*Japan Unveiled: An Exclusive Small Group Experience

Day 2 | October 7, 2025

*Breakfast/Dinner Incl.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Asakusa Sensoji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district. Enter through the Kaminarimon (“Thunder Gate”), where a massive red paper lantern hangs overhead. Take a moment to admire the dragon sculpture beneath it before walking through Nakamise District, a lively street lined with shops leading to the temple.

Next, enjoy a hands-on sushi-making experience with a professional chef. You’ll get to eat whatever you create for lunch.

After lunch, we’ll visit the Imperial Palace and explore its East Garden, which includes the ruins of Edo Castle, a traditional Japanese landscape garden, and well-maintained lawns set against the modern Tokyo skyline.

Finally, we’ll visit teamLab Borderless, an interactive digital art museum where massive displays create a seamless, immersive experience, blending art, technology, and movement.

Hotel: Hotel Niwa Toyko

Day 4 | October 9, 2025

*Breakfast/Dinner Incl.

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Nagano to visit Togakushi Shrine, a hidden gem nestled in the forest-covered mountains of central Nagano. The shrine complex consists of the Lower, Middle, and Upper Shrines, all connected to the story of the sun goddess, Amaterasu, from Shinto mythology. You’ll have time to hike from the Lower Shrine to the Upper Shrine, immersing yourself in the serene surroundings.⁣
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Near the Upper Shrine, we’ll visit the Togakure Ninpo Museum, which showcases exhibits from the local ninja school. The museum displays weapons, tools, and photos of ninjas practicing their techniques. You can also explore a Ninja House, complete with hidden doors and secret passages.⁣
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At the end of the day, we’ll return to Matsumoto.

Hotel: Hotel Shoho Matsumoto (Japanese Style Room)

*Private Onsen Availalable 3000 yen/hr.

Day 6 | October 11, 2025

*Breakfast/Dinner Incl.

We begin the day in Magome, where you can explore the charming post town with your guide before walking to Tsumago along the historic Nakasendo Path. Once the main route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period, the Nakasendo trail features 69 post stations along a 534km journey. Magome and Tsumago are beautifully preserved, offering scenic views and local snacks along the way.⁣
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In Tsumago, we’ll visit Honjin, a former high-class inn once reserved for feudal lords and dignitaries. We’ll also explore Wakihonjin, a secondary inn that provided accommodations for merchants, lower-ranking samurai, and common travelers. Both inns offer a glimpse into the travel culture of Japan’s Edo period.⁣
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The day concludes with a first-class bullet train ride from Nagoya to Kyoto.

Hotel: Hotel Okura Kyoto

Day 8 | October 13, 2025

*Breakfast/Dinner Incl.

The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple, also known as the Temple of Pure Water. This iconic site features a striking three-story pagoda, a massive wooden stage, and three sacred streams believed to grant different blessings.⁣
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Next, take part in a formal Green Tea Ceremony with a Maiko (geisha apprentice), an elegant ritual of hospitality that was once reserved for Japan’s social elite. While in the area, enjoy a traditional Kimono Experience, trying on beautifully crafted garments for which Kyoto is famous.⁣
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We then stroll through the charming streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where preserved Edo-period buildings now house shops offering Kyoto-specific wares and souvenirs. The day concludes in the historic Gion Geisha District, known for its stone-paved streets and exclusive teahouses. If lucky, you may spot a Geisha or Maiko gracefully making their way between appointments.

Hotel: Hotel Okura Kyoto

Day 10 | October 15, 2025

*Breakfast/Ramen Lunch/Street Food Dinner Incl.

Today, we begin with a stroll through Kuromon Market, a bustling covered arcade filled with fresh seafood, produce, and sweet treats. Sample a variety of delicious local specialties as you explore this vibrant market.

Next, enjoy a hands-on Ramen-Making Lesson, where you’ll learn to prepare one of Japan’s most beloved dishes. Afterward, cruise along the Tonbori River, taking in scenic views of Dotonbori’s iconic canal district.

We then dive into Osaka’s vibrant food scene on a guided Street Food Tour through Dotonbori, the heart of the city’s culinary culture. Experience the meaning of “Kuidaore” — to eat until you drop — by tasting famous local dishes like Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu, all under the district’s colorful, flashing billboards, including the famous Glico “Running Man” sign.

Hotel: Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station