Welcome to Japan! You'll be met and warmly welcomed at the airport. Our local contact will help you withdraw cash and find your way safely to your accommodation. After check-in, you can spend the rest of the day at your own pace – relax or dive right into the exciting life of this fascinating city. Of course, you'll also get tips for restaurants or short trips nearby.

Today your Tokyo adventure begins with a visit to the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Here you'll find traditional shops, freshly caught fish, and top-quality sushi. After a private tour of the market, a super-fresh sushi breakfast awaits you – the perfect start to your trip to Japan! Afterwards, you stroll to the Hamarikyu Garden, a former private garden of an Edo feudal lord. In the teahouse there, you can learn more about the Japanese tea ceremony (Sado) while enjoying a cup of tea. Afterwards, you'll continue by boat to Asakusa, Tokyo's most traditional district. Here you'll visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. You can have lunch in one of the many local restaurants – tempura is especially recommended. Afterwards, you will explore the famous Kappabashi Street, known for kitchen utensils and the popular plastic food replicas. The last stop of the day takes you to the bustling Ameyoko market, a former black market full of life and culinary discoveries.

A very special culinary experience awaits you today! In a cooking studio in the Tsukiji district, you'll participate in a soba noodle workshop. After a short demonstration by a master chef, you'll get to try your hand at it – from kneading the dough to cutting the noodles into strips exactly 1.6 mm thick. Finally, everyone will cook and eat together – in typical tachigui style (standing-up eating). The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. How about a visit to the famous Shibuya Crossing or a stroll through Harajuku?

Today you'll travel independently by train to Takayama in the Japanese Alps. First, you'll board the Shinkansen bullet train – a truly memorable experience. Then, the "Wide View" train will take you to Takayama along one of Japan's most scenic train routes. After checking in, you can stroll through the historic old town (Shitamachi), known for its old merchant houses, sake breweries, and street food stalls. Be sure to try the legendary Hida beef sushi! You will stay in style in a ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn with tatami floors, sliding doors and futon beds.

Today you have the choice of what you want to do: Culinary stroll through Takayama: Visit a tofu stand, taste sweet rakugan confectionery, and take part in a sake tasting. Day trip to Shirakawa-go: Take a bus to the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go with its famous Gassho-zukuri houses – their roofs are steep like praying hands and built entirely without nails. You can also visit the interiors of some of these traditional houses.

Start your day relaxed with a final bath in the onsen before traveling back towards Kyoto – the cultural capital of Japan – by Shinkansen. After check-in, the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps you'd like to explore the impressive Fushimi Inari-Taisha with its thousands of red torii gates?

Today you will discover Kyoto on a guided day tour: Nijo Castle with its "singing" nightingale floors Zen temple Ryoan-ji with its famous rock garden Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji – one of Japan's most iconic buildings Kiyomizu-dera with fantastic views over Kyoto Stroll through the historic streets of Higashiyama

The morning is yours to enjoy – stay in Kyoto or take a trip to nearby Nara, where you can meet tame deer in Nara Park and admire the gigantic Daibutsu in Todaiji Temple. A culinary highlight awaits you in the afternoon: Together with a guide, you'll explore Nishiki Market, gain insights into special ingredients, and then learn how to roll sushi, prepare miso soup, and create a fresh, seasonal salad in a cooking class. Enjoy your meal together in a convivial atmosphere!

Today we're going high: You'll travel by train and cable car to the sacred mountain Koya-san, the center of Shingon Buddhism. With your local guide, you will visit the main temple Kongobu-ji and the mystical Okuno-in cemetery, where over 200,000 graves line an impressive path. You will stay overnight in a Shukubo, a temple lodging, and enjoy a traditional vegetarian monk's meal (Shojin Ryori).

Early risers can participate in the monks' spiritual morning prayer today – a deeply moving moment. Afterwards, a simple but delicious breakfast awaits you. In the late morning, you'll travel on to Osaka – the culinary capital of Japan. You'll have the afternoon free to explore at your leisure. Fancy a first little food adventure?

In the morning you can decide for yourself what you want to do – perhaps a visit to the famous Osaka Castle? In the afternoon, a local guide will take you on a street food tour through Osaka's lively neighborhoods: From the kitchenware market Doguyasuji to small food alleys and the legendary Dotonbori, you'll explore the best that Osaka has to offer: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, fugu, and more. A delicious tasting set is included, of course!

Before you depart for Kansai Airport, you'll have some free time – perhaps for last-minute souvenirs or a leisurely stroll. We wish you a pleasant journey home and hope you will have fond memories of Japan!

We will gladly customize the trip to your specifications upon request.