Japan
Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kaga, Kyoto and Osaka
The country's most compelling contrasts
This 13-night journey through Japan brings together some of the country's most compelling contrasts, from Tokyo's fast-moving modernity and quietly ordered streets to the stillness of temple districts, the grandeur of Mount Fuji and the refined ritual of a ryokan stay. Designed as a privately paced itinerary, it balances major cultural highlights with beautifully chosen hotels, immersive art, restorative onsen time and a gradual shift from urban energy to more contemplative settings.
- Duration
- A 13-night privately paced journey through Japan
- Best time to visit
- Spring and autumn
- Route
- Tokyo · Fujiyoshida · Kaga · Kyoto · Osaka
- Stays
- Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, Araya Totoan, Six Senses Kyoto and Patina Osaka
- Experiences
- Temples, gardens, immersive art, a tea ceremony and onsen time, traditional and contemporary in turn
From €7,500 per person
The capital, at both its speeds
A stay at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is a calm and elevated introduction to the city. The first days move between modern and historic Tokyo, taking in Ginza, Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park, Omotesando, Senso-ji Temple and Hama Rikyu Gardens, with time for the city's energy and for its quieter corners. Later in the journey the capital returns, for immersive digital art at teamLab Planets.
An older, slower register
By way of Fujiyoshida and a ryokan chapter in Kaga — onsen bathing, kaiseki dining and the timeless hospitality of Araya Totoan — the journey reaches Six Senses Kyoto. Days here are shaped around shrines and temples, a tea ceremony, gardens and the atmospheric lanes of Higashiyama and Gion.
A modern final flourish
The journey ends in Osaka with a stay at Patina Osaka. Time here is divided between Dotonbori's neon-lit food scene, Osaka Castle and the cafés and shops of Shinsaibashi, a lively and stylish close before departure.
The itinerary, day by day
Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive into Tokyo, settle in and ease into the trip with a gentle first afternoon around Ginza. Check in to Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi for a calm and elevated start.
Modern Tokyo: shrines, parks and design streets
Begin with the serenity of Meiji Jingu, then walk through Yoyogi Park. Spend the afternoon along Omotesando for design, galleries and shopping, returning to the hotel for an easy evening.
Old Tokyo and gardens
Explore historic Tokyo at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, then slow the pace with greenery and water views at Hama Rikyu Gardens. A more traditional perspective on the city before the next change of scene.
Tokyo to Fujiyoshida
Travel to Fujiyoshida for a dedicated Mount Fuji chapter. Take in panoramic scenery from the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, with the rest of the day kept spacious for photographs, cafés and unhurried views.
Fujiyoshida to Tokyo
Return to Tokyo and check back in at Otemachi. In the evening, immerse yourselves in the city's contemporary creative side at teamLab Planets TOKYO.
Tokyo reset and immersive art
A softer-paced Tokyo day to take the city without rushing, with a second visit window for teamLab Planets if you want one. Later, begin turning towards the next stage of the journey.
Tokyo to Kaga Onsen
Begin the day at Tokyo Station before travelling on to Kaga and the ryokan stay at Araya Totoan. This is the itinerary's signature slow chapter, centred on onsen bathing, refined hospitality and a beautifully prepared kaiseki dinner.
Kaga to Kyoto
Travel directly from Kaga to Kyoto and check in to Six Senses Kyoto. From here the journey takes on a calmer, more traditional rhythm, with space to settle into one of Japan's most culturally resonant cities.
Kyoto's classics: Fushimi Inari and Higashiyama
Start early at Fushimi Inari Shrine, then continue to Kiyomizu-dera. Wander the classic lanes of Sannenzaka before finishing with an evening stroll through Gion.
Arashiyama and gardens
Head to western Kyoto for the natural calm of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple. In the evening, dinner at Kyoto Engine Ramen for a more casual, contemporary contrast.
Culture and contemplative Kyoto
Begin with a tea ceremony in Gion, then visit Nanzen-ji Temple. Continue with a thoughtful walk along the Philosopher's Path before returning to Six Senses Kyoto.
Kyoto to Osaka
Travel to Osaka and check in to Patina Osaka. Later, take a first taste of the city's neon energy and street-food culture in Dotonbori.
Castles and shopping
Visit Osaka Castle in the morning, then spend the afternoon shopping and café-hopping in Shinsaibashi. A final full day balancing the city's history with its contemporary rhythm.
Departure
A final slow morning at Patina Osaka before departing. The journey ends after 13 nights, having taken in some of Japan's most rewarding contrasts between city life, natural beauty, traditional hospitality and cultural depth.
What defines this journey
Tokyo's contrasts
From Ginza and Omotesando to Asakusa and Hama Rikyu Gardens.
Mount Fuji
A dedicated stay in Fujiyoshida, with panoramic ropeway views.
teamLab Planets
A contemporary creative lens on a country full of them.
A ryokan in Kaga
A restorative chapter of onsen bathing and kaiseki dining.
Kyoto
Temples, shrines, a tea ceremony and the historic districts.
Osaka
A stylish finale, from Dotonbori to Osaka Castle and Shinsaibashi.
Moments from the journey
Make this journey your own
All itineraries are 100% customisable to your liking. Get in touch to speak with one of our travel advisors.