DAY 1

• TOKYO

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• You’ve Arrived
• Welcome to Tokyo! Your English-speaking private guide will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the airport in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name on it. After meeting up with your driver, enjoy a transfer back to your hotel with your guide answering and questions you might have about your trip to Japan!
• Meet your driver for an enjoyable airport transfer with a private vehicle.

DAY 2

• TOKYO

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• See the Signature Sights in Style
• This morning, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
• Today, your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby for an afternoon of exploration in three of Tokyo’s most vibrant, youthful centers for fashion and pop culture. Start by visiting Shibuya, a bustling shopping district famous for its cutting edge fashion and accessories. Considered the birthplace of many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends, this district is also perhaps Tokyo’s most photographed with its famous, 5-way ‘scramble’ crosswalk prominently featured. From here, head to Harajuku and the famous Takeshita dori (Cat Street) - another mecca of fashion for every kind of style. The fashion can become a little 'other-worldly' in Harajuku but the youth that congregates here has historically set trends for some major fashion houses abroad. Arrive next at Akihabara, otherwise known as ‘Electric Town’, which originally gained its fame from its many electronic shops that began popping up in 1970s Tokyo. Now, Akihabara is best known as the centre of otaku (diehard fan) culture. Here, find plenty of anime and manga shops and themed cafes with waitresses dressed as maids or various cute animals present for an in-depth look at this unique element of modern Japanese culture.

DAY 3

• TOKYO

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• Get a Lay of the Land
• Today, you'll meet your guide at your hotel and spend time exploring some  Tokyo's highlights by public transit. Begin with a visit to Kokyo Gaien, the plaza gardens outside the Imperial Palace. Home of the imperial Japanese family, see this classic Japanese castle surrounded by a moat and beautiful simplistic greenery. Snap a photo in front of the charming Meganebashi (or spectacles) bridge, which has a distinctive European flare. Snap a photo in front of the charming Meganebashi  bridge, which has a distinctive European flare and then head to Asakusa District. A jolting juxtaposition, leave behind the ultra-modern bustle to discover the quaint side-streets of this traditionally styled district. Asakusa was an entertainment district in the Edo era, and nowadays, it is home to charming shops and restaurants as well as the oldest temple in the city, Sensoji. Walk along the adjacent Nakamise Street, a centuries' old souvenir street of 96 shop stalls, and find that perfect souvenir or pick up a local delicacy as there are plenty of scrumptious snacks too. Finally, visit Meiji Shrine. Enter through the  grounds' 40-foot Torii gate into the tranquil grounds, where you’ll wash your hands as per Shinto ritual of cleansing before entering a sacred space. Observe Shinto rituals and prayers as you walk through the area, connecting with the traditions of this unique culture. At the end of this tour, you will be accompanied back to your hotel by your guide.

DAY 4

• TOKYO TO TAKAYAMA

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• Get In and Get Some Rest
• Meet your guide for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
• You will make your way to Takayama Station from Tokyo today. First, take the bullet train from Tokyo to Nagoya, and then transfer to the Limited Express train from Nagoya to Takayama. The total journey will be approximately 4.5 hours.
• Meet your driver for a train station transfer in a private vehicle.
• This evening, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

DAY 5

• TAKAYAMA

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• A Healthy Dose of History
• Delve into the unique atmosphere of Takayama and sample a variety of local delights. Set out with your private guide on a full-day adventure highlighting the town's rich food history and culture. Located in the mountainous Gifu prefecture, Takayama is famous for its many well-preserved houses dating back to the Edo period. The town is sometimes referred to as “Small Kyoto” due its narrow streets and historical architecture. Takayama is also famous for its two incredible annual festivals, Sanno Matsuri and Hachiman Matsuri, which are considered to be two of the most beautiful festivals in all of Japan. Visit the town's fascinating shops, where you can peruse and purchase a vast array of traditional goods. Gain insight into the many charms of this treasured and culturally rich Japanese locale. In the afternoon, embark on a cycling tour and venture deep into the countryside. Along the way, you'll have to opportunity to try local food, see traditional houses and rice fields, and mingle with the locals. Experience daily life amid the magnificent landscape of Takayama.

DAY 6

• TAKAYAMA TO KYOTO

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• The Journey Continues…
• Meet your driver for a train station transfer in a private vehicle.
• Board a train with service from Takayama to Kyoto, changing trains in Nagoya. The train ride is approximately 3.5 hours.
• Meet your private assistant for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
• Today, partake in a truly unforgettable experience during your time in Japan - afternoon tea with a Maiko in Kyoto. One of the most iconic symbols of Japanese culture, a Maiko is an apprentice Geisha who is training in a variety of traditional arts, including music and dance. After meeting your private guide at your hotel, transfer to Gion, one of Kyoto’s Geisha districts, and visit an authentic Japanese tea house. Indulge in a soothing cup of green tea, accompanied by a selection of sweets, whilst watching a Maiko perform a traditional dance. Dressed in an elaborate kimono and flawless white make-up, be captivated by the elegant performance and enjoy the unique opportunity to speak to the Geisha-trainee afterwards with your guide acting as your translator. Continue through the streets of Gion and enjoy the aroma from classic Japanese restaurants and the view of ‘ochaya’, otherwise known as Japanese tea rooms. You may even glimpse a Geisha or a Maiko scurrying to their next performance while walking around this historical area - your guide knows the best times and places to be to do so! At the end of this tour, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel.

DAY 7

• KYOTO

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• A Journey Back in Time
• Today, you'll discover the traditional side of Japan's old capital with visits to some of its must-see and most picturesque sites. After meeting your guide at your hotel and using Kyoto's efficient public transportation, start with a walk through the Higashiyama district, one of the city's best preserved historic districts and a great place to experience old Kyoto. In the morning visit Kiyomizu Temple (Pure Water Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Kodaiji Temple, one of Kyoto’s finest examples of a Zen-tradition temple. In the afternoon, drop by Yasaka Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto, located in the Gion (geisha) District and founded over 1350 years ago. Finally, end the day at Nishiki Market. Often called 'the Kitchen of Kyoto,' Nishiki is comprised of a narrow shopping street lined with over 100 shops. Browse the stores selling fresh seafood, vegetables, pickles and traditional sweets, amongst an array of other Japanese cuisine. At the end of the tour, you will be accompanied back to your hotel by your guide.

DAY 8

• KYOTO TO SHIZUOKA

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• En Route
• This morning, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
• Meet your private assistant for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
• Board a train from Kyoto with direct service to Shizuoka City. The train ride is approximately 1.5 hours.
• The Hotel Associa Shizuoka is located directly adjacent to the Japan Rail Shizuoka  Station. The walk from the train to your hotel is quite short and simple, but for your added comfort, an assistant will greet you at the station and help you find the entrance to the hotel.

DAY 9

• SHIZUOKA

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• Chasing Waterfalls
• Today, you will be picked up by your guide and driver and make your way to Fujinomiya, near mount Fuji. Explore Mt Fuji by E-bike in this unique ecotour with a worldwide renowned Ecotourism consultant with over 20 years' experience in ecotourism development. Admire Mt. Fuji as you ride through the beautiful ‘satoyama’ (the traditional rural landscape of Japan) and explore the foothills of Mt. Fuji. From here, visit Lake Tanuki National Park, ride through a traditional Japanese village, see waterfalls and enjoy fresh spring water directly from Mt Fuji. Try fresh rainbow trout at a local farm and then ride to the World Heritage Shiraito Falls. Finish the day at our glamping site with a local craft beer surrounded by paddy fields with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop!

DAY 10

• SHIZUOKA

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• Farm Fresh
• Today, you will be picked up by your guide and driver and explore the famous tea culture of Shizuoka.
• Green tea culture has been synonymous with the Oi River for centuries. The Oi flows from the Akaishi Mountains, the branch of the Japanese Southern Alps which form the border between Shizuoka, Nagano and Yamanashi. Start with the Shizuoka Tea Museum in Makinohara; The museum will give you background knowledge between different world teas and introduce you to Japanese varieties. The Shizuoka portion will also show you pre-modern tea processing machines. Accompanying your visit is a tea ceremony from the Urasenke School where matcha will be served with Japanese sweets. Leaving the Tea Museum, you will make your way to an organic café, which will appeal to your five senses to explore local matcha’s full potential. There, try your hand at grinding tea with a stone mill and see how local tea baristas brew their green tea. As these baristas are also young tea farmers, you will have a great chance to interact with them and learn how the matcha drinking culture is changing in the 21st century. Lastly, visit a tea farmer in the Kawane region of Shizuoka, famous for its tea quality. This part of the tour is more about preservation of traditions and the care required to maintain the fields. You will try award winning tea as many farms in this area have won world prizes for their products over the years.

DAY 11

• SHIZUOKA TO MISHIMA TO IZU

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• A Change of Scenery
• The Hotel Associa Shizuoka is located directly adjacent to the Japan Rail Shizuoka Station, so departing by train is a hassle-free experience. An assistant will greet you in the hotel lobby and accompany you to the appropriate platform.
• Board a train from Shizuoka City with direct service to Mishima Station. The train ride is approximately 22 minutes.
• Today, you will be picked up at your accommodations by your guide and driver and begin the day with a short drive to Darumayama, a short distance from Shuzenji. Once there, take a short hike to see the surrounding mountains and weather permitting, Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji. After the hike, you will continue on to Joren Waterfall, known as one of the best 100 waterfalls of Japan. It is a little hike down, but it is very refreshing and will help work up an appetite. After your visit to Joren Waterfall and a stop for lunch, head to Ikadaba Wasabi Fields to learn a little more about Wasabi. Shizuoka is the top producer of Wasabi in Japan, which explains why you will see many products and signs with Wasabi in the Izu Peninsula in particular. You will learn about the culture and history of wasabi and see some fields at the Ikedaba Fields and if available on the day, try your hand at grating your own and tasting it with ice cream to balance the strong taste. After Ikadaba Wasabi Fields, you will make your way back toward Shuzenji. The last stop today is the local craft beer brewery, Baird Beer. Baird was the smallest officially licensed brewery in Japan in 2001. It has since become a local favorite making a large variety of beer not found elsewhere in Japan, including seasonal beers.

DAY 12

• IZU

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• Vitamin Sea
• Today, you will be picked up at your accommodations by your guide and a driver for an exploration of the West coast of the Izu Peninsula. First, you will head to Dogashima for a 50 minute cruise off the Western Coast of Izu. Your guide is on hand to point out details of what makes this area particular in Japan and translate the crew's narration of the different rock formations which are mentioned during the cruise. Following the water excursion, you will head to the town of Matsuzaki in southern Izu. Because the only way to access this town has been by local bus or private car, Matsuzaki still keeps the same laid-back atmosphere that they had some decades ago, in contrast to the too-developed and touristic destinations dotted along east coast of Izu.
• After lunch in the town, you may explore a little more before going a bit further south to see the Ishibe Rice Terrace. Rice paddies like this are uncommon in this part of Japan, and the Ishibu Rice Terrace, with 370 rice paddies, is quite a sight to see. These rice terraces have been restored and is now used for cultural preservation and educational insight. Part of the fees paid to arrange your tour goes to the local preservation of the sights and facilities. After visiting the rice terraces, you will make your way back to Shuzenji.

DAY 13

• IZU TO MISHIMA TO TOKYO

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• Bon Voyage
• Enjoy a private transfer from your Izu Peninsula Accommodations to Mishima Station. The approximate travel time is 45 minutes.
• Board a bullet train from Mishima Station with direct service to Tokyo Station. The train ride is approximately 51 minutes.
• Meet your guide for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
• This evening, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

DAY 14

• TOKYO
• Meet your driver for an enjoyable airport transfer with a private vehicle.

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Park Hotel Tokyo

Takayama Green Hotel

Agora Kyoto Karasuma

Hotel Associa Shizuoka

Yagyu No Sho

Park Hotel Tokyo