Upon your arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and expected. A local contact person will assist you with withdrawing money and finding your accommodation. After check-in, you are free to spend the rest of the day as you wish. Relax after your journey and enjoy your first evening in this fascinating metropolis.

Today you will get to know Tokyo on a guided day tour in English. You start in the traditional Hamarikyu garden, where you enjoy a cup of freshly prepared green tea in the teahouse – including an introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony. Afterwards, you'll take a boat to Asakusa, Tokyo's old town with the famous Senso-ji Temple and many traditional shops. Finally, you'll visit the Meiji Shrine, one of the most important in all of Japan.

Today your journey through rural Japan begins. You'll travel by train to Matsumoto – a small town surrounded by rice paddies, mountains, and wasabi farms. After checking in at the hotel, we recommend a walk to the famous Matsumoto Castle and through the historic Nakamachi-dori merchant district.

Today you decide how you spend your day: Option A: Visit the snow monkeys in Jigokudani Park (especially worthwhile in the winter months). Option B: Hiking tour in the Kamikochi Valley – a popular destination in the Japanese Alps with beautiful nature, rivers and forests. Please note the seasonal availability and let us know if you would like our assistance with booking transfers.

You will have time in the morning to explore Matsumoto before continuing your journey to Kiso-Fukushima. Here you'll stay in a traditional ryokan with tatami floors, futon beds, and its own onsen (hot spring). In the evening, a classic Japanese multi-course meal featuring regional specialties awaits you.

Today you'll hike along a section of the historic Nakasendo trade route – between the restored villages of Magome and Tsumago. The trail leads through forests, fields, and old village streets, allowing you to immerse yourself in Japanese history. After the hike, you return to your ryokan, where a relaxing onsen bath and dinner await you.

You continue your journey to Takayama, a picturesque town in the Hida region. The old town, with its historic merchant houses and sake breweries, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Be sure to try the famous Hida beef – perhaps as sushi at one of the small food stalls.

Today you have several options: Option 1: Guided bicycle tour through rural Hida Furukawa, passing rice fields and traditional houses. Option 2: Visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Both excursions can be organized in advance.

Before taking the Shinkansen to Kyoto, you can spend the morning in Takayama. Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, known for its many temples, shrines and UNESCO sites. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure – how about a walk to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of torii gates?

Today you will take part in a guided bicycle tour through Kyoto (English-speaking guide). Stops include Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Ryoan-ji Zen Garden, and the bamboo forest area in Arashiyama. Lunch is included. The tour will give you a deep insight into Kyoto's cultural diversity and history.

Depending on your departure time, you may have some time to do some last-minute shopping or stroll through Kyoto's streets. You'll take the train to Kansai Airport. We wish you a safe journey home – or an inspiring onward journey if your adventure isn't over yet.