Discover the ancient imperial city of Kyoto before embarking on an adventure which takes in the historical towns of Kurashiki and Onomichi, staying in hand-picked traditional Ryokan hotels. You'll journey to the historical city of Hiroshima to experience the Peace Memorial Museum and other points of interest before continuing onto the mesmerising beauty of Miyajima Island. Heading to Kagoshima, you'll experience one of Japan's most active volcanic landscapes, with adventures in Kirishima - a remote region waiting to be discovered, before finishing your stay in Tokyo. Discover the city that never sleeps with your private guide always on hand to show you the best attractions, shopping, food quarters and markets.

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival and Transfer to Kyoto

On your arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking private driver who will transfer you to Tokyo station. You will take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to the ancient imperial city of Kyoto, a journey of only 2h 10mins. On arrival, you will be met by an English-speaking assistant at Kyoto station and transferred to your hand-picked Japanese 5-star hotel.

Overnight stay at Hotel The Mitsui, Kyoto.

*Photo copyright: © Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto*

Day 2: Explore Kyoto

After breakfast, your day starts with a private transfer accompanied by your English-speaking sightseeing guide who will accompany you around the highlights of Kyoto. Visits will include Kinkakuji Temple with its upper sections completely covered in gold leaf and Roanji Rock Garden, the most famous zen garden in Japan.

You’ll enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian meal (Shojin Ryori) for lunch. After lunch you can stroll through Arashiyama with its collection of famous monuments and towering Bamboo Grove, followed by a private transfer to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of red vermilion torii gates.

Overnight stay at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.

*Photo copyright: Inside Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove*

Day 3: Kyoto Cultural Experiences

After breakfast, your day starts with a private transfer accompanied by your English-speaking sightseeing guide who will continue to accompany you for a full day of exploration. The day includes visits and sightseeing at Nijo-jo Castle.
Next you will experience the ways of the warrior at an exclusive Samurai experience hosted at a traditional Samurai house, learning about the Samurai spirit and witnessing a Japanese sword performance. After a later lunch you’ll enjoy strolling around the atmospheric Gion district, including the Nishiki Market, famed for its fresh food stalls.
Overnight stay at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.

Day 4: Journey to Okayama

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kyoto station and take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Okayama (1 hr journey). You will be met by your English-speaking private guide at the station who will accompany you on a private transfer to Kurashiki, a traditional old town, famous for its tree lined canal and old storehouse architecture, now a popular conservation area with lots to discover. Next you’ll visit the Washu Observatory which gives you an amazing view of the Ohashi Bridge and Lake Nakaumi. Your day finishes with a private transfer (55 mins) to historical town of Onomishi.

Overnight stay at Onomichi Nishiyama Ryokan

*Photo copyright:© Onomichi Nishiyama Ryokan*

Day 5: Onomichi's Temple Walk

After breakfast, you’ll be met by your English speaking private guide who will lead you on a fascinating walk through the town’s temples, including the Senkoji Temple, accessed by cable-way, offering stunning views down over Onomichi Port. You will jump onto bikes for a cycling excursion along part of the Shimanami Kaido, a scenic cycle route which connects 6 small islands offering stunning views over the Seto Inland Sea.

Overnight stay at the Onomichi Nishiyama Ryokan.

Day 6: Transfer to Hiroshima

You’ll be collected from your hotel in a private transfer to Hiroshima (1hr 15mins journey time), where your private guide will accompany you to see the A-Bomb dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Next you’ll visit the Shukkeien Garden which celebrates the traditional aesthetic of famous Japanese garden design.

Overnight stay at the Hilton Hiroshima.

Day 7: Miyajima Island

After breakfast your guide will accompany you to the port and you’ll take the short ferry ride over to Miyajima Island, famous for its ‘floating’ Torii gate, beautiful landscapes, historic shrines and a wealth of history and culture. You’ll return after discovering this unique island for a relaxing evening at your hotel.

Overnight stay at Hotel Hilton, Hiroshima

Day 8: Bullet Train to Kagoshima

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station to catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kagoshima (2hrs 20mins journey) where your private guide will accompany you on a tour to visit Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes and the iconic symbol of Kagoshima. You’ll enjoy a kayaking adventure around the active volcano - one of the only places on earth you can paddle next to an active volcano. Next you’ll visit Sengan-en, a traditional Japanese stately home with celebrated garden, which has been the seat of the Shimadzu clan for over 350 years.

Overnight stay at Shiroyama Hotel, Kagoshima, featuring an open-air natural hot spring bath which overlooks the dramatic volcano and the sea.

Day 9: Kirishima's Natural Beauty

After breakfast, you will take a private transfer to Kirishima, an active volcanic mountain range which holds great importance in the creation mythology of Japan. You’ll visit Kirishima Jingu Shrine, a sacred landscape of ancient buildings in the forest and end up at your hotel for the night. Stay at a spectacular property on the mountain-side, surrounded by nature.

Overnight stay at the Kai Kirishima, a Hoshino Resort.

*Photo copyright: © Japan Guide - Kirishima Travel*

Day 10: Relaxing in Kirishima

After breakfast, you will enjoy a full day relaxing in and around Kirishima with your private guide. You will enjoy the traditional Onsen spa, followed by a guided walk and a visit to the Shochu Brewery (shochu is a traditional alcoholic drink that plays a vital role in Japanese cultural life).

Overnight stay at the Kai Kirishima, a Hoshino Resort.

*Photo copyright: © Kai Kirishima, a Hoshino Resort.*

Day 11: Return to Tokyo

After breakfast, you will take a private transfer to Kagoshima airport (40 mins drive) from where you will take an internal flight to Tokyo Haneda airport. You will be met at the arrivals hall by an English-speaking assistant who will accompany you to your hotel in Tokyo. After check-in, you will enjoy the afternoon at leisure, exploring the area around your hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel Mesum Tokyo, enjoying magnificent views.

Day 12: Tokyo Sightseeing

After breakfast you will be met by your private guide for a full day of sightseeing in this vibrant city. We recommend you see the Tokyo Sky Tree, Asakusa district where you can enjoy a unique digital art experience at Teamlab, followed by joining in a Wadaiko (Japanese drum) experience.
Overnight stay at Mesm Hotel, Tokyo.