bamboo groves
Okochi Sanso Villa and Gardens: a private villa with gardens and panoramic views
Lunch: Shigetsu (Shojin Ryori – traditional Zen Buddhist vegetarian cuisine on the grounds of Tenryuji Temple)
Dinner: TBC
Day 5: Shinkansen to Mount Fuji
Fushimi Inari Shrine: paths lined with red torii gates on the mountainside
Shinkansen experience: Shinkansen ride to Odawara Station
Lunch: Ekiben on the Shinkansen (Bento (lunch box)
Dinner: Seasonal kaiseki menu at a Hakone ryokan
Day 6: Hakone Nature and Art Tour (private tour)
Hakone Open-Air Museum: sculpture gardens in a mountainous setting
Owakudani Valley: volcanic landscape and geothermal activity
Hakone Ropeway: panoramic views over the valley
Lake Ashi Cruise: scenic trip across the crater lake
Lunch: KIKKA SO (Japanese cuisine in a historic garden villa once associated with the Japanese imperial family)
Dinner: Seasonal kaiseki menu at a Hakone ryokan
Day 7: Mount Fuji Scenery and a Trip to Hakone (private tour)
Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba: a restored village with views of Mount Fuji
Oishi Park: seasonal scenery by Lake Kawaguchi
Itchiku Kubota Art Museum: textile art and elegant gardens
Optional: Shopping – Gotemba Premium Outlets
Lunch: Hotou noodle lunch (local dish) with views of Mount Fuji
Dinner: Utaandon (refined shabu shabu dinner featuring high-quality Japanese beef and seasonal ingredients).
Day 8: Old Tokyo and River Cruise (5 hours)
Tsukiji District: Japanese culinary ingredients and traditions
Hamarikyu Garden: Edo-period landscape garden with a tea house
Sumida River Cruise: Scenic journey along the city’s waterways
Senso-ji: Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and incense rituals
Asakusa District: historic streets and artisan shops
Lunch: Sumo Show Lunch (live sumo demonstration with a traditional Japanese dish inspired by wrestlers’ cuisine)
Dinner: Miyuki (seasonal dishes with meticulous presentation and a view of the historic garden complex)
Day 9: Contemporary Tokyo and Design Culture Tour (9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)
Shibuya Crossing: the dynamic flow of the city and the scale of modern Tokyo
Omotesando: an architectural boulevard featuring iconic contemporary buildings, boutiques, and cafés
Meiji Shrine: a serene forest sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji
Shinjuku District: an introduction to the skyscraper district
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: panoramic city views
Lunch: Ukaitei Omotesando (an elegant teppanyaki restaurant where chefs prepare top-quality ingredients at your table in a refined architectural setting)
Dinner: Farewell to Japan – a traditional yakatabune cruise on Tokyo Bay featuring seasonal Japanese cuisine and views of Tokyo’s illuminated night skyline and bridges
Day 10: Departure
The daily itinerary will be finalized.
Transfer to Tokyo airport
Note: The final itinerary will be agreed upon and included in the contract for paid services; it is subject to change and adjustment until mutual confirmation.
Trip details and price
🇯🇵 Japan Flight Essentials (2026)
estimated prices:
Economy $800 – $1,500/ Business $4,500 – $8,000
Direct to Osaka (KIX)
From USA: Direct flights primarily from Los Angeles (JAL) and San Francisco (United/ANA) (~12h). Most other cities require a quick connection in Tokyo or Seoul.
From Europe: Direct service via Air France (Paris), Lufthansa (Munich), or KLM (Amsterdam) (~13h). Excellent value via 1-stop transfers in Istanbul (Turkish) or Dubai (Emirates).
Direct to Tokyo (HND/NRT)
From USA: JAL, ANA, United, Delta, ZIPAIR.
Time: ~11h (West Coast) to ~14.5h (East Coast).
From Europe: JAL, ANA, Finnair, Air France, Lufthansa, BA.
Time: ~13–15h (London, Paris, Frankfurt, Helsinki).
Accommodation Plan
4 nights at The Westin Miyako Kyoto*
Nestled on a picturesque hillside in Kyoto, The Westin Miyako Kyoto harmoniously blends modern comfort with the timeless beauty of traditional Japanese gardens. Surrounded by tranquil greenery yet conveniently close to historic temples and cultural sites, the hotel offers spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, perfect for groups. Guests can enjoy excellent restaurants, tranquil relaxation areas, and attentive service, creating an exceptional oasis of relaxation in the heart of Kyoto.
Gora Kadan is one of Japan’s most prestigious ryokan-style hotels, once serving as a vacation residence for the imperial family. This exceptional place combines history, tranquility, and the highest level of hospitality. Guests can enjoy impeccable service, elegantly designed suites, and private onsen hot spring baths. The culinary highlight of the stay is an exceptional kaiseki dinner, where seasonal ingredients are transformed into elegant multi-course creations of Japanese cuisine.
3 nights at Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Premier 5*
Located in the vibrant Roppongi district, the Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Premier offers a stylish and modern place to stay in the heart of Tokyo. The modern, design-focused interior creates a sophisticated urban atmosphere, while the convenient location allows for easy access to Tokyo’s major attractions, shopping districts, and cultural areas. Comfortable, contemporary rooms and attentive service ensure a pleasant stay in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR BOOKING A TRIP
PROGRAM PRICE per person, based on an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 160 JPY
Double occupancy: from - with tickets: €8,927, without tickets: €7,357
Single occupancy: from - with tickets: € 10,267 , without tickets: € 8,697
Importain:
To confirm your booking, a 5% non-refundable deposit is required.
A 45% deposit must be paid 90 days prior to the departure date.
The remaining balance must be paid 60 days prior to the start of the trip.
If the yen exchange rate changes, a currency exchange fee and the difference will be charged additionally.
The program price includes:
Accommodation
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Private transportation and transfers to/from the airport
Bullet train (Shinkansen) tickets
Professional guides and coordination
All cultural experiences and activities listed in the program
Admission fees to attractions
Luggage transfer between Kyoto and Hakone
Flight tickets: economy class, non-refundable.
Not included:
personal expenses, beverages, travel insurance, any activities not listed in this itinerary.
NOTES:
Prices are calculated based individual travelers, for different amount of people prices might vary. This is just an example of the itinerary, during the booking process, prices and availability will be updated.
- The final itinerary and price will be agreed upon and included in the contract for paid services; until mutual confirmation, they may be subject to change or adjustment
THANK YOU!
I looking forward to hearing from you
Solveiga
