10 Days Essence of Japan

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to Osaka city. Begin your day with a photo stop at Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to America Mura (American Village), a lively and colorful area popular among young locals for its unique fashion, street art, and pop culture vibe.

If time permits, continue to Shinsaibashi – Osaka’s premier shopping arcade – where you can stroll through a wide variety of boutiques, souvenir shops, and local snack stalls.

After the city tour, transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Overnight in Osaka.

After breakfast, depart Osaka at 08:00 for a scenic transfer to Kobe, a charming port city known for its picturesque waterfront and historical significance.

Begin the day with a visit to Kobe Port, where you can enjoy the maritime atmosphere and take in views of the harbor. Continue to the Sake Museum to learn about the traditional brewing process of Japan’s iconic rice wine, with opportunities to explore its heritage and taste some samples.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, continue to Himeji. Upon arrival, stop for a photo opportunity outside Himeji Castle – Japan’s most spectacular feudal-era fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant before checking in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, at 8:00 AM depart Himeji and transfer to Hiroshima by coach, a journey that takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours through the scenic landscapes of western Honshu.

Upon arrival in Hiroshima, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, a deeply moving site that tells the story of the atomic bombing in 1945. Explore exhibits that highlight the history, devastation, and the city’s inspiring message of peace and resilience.

If time permits, enjoy shopping at Hiroshima Hondori Arcade, a bustling pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and local boutiques.

Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Hiroshima.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel at 08:00 and begin your journey to Izumo, a region rich in culture and history.

Start your day with a visit to Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, a beautifully reconstructed landmark surrounded by moats and gardens that reflect the city’s samurai heritage.

Continue onward to Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines, known as the gathering place of the gods. Take time to admire its majestic wooden structures and peaceful spiritual atmosphere.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, transfer to Matsue, a historic city often referred to as the “City of Water.”

Upon arrival, visit Matsue Castle – one of Japan’s few remaining original castles – offering panoramic views of the surrounding area from its tower.

Stroll along Shiomi Nawate Street, a charming old samurai district lined with preserved wooden houses and a traditional ambiance.

End the day with dinner at a local restaurant, then check in to your hotel and relax.

Overnight in Matsue.

After breakfast, depart from your hotel at 08:00 and begin your journey to Tottori, a city renowned for its unique desert-like landscape and cultural attractions.

Upon arrival, explore the famous Tottori Sand Dunes – the largest in Japan – where you can enjoy panoramic views of rolling sandy hills set against the Sea of Japan. Nearby, visit the Sand Museum, which showcases extraordinary sand sculptures created by artists from around the world, each year featuring a different international theme.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, transfer to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital and cultural heart.

Upon arrival in Kyoto, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before checking in to your hotel for the night.

Overnight in Kyoto.

After breakfast, depart from your hotel at 08:00 to begin exploring Kyoto, a city steeped in history and tradition.

Start the morning with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf and set beside a tranquil reflecting pond. Continue to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks, offering panoramic views of the city from its famous wooden terrace.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

If time permits, stop for shopping at Aeon Mall Ogaki Branch, where you can browse through a variety of shops offering fashion, cosmetics, and Japanese souvenirs.

In the afternoon, transfer to Nagoya. Upon arrival, have dinner at a local restaurant before checking in to your hotel.

Overnight in Nagoya.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel at 08:00 and transfer to the Mt. Fuji area, home to some of Japan’s most iconic natural scenery.

Upon arrival, visit Kawaguchi Lake or Oishi Park, depending on time and weather conditions. Both spots offer stunning views of Mt. Fuji—either reflected across the calm lake waters or framed by seasonal flowers in the serene park setting.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, if weather permits, continue to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, where you can experience panoramic views and the unique atmosphere of being partway up Japan’s sacred mountain.

In the evening, savor a traditional Japanese dinner followed by a rejuvenating onsen bath experience.

Overnight in the Mt. Fuji area.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel at 08:00 and begin the day with a visit to Oshino Hakkai Village, a peaceful traditional village known for its crystal-clear spring water ponds fed by the melting snow from Mt. Fuji. Stroll through charming lanes, take in views of thatched-roof houses, and enjoy a serene glimpse into rural Japan.

After the visit, continue your journey with a transfer to Yokohama, Japan’s vibrant port city.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest and most colorful Chinatowns in the world, filled with shops, street food, and cultural sights. Afterwards, take a walk along Yokohama Port, where modern cityscape meets the bay, offering a refreshing coastal atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Tokyo. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before checking in to your hotel.

Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel at 08:00 to begin a full day of exploring Tokyo, Japan’s dynamic capital city.

Start your morning with a visit to Asakusa Temple (Senso-ji), Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. Stroll along the bustling Nakamise shopping street leading up to the temple, lined with traditional snacks and souvenir shops. Continue with a photo stop outside the Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest towers in the world, offering a striking contrast between tradition and modernity.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, stop by the Imperial Palace for a photo opportunity at the outer gardens and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, where Japan’s history and elegance quietly reside in the heart of the capital.

If time permits, enjoy shopping in Akihabara, known for electronics and anime culture, or Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district with luxury boutiques and department stores.

Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the final day of your journey with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Head up to the observation deck for a panoramic view of Tokyo’s skyline—on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Continue to Odaiba Bay, a futuristic entertainment and shopping district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Take in scenic waterfront views and enjoy the relaxing coastal atmosphere.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Narita International Airport for your departure flight.

We hope you had a memorable journey through Japan. Wishing you a safe and pleasant trip home!