24 Day Ultimate Japan Small Group Tour

Welcome to Japan! Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Osaka, famous for its incredible food scene and energetic atmosphere. After arriving, take some time to settle into your hotel and perhaps take a stroll through the local neighborhood to get your first taste of Japanese hospitality. Tonight is at your leisure to relax or start exploring this neon-lit metropolis. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveler Hub once your booking is confirmed. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveler Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Today, we begin our journey in Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, steeped in history and culture. After breakfast, we explore Nara Park, where hundreds of friendly deer roam freely, creating a truly magical and iconic Japanese experience. From there, we visit the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, home to one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues, a remarkable testament to Japan's architectural and spiritual heritage. We then return to Osaka, where the evening is yours to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori. Wander along its bustling streets, bright with neon lights, and savour the flavours of Japan with a traditional Okonomiyaki dinner, bringing the day to a delicious close. Inspiring Highlights Nara Park Todaiji Temple Dotonbori Okonomiyaki Dinner Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, experience the precision and speed of Japanese engineering as we board a bullet train for the short but exhilarating journey to Kyoto. Upon arrival, we head to the picturesque Arashiyama district, where you can stroll through the iconic Bamboo Forest, a serene pathway surrounded by towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze. Pause to admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, a scenic landmark offering beautiful views of the river and mountains beyond. Next, we visit the striking Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create winding trails up the mountainside- a truly unforgettable and iconic sight in Kyoto. Your evening is free to wander and soak in the atmosphere of the historic Gion district, where traditional wooden machiya houses line the streets and the possibility of spotting a geisha adds an extra touch of magic to your exploration. Inspiring Highlights Bullet train experience Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Fushimi Inari Shrine Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Kyoto is a treasure trove of culture, and you might enjoy visiting the Nishiki Market to see the variety of local ingredients or exploring the many peaceful Zen gardens scattered throughout the city. For a relaxing afternoon, a stroll along the Philosopher's Path offers beautiful views and a quiet escape from the bustle. Special Information Please note - Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kiyomizu-Dera Temple walking and Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto cannot be booked together as they run simultaneously.

After breakfast, prepare to be awed by the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple), one of Kyoto's most iconic sights. Its dazzling gold leaf glistens in the sunlight, reflecting perfectly on the serene pond that surrounds it, creating a picture-perfect scene that epitomizes Japan's elegance and beauty. We then journey toward Kanazawa, pausing at the bustling Nihonkai Sakana Machi fish market along the Sea of Japan. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as local vendors display an array of fresh seafood and regional specialties, offering a sensory glimpse into the rhythms of daily life along the coast. On the way, we stop at Echizen Washi Village, where you can step into the world of traditional Japanese papermaking. Discover the meticulous craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations, and gain a deeper appreciation for this centuries-old art form. Finally, we arrive in Kanazawa, a city rich with history and culture, where you can unwind and enjoy a leisurely evening surrounded by its timeless charm. Inspiring Highlights Kinkakuji Temple Nihonkai Sakana Machi Market Echizen Washi Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

Today, we delve into the rich history and culture of Kanazawa, exploring its enchanting samurai and geisha districts. Step back in time as you wander along streets where centuries-old architecture and preserved buildings evoke the atmosphere of Japan's feudal era. We visit Kenrokuen Garden, widely celebrated as one of Japan's three most exquisite landscape gardens. Stroll among its meticulously landscaped grounds, serene ponds, and charming tea houses, experiencing the harmony and elegance that has made it a national treasure. Next, enjoy a hands-on experience at a gold leaf workshop, where you'll create your own delicately decorated plate, learning about the artistry and traditions that have made Kanazawa famous for this shimmering craft. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the Higashi Chaya District, an atmospheric neighborhood lined with historic teahouses, where the essence of old Japan still lingers in its quiet streets and traditional wooden façades. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of this timeless city. Inspiring Highlights Kenrokuen Garden Gold leaf workshop Higashi Chaya District

After breakfast, we set out into the breathtaking Japanese Alps, journeying to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go. This charming village is renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow - a striking sight that feels like stepping back in time. Wander among these historic homes and soak in the serene, mountainous surroundings. Next, we continue to the historic town of Takayama, where centuries-old streets and wooden merchant houses have been beautifully preserved. Stroll through the atmospheric Old Town, and visit Takayama Jinya, a former government outpost from the Edo period, offering fascinating insights into Japan's feudal history and local governance. As evening falls, enjoy some leisure time in this picturesque alpine town, perhaps wandering its charming streets, sampling local delicacies, or simply soaking in the tranquil mountain atmosphere. Inspiring Highlights Shirakawa-go village Takayama Old Town Takayama Jinya Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

Begin your day at the Miyagawa Morning Market, a lively hub where local vendors display a vibrant array of fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and regional specialties. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling market, and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir or sample a local treat. From there, we travel to Matsumoto, home to the striking Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most iconic historic castles. Known as the “Crow Castle” for its elegant black exterior, this fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's feudal past, with its impressive architecture and storied history captivating visitors of all ages. Later in the afternoon, we journey toward the Mount Fuji area, where the majestic landscapes begin to unfold. Settle in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner, surrounded by the serene beauty of this iconic region, as you reflect on a day rich with culture, history, and unforgettable sights. Inspiring Highlights Miyagawa Morning Market Matsumoto Castle Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours

After breakfast, we travel toward the majestic Mount Fuji, Japan's most iconic natural landmark. Weather permitting, we ascend to the Fifth Station, where panoramic views offer unforgettable photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the mountain's sheer scale and beauty. If conditions do not allow, we instead visit Oishi Park, enjoying a stunning outlook across Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji rising dramatically in the background. Our journey continues to Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village known for its eight crystal-clear ponds, fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji and framed by traditional houses and scenic countryside. Later in the day, we complete our journey to Tokyo, arriving in Japan's vibrant capital city, where modern energy and ancient traditions come together to create an unforgettable urban experience. Inspiring Highlights Mount Fuji Fifth Station Oshino Hakkai Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

Today is dedicated to discovering the highlights of Tokyo, a city where ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity coexist. We begin in the historic Asakusa district, visiting Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, before browsing the lively Nakamise shopping street, lined with traditional snacks and souvenirs. Next, we pause at the Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge for photos, capturing a glimpse of Japan's imperial heritage set against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers. We then ascend to the Tokyo Tower Main Deck, enjoying sweeping, bird's-eye views over the vast cityscape below. Our day concludes with a visit to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where the pulsating energy and perfectly choreographed chaos of the world's busiest pedestrian intersection offers a truly unforgettable Tokyo experience. Inspiring Highlights Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge Tokyo Tower Shibuya Crossing

Enjoy a full free day to explore the endless possibilities of Tokyo. You might like to visit the high-end boutiques of Ginza or find a quiet moment at the Meiji Jingu Shrine nestled within a lush forest. For those interested in electronics and pop culture, the Akihabara district is a fascinating place to wander. Tonight, the city is at your leisure. Special Information Please note - Shinjuku Izakaya Food Experience in Tokyo and Tokyo Sumo Show with Chicken Chanko Hot Pot run simultaneously and therefore, cannot be booked together.

Today is a free day in Tokyo. Special Information Today marks the transition between the two tours that make up your journey. There is no tour escort today — you'll say goodbye to your first group and make your own way to a new hotel for the second half. Please make your own way to the new hotel. If your room is not ready at check in, reception can store your bags so you are free to explore Tokyo in the meantime. You will meet your new group and guide tomorrow morning.

This morning after breakfast, meet your tour leader and the rest of your group for a welcome meeting and a briefing of the days ahead. You will then set off for Kawagoe, an old castle town often referred to as Little Edo. Stroll through the merchant streets lined with traditional clay-walled storehouses and period buildings, and enjoy a Japanese sweet during your visit. Continue on to Kinugawa Onsen, a riverside hot spring town set among the mountains. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner for a chance to get to know your fellow travellers. Inspiring Highlights Kawagoe Castle area Kawagoe old town walking tour with Japanese sweet Welcome dinner Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning after breakfast, depart Kinugawa Onsen for Nikko. Nestled in the forested mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko has been a place of worship for over a thousand years and is home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed collection of shrines and temples that rank among the most spectacular in the country. Visit Toshogu Shrine, an ornate mausoleum complex set among towering cedar trees, and Tamozawa Imperial Villa, a residence that blends traditional Japanese design with Meiji-era architecture. Set among towering cedar trees, the complex is a masterpiece of intricate woodcarvings, gilded details, and vivid colours. Later, continue your journey onwards to Nagano, where you will arrive at your hotel for the evening. Inspiring Highlights Toshogu Shrine Tamozawa Imperial Villa Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

This morning after breakfast, head out for a half-day trip to Azumino, a tranquil rural region nestled in the foothills of the Japanese Alps.Here, you'll be able to experience true local life, with a visit to the Daio Wasabi Farm, one of Japan's largest, set against a backdrop of clear streams and sweeping mountain scenery. Wander the paths winding between carefully tended wasabi fields, sample unique treats like fresh wasabi ice cream, and admire the traditional waterwheels made famous by legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Return to Nagano for lunch to enjoy a group meal of the local speciality, Soba Noodles.This afternoon is at leisure. You might like to wander Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples and just a short walk from central Nagano. The surrounding Nakamise shopping street offers a mix of traditional shops and tea houses, ideal for a relaxed afternoon. Inspiring Highlights Daio Wasabi Farm visit Soba Noodle Lunch Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

This morning after breakfast, leave Nagano and travel to Tsumago, a well-preserved post town on the old Nakasendo highway that once connected Edo with Kyoto. Wander the cobbled main street lined with timber merchants' houses and traditional wooden inns, and enjoy a lunch of local specialities in the area. From here, continue on to Nagoya - a city that rewards the curious traveller with a rich samurai heritage, a distinctive regional cuisine all its own, and a noticeably more relaxed pace than Japan's better-known metropolises. This afternoon, visit Nagoya Castle, one of the great castles of Japan, before settling into your hotel for an evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Tsumago post town visit Nagoya Castle Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, set off on a full-day journey into the Ise-Shima region, where a dramatic, deeply indented coastline of pine-clad islands and quiet bays meets one of Japan's most sacred landscapes. Begin in Ise, crossing the wooden Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River and walking through a peaceful forest of ancient cedars, some over a thousand years old. Continue on to the coastal town of Toba and Mikimoto Pearl Island, regarded as the birthplace of cultured pearls, where Kokichi Mikimoto first coaxed an oyster into producing a perfect sphere in 1893. Visit the Pearl Museum and watch a demonstration by the famous Ama divers — the "sea women" who have free-dived these waters for pearls and shellfish for generations. Return to Nagoya in the evening. Inspiring Highlights Ise Shrine Mikimoto Pearl Island and Pearl Museum Ama divers demonstration Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Today the city is yours to explore. Step into the sacred grounds of Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan's most revered sites, where ancient camphor trees tower over wooded paths just minutes from the city centre. Dive into samurai history at the Tokugawa Art Museum, home to a remarkable trove of swords, armour, and treasured heirlooms from one of Japan's most powerful ruling clans. Wander the buzzing streets of Sakae, Nagoya's stylish shopping and dining heart, or lose yourself in the colourful arcades of Osu — a lively warren of vintage boutiques, street food stalls, and centuries-old temples sitting side by side. Prefer something more structured? Choose from one of our optional guided tours and let us show you the city's hidden corners. Tonight is at your leisure. Special Information: Please note - only one optional tour can be chosen, as they run at the same time

This morning after breakfast, leave Nagoya and travel west to the fascinating Miho Museum. Tucked into the forested mountains of Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, the Miho Museum is an I.M. Pei–designed sanctuary, reached via a cherry-lined tunnel and suspension bridge inspired by the Shangri-La fable. The museum's collection spans ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, Asia, and Japan, and is housed in a building largely buried beneath the landscape, blending architecture, nature, and art into a single journey. Continue on to Otsu, a town on the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, your home for the next two nights. Otsu offers a peaceful, local-feeling base with sweeping water views and easy access to the city's sights.You will have some time to relax at the hotel and enjoy your surroundings. This evening, gather for a dinner featuring a local speciality of this region.Inspiring Highlights Miho Museum Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.The local speciality tonight will be Omi Beef or Kyōdo Ryōri, depending on the season and availability of resources.

This morning after breakfast, head to Uji, a tranquil riverside town on the southern outskirts of Kyoto. Refreshingly quiet compared to its famous neighbour, Uji retains an unhurried, local feel — a place where residents still gather along the riverbanks and tea has been cultivated for nearly a thousand years. The swift, jade-green Uji River winds beneath wooden bridges, while family-run tea shops perfume the streets with the scent of roasting leaves. Visit Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 11th century and one of Japan's most iconic landmarks, featured on the 10-yen coin. Its graceful Phoenix Hall appears to float above a mirror-still reflecting pond. Afterwards, take part in a matcha-making experience, where you'll learn the time-honoured art of whisking Japan's beloved green tea into a vivid, frothy bowl.Return to Lake Biwa for a relaxing evening. Inspiring Highlights Byodoin Temple Matcha making experience Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

This morning after breakfast, journey south to Bizen, a small fishing town on the Seto Inland Sea with a long maritime tradition and a refreshingly local feel, far from the well-trodden tourist trail. Begin at Hinase Fish Market, where weather-worn fishermen haul in the morning's catch and locals barter over crates of glistening oysters, sea bream, and octopus straight off the boats — an authentic glimpse of everyday coastal life that few visitors ever experience. Continue on to Shizutani School, regarded as the first public school in Japan, founded in the 17th century to educate commoners as well as samurai. Wander its serene landscaped grounds, where elegant tile-roofed halls and a striking stone perimeter wall sit framed by ancient maples that blaze crimson in autumn. In the afternoon, continue on to Okayama and return to your hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Inspiring Highlights Hinase fish market Shizutani School Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning after breakfast, set off for a day exploring Kurashiki and Okayama. Begin in Kurashiki's Bikan historical quarter, one of Japan's most picturesque old towns, where elegant whitewashed warehouses line a willow-fringed canal crossed by graceful stone bridges. Wander the boutique-lined lanes, pause for tea in a restored merchant house, or browse for local crafts in the artisan galleries tucked along the way. Continue on to Okayama's Korakuen Gardens, ranked among the three great gardens of Japan. Laid out in the late 17th century by the local feudal lord, Korakuen unfolds across sweeping manicured lawns — a rarity in traditional Japanese gardens — with winding paths leading past lotus ponds, plum and cherry groves, and elegant wooden teahouses, all framed by the dark silhouette of Okayama Castle rising just beyond. Here, enjoy a group lunch of demi-katsu, a much-loved Okayama speciality of crispy pork cutlet served over rice with a rich, savoury demi-glace sauce. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Lose yourself in the lively shopping streets around Omotecho, where local boutiques, cosy cafes, and traditional sweet shops offer a relaxed way to soak up everyday Okayama life. Inspiring Highlights Kurashiki Bikan historical quarter Korakuen Garden

This morning after breakfast, board the Shinkansen bullet train and speed south to Kobe, a sophisticated port city beautifully framed by the Rokko mountains on one side and the sparkling waters of Osaka Bay on the other. Take a stroll through Nankinmachi, Kobe's vibrant Chinatown, with its red lantern-lined streets and steaming food stalls, or wander the elegant harbour area around Meriken Park, where you'll have free time to choose a spot for lunch. After lunch, visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery, one of Japan's most renowned sake makers, where an included tasting offers the chance to sample a range of their finest brews and learn about the centuries-old craft of sake making in the Nada district - Japan's most celebrated sake-producing region. Later, transfer onwards to Osaka and check in to your hotel. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner of okonomiyaki - a much-loved Osaka speciality and the perfect way to toast the journey's end. Inspiring Highlights Shinkansen ride to Kobe Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Kobe Chinatown and harbour stroll Farewell okonomiyaki dinner Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

After breakfast, your journey through the hidden corners of Japan draws to a close. We hope your travels through Japan have left you with wonderful memories of its culture, scenery, and warm hospitality. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.