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 open once more, and on this quick trip, you'll get to experience the best the country has to offer, with an in-depth exploration of major urban areas, as well as the beautiful countryside.
July 15 - 18 | Tokyo | The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
July 18 - 19 | Kagaonsen | Kayotei
July 19 - 21 | Kyoto | Ace Hotel
US Passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan and can stay for up to 90 days.
Please click here for full details.
Throughout your trip you will have 24/7 access to support staff, should any issues arise.
Because open public Wi-Fi in Japan is very limited, a pocket Wi-Fi router will be provided for use throughout the trip. This small gadget will allow connection of up to 10 devices, giving super fast broadband wherever you are.
This will allow use of Maps on phones and internet connection at all times, including on trains. The Wi-Fi router will be waiting upon arrival at the hotel.
To return it, use the stamped, addressed envelope provided and pop it in the mailbox at the airport on the day of departure from Japan.
In order to make your travel experience smoother and more convenient, you will receive 2x PASMO cards pre-charged at your orientation. These cards can be used instead of train tickets or cash for transport on local and inner-city lines. To use them, simply tap them on the scanner as you enter the train station or bus. These can also be used on certain ferry lines!
If you ever need to charge your card with more money, you can easily do this at the charge machines in a train station - the machines have English support too.
After clearing immigration, you will be met by a staff member and escorted to your private car. You will then proceed by private transfer to your hotel.
The Prince Gallery Kioicho is perhaps at first “hidden,” in the sense that you need ascend to the 16th floor in order to locate the lobby. Only a short distance from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station and directly connected to Nagatacho Station, the Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho has easy access to the dynamic capital. It’s also conveniently located near to an upmarket shopping and entertainment district, making it an excellent choice for being in amongst the action in Tokyo, whilst still treating yourself to the best in luxury and comfort.
The hotel, which opened in 2016, is situated atop 15 floors of offices so it won’t come as much of a surprise that the rooms at the Prince Hotel all have splendid, unobstructed views. With 250 rooms and 11 suites, it is a large-scale, distinctly modern hotel, with much of the electronic and creative prowess commonly associated with Japan.
One of the hotel’s unique selling points is that it is not surrounded by any other tall buildings, meaning that the view from the hotel rooms is really quite spectacular, and like a tour of Tokyo in itself. Rooms have one, entirely glass wall, with a long “day bed” in front of it, meaning you can sit and look out across the city for miles, right the way from Tokyo station to Shinjuku station, from the comfort of your own room. Even from the bathroom, as you soak in the bath after a long day of sightseeing, you can look out over the beautiful Tokyo skyline. Then, at the touch of a button, you can obscure the bathroom's glass and get changed in privacy. It’s little touches like these which make the hotel feel so luxurious.
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
Deluxe Room
- Breakfast Included
In order for your vacation to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, we have included a private and personalised orientation session, where you will be given everything you need to travel confidently in Japan.
One of our English-speaking staff members will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will go through your itinerary with you, day by day, and answer any questions you may have.
You’ll also receive your “welcome pack” of additional information, such as tourist maps of each destination, suggested walking routes, and detailed information on any special activities you may have booked, as well as a Japanese phrase sheet, which should help you travel in Japan more easily!
All touring today will be done via public taxis, trains, and subways.
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel.
Find yourself back in time on the streets of old Tokyo, preserved in the district of Yanesen. The name Yanesen is a portmanteau of the three areas that make the district: Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi. Here you can find Yanaka Cemetery, where many historical Japanese figures are laid to rest, Nezu Shrine, a Buddhist shrine notable for its magical red tori gate corridor lined with gorgeous azaleas, and Yasuda House, one of the few large traditional residences remaining in Tokyo. These three areas make Yanesen a place where you can experience a slower and more relaxed side of the city strewn with small temples, craft shops, galleries, and cafes for you to discover.
Asakusa is home to one of Tokyo’s most famous gates – Kaminari-mon. As you make your way through the many shopping stalls, you’ll eventually come to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. It is here that visitors can enjoy a striking contrast of ancient and modern Japan – Tokyo’s oldest temple, built in 645AD, with the world’s tallest free-standing tower, Tokyo Skytree, as a backdrop.
Sensōji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, having been built in 645AD.
Unfortunately, after remaining relatively unscathed for 13 centuries, it was destroyed during WWII. Sensoji was rebuilt after the war and has become a symbol of rebirth of the city and the nation.
Nowadays, millions of people step through the Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate, famous for its huge lantern, and stroll along Nakamisedori, the street leading to the temple, filled with small shops selling all manners of goods.
Start with the district that has become synonymous with technology; Akihabara. Known as ‘electric town’ not only for its many electronics stores, but also the electric atmosphere from its eccentric dining options and niche-interest stores dedicated to anime, manga, and music groups. With a truly eclectic mix of establishments, you can buy the latest consumer electronics alongside second-hand computer parts and cameras in giant stores like Yodobashi Camera, as well as adorable and often bizarre merchandise on Akihabara’s streets.
Explore the upmarket neighborhood of Ginza. Boasting upmarket department stores, you can purchase anything from quirky stationery to high fashion in the boutiques they house. Particularly worth perusing are the finest-grade fruits and edible delights available in their basement food halls. A feast for the eyes as well as the palate, the Ginza area hosts wonderful art galleries and exhibitions - which can sometimes be found within the impressive department stores themselves!
Freshen up at the hotel before your evening adventure.
Experience the way locals eat and drink in Tokyo on this exciting tour. You will visit 3 very different but authentic izakaya - Japanese-style gastro pubs. Visit Ebisu, an area known for izakaya and named after the famous beer. You will enjoy a variety of food and drinks that local Japanese people eat on a daily basis, including draft beer, sashimi, Japanese cocktails, fried noodles, plum wine, and more!
After eating and drinking to your heart's content, the tour will finish with some Japanese sweets. From salty foods and refreshing drinks to delicious desserts, you are sure to find yourself full and satisfied after this tour!
Conducted by a food tour guide.
Private activity for a small group.
Duration: approx. 3 hrs
Even though the tuna auction and some of the inner markets shops have moved to the new Toyosu Market, Tsukiji Market still remains vibrant and a place not to be missed. While the inner market has many shops that sell business to business, the outer market in Tsukiji is a wonderful chance to sample a wide variety of some of Japan's finest seafood and various fresh, hot snacks.
After an early breakfast, you will be met in the lobby of your hotel around 8:30 am, and escorted by taxi to Tsukiji for a specialist tour of the Outer fish market. The tour will conclude with a sushi making session, where you will make your own deliciously fresh sushi lunch under the supervision of a top sushi chef.
Conducted by a fish market expert & sushi chef.
Private activity for 2 people.
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Transport: Taxi pick-up included
Includes: Sushi Lunch at Cooking Class
All touring this afternoon will be done via public taxis, trains, and subways.
Your guide will meet you upon the conclusion of your sushi tour.
Meiji Shrine was built nearly 100 years ago to commemorate Emperor Meiji’s contribution to modern Japan. The shrine is entirely surrounded by a forest, with an area of 70 hectares of land and over 120,000 trees, all of which were donated to the shrine from different parts of Japan.
Although rather young compared with other shrines, Meiji shrine has its own dramatic story to tell. While the original construction of the shrine was completed in 1926, the shrine was destroyed during the bombings of World War II and rebuilt in 1958.
If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a couple on their wedding day, making their way through the shrine’s grounds on their way to their ceremony.
Harajuku’s Takeshita Street - This narrow, crowded street is lined with shops that sell the latest fashion trends, sweets, and other interesting items. It is in this area that some of the outrageous fashion that Japan is known for originates.
As the trendy streets of Harajuku end, the amazing architecture of Omotesando begins. With seemingly endless modern, cutting-edge architecture, great shopping, and delicious restaurants, Omotesando is Tokyo’s Champs-Elysées Boulevard. Many of the buildings along this street were designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects such as Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.
Head to Shibuya for a real taste of modern Tokyo. One of the city’s most colorful districts, observe the organized chaos of the famous Shibuya crossing and find your favorite of the many great game arcades. Offering uniquely Japanese arcade-games and machines, you can create personalized memories in the popular purikura photo booths. You can also find Nonbei Yokocho here, with its ramshackle street full of tiny bars - an interesting contrast to the bright neon of the Scramble Square!
Once this trip is confirmed, we'd be happy to assist in making restaurant reservations. We have our own list of restaurants to suggest, and we also strongly encourage you to research as well, as there are so many options to choose from.
Your transport will meet you in the lobby of your hotel, and transfer you to Tokyo Station.
Tokyo-Kanazawa - Green (first) Class
Duration: 2 hours & 50 minutes
Your guide will meet you as you disembark the train, and escort you to your private vehicle for touring.
Kenroku-en is one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, and this afternoon we suggest spending ample time exploring the grounds, which are full of blossoming flowers, ancient trees, and impressive landscaping. We highly recommend visiting the elegant Seison-kaku Villa in the park while you are there.
Higashi Chaya-gai is one of Japan’s best preserved geisha districts, and the old wooden buildings are a wonderful place to feel transported back centuries. Some of the traditional buildings are open as museums, and it is also here that you can visit the gold-leaf workshop which produces so much of Kanazawa’s most famous product.
Five authentic Japanese swords have been passed down through the Kaga domain and through the Shijimaya family. Watch them be disassembled, and learn about their charm and how they are made.
You will also learn how to handle them safely and experience their beauty, charm and weight. You'll be able to practise the basic movements with a replica sword, and finally, there will be a demonstration of test cutting with a real Japanese sword.
Conducted by an expert.
Private activity for 2 people.
Duration: approximately 1 hour
After your tour, you'll be transferred to your accommodation in Kaga Onsen.
A beautiful traditional hot spring ryokan located in the small onsen resort of Yamanaka in Ishikawa Prefecture. The ryokan has 10 rooms, most with private bath on the balcony but standard rooms are available with only a shower. Dinners are multicourse kaiseki style using the finest local ingredients.
Kayotei
Japanese Style Room with Mountain & River Views
- Breakfast & Dinner included
This morning, a driver will pick you up and take you to the nearby craft village of Yunokuni no mori, where you can wander the village and see various artisans' work and enjoy some shopping.
Proceed by private transfer to Kaga Onsen Station.
Kaga Onsen-Kyoto - Green (First) Class
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
As you disembark, you will be met by a guide who will take you on an afternoon tour via public transportation and on foot.
Situated in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district is Kiyomizu Temple. For over 1200 years people have flocked here seeking comfort and guidance, offering up prayers in its splendid halls.
Famous for its shrine, traditional winding streets, and wooden town houses, the Gion & Yasaka areas offer seemingly endless hidden alleyways to explore. The area is filled with some of Kyoto's finest dining, unique shopping and of course, the chance to witness a geisha on her way to an evening engagement. Should you spot a geisha, please be considerate in your requests for pictures.
Upon conclusion of your tour, your guide will take you to your hotel.
The Ace Hotel Kyoto is the first Ace Hotel to open in Asia and is a beautiful example of boutique city accommodation. Right in the heart of Kyoto City on Karasuma Street, Ace Hotel Kyoto has welcomed locals and international visitors alike to enjoy mingling in the hip communal spaces. Traditional Japan meets Western design in a historic building which has been renovated by a well-known architect. With 213 rooms, a 24/7 gym, Mexican restaurant, rooftop bar and a DJ booth in the lobby - guests are sure to have a lively stay at the Ace Hotel Kyoto.
Earlier in 2023 the hotel was also host to a popup restaurant.
Ace Hotel
Deluxe Room
- Breakfast included
Once this trip is confirmed, we'd be happy to assist in making restaurant reservations. We have our own list of restaurants to suggest, and we also strongly encourage you to research as well, as there are so many options to choose from.
Touring this morning will be done by private transfers.
First, walk around the famous Fushimi Inari shrine, which comprises thousands of red torii gates leading up the mountainside. This is one of Japan's most loved and most sacred shrines.
Afterward, learn about the history of sake and how it is brewed, and enjoy a sake tasting at a nearby sake museum.
You will be transferred to Kyoto station, from where you will take a shinkansen train to Shin-Osaka. Green (First) Class.
Duration: 15 minutes
Osaka is known as Japan's kitchen - many Japanese favorites are from this vibrant city! On this tour, you sample the best - street food, izakaya delights, standing bars, and stunning wagyu beef. An evening of eating in this crazy, fantastic city is sure to delight. Your taste buds are sure to leave very happy!
Your guide will meet you at Shin-Osaka Station, and accompany you to the most exciting neighborhoods.
This tour is a must for those who like to explore a city from a culinary perspective. A memorable night awaits!
This is a private experience and is best enjoyed on foot.
Food & drinks are included.
Note: We can tailor the tour to suit your food preferences.
Duration: 3 hours
At the end of your tour, your guide will take you to the station, and you will make your way back to Kyoto via train.
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and transfer to Kyoto Station.
Kyoto-Tokyo - Green (first) Class
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Proceed by private transfer to Narita Airport.
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, we will offset an extra 10% to make your trip a carbon-positive experience.
Currently, we support Gold Standard Climate+ Projects from the Gold Standard Foundation.
PLEASE NOTE
- The cost includes a credit card fee. A wire transfer option is available, resulting in a lower total cost.
Japan reopened fully in October 2022 and is now experiencing unprecedented demand for all services in 2023-24. Prices are increasing rapidly, especially in peak seasons and all prices given are subject to change and arrangements proposed subject to availability. We will aim to stand by quoted prices when a booking is confirmed within 7 days but unfortunately we cannot guarantee that.
Once a trip is booked we will aim to let you know which arrangements may need to be confirmed closer to the travel date and we will always look to provide a suitable alternative if not available. We appreciate your understanding and will work with you to ensure an enjoyable stay in Japan.
If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, simply let us know. We would be thrilled to secure all the reservations for you and make sure everything is taken care of, including special surprises along the way.
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.