A Japanese Adventure
Welcome to Japan, one of the World's most fascinating destinations. Here you can find a perfect blend of the modern and traditional, where futuristic neon signs stand side by side with ancient temples. It's also one of the great foodie destinations, and from casual street food to elegant Michelin starred cuisine, you will not go hungry!
Japan is a destination like no other, where a vision of the future intermingles with traditions of the past. It's not uncommon to interact with a robot in a hotel lobby, before crossing the street and entering a 1,000 year old temple. Whilst Tokyo & Kyoto will be the bedrock of any itinerary, we also recommend spending a couple of nights at a hot spring resort, where you can relax and experience the Japanese countryside.
May 6th - 8th | Hiroshima
May 8th - 10th | Matsuyama
May 10th - 13th | Iya Valley
May 13th - 15th | Osaka
May 15th - 18th | Kanazawa
May 18th - 20th | Tokyo
Tokyo Partner Office - For urgent matters please contact:
A representative: +81 90-8512-8194
If there's no immediate answer you can call:
A representative: +81 90-7728-6339
- +81 3-5464-8669 (office number)
We respectfully ask that you don't reach out to your in-country contacts until you are in Japan. For any communication pre-trip, please reach out to Rick.
Visitors to Japan now have the option to complete a Visit Japan Web before their arrival. By providing all of the requested information before arrival, it should expedite procedures through immigration & customs when you land in Tokyo.
Note that this is not compulsory, and the relevant forms will be available when you land, but it will likely allow for a smoother arrival.
We have put together this Destination Guide for you, full of unique insights and ways to get excited before you travel, such as:
- Spotify playlists
- Dishes to try
- Helpful phrases
- Packing guide
- Tipping guides
Plus more!
Recently, Japanese trains have become more strict when it comes to luggage allowance.
On most lines, the total baggage dimension should not exceed 160 cm (63 inches). More details can be found here
If you have larger pieces of luggage, we recommend sending them to your next destination via the takkyubin service. Your guides and the respective hotel staff will be able to easily facilitate this for you.
You may wish to consider sending some luggage from Osaka to Kanazawa, and Kanazawa to Tokyo.
Note that you need to send it the day prior, in order for it to arrive on time.
We'll be happy to chat with you about this in further detail.
Arrive into Haneda in the early morning. Here you will proceed through immigration procedures, before connecting to your domestic flight.
Note: You are scheduled to arrive and depart from terminal 2. Tips on how to connect in Haneda can be found here.
An English-speaking assistant will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you to your private transfer.
Proceed by private transfer to your hotel, which is about 45 minutes away, depending on traffic.
For your convenience, we have arranged early check-in at the hotel.
Stay where all of Japan comes together at a hotel in Hiroshima. Situated next to JR Hiroshima Station with direct access to the bullet train and bus terminals, this hotel is ideal for business trips, sightseeing visits and family stays. Stay in luxury as you explore Hiroshima's historic sites and architecture. Find total comfort in the guest rooms, including suites, all of which feature a signature sleep experience.
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima
Deluxe Double Room
- Breakfast included
Spend the rest of your day relaxing after your long journey, or exploring Hiroshima at your leisure. Be sure to visit Okonomimura, a building full of Hiroshima style okonomiyaki vendors!
From your hotel it's a 30 minute walk, or 10 minute taxi ride.
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Touring today will be done by private vehicle.
Peace Memorial Park and Museum is likely to be the most moving part of your trip to Japan. The spacious park is full of memorials dedicated to those who lost their lives on August the 6th 1945, as well as those who later succumbed to diseases, and is also home to the famous Atomic Bomb Dome.
Enjoy a shared 50 minute scenic cruise to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima city centre. You will cruise through the Seto Inland Sea, with numerous small islands and oyster farms.
This is one of Japan's most iconic sites, and the shrine's vermillion coloured architecture looks as if it were floating in the sea.
In the late afternoon, return to Hiroshima by private vehicle. You will arrive at your hotel in the early evening.
Meet your guide and cycling guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Transfer to Matsuyama via private vehicle. An individual will have the opportunity to cycle some parts of the journey.
In addition to the regular guide who will ride in the touring vehicle, you will also be joined by a cycling guide. In their company you will get to cycle along a network of bridges that connect six islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
At Ikuchijia Island, visit Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art. One of the most famous exponents of Nihonga style painting, was born in Setoda and witnessed the A-bombing of Hiroshima. is most famous for their large scale paintings inspired by the Silk Road, the transmission of Buddhism to Japan and the landscapes of the Inland Sea.
Next, you can enjoy Setoda’s Shiomachi shopping street, the narrow 500m-long street, festooned with colorful streamers.
Lunch will be included today at a local sushi restaurant.
In the afternoon, experience a 40 min tidal currents cruise around Noshima Castle ruins, where the Murakami Suigun, known as “the lords of the sea”, were in control of the Seto Inland Sea during the Sengoku period. Then, an individual can enjoy cycling from Tatara Ohashi to Imabari (40 km), whilst another individual can visit the Murakami Suigun Museum, Kirosan Observatory and other highlights.
You will arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon.
A place to strip away all the unnecessary, and simply give in to the blue sky and the calm, mirror-like Seto Inland Sea. Take in and enjoy the luxury of total tranquility found only here. Gathering all the abundant legacy of Japanese nature, history and culture. A new spot in tranquil Setouchi is born. A luxurious hotel with 7 all-suite rooms built and designed by a world-renowned architect with numerous awards.
Retreat Setouchi Aonagi
Hot Spring Suite
- Breakfast & Dinner included
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Touring today will be done by private vehicle.
Start at Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's twelve "scenset castles", castles which have survived the post-feudal era since 1868 intact.
Transfer to Uchiko Town (1 hour). Visit Yokaichi Gogoku Historical District, a charming reminder of Uchiko's prosperous past as a major producer of wood wax in the 18th and 19th centuries. This area features former residences of wealthy merchants, traditional townhouses, and warehouses, which have together been designated as an Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings by the national government.
Then, visit the Kabuki theatre of Uchiko-za, one of Japan's few remaining scenset working theaters.
Experience a local style sea bream & rice lunch at a local restaurant.
Move to Ishidatami district and visit Yuge Shrine. This was reportedly built in the Muromachi era (1336–1573). The covered bridge across the Yuge pond that surrounds the shrine is known as "Arched Bridge". The reflection of the bridge in the pond contributes to the picturesque scenery, and the whole area became a popular tourist area. The bridge serves as approach to the shrine, and the parishioners still continue the local "Himairi-shinko" custom of praying every day alternatively for good harvest. In spring plum and cherry trees blossom and in early summer irises continue to color the area of the town.
Afterwards, move to Ozu city and enjoy a Japanese paper making experience. Transfer back to your hotel, and enjoy another kaiseki dinner.
Your tour will conclude today in the evening.
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
You will be transferred to Iya Valley by private vehicle. The journey will take around 3 hours.
Upon arrival, you have an exciting experience planned. One of Shikoku's specialities, the soba noodle, has a great presence here in Iya Valley, and in this workshop meet a noodle maker who provides restaurants across the region with their high-quality handmade noodles. Join this noodle maker as they demonstrate the process of hand-milling, kneading, cutting and boiling the noodles, before you tuck in to a delicious soba meal. If you are lucky, you might get a chance to experience this noodle maker's other hidden talent in the form of a beautiful folk song. Not only are their noodles adored, but they are also an award-winning folk singer!
Lunch is included.
Visit Hinoji Valley to experience one of Japan's most breathtaking views. "Hinoji" means "the character of hi" and is derived from the section of the beautiful Iya River which flows here in the shape of the Japanese hiragana character "hi."
You will arrive at your hotel in the afternoon.
This ryokan hotel is located in the Northern part of Shikoku in Iya Valley. A unique feature of Hotel Iya Valley is the cable car which will take guests to the rotenburo (open-air bath) at the bottom of the valley. It takes about five minutes to descend the 170 meters drop. Along the way one can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley.
The open-air baths, one for men and one for women, have been constructed along the Iya river. They are rich with hot spring water which is cloudy with minerals which bubble straight from a source deep in the earth.
Traditional breakfast and dinner is served at the restaurant of the hotel, but for an extra fee guests can enjoy their meals in the privacy of their rooms.
Iya Onsen Hotel
Twin room with private open-air bath "Futarijime"
- Breakfast & Dinner included
Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
You will be transferred to Oboke Gorge by private vehicle (approximately 30 minutes).
Transfer to Oboke Gorge, from where you will head to Koboke Gorge. Oboke Gorge and Koboke Gorge are narrow, steep-sided gorges near the entrance to the Iya Valley. Cut by the swirling rapids of the Yoshino River, their names mean "big dangerous steps" and "small dangerous steps" as their jagged, rocky walls can be perilous to navigate.
Next, visit the picturesque Vine Bridges of Kazurabashi. Suspension bridges made of mountain vines were the main means for people to cross the river of the Iya Valley in the past. History is unclear about their scenset, but legends say that they were either first raised by a religious figure, or created by refugees hiding in the area after their defeat in a war as a means of quickly cutting off access to the valley. Picnic lunch by the small pond (weather permitting).
Afterward, enjoy a hike to the 9th station of Mt. Tsurugi, using the mountain climbing lift.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Enjoy a shared boat cruise down the Yoshino River. You can also visit a waterfall, as well as the famous vine bridges in the area.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Transfer to the Yamashiro area will be arranged by private vehicle (approximately 90 minutes).
The Yoshino River is a class A river that flows from Kochi to Tokushima Prefecture. It is the largest river in Shikoku, stretching for 194 km. Its basin is around 3,750 ㎢, taking up almost 20 percent of the whole island of Shikoku! Over time the clear waters that flow from Kochi Prefecture have carved out this deep valley and created the striking rock formations that border the riverside.
Yoshino is known as Japan's wildest river, and thus attracts rafting enthusiasts from far and wide. In 2017 the World Rafting Championships were held in Oboke Gorge and Koboke Gorge, where you will find some of the most exciting and challenging rapids in Japan.
Return to your hotel in the evening.
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Visit Scarecrow Village, Heike Yashiki Museum of Folklore, and more sites of interest in the area.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
You may wish to enjoy the restorative waters of the hot spring baths at your hotel.
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Travel to Osaka will be arranged via private vehicle, with sightseeing opportunities en route.
start at Hashikura Temple, which is the head temple of the Shingon Omuro Buddhist sect. It’s located at 600m on the steep southern slopes of the Sanuki Mountains, at the narrow end of the Yoshino River Rift Valley. Accessed by a winding path and a cable car, a narrow road also allows small vehicles to reach the top.
Continue to Awaji Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku. There is much history to be found here, including the world's longest suspension bridge and several wonderful beaches.
On the way to Osaka city, you will be escorted to Nada, the largest sake production area in Japan. There are several highly-reputed sake breweries here and your guide will show you one of them. Try fresh sake and enjoy shopping for sake-related products such as cosmetics, sweets, cake and of course bottles of sake.
Note: Hashikura Temple is reached by climbing 200 steps after taking the ropeway. You can discuss with your guide whether you'd like to do this, or if one person wishes to ascend, the other can wait by the ropeway.
Arrive at your hotel in the early evening.
Welcome to Conrad Osaka, your 'address in the sky.' With a commanding presence on Nakanoshima between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, this sleek luxury hotel offers incredible views of the water and Osaka from all guest rooms and public areas.
Connect easily with West Japan's largest city - walk to shops and offices in Umeda, and immerse in local food and culture in Namba. The hotel team enriches your stay with intuitive, tailored service.
A guest
Deluxe Twin
- Breakfast included
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Today, a private vehicle will be used to explore Osaka. A tour is planned for a group of four.
Built in 1583 by a prominent figure, Osaka Castle was envisioned as the center of a unified Japan. However, the castle was destroyed in 1615. It was rebuilt soon after, only to be struck by lightning in 1665 and burned down again.
It wasn't until 1931, shortly before World War II, that the castle was rebuilt using modern technology/materials. The castle survived the war and has been a major attraction in Osaka since its reconstruction.
Stroll through the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade to Dotonbori Canal, famous for huge billboards & neon lights. Try local snacks such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. Your guide will explain about local delicacies. If you're thirsty, stroll through Hozenji Yokocho bar alley!
Umeda Sky Building consists of two tours joined by an observatory on the 39th floor. This futuristic building is a fantastic way to observe Japan's second largest city.
Your guide & driver are available today until the early evening, but we understand that you may not need a full day of touring.
Meet your English speaking assistant in the hotel lobby in the morning and transfer to Osaka station where you will be escorted to the train platform to Kanazawa via Tsuruga.
Independently transit to the Shinkansen train to Kanazawa.
You will arrive on the express train platform (1st floor), and will need to go to the bullet train platform (3rd floor).
Note: We have built in extra connection time, just in case you have any issues. It's a small station, and there will be 28 minutes between trains. Many people will likely be making a similar transfer.
Meet your guide on the platform as you disembark the train. Your guide will know from which car you will be exiting.
Note: If you don't immediately see your guide, please wait a couple of minutes for the crowds to dissipate before contacting the emergency contact.
Touring this afternoon will be done by private vehicle.
Kenrokuen Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden located in Kanazawa, Japan. It is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, seasonal beauty, and historic architecture. The garden features a central pond, winding paths, and a variety of trees and flowers that change with the seasons, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Visitors can also enjoy tea ceremonies, traditional Japanese music performances, and other cultural events that take place throughout the year. Kenrokuen Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Japanese gardens and immerse themselves in the country's rich cultural heritage.
From 1583 to the end of the Edo Period, Kanazawa Castle was the seat of a powerful clan, lords of Kaga, a feudal domain ranking second only to the Tokugawa possessions in terms of size and wealth.
After touring you will be transferred to your hotel in the evening.
The Korinkyo Hotel was made for comfort where the sweetness of the moment and timelessness are relayed. The intent is for the guest to feel as if they can remain there entranced by the meticulous work that focuses on materiality and finishing.
Korinkyo
Superior Twin
- Breakfast included
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Explore Kanazawa by private vehicle.
Take a glimpse of local lifestyle. There are approximately 170 specialty food shops and restaurants, especially Kanazawa's quality seafood from the cold Japan Sea and fresh vegetables called Kaga Yasai.
Perhaps the most photogenic area in all of Kanazawa, Higashichayagai is an old style street lined with tea houses (higashi means "eastern", chaya means "tea houses", and gai means "neighborhood"). While some of these tea houses are now residences, many of them have been repurposed as boutique shops. The area offers an abundance of unique tasting opportunities and arts and crafts.
For a less crowded stroll, we recommend moving across the street to Kazue-machi. While the area doesn't offer as many options for eating and shopping, it does allow you to enjoy the unique architecture and street design at a more leisurely pace.
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a modern art museum located in Kanazawa, Japan. It opened its doors in 2004 and is known for its innovative design, featuring a circular building with a large, open-air courtyard in the center. The museum houses a collection of contemporary art from both Japanese and international artists, with exhibitions that range from traditional paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations and interactive exhibits. Visitors can also participate in workshops, attend lectures, and enjoy a variety of performances and events throughout the year.
The DT Suzuki Museum is a small, but beautiful, space dedicated to a prominent local philosopher, Daisetsu Suzuki.
This relatively hidden space is popular with locals as a spot to stop by and refresh during the busy day.
In addition to the refreshing spaces, you'll learn about DT Suzuki, whose works were instrumental in the spread of Zen Buddhism beyond Japan's borders.
You will return to your hotel in the evening to freshen up for your evening adventure.
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the evening.
Travel to and from the venue will be by taxi with a guide.
Enjoy a full-course Kanazawa-style kaiseki dinner in a private traditional room.
Watch a Geisha (Geigi) performance, interact with them, and enjoy an authentic Kanazawa meal. From playing the taiko drums, to learning a few steps in their traditional Geigi dance, this is a unique experience.
Note Alcoholic drinks will be paid for on-site, based on consumption.
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.
Today you will tour via private vehicle. Note that it's a 90 minute drive from Kanazawa to Shirakawago.
Located in the mountains of Gifu just over an hour away from Kanazawa is the world heritage site Shirakawago. Here you’ll get a first-hand glimpse at what life might have been like in a traditional farming village and take in the refreshing mountain air. The village, filled with Gassho Tsukuri (literally praying hands houses), offers plenty of chances to try excellent food & drink, enter historical sites, and enjoy a very leisurely day of touring on foot.
Gokayama is a little more difficult to access, but the villages of suganuma and Ainokura are much less crowded than Shirakawago, displaying an intimate ancient atmosphere. For a truly unique meal, we recommend trying hoba miso - a local specialty where various foods are cooked over a huge hoba (magnolia) leaf with miso paste.
Return to your hotel in the early evening.
Meet your English speaking driver in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and proceed by private transfer to Kanazawa Station (15 minutes).
Note: Because of your early departure, breakfast will not be available at the hotel. The driver can take you to the Ekiben store in Kanazawa Station before you board your train.
Meet your English speaking assistant on the platform as you disembark the train. They will know from which car you will be exiting.
Note: If you don't immediately see your assistant, please wait a couple of minutes for the crowds to dissipate before calling the emergency number.
You will be taken by private transfer to a hotel, where you can leave your bags before enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.
The Palace Hotel Tokyo enjoys one of Tokyo’s most prestigious addresses, right next to the central Imperial Palace. This might be one of the more recent luxury hotels to open in Tokyo, but it has a long history; initially founded in 1947, the hotel reopened in May 2012 after a complete refurbishment taking three years.
The rooms in the Palace Hotel Tokyo are spacious and made with quality materials and attention to detail. Of all the hotels in Tokyo, the Palace Hotel Tokyo alone offers rooms with balconies.
Palace Hotel
Deluxe Balcony Twin
- Breakfast included
This afternoon head to Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium, home to the May Grand Sumo Tournament. Sumo is the national sport of Japan, and this traditional form of wrestling has existed for centuries.
During a session you will witness several matches, with the biggest names fighting later in the afternoon.
We note that this experience was booked independently.
No experiences have been planned for today, and you are free to explore Tokyo at your leisure.
Meet your English speaking driver in the lobby of your hotel in the afternoon and transfer to Haneda airport (about 30 minutes).
Thank you for traveling with us.
We hope that we were able to help you build lasting memories of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Scenset invests in making the world a better place. Scenset will offset the fuel used during the trip. On top of that, an extra 10% will be offset to make the trip a carbon-positive experience.
Currently, we support Gold Standard Climate+ Projects from the Gold Standard Foundation.
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.