Discovering Honshu - Central Japan by Train

Arrive at Kansai International Airport, where you will be met by your private driver and transferred to the Hotel Zentis, your accommodation for the next two nights. Spend the evening at your leisure, recovering from your long journey.

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide and take the bullet train to Himeji to visit the imposing Himeji Castle and wander through Kokoen Garden's nine separate gardens representing different eras and styles. Ride the ropeway up Mount Shosha to visit Engyoji Temple before returning to Osaka by bullet train in the afternoon. In the evening, embark on a food tour through Dotonbori and Osaka's secret alleys to sample kushikatsu, takoyaki, and other local delicacies paired with Japanese beers and sake.

After breakfast at the hotel, take a private car to Shin-Osaka Station and board another bullet train, this time bound for Kyoto! Your guide will meet you at Kyoto Station and to visit the city's top sites via a private minivan. Visit the historic Nijo Castle and wander the charming lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka before experiencing the awe-inspiring Kiyomizudera Temple and its panoramic views over Kyoto. Pause for a peaceful Zen meditation session, then explore Yasaka Shrine and the atmospheric Gion district. You will finish your day by checking into The Thousand Hotel Kyoto, where you will stay for the next three nights.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide for a full day exploring Kyoto's top sights. Marvel at the Golden Pavilion's shining temple at Kinkakuji before wandering through the peaceful zen garden and buildings of Tenryuji Temple. Lose yourself in the ethereal beauty of the bamboo groves at Adashino Nenbutsuji. Take in the iconic rows of soaring bamboo stalks in Sagano Bamboo Forest and the charming area of Arashiyama. With visits to Kyoto's most atmospheric temples and natural wonders guided by an expert, it's a day of both culture and natural serenity before an evening free to enjoy the city.

After your hotel breakfast, you are free to explore Kyoto and its surroundings at your leisure.

After breakfast, pack an overnight bag and leave your main luggage with the staff at the Kyoto hotel to be transferred ahead to Tokyo. Take a short walk to Kyoto Station and board a bullet train to Tokyo with just your overnight bag. Upon arriving at Tokyo Station mid-morning, meet a private car for the transfer to your hotel. Check in to the Capitol Hotel Tokyu, where you will stay for the next three nights. In the evening, meet your guide and taxi to the lively Shimbashi neighborhood for a 4-hour izakaya bar hopping food tour. Sample local bites and drinks as you immerse in Tokyo's nightlife.

After breakfast, retrieve your luggage from the front desk before meeting your guide to tour Tokyo by private sedan. Visit the serene Meiji Shrine and explore the trendy Takeshita Street shopping area in Harajuku. Wander down upscale Omotesando then view the iconic Shibuya Crossing to see crowds crossing the world's busiest intersection. With your guide and private car, you'll experience Tokyo's blend of ancient traditions and futuristic city scenes. From peaceful shrines to neon-lit streets, it offers an overview of must-see spots before returning to your hotel in Tokyo's lively Shibuya district.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide for a private tour of Tokyo's top sites. Take in the stunning cherry blossoms along the Chidorigafuchi Moat before wandering through the peaceful Imperial Palace East Garden. Visit bustling Asakusa to see the iconic Sensoji Temple and browse through the lively Nakamise Shopping Street. Walk through expansive Ueno Park, known for its museums and temples. With your guide and sedan, experience Tokyo's blend of tradition and modernity at these famous spots and scenic gardens before an evening free to enjoy the city on your own.

After breakfast, pack an overnight bag and send your main luggage ahead to Matsumoto. Take a private car to Shinjuku Station and board a green class express train to Matsumoto, a scenic train ride from the big city to the Japanese Alps. Upon arrival your guide will greet you at the station and drive to a local soba noodle restaurant for lunch. With free time in the afternoon, options include sampling wines at Yamabe Winery or browsing the farmer's market. Check into your Matsumoto hotel in the afternoon before dinner on-site.

After breakfast, your main luggage will be available at the hotel front desk. It's then time to embark on a private tour of Matsumoto's top sites including the majestic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Then explore Nawate Street with its traditional Edo-era storehouses and lively Nakamachi Street. If the timing coincides with cherry blossom season, stop at Koboyama Park to see its treasured "weeping" pink cherry trees. The evening is yours to spend as you please.

After breakfast, depart Matsumoto by express train, soaking in views of the Japanese Alps from your comfortable green car seat. Upon arriving in Takayama, wander the beautifully preserved old town of Sanmachi Suji with its traditional wooden merchants' houses, cafes, sake breweries, and museums. Enjoy Hida beef at a local BBQ restaurant. With free time in the afternoon, browse the morning markets and winding alleyways filled with shops. Check into your ryokan in the late afternoon to relax amid lush mountain scenery before indulging in a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal ingredients.

Enjoy your breakfast then meet your guide and set off on a walking tour of Takayama's charming sights. Wander through the bustling morning markets to see vendors hawk regional crafts and farm-fresh produce. Step back in time at Takayama Jinya, the only surviving government outpost from the Edo period. Explore Takayama's beautifully preserved old town, with its traditional wooden buildings housing cafes, sake breweries, and craft shops. Spend the evening at your leisure.

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart Takayama by private car for scenic sightseeing en route to Kanazawa. Stop to explore charming Gokayama Village, with its steep thatched roof cottages and strong cultural traditions. If time allows, also visit the fairytale-like Shirakawa-go Village. Arrive in Kanazawa mid-afternoon and visit the sprawling Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s top three most beautiful landscape gardens. Check in to the Hyatt Centric where you will stay for two nights.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide for a private tour of Kanazawa. Wander through lively Omicho Market to see fresh seafood and regional produce before exploring the historic Nagamachi Samurai District, once home to powerful warrior families. In the afternoon get a firsthand samurai experience by visiting Shijimaya where descendents teach about armor creation and sword techniques - you may even get to wield a practice sword! End the day in Higashichaya District's well-preserved teahouses and geisha culture.

After breakfast, it's once again time to pack an overnight bag and send your main luggage ahead. Take a short walk to Kanazawa Station and board a green class bullet train to Tokyo. Transfer from Tokyo Station to another bullet train to Odawara, soaking in scenic views from your comfortable seat. Meet a private car at Odawara Station for the final leg to your Hakone accommodation, the Hyatt Regency, where you will stay for two nights. Arrive late morning with light luggage in tow. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel with its scenic mountain setting and indulgent onsen.

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel to privately tour Hakone's highlights. Walk a portion of the storied Old Tokaido Trail before a relaxing cruise on scenic Lake Ashi. Next is a ride up the Hakone Ropeway for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the hot springs and vapors at volcanic Owakudani. Cap off the natural wonders by visiting Enoura Observatory for panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashinoko (Lake Ashi). With your guide revealing Hakone's natural bounty, enjoy a day immersed in some of Japan's most famous and picturesque landscapes.

After a final breakfast in Japan, meet your private car for the transfer to Tokyo Haneda Airport. Arrive midday with time to relax in the lounge before checking in for your international departure flight.