Journey to Japan
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. While 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.
April 1-3, 2026 | Tokyo
April 3-5, 2025 | Kanazawa
April 5-7 | Kagaonsen
April 7-12 | Kyoto
April 12 | Departure
In April, Japan experiences mild and pleasant spring weather across most of the country. Cherry blossoms reach full bloom during this month, creating picturesque landscapes in many cities and parks. Temperatures generally range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Rainfall is moderate, with occasional showers and some sunny days interspersed throughout the month. The weather can be quite variable, so it's advisable to pack layers and be prepared for both warm and cool conditions.
- You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days.
- Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.
Click here for more details.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
We have a Japan guide full of great insights, TV/Movie recommendations, tipping guides, packing lists and more!
This will be provided closer to the time of departure.
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!
Welcome to Tokyo! Today is all about settling in and relaxing after a long flight.
Upon arrival in Tokyo, an English-speaking assistant will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you to your private transfer.
Booked by Scenset
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. Take time to recuperate from your journey with a rejuvenating massage at the hotel spa.
The rest of the day has been left for you to unwind and relax.
Why we love it for you: The incomparable Palace Hotel Tokyo offers guests a unique blend of big-city five-star luxury and the genuine warmth of a Japanese-owned independent hotel. Situated with a view of the Imperial Palace Gardens, it serves as an oasis in the heart of the metropolis. The majority of rooms feature balconies, providing an added bonus to soak in the lush views.
Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide.
Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide by private car.
Begin with exploring Tokyo's oldest residential district, Yanaka, where you'll get a glimpse of local life. Stroll through shopping streets filled with craft shops, gourmet stores, and cozy cafés. Discover Asakusa, home to the historic Sensoji Temple. Walk through the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise arcade, both lined with craft and souvenir shops. Sample local street foods such as face-shaped buns filled with sweet azuki beans, rice crackers, and mochi.
Visit Tsukiji Fish Market to explore its seafood offerings, kitchen utensils, and a variety of Japanese ingredients.
Then, you can walk through Omotesando, a fashionable street known for its boutiques, gourmet shops, and cutting-edge architecture.
If time allows, visit Akihabara for its anime figures, cosplay clothing, games, gadgets, and electronics, followed by a stop in Ginza, Tokyo's most upscale shopping district.
Booked by Scenset.
We will provide you with a selection of our favourite restaurants in Tokyo closer to departure date.
Let us know if you'd like us to make any restaurant reservations for you and we'll be happy to do so.
The rest of the afternoon has been left for you to relax at your own pace.
After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and transfer to Tokyo station where you will be escorted to the bullet train platform to Kanazawa in 1st class.
Booked by Scenset.
As there is no designated space for large suitcases on the bullet train, we would like to recommend a luggage delivery service. If you drop off your luggage at your hotel in Tokyo, you will receive it at your hotel in Kanazawa by the next day. This is a very reliable service in Japan. Your guide & hotel staff will be happy to consult on this matter.
- The luggage larger than 160 cm in total dimension cannot be brought into the bullet train due to the train policy
At Tokyo station, you will be escorted to the bullet train platform to Kanazawa in 1st class.
- Tokyo: Departs in the late morning.
- Kanazawa: Arrives in the early afternoon.
Booked by Scenset.
Kanazawa, located in Ishikawa Prefecture, offers visitors a captivating blend of traditional Japanese culture and off-the-beaten-path charm. Despite its size, it maintains a serene atmosphere, unlike larger cities. Its location on the Sea of Japan coast has helped preserve its historical significance, including well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. Kanazawa's unhurried pace and lack of crowds allow travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Japanese experiences, from peaceful garden strolls to intimate tea ceremonies. The city's commitment to traditional crafts and arts, coupled with its rural surroundings, creates a unique destination for those seeking a genuine glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage.
During the Edo Period, Kanazawa served as the seat of a powerful feudal clan. As a result, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements. During World War II, Kanazawa was one of the largest Japanese cities to escape destruction by air raids. Consequently, parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived in good condition.
Upon arrival at Kanazawa station, meet your English-speaking escort staff at the platform.
Your private transfer will bring you to your hotel.
Booked by a travel agency.
Check into your hotel and relax.
The rest of the day has been left for you to explore at your own pace.
Why we love it for you: The Korinkyo hotel in Kanazawa offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern comfort. Its architecture and interior design showcase exquisite artistry, featuring elements inspired by local crafts such as Kaga Yuzen silk dyeing and gold leaf. The hotel's rooms are adorned with carefully curated artworks, creating a gallery-like atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Korinkyo's location provides easy access to Kanazawa's renowned art museums and cultural sites, including the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. The hotel itself serves as a testament to Kanazawa's rich artistic heritage, immersing visitors in the city's creative spirit from the moment they step inside.
Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide.
Start at Kenrokuen Garden, known as one of the best three gardens in Japan. The stroll-type garden includes ponds, traditional architecture, beautifully trimmed pine trees and stone lanterns.
Walk through Nagamachi Bukeyashiki Street lined with former samurai residences. Here, you will be escorted to one of the former samurai residences with a small garden.
From here, visit Omicho market and take a glimpse at local life as it buzzes around you. There are approximately 170 speciality food shops and restaurants, especially Kanazawa's quality seafood from the cold Japanese Sea, as well as fresh vegetables called Kaga Yasai.
Afterwards, head to Higashi Chaya District - Kanazawa's geisha quarter to visit one of the former geisha houses in the area. The area is very photogenic so its perfect for photo stops.
Booked by Scenset
The rest of the afternoon has been left for you to relax and explore at your own pace.
Today, head to Kagaonsen, a historic town located in the Ishikawa prefecture of Japan renowned for its hot springs and traditional Japanese inns (ryokans).
The town's hot springs are said to have therapeutic benefits and are enjoyed by visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
For your full day tour, start at Kayano Osugi to see the natural monument of the country; a 2,300 years old sacred tree. While here, enjoy the beautiful view of Kakusenkei from Ayatori-hashi Bridge and Korogi-bashi Bridge, an all-cypress bridge that hangs over the scenic spot of Yamanaka Onsen.
From here, visit the Nata Dera temple. The temple was established in 717 and boasts a combination of old wooden buildings, rocky hills with forests, and ponds in the garden. The temple is the centre of Mt Hakusan worshippers and ascetic trainings are held here.
Afterwards, enjoy a sake tasting at a local brewery. Thanks to the pure water from sacred Mt Hakusan and quality rice, the brewery has been producing top-quality sake for generations.
Booked by scenset.
After your tour, your driver will drop you off at your hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and relax.
The rest of the day has been left for you to unwind and explore at your own pace.
Why we love it for you: The Beniya Mukayu is a serene and intimate ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) located in the picturesque town of Kagaonsen, known for its hot springs and beautiful natural surroundings.
From the exquisite kaiseki cuisine to the relaxing outdoor hot springs and spa, the Beniya Mukayu provides an authentic and unforgettable experience of Japanese hospitality and culture.
Spend a leisurely day discovering the charm of Kaga Onsen at your own pace.
Here are a few recommendations to enhance your experience:
- Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at Beniya Mukayu, then take a stroll to explore the Kutani ware kiln ruins, located just 800 meters from the spa.
- For personalized recommendations, a guide will be available to provide additional information tailored to your interests upon your arrival.
Recommendation only.
- Kaga Onsen Hot Spring Info
- Yamashiro Onsen: 5 mins walk from the Ryokan
- Yamanaka Onsen: 15 mins by taxi from the Ryokan
- Ryokan shuttle bus to Kaga Onsen station: Several departures in the morning.
- Hokuriku, Ishikawa bus route information
Recommendation only.
Today, head to the historical city of Kyoto!
After breakfast and check-out, meet in the lobby for a private transfer to the train station.
Booked by a travel agent.
At Kanazawa station, you will be escorted to the express train to Kyoto in 1st class.
- Kanazawa: Departs in the morning.
- Kyoto: Arrives at midday.
Booked by Scenset.
As there is no designated space for large suitcases on the bullet train, we would like to recommend a luggage delivery service. If you drop off your luggage at your hotel in Tokyo, you will receive it at your hotel in Kanazawa by the next day. This is a very reliable service in Japan. Your guide & hotel staff will be happy to consult on this matter.
- The luggage larger than 160 cm in total dimension cannot be brought into the bullet train due to the train policy
Upon arrival in Kyoto, a driver will take you to your hotel.
Check in to your hotel and relax.
The rest of the day has been left for you to relax and unwind at your own pace.
Why we love it for you? Captivating from the moment you arrive until you bid it a fond farewell, this establishment exudes self-assured service, features delightfully calming interiors, boasts sensational gardens, and houses a spa so sublime that it stands as a destination in its own right.
Today is all about exploring Kyoto!
Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide.
Start at Kinkakuji, Golden Pavilion which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A shogun established this temple covered with gold leaf to show prosperity and wealth.
Then, move to the Arashiyama district in Kyoto's mountainside. Experience a short rickshaw ride through Bamboo Grove.
Continue to Tenryuji to explore one of the important Zen temples in Japan.
Afterwards, experience a private tea ceremony at a local temple. A tea master will show you how to serve tea using special utensils. Matcha tea and sweets will be served.
If time allows, you will visit Pontocho, a small alley bar typical to Kyoto.
Booked by Scenset.
Today, continue your exploration of Kyoto!
Start at Sanjusangendo which boasts the longest wooden hall in the world. There are over a thousand of Buddha statues here and it is said that there is one with a similar face to yours.
Then, visit Nishiki Market - also known as "Kyoto's kitchen" - loved by professionals and locals. Your guide is happy to show you unique Kyoto ingredients such as vegetables, tofu, sweets, tea and pickles.
From here, enjoy a private visit to a machiya townhouse (a typical wooden architecture which is registered as the city's cultural property) for a glimpse into local life. The owner is happy to show you their living area, a beautiful small tsuboniwa garden, kitchen, etc.
Enjoy an Obanzai lunch which is a Kyoto-style home cooking using seasonal ingredients.
If time allows, walk through Gion - known as geisha quarter. There are many historical townhouses renovated into cafes and souvenir shops.
Booked by Scenset.
The rest of the afternoon has been left for you to relax.
Your final two days have been left for you to explore Kyoto at your own pace.
We will provide you with some recommendations on places to explore and see closer to your departure date.
Today, bid farewell to Japan as you fly home.
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel for your private transfer to the airport in time for check-in for your flight home.
Booked by Scenset.
If you send us your international flight details, we can include them here for you.
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.