Exploring Japan

October 1st - 5th | Tokyo

• The Mandarin Oriental

October 5th - 7th | Hokkaido

• Lake Akan Tsuruga Hinanoza

October 7th - 9th | Hokkaido

• Sapporo Grand Hotel

October 9th - 12th | Osaka

• Ritz Carlton Osaka

In October, Japan experiences the pleasant autumn season with mild temperatures and lower humidity levels. The weather is characterized by clear skies and cooler temperatures, ranging from around 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. This makes October an ideal time to explore Japan, enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage, and partake in cultural festivals.

Japan has an excellent overnight baggage forwarding service that you may want to use when you have long travel days. You can arrange this at hotel receptions.

Please show the reception staff the address of the hotel you want to send it to and they can fill in the forms for you. If you do this in the morning, the bags will be delivered to your next hotel the following day.

You will need to take an overnight bag with you for your one night stay.

We have designed a great playlist for you to enjoy before and during your trip to Japan!

• Japan is a curated selection of popular music from Japanese artists; straight off the streets of Tokyo!

Upon arrival in Tokyo, an English-speaking assistant will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you to your private transfer.

Note that from Narita airport it's about a 90 minute drive to the city center, and from Haneda it's about 30 minutes.

One of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Famous for its sprawling neon-lit landscape it is also home to expansive parkland, peaceful shrines and temples, and lovingly tended gardens. On the surface, Tokyo is a mix of digital trends and conspicuous consumption, but dig deeper and you will find a city rooted deeply in the traditional culture. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples stand close to skyscrapers as a reminder of a more contemplative time.

Check in to your hotel and settle into your accommodations for the remainder of the day and evening.

The Mandarin Oriental
Deluxe Twin Room

• Breakfast Included

Booked by a guest

Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide.

Touring today will be done in a private car.

Start at Tokyo Tower, a former TV tower. From the Top deck at 250 meters high, Greater Tokyo, Yokohama, Disneyland, Mt. Fuji, etc. can be observed if the weather is clear. Then move to the vibrant Asakusa district, a captivating blend of old and new, where ancient traditions and modern attractions seamlessly coexist. Stepping into Asakusa feels like a journey back in time, with its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and historic landmarks. The district is most renowned for Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its magnificent red gate (Kaminarimon) and explore the bustling Nakamise shopping street, filled with stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts.

Beyond its cultural treasures, Asakusa offers a vibrant atmosphere with its lively marketplaces, traditional restaurants serving mouth-watering local delicacies, and the chance to experience traditional Japanese festivals and events throughout the year. Whether it's immersing in rich history, shopping for unique souvenirs, or savoring the flavors of Japan, Asakusa offers a captivating experience that showcases the essence of Tokyo's rich heritage.

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.

Akihabara, also known as "Electric Town," is a bustling district in central Tokyo that is famous for its electronics stores, anime shops, and video game arcades. The neighborhood is a hub for technology enthusiasts and pop culture fans, with countless stores selling everything from the latest gadgets and electronics to vintage video games and anime merchandise. Akihabara is also known for its colorful streets and vibrant atmosphere, with countless neon signs and cosplay costumes adding to its unique character. Whether you're a tech lover, a gaming enthusiast, or simply looking for a taste of Tokyo's vibrant pop culture scene, Akihabara is a must-visit destination that has something for everyone.

The Imperial Palace, also known as the Tokyo Imperial Palace, is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and the imperial family. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and serves as a symbol of Japan's rich history and cultural heritage. Although the palace is not open to the public, visitors can explore the surrounding gardens and enjoy the stunning views of the palace's historic buildings and moats. The Imperial Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture, history, and architecture.

Touring this morning will be done in a private car.

For the discerning traveler seeking an immersive and exclusive cultural experience, a visit to a Japanese fish market is a must. Witness the spectacle of the auction process and observe the skilled fishmongers at work. The outer market of Tsukiji is a great place to not only see seafood but also kitchen utensils and other Japanese ingredients.

Enjoy a private sushi class at a local restaurant. A master chef will show you how to slice sashimi and make nigiri. With detailed instruction, you will make your own nigiri for lunch, using fresh ingredients from the market.

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.

In Shibuya one can witness (and experience) the world's busiest intersection, as well as one of Japan's most endearing symbols of loyalty - the statue of Hachiko.

The Shibuya scramble is located in the heart of Shibuya's shopping district. Due to its proximity with many popular stores, Shibuya Station, and the location of countless delicious eating spots, the intersection regularly sees thousands of people cross each time the traffic lights turn red and the pedestrian lights turn green.

Also located in Shibuya is the bronze statue of the dog Hachiko. Hachiko was well known for his loyalty in waiting for his master for nearly 10 years, arriving at the station daily in anticipation of his master's return from work.

Soon after, a statue was erected in his honor. Unfortunately the statue was melted down during World War II, but the current replica was commissioned shortly after.

Later in the evening, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and take a taxi to Omoide Yokocho near Shinjuku. Originally a black market in the 1940s, Omoide Yokocho is now a tiny alley packed with local restaurants and bars. Feel Tokyo’s post-WWII nostalgia while eating and drinking your way through popular Izakaya’s (Japanese gastropubs).

You’ll also get to enjoy the flashing lights and colorful characters of Kabukicho, the town that never sleeps. Known as Asia’s safest red-light district, Kabukicho is your gateway to a side of Japan’s nightlife that you won’t be able to experience anywhere else. Our final destination is Golden Gai, a collection of 6 tiny alleys packed with over 200 bars. Your guides will bring you to Golden Gai’s most authentic bars that are normally only reserved for local regulars. Transfer back to your hotel by taxi.

Meet your English-speaking driver in the hotel lobby. Private transfer to Haneda airport (approximately 1 hour). Take a domestic flight to Kushiro.

Haneda (morning) - Kushiro (early afternoon) by ANA 741

At Kushiro airport, meet your English-speaking guide in the arrival lobby. Tour by private car.

Today, start at a large Ainu Village to learn more about the Ainu people through art and craft techniques such as wood carvings, embroideries, ancient dance performances, and traditional cuisine that have been handed down from generation to generation.

At a local theater, Ainu dance performances that combine traditional, modern, and digital technology are performed. The Ainu people are very skilled at expressing their emotions through dance, and these kinds of theatrical performances are said to be the essence of their culture.

Then, enjoy walking at a walking trail, which is a remain of small crater where volcanic gases and mud bubbling up from the magma below. You might have chances to see wildlife such as Hokkaido deer, Siberian red squirrel, red fox, black woodpecker, etc.

After that, visit a local Eco-Museum Center. At the aquarium exhibit, you can see Akan's famous marimo—rare lake algae that grow into fluffy green balls of varying sizes. You’ll also find displays of local Akan fish like the Sakhalin taimen and kokanee, types of salmon found only in Hokkaido and parts of Russia.

Lake Akan Tsuruga
Japanese room and bed room with private hot spring bath w/Lake view

• Breakfast Included

Today's touring transportation will be done by private car.

Start at Lake Onneto. Onneto means "old pond" or "big pond" in the language of Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people. It was created when Mt. Meakan-dake erupted and blocked the flow of the Rawan River.

After that, visit Lake Taro and Lake Jiro. Lake Taro was formed in an eruption of Mt. Oakan, and is connected to Lake Akan by a river, and shares very similar water quality with its larger neighbor. Depending on the season, white-tailed eagles and whooper swans can also be spotted around the lake.

As with Lake Taro, Lake Jiro was also the result of an eruption of Mt. Oakan. Unlike Lake Taro, Lake Jiro has no inflowing or outflowing rivers. As a result, the lake has few waves and is very placid. The still surface of the lake mirrors the surrounding forest and sky above.

Then, visit Soko-dai View Point, and you can see two emerald blue lakes, Lake Penketo & Lake Panketo.

Take a one-hour drive to Lake Mashu. Lake Mashu is a caldera lake in Akan Mashu National Park. It vies for the position of "clearest lake in the world" and is considered by many to be Japan's most beautiful lake. Lake Mashu is also one of the country's deepest lakes, and while it is appreciated for its clear blue water, it is also famously and frequently blanketed in heavy fog.

Then, visit Lake Kussharo, a beautiful caldera lake in Akan Mashu National Park. With a circumference of 57 kilometers, it is the park's largest lake. Transfer to your hotel in Lake Akan (two hours). Late afternoon: End of tour at the hotel.

Today's touring will be done via private car. Transfer to the hotel (4hrs)

On the way to Sapporo, visit Tokachi Millennium Forest. The Tokachi Millennium Forest is a garden made at the start of environmental contribution activities. It won the Grand Award in a UK garden design contest, the first for Japan, and was praised as "the most beautiful garden in the world." There are also plenty of activities, such as guided tours on segways, horse riding through nature, and cheese-making workshops.

In the evening, arrive at a hotel in Sapporo.

Sapporo Grand Hotel
Deluxe Twin Room

Breakfast included

Touring today will be done via private vehicle.

Visit the Otaru Canal. The Otaru Canal is the city's most famous sightseeing spot and this romantic canal is especially beautiful during the day.

After that, visit a specialty glass store that's just as famous as the Taisho Glass Palace. There are several branches in the Otaru Sakaimachi-dori area, with an array of products that differ at each location. Inside one of the branches is a cafe. The store is lit by kerosene lamps manufactured with Otaru glass. The dim, flickering lights inside the store create a magical atmosphere.

Then, visit a cafe belonging to an Otaru-based sweets brand. There are five shops in the Otaru Sakaimachi-dori area alone. Every store sells its own limited-edition products, so you’ll want to visit all of them if you have a sweet tooth.

After breakfast and check-out, meet your English-speaking driver in the hotel lobby. Private transfer to Sapporo Shin-Chitose airport (1 hour). Take a domestic flight to Osaka.

Shin-Chitose - Itami by ANA. At Itami airport.

Meet your English-speaking driver in the arrival lobby. Private transfer to your hotel in Osaka (40 mins). Arrive at your hotel in Osaka.

The historical commercial capital of Japan, Osaka is Japan’s third largest metropolis and it has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region for centuries. Osaka first gained prominence when a powerful warlord built the country’s most magnificent castle in the 16th century. To develop resources for his castle town, the ruler persuaded merchants from other parts of the nation to resettle in Osaka and it became an important distribution center.

The Ritz Carlton Osaka
Sky view Superior Twin room

• Breakfast included

Touring today will be done in a private car.

Your first stop in the ancient capital of Nara will be Todaiji Temple, where the Great Buddha is housed in the largest wooden structure in the world.

Then, explore the significant temples and artwork dating to the 8th century, when it was Japan’s capital.

See the deer roam in Nara Park, the site of the Tōdai-ji temple.

Daibutsu, Tōdai-ji's 15m-high bronze Buddha, is displayed in a large wooden hall.

On the park's east side is the Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha, which dates to 768 A.D. and more than 3,000 lanterns.

Lastly, visit a local sake brewery and enjoy a freshly brewed sake tasting!

Osaka Castle is a historic landmark and one of the most famous attractions in Osaka, Japan. The castle dates back to the 16th century and was built by a renowned samurai warrior and statesman. The castle played a significant role in Japan's history, serving as a military stronghold and a symbol of power and prestige for the ruling elite.

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.

Wrap up your day by exploring the charming Hozenji Yokocho bar alley, enjoying its vibrant nightlife. Next, venture to the Kita district in Osaka, home to the architecturally unique Umeda Sky Building. Ascend to the 39th floor and enjoy the panoramic views of Greater Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory. Conclude the tour in the late afternoon, returning to the comfort of your hotel.

Later, take a taxi to Shinjuku for a private Osaka food tour guided by a local culinary expert. As Osaka comes alive at night, take part in the vibrant food culture enjoyed by people of all ages. This night tour combines street food, standing bars, cozy izakayas, and delectable wagyu beef grilling, offering a diverse culinary experience. Conclude the evening with a taxi transfer back to your hotel.

Your driver will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby to take you to Osaka airport.

Take your international flight back home.

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.