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Japan Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto

  • tokyo, Saitama, hakone, kyoto
  • 8 nights / 9 days, prices start from USD $9,830 per person

A place where ancient temples and rich tradition blend harmoniously with ultra-modernity: Japan is a country created by contrasts. In Tokyo, stroll past towering skyscrapers and buzzing food markets while stopping to envelope yourself in the history of century-old temples and serene gardens.

Get outside the city to see the emblematic Mt. Fuji and indulging in a Zen retreat before reaching Kyoto. Wander through peaceful deer-filled parks, traditional neighbourhood districts, and the iconic Arashiyama bamboo forest while enjoying the finest Japanese cuisine during every stage of your Japanese adventure. Explore all our Japan luxury travel options here. 

An electric nightime in tokyo, the world's most populous metropolitan area

Top Highlights

  • Admire breathtaking temples like Senso-ji in Tokyo and Todaiji in Kyoto
  • Enjoy delicacies in Japan's Food Town, Tsukiji Market
  • Immerse yourself in a private Zen retreat
  • Marvel at Fuji Mountain while visiting Hakone
  • Learn the art of Edomae sushi making during a traditional cooking class
  • Tour the cherry blossom surrounded Nijo Castle
  • Explore the iconic Arashiyama bamboo forest

What’s Included

We design unforgettable and luxurious journeys just for you. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Double room accommodations
  • Breakfast at hotels
  • Private transfers
  • Private tours and experiences
  • Full support from your travel designer and on the ground

Itinerary

Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo

Welcome to Japan’s stunning capital, Tokyo. Begin with a private tour of the Imperial Palace grounds and Hamarikyu Gardens, taking in historic architecture and picturesque tidal ponds. Rest at the garden’s tea house for a make-it-yourself matcha experience, learning the traditional art of whisking green tea while enjoying seasonal Japanese sweets. 

The next day, explore Tsukiji Market, known as “Japan’s Food Town” to indulge in street food stalls. Sample Japanese delicacies and continue to Asakusa Old Town, where you’ll stroll through Nakamise Shopping Street before heading to Senso-ji Temple, the city’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple. Complete your stay with a trip to Tokyo’s premier art destination: teamLab Borderless, a fully immersive, digital art wonderland! Enjoy a VIP private tour for full artistic exploration, and spend the afternoon visiting Meiji Shrine and the Omotesando district for some shopping at leisure. 

 
Suggested Accommodation: Palace Hotel Tokyo
 

Saitama Zen Retreat

Depart on a 90 minute drive outside of Tokyo to Mochizukian, a renowned Zen retreat in Saitama. Zen originated in Japan during the end of the Heian period, when the Samurai class was in power, and is still deeply intertwined with Japanese culture. Immerse yourself in a probate mediation session, sutra copying (shakyo), and enjoy a traditional vegetarian dinner, prepared with local ingredients in keeping with Zen traditions.

 
Suggested Accommodation: Zen & Bed Bogetsuan

Experience ultimate relaxation while retreating on the grounds of Temple Takeda Shingen. Here lies a traditional Japanese house located amongst a serene garden compound. This experience offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to reset the body and mind.

Hakone

Take an overnight trip to marvel at the glorious Mt Fuji! Transfer via private vehicle to Lake Kawaguchi, stopping at select viewpoints along the way to capture majestic vistas of the country’s largest mountain and volcano. Enjoy the afternoon visiting panoramic spots, including Oishi Park for uninterrupted views of Mt. Fuji. 

 
Suggested Accommodation: HAKONE RETREAT VILLA by Onko Chishin

 

Kyoto

Hop on the high-speed bullet train and venture to beautiful Kyoto. Begin by exploring Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ornate interior and iconic cherry blossoms surrounding the exterior. Finish the day with a tour of the dazzling Kiyomizu Temple, opened in 778 AD! The following day embark on an excursion to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Explore Todai-ji Temple, the former merchant district of Naramachi, and wander through Nara Park to interact with friendly deer who freely roam the grounds.

Complete your journey through Japan in the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, strolling through the otherworldly atmosphere created by towering bamboo stalks. Complete your time in Kyoto with a visit to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, famous for its vibrant red torii gates that wind up the sacred mountain.

 
Suggested Accommodation: Six Senses Kyoto

   

Depart from Kyoto 

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.

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Our family vacation to Greece, which included Athens, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, was unforgettable!

The accommodations were lovely and centrally located to maximize our time at all of the hot spot destinations. Our private guides were very informative with all of the history and culture that Greece has to offer. Various transportation needs were met through planes, boats and private transfers which made travel effortless from one destination to the next. Thank you GHardy Tours for putting together a remarkable experience for the whole family to enjoy and providing memories to last a lifetime.
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The GHardy team planned the perfect family vacation to Italy for us!

The hotels, private tours and excursions were all exceptional and exactly what we were hoping for! We didn’t have to stress over anything – we just showed up and there was always someone to meet us. We also took great comfort knowing if any issue did arise, the G/Hardy Tours team, as well as a 24/7 emergency contact on the ground in Italy were always a message or call away.
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We had an amazing time without focusing on planning logistics. Your driver and guides are top of the line and mesmerized us with their in-depth knowledge. We cannot express our sincere gratitude with everything you have done for us. Thanks to you, we LOVED, LOVED, LOVED our experience in Italy!
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I had an absolutely incredible experience with GHardy Tours for my trip to Switzerland.

From start to finish, everything was flawlessly organized and executed. The attention to detail was remarkable – from the seamless travel arrangements to the carefully selected accommodations that provided stunning views of the Alps. I can confidently say this was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. I’m already looking forward to my next adventure with them!
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Why we are the top choice for your next luxury trip.

Our unique approach to planning transformative experiences ensures our clients gain more than just a vacation: they come away with a greater understanding of the world, their place in it, and how the journey has enriched their lives.

  • We prioritize personalized experiences tailored to guests’ wants and needs, from holiday getaways to educational trips and everything in between.
  • Travel is about more than just going from point A to point B. It's an experience; we're here to help you create the best possible one for you and your family or friends.
  • Taste. Indulge. Immerse. Each destination has unique flavours and dishes. Bespoke travel is the perfect way to indulge your senses.
  • Our team of experienced travel planners has an eye for detail, meaning no stone goes unturned when crafting the perfect itinerary. Whenever you want it, the way you want it.