At a Glance
Our clients immerse themselves in Japan and leverage the direct and hands-on experiences of our team. This first-hand knowledge of the best of the best in hotels, inns, restaurants, sites, and activities leads our clients to the secret, impossible to find spots unlocking the mysteries of Japan.
Journey in pictures
Why travel with us
Cultural Immersion
Ancient temples, traditional tea ceremonies, and authentic local encounters.
Culinary Excellence
Michelin-starred dining and intimate izakaya experiences.
Preferred Partner Amenities
Upgrades, daily breakfast, and VIP treatment at every hotel.
Day 1: Tokyo
Upon arrival at Tokyo's Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport, you will be met by your personal concierge and escorted to your deluxe hotel. Each of our recommended properties is centrally located, giving our clients easy access to excellent restaurants, exclusive shopping, and fascinating areas in which to take a leisurely walk.
- Private airport transfer
- Personal concierge meet & greet
- Welcome amenity at hotel
Day 2: Tokyo
We begin our exploration of Tokyo in shitamachi, the "downtown" merchant district of the city and an area that remains in many ways as it was during Edo times. After visiting Asakusa's Senso-ji temple, the heart of shitamachi, we will stroll through adjoining neighborhood streets where traditional craftsmen continue to ply their trade as they have done for hundreds of years.
On the way back to your hotel, we will take a stroll through the Ginza, Tokyo's equivalent to New York's Fifth Avenue and a global pinnacle of luxury retail and architecture.
This evening we begin our culinary journey through Japan, which will be one of the highlights of your trip. From intimate, Michelin-starred neighborhood gems to world-renowned international dining, Tokyo offers the finest selection of indigenous and global experiences in the world.
- Private guided tour of Asakusa & Senso-ji
- Stroll through traditional craftsmen streets
- Ginza exploration
- Dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant
Day 3: Tokyo
A stay in Tokyo would not be complete without a visit to Tsukiji, the historic heart of Japan's seafood culture. While the wholesale operations have moved to the modern Toyosu facility, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a vibrant labyrinth of over 400 specialized vendors selling premium seafood, traditional kitchen tools, and seasonal delicacies. From Tsukiji, it is but a brief journey to the Imperial Palace.
Following lunch, we head to Meiji Shrine. Nowhere can the blend of modern and traditional that make up Tokyo today be better seen than in the juxtaposition of Meiji-jingu's tranquil forest and the nearby neon pulse of the city.
A brief walk from Harajuku lies Tokyo's fashionable Aoyama district and one of the city's unique treasures, Nezu Art Museum. Aoyama is a great place for people-watching, and following lunch at one of its outdoor cafes, we will head over to the Nezu to view its pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art collection and stunning private garden.
- Tsukiji Outer Market tour
- Imperial Palace visit
- Meiji Shrine exploration
- Nezu Art Museum admission
Day 4: Tokyo
Today, you can walk through the streets of Tokyo with a well-respected architect while examining the city's modern architectural heritage, explore Tokyo's fashion culture with a local design consultant, experience sumo wrestling firsthand in the environs of a sumo stable, or study the subtleties of Japanese sake at an intimate izakaya with a rice wine connoisseur.
- Architectural tour with expert guide
- Fashion culture consultation
- Sumo stable visit & experience
- Sake tasting with connoisseur
Day 5: Takayama
We depart Tokyo this morning for Takayama, a living museum rich with charm located in the heart of central Japan. Originally a castle town established in 1504 by the Kanamori clan, the daimyo (local rulers) of the mountainous Hida region, Takayama grew to become an important cultural center with a prosperous merchant class.
- Train transfer Tokyo – Takayama
- Private transfer to hotel
- Evening exploration of historic district
Day 6: Takayama
Takayama is ideal for exploring by foot, and we commence our journey with a visit to the colorful morning market where farm women from the surrounding countryside gather each day to sell fresh vegetables and flowers, as they have done for over 200 years. From the market, it is but a brief walk to the Takayama Jinya, Japan's only existing provincial government office of the Edo Shogunate.
- Morning market visit
- Takayama Jinya admission
- Walking tour of historic district
Day 7: Shirakawa-go & Kanazawa
This morning we depart Takayama by car for Kanazawa, one of Japan's foremost castle towns, stopping en route in the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, a cluster of hamlets over 800 years old famous for their gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Private car transfer to Kanazawa
- Shirakawa-go village exploration
- Local guide for gassho-zukuri farmhouses
Day 8: Kanazawa
A journey to Kanazawa is like stepping back in time, for Kanazawa retains a sense of antiquity that is unique in Japan. We will explore the exquisitely preserved Nagamachi samurai district and the Kenrokuen Garden, classified as one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens."
- Nagamachi samurai district tour
- Kenrokuen Garden admission
- Local guide
Day 9: Kanazawa to Kyoto
This morning, before departing for Kyoto, we will visit Kanazawa's renowned Omicho Market, home to over 200 shops and stalls. Following our stay in Kanazawa, we will travel via the recently extended Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga, connecting to the Thunderbird express for the final leg into Kyoto. This seamless journey through the Japanese Alps takes approximately two and a quarter hours. Upon alighting from the train, Kyoto will appear at first blush to simply be a modern city; however, first impressions are deceiving, for Kyoto remains the cultural heart and soul of Japan.
- Omicho Market visit
- Shinkansen tickets (Kanazawa – Kyoto)
- Private transfer to hotel in Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto
While we strive to create a unique experience for each of our clients, there are five sights in Kyoto that are representative of the city's religious and cultural heritage, and which we believe are a must for any visitor. Today, we will visit:
- Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion)
- Ryoanji (The Zen Rock Garden)
- Sanjusangendo
- Kiyomizudera
- Nijo Castle
- Private guide & driver
- Entrance fees to all five sites
- Lunch at traditional Kyoto restaurant
Day 11: Kyoto
Our second day in Kyoto will be spent visiting the world-renowned I.M. Pei-designed Miho Museum—a stunning architectural masterpiece built in harmony with the surrounding countryside—provided your visit aligns with their seasonal exhibition schedule. Alternatively, you may choose to explore some of the ancient capital's other wonderful heritage sites or private craft ateliers.
- Miho Museum admission (seasonal)
- Or private craft atelier visit
- Private guide & transportation
Day 12: Kyoto
A day at leisure to enjoy the hidden temples of the Higashiyama district or perhaps a private tea ceremony in a traditional machiya townhouse.
- Hidden temples of Higashiyama
- Private tea ceremony in machiya townhouse
- Gion district exploration
- Traditional kaiseki dinner
Day 13: Kyoto/Osaka
Depending on the time of your departing flight from Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM), your personal concierge will help you make arrangements for your final morning in Kyoto.
- Morning at leisure in Kyoto
- Private transfer to airport (KIX or ITM)
- Concierge assistance with final arrangements
Terms and conditions: All journeys are subject to availability and are handcrafted exclusively for Classic Travel clients. Prices and inclusions are confirmed at time of booking.
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