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. Whilst Tokyo & Kyoto will be the bedrock of any itinerary, we also recommend spending a couple of nights off the beaten path, where you can relax and experience the Japanese countryside.
June 21st - 26th | Tokyo | 5 nights
June 26th - 28th | Kanazawa | 2 nights
June 28th - July 1st | Kyoto | 3 nights
July 1st - 2nd | Hiroshima | 1 night
July 2nd - 5th | Osaka | 3 nights
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.
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.
Note that you need to send it the day prior, in order for it to arrive on time.
The fee will be provided.
We'll be happy to chat with you about this in further detail.
Please note, you will need to take an overnight bag with you for your stay in Kaga Onsen.
July typically brings warm to hot temperatures, abundant sunshine, and long daylight hours in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. This pleasant summer weather creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities, from beach trips to hiking adventures. With schools on break and many people taking vacations, July offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for exploring new destinations and enjoying a wide range of festivals and events.
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!
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
We'll add your flight information here.
Welcome to Tokyo! Today, your adventure begins.
Meet your driver in the arrivals area of the airport, after clearing customs. Upon meeting your driver, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Booked by a travel agent.
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. Recommendation only, no booking has been made.
The rest of the afternoon has been left for you to relax and explore at your own pace.
Why we love it for you: The Peninsula Tokyo offers an unparalleled luxury experience with its elegant rooms and impeccable service. Its prime location in the Ginza area provides easy access to Tokyo's top attractions, shopping districts, and dining options. The hotel boasts stunning views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and the Tokyo skyline from many of its rooms and common areas. Guests can indulge in world-class dining at the hotel's multiple restaurants, including the Michelin-starred restaurant. The Peninsula's spa and wellness facilities, including its indoor pool and fitness center, offer a perfect retreat from the bustling city.
- 1 x Deluxe Room 1 x Deluxe Twin Room w/extra bed
- Breakfast included
Booked by someone
A few of our favorite eateries in Tokyo are:
- Roppongi Robataya is one of the best slow grill restaurants in Tokyo!
- Kamon offers some of the best beef dishes in Tokyo in this renowned teppanyaki restaurant.
- Kyubey is one of the most well-known sushi establishments in Tokyo.
- Sushi Kanesaka is a Michelin-star restaurant offering some of the best sushi in the city!
- Ginza Kojyu is a two Michelin-star Japanese eaterie that has become known for its creativity and excellence.
- Den offers modern kaiseki cuisine with a touch of charm and humor.
- Joël Robuchon is an excellent French restaurant by one of the world's most celebrated French chefs.
- Ukaitei Omotesando is a French-inspired teppanyaki restaurant with a great wine list amidst an opulent setting.
- La Rochelle is a southern French-inspired restaurant, boasting an elaborate menu created by a famous French cuisine chef.
- Chez Ino is an upscale institution for French fine dining with artfully presented dishes & a long wine list.
- Shima is great for Wagyu sandwiches!
- Homemade Raman Muginae is a great pick for fantastic ramen.
Today you will enjoy a full-day guided tour of this fascinating city with a local guide by private mini bus.
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.
Then enjoy a scenic drive through the Imperial Palace Plaza, offering views of the historic Double Bridges and surrounding moat. The tour begins at the revered Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, followed by a stroll through the vibrant Harajuku district, where you'll have time to explore its unique culture.
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.
The tour concludes in the late afternoon with a return to your hotel.
Booked by scenset.
- 1 x Deluxe Room 1 x Deluxe Twin Room w/extra bed
- Breakfast included
Booked by a guest
Begin your day by meeting your English-speaking guide, in the hotel lobby before embarking on a tour to the Mt. Fuji area. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours along a scenic highway, leading to the Mt. Fuji Fifth Station, located at an elevation of 2,305 meters, where you can enjoy a close view of the summit. If you'd like, your guide will accompany you on a short hike around the Fifth Station.
Following this, you'll head to the base of the mountain for lunch at a Fujiyama Teracce at Highland Resort. The tour continues with a visit to a kimono museum established by a renowned contemporary kimono designer with a strong reputation in Europe, known for their Mt. Fuji-themed designs.
Next, you'll explore Oshino Hakkai, a collection of eight mysterious ponds fed by the underground waters of Mt. Fuji. Here, you can visit a preserved area with traditional thatch-roofed houses and take in the idyllic scenery with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop.
The tour concludes with your return to Tokyo, arriving back at your hotel in the early evening.
Booked by scenset.
- 1 x Deluxe Room 1 x Deluxe Twin Room w/extra bed
- Breakfast included
Booked by a guest
Today you'll visit Disney! Disney is on your own arrangement. A hotel staff member will be happy to help arrange transportation for you.
- 1 x Deluxe Room 1 x Deluxe Twin Room w/extra bed
- Breakfast included
Booked by a guest
Spend today at leisure enjoying this wonderful city at your own pace. Reservations at the hedgehog and/or cat/pig cafes will be made in advance.
- 1 x Deluxe Room 1 x Deluxe Twin Room w/extra bed
- Breakfast included
Booked by a guest
After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Tokyo Station.
Upon arrival at the station, you’ll be guided to an Ekiben (box lunch) shop to purchase a meal before proceeding to the bullet train platform.
You will then be escorted to the first-class section of the bullet train bound for Kanazawa.
Booked by Scenset.
Recommendation for Luggage delivery service(not included):
- 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 Kyoto by the next day. The fee will be provided. Your guide & hotel staff will be happy to consult on this matter upon arrival in Japan.
The luggage larger than 160 cm in total dimension cannot be brought into the bullet train due to the train policy
Please bring an overnight bag with you for your Kaga Onsen's stay.
Take the bullet train to Kanazawa.
Booked by someone
During the Edo Period, Kanazawa served as the seat of a powerful feudal clan, second only to the Tokugawa in terms of rice production and fief size. Accordingly, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements. During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan's second-largest city (after Kyoto) 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.
Arrive at Kanazawa station and meet your English-speaking guide at the train platform.
Booked by Scenset.
After meeting your guide you will start your tour by exploring Omicho Market, where you can experience local life and browse approximately 170 specialty food shops and restaurants, featuring Kanazawa's renowned seafood from the cold Japan Sea and fresh Kaga Yasai vegetables.
Next, stroll along Nagamachi Bukeyashiki Street, famous for its former samurai residences. You will visit one of these historic residences, complete with a charming small garden.
Continue to Kenrokuen Garden, celebrated as one of Japan's top three gardens. This strolling garden boasts picturesque ponds, traditional architecture, meticulously trimmed pine trees, and elegant stone lanterns.
The tour concludes with your arrival at the hotel in Kaga Onsen in the late afternoon.
Booked by Scenset.
Why we love it for you: The Kayotei is a luxurious boutique ryokan that offers an intimate and authentic Japanese experience in Kanazawa. With only 10 elegantly designed suites, it provides personalized service and attention to detail that larger hotels can't match. The hotel's private in-room onsen baths, filled with natural hot spring water, allow guests to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of Japanese bathing in complete privacy.
Additionally, the Kayotei's location in the picturesque Yamanaka Onsen area provides a serene escape from the city, while still being accessible to Kanazawa's main attractions. The combination of traditional ryokan hospitality, gourmet kaiseki cuisine, and the rejuvenating onsen experience makes the Kayotei a truly exceptional choice for discerning travelers seeking a boutique hotel experience in Kanazawa.
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 then take a stroll to explore the Kutani ware kiln ruins.
- For personalized recommendations, your guide and hotel concierge, will be available to provide additional information tailored to your interests upon your arrival including additional public onsen experiences.
Recommendation only.
Today you'll head to Kyoto!
Meet your English-speaking escort staff in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the Kaga Onsen station.
Booked by Scenset.
Arrive at the train station and board your train to Tsuruga.
Booked by a travel agency.
Recommendation for Luggage delivery service(not included):
- 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 Kyoto by the next day. The fee will be provided. Your guide & hotel staff will be happy to consult on this matter upon arrival in Japan.
The luggage larger than 160 cm in total dimension cannot be brought into the bullet train due to the train policy
Please bring an overnight bag with you for your Kaga Onsen's stay.
Take the bullet train to Kyoto.
Booked by Scenset
For direct trains between Kaga Onsen and Kyoto/Osaka, due to the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train in the Kanazawa area) and the revision of the timetable, the government recently announced that no direct trains will be operated after March 16, and every passenger will have to transfer from a bullet train to an express train at Tsuruga station.
Arrive at Tsuruga station, and meet your English-speaking guide at the platform. You will be escorted to an express train platform. (a bullet train platform 3rd floor to an express train platform 1st floor)
Booked by Scenset.
Arrive at Kyoto station; a guide will take you to lunch at a local restaurant before your tour begins.
Kyoto is the nation’s former capital and was the residence of the emperor from 794 until 1868. With 2,000 religious buildings, including 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens, and associated architecture, it is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan and has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Kyoto represents the “Japan of old” and beyond the high-rise skyscrapers built as a monument to progress, the real monument to Japan’s historical and cultural past can be found in the city’s narrow alleyways where tea houses abound and kimono-clad geisha hurry around.
After lunch, your private guide will lead you on an engaging tour of Kyoto.
Start with Sanjusangendo, renowned for housing the longest wooden hall in the world. Inside, you’ll find over a thousand Buddha statues, with a local legend claiming that one of them bears a resemblance to you.
Then, you'll be escorted to Nijo Castle, known for its impressive architecture adorned with intricate carvings and wall paintings.
Finally, walk through Gion, known as geisha quarter. There are many historical townhouses renovated into cafe and souvenir shops.
Booked by Scenset.
Blending innovative ideas with traditions spanning centuries, Japan's ancient imperial city buzzes with the energy of skilled artisans.
A few of our favourites are:
- Kanaami-Tsuji - in his workshop near Kodai-ji Temple, an artisan modernizes the traditional kyo-kanaami metal weaving passed down through his family, creating both beautiful and durable items like tofu servers and wire baskets. Close by, a cleaning supply shop since 1818 near Sanjo Bridge, offers natural palm brooms and scrubbers, serving ryokan innkeepers and temple caretakers.
- Hisoca is great for ceramics! Located west of the Imperial Palace, Hisoca is a cozy shop where the owner offers a collection of joy-sparking, mainly Japanese-crafted dining essentials. The range includes traditional nabe pots, Okayama plates, Osakan wooden trays, and locally made smoked-glass cups, beautifully presented on the shop’s shelves.
- Good is Good - the minimalist Good Is Good, opened by an artist couple near the atelier-packed Kita-ku ward doubles as an art gallery, ceramics store and teahouse. Rotating exhibitions with works by the owners and their artistic friends dictate the store’s erratic opening hours.
- Saluk, located in a village on the way to Kurama-dera temple, Saluk is a craft gallery featuring metalware by a Kyushu-born artisan, made in their workshop there. Their notable creations include silver-laced chopstick rests and flavor-enhancing tin sake cups. Besides metalware, Saluk offers whimsical glass art, rustic Hokkaido ceramics, and notebooks with reclaimed kimono fabric covers.
- Shuka, dubbed a "bean boutique," the family-operated Shuka focuses on a select range of carefully chosen seeds and beans – including local adzuki beans, Indonesian cashews, and black soybeans from Hyogo. They expertly cook, dry and then sweeten these beans with specific types of sugar to complement their natural flavors.
- Yugen is great for matcha an approachable alternative to the slightly intimidating traditional teahouses. From behind a bar-like counter, the staff can advise you on their selection of locally grown matcha teas, while the bamboo whisks from Nara and ceramic tea bowls help you build out your expert-level matcha kit.
- Graphpaper, launched in 2015, is known for its minimalist streetwear, including boxy shirts and neutral basics, and has quickly gained popularity in Tokyo. Its Kyoto branch occupies a century-old machiya in Nakagyo-ku, blending traditional architecture with a modern concrete exterior. Inside, a mossy courtyard leads to a kura storehouse turned display room, showcasing exclusive collaborations with global brands like Mizuno and Is-ness.
- POJ Studio (short for Pieces of Japan), aims to demystify the world of Japanese craft by bringing artisans and their stories together in a shoppable showroom. Pitched up in a timeworn machiya townhouse behind the Toyokuni Shrine in the east of the city, the space is a one-stop shop for rustic dinnerware, indigo-dyed noren curtains, and made-to-order furniture crafted from hinoki wood. The workshop upstairs hosts incense-making classes and kintsugi (repairing with gold lacquer) sessions led by a master craftsman.
- D&Department, nestled within a wooden structure at the 14th-century Bukko-ji temple, curates timeless and durable goods from across Japan's 47 prefectures, including enamel kettles from Tochigi, lacquer bowls from Ishikawa, and washi paper stationery from Toyama. The store focuses especially on Kyoto products, featuring tea from the historic Horaido teashop, urushi-coated straws, and natural dashi powders by the 1803-established Uneno.
These are recommendations only.
Why we love it for you: Hotel Mitsui in Kyoto stands out as an exceptional choice for first-time visitors, seamlessly combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts. Situated in the heart of Kyoto, this hotel offers a serene escape with proximity to renowned attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and Gion District, providing an authentic experience of Kyoto's cultural treasures. With its meticulously designed interiors, exquisite dining options, and a commitment to hospitality, Hotel Mitsui ensures an enchanting stay that captures the essence of Kyoto's timeless beauty for newcomers to the city.
Hotel Mitsui Kyoto
2 x Premier Rooms (1 Twin w/extra bed)
- Breakfast included
Enjoy a final day of family exploration in Kyoto!
Meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby to begin your tour.
Start your exploration in the Arashiyama district on Kyoto's picturesque mountainside and visit the monkey park.
Enjoy a 30-minute rickshaw ride through the enchanting Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryuji, one of Japan's significant Zen temples. Afterward, return to Kyoto city center for lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit Tenryuji, one of the important Zen temples in Japan. Enjoy a shojin cuisine with vegetarian dishes eaten by Buddhism monks. You will be escorted to Gioji temple with a small moss garden & thatch-roofed temple hall, which was established as a nunnery.
After that, you will be escorted to Saga Toriimoto area, registered as a preserved area by Kyoto city. Located along the ancient pilgrimage to Atago shrine, the Toriimoto area has a picturesque rural scenset with old houses established by farmers, merchants, foresters, etc.
Now the buildings have been repurposed into cafes, teahouses, antique stores, craft shops, etc. In the late afternoon, enjoy a private tea ceremony led by a tea master. Matcha tea will be served with seasonal sweets.
Booked by Scenset.
Hotel Mitsui Kyoto
2 x Premier Rooms (1 Twin w/extra bed)
- Breakfast included
Hotel Mitsui Kyoto
2 x Premier Rooms (1 Twin w/extra bed)
- Breakfast included
Enjoy your final day at leisure enjoying this wonderful city at your own pace. Recommendations will be provided after booking.
Hotel Mitsui Kyoto
2 x Premier Rooms (1 Twin w/extra bed)
- Breakfast included
Meet your English speaking driver in the hotel lobby and transfer to Kyoto station (20 minutes) where you will be escorted to the bullet train platform to Hiroshima in first class. Lunch at a local restaurant is included.
Time will be provided
Take the bullet train to Hiroshima
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 Kyoto, you will receive it at your hotel in Hiroshima by the next day. 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
Meet your guide on the platform as you disembark the train. They will know from which car you will be exiting.
Touring today will be done by private car. You will proceed by private vehicle & shared ferry to the island of Miyajima.
Take a 10-minute ferry ride to Miyajima, a sacred island and UNESCO World Heritage site. This is one of Japan's most iconic locations, and the shrine's vermillion-colored architecture appears to float on the sea.
The shrine's vermillion-colored architecture appears to float on the sea. Then, enjoy a short hike to a gondola station. Pass through the picturesque red Momiji bridge in a pristine forest. Take two gondolas to reach the top of Mt. Misen. From the observation point, small islands in the Seto Inland Sea, oyster farms, and the wider Hiroshima area can be observed in clear weather. Afterwards, return to the base and be escorted to a hidden temple featuring numerous stone Buddhas and a five-story pagoda. Take a 10-minute ferry back to the mainland.
During this day, your knowledgeable guide will accompany you to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park. You'll reach the park area conveniently via a 20-minute streetcar ride. Within the park, you'll encounter various monuments erected to symbolize our collective aspirations for everlasting peace.
The museum will provide in-depth insights into Hiroshima's history, both pre and post the atomic bombing, through a captivating display of exhibits, photographs, and informative films.
Head to the top of Orizuru Tower where you can enjoy views of the city, as well as a lesson in Origami. As a symbol of a wish for world peace, your crane can be kept as a souvenir or dropped down into a glass panel wall that will be filled up with folded cranes.
Transfer back to Hiroshima city by shared ferry and private car.
Why we love it for you: 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 comfortable sleep experience.
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima
1 x Deluxe Corner King 1 x Deluxe Twin
- Breakfast included
Booked Independently
Check out, and proceed to the trainstation for your bullet train to Osaka.
Booked by Scenset
Take the bullet train to Osaka.
This morning meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and embark on today's tour.
Begin your journey at the historic Osaka Castle, a magnificent 16th-century landmark. Explore its expansive grounds and learn about its pivotal role in Japanese history.
Stroll through the lively Shinsaibashi shopping arcade, leading to the iconic Dotonbori Canal, renowned for its towering billboards and vibrant neon lights. Delight in local Osaka delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Discover the charming Hozenji Yokocho, a quaint, narrow alleyway lined with traditional bars and eateries, offering a glimpse into Osaka’s rich culture.
Head to Osaka's Kita district to visit the architecturally stunning Umeda Sky Building. Ascend to the Floating Garden Observatory on the 39th floor for panoramic views of Greater Osaka.
If time permits, explore Tenjinbashisuji, Japan's longest shopping arcade stretching over 2.6 kilometers, home to over 600 shops offering everything from food and fashion to bars and supermarkets.
Return to your hotel in Osaka in the late afternoon.
In the evening, enjoy a food tour of Osaka, experiencing delectable delights first hand with your guide.
Booked by Scenset.
Why We Love It For You: A hotel in Osaka offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and Japanese hospitality in the heart of Osaka. Its sleek and stylish rooms provide a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring the vibrant city. The hotel's prime location makes it easy to access popular attractions, shopping districts, and public transportation. Guests can indulge in delicious cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which showcases both local and international flavors. The attentive staff and excellent amenities, including a fitness center and communal lounge, ensure a memorable and enjoyable stay for all visitors.
- Studio King, 1 Corner Studio Twin Room
- Breakfast included
Booked by a person.
Enjoy a day at leisure enjoying this wonderful city at your own pace.
- Studio King, 1 Corner Studio Twin Room
- Breakfast included
Booked by a guest.
Begin your journey at the historic Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha housed in the largest wooden structure in the world. Explore its expansive grounds and learn about its pivotal role in Japanese history.
Next, visit Nara Park, a vast green space established in the late 19th century and surrounded by many of Nara's most famous sightseeing spots. The park is home to over one thousand deer, once considered messengers of the gods and now a symbol of the city. Purchase deer crackers to feed these tame but sometimes aggressive natural treasures.
Discover the charming Naramachi, Nara's old merchant district. Stroll through narrow streets lined with preserved traditional residential buildings and warehouses, now home to boutiques, shops, cafes, and museums. Don't miss the World Heritage Site of Gangoji Temple within this area.
As the day winds down, visit a small sake brewery where you can sample local brews.
Return to your hotel in Osaka in the late afternoon.
Booked by Scenset.
- Studio King, 1 Corner Studio Twin Room
- Breakfast included
Booked by a user.
Meet your English-speaking escort staff in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to Osaka airport for your flight out of KIX in Osaka.
Booked by Scenset. (return flight home booked independently)
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.