Beyond the Icons Japan Tour

A Deeper Journey Through Japan’s Golden Route

Experience Japan’s Golden Route through cultural encounters, craftsmanship and local people.

Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and enjoy a private Alphard transfer to the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, your home for the next two nights. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing after your flight or exploring the city at your own pace.
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar (2 nights)
Transfer: Private Alphard, approximately 2–3 hours.

Day 2 – Tokyo: Sumo & Traditional Culture
Begin your day with a visit to a sumo stable to observe morning practice, subject to availability. Meet your private guide at 10:00 and explore historic Asakusa, including a proposed traditional artisan workshop visit. Continue to Nihonbashi and Ginza, discovering Tokyo’s rich heritage and modern charm.
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
Guide: Private guide, 10:00–16:30
Transfer: Private Alphard, 07:30–17:00
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Tokyo to Hakone: Mountains & Onsen
Depart Tokyo by private Alphard and travel to the scenic mountain region of Hakone, enjoying sightseeing along the way. Check into your traditional Japanese ryokan for a two-night stay, unwind in the relaxing onsen and savour an authentic seasonal kaiseki dinner.
Accommodation: Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU or similar (2 nights)
Transfer: Private Alphard, 09:00–18:00
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 – Hakone: Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi
Enjoy a scenic day exploring Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, taking in beautiful lakeside views and spectacular mountain scenery. Travel at a leisurely pace, with stops adapted to weather and visibility, before returning to your ryokan in Hakone.
Accommodation: Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU or similar
Transfer: Private Alphard, 09:00–17:00
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Hakone to Kyoto: Gion & Geisha Experience
Travel from Hakone to Kyoto by Green Car Shinkansen and transfer to your hotel for a four-night stay. In the afternoon, explore the historic streets of Higashiyama and Gion with your private guide. Enjoy an exclusive evening at a traditional ochaya, featuring a private banquet with geiko and maiko, offering an authentic insight into Kyoto’s cultural traditions.
Accommodation: Hilton Kyoto or similar (4 nights)
Guide: Private guide, 16:00–21:00
Transfers: Private Alphard & Green Car Shinkansen
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 – Kyoto: Temples & Historic Streets
Discover Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage with your private guide, exploring beautiful temples, historic Higashiyama and traditional neighbourhoods. Wander through charming streets lined with machiya townhouses and experience the customs and traditions that continue to shape everyday life in Kyoto.
Accommodation: Hilton Kyoto or similar
Guide: Private guide, 09:00–17:00
Transfer: Private Alphard, 09:00–17:00
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Tea Experience
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Kyoto before an immersive tea experience with a traditional tea master. Discover the art of Japanese tea, exploring its rituals, seasonal sweets, elegant utensils and the philosophy of hospitality.
Accommodation: Hilton Kyoto or similar
Experience: Private tea session with a tea master
Transfer: Private Alphard, 10:00–15:00, with return transfer included
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Kyoto: Traditional Artisan Experience
Discover Kyoto’s rich craftsmanship with an exclusive visit to a traditional artisan’s studio in Nishijin. Accompanied by a specialist guide, learn about time-honoured techniques, explore the creative process and discover how traditional Japanese crafts inspire contemporary design. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Hilton Kyoto or similar
Guide: Specialist guide, 09:30–14:30
Transfer: Private Alphard, 09:30–15:00
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Kyoto to Osaka: Castle, Culture & Cuisine
Travel from Kyoto to Osaka by private Alphard and discover the city's vibrant culture with your private guide. Visit Osaka Castle, explore bustling markets and shopping streets, and experience the city's renowned food scene, finishing in the lively Dotonbori district.
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Osaka or similar (2 nights)
Guide: Private guide, 10:00–18:00
Transfer: Private Alphard, 09:00–18:00
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 – Osaka: Leisure & Exploration
Enjoy a day at leisure in Osaka, exploring vibrant neighbourhoods, shopping or discovering the city at your own pace. For a memorable culinary experience, an optional reservation at an exclusive kappo restaurant or chef’s counter can be arranged.
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Osaka or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Activities: Day at leisure

Day 11 – Osaka to Tokyo: Fashion & Japanese Denim
Travel from Osaka to Tokyo by Green Car Shinkansen before embarking on a private fashion and culture tour. Explore Harajuku, Omotesando and Aoyama, discovering Japanese denim, contemporary fashion, architecture and design. Continue to vibrant Shibuya before returning to your hotel.
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar (2 nights)
Guide: Fashion & culture guide, 13:00–18:00
Transfers: Private Alphard & Green Car Shinkansen
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 – Tokyo: Market & Sushi Experience
Begin your day with a guided visit to Tsukiji or Toyosu fish market, discovering Japan’s seafood traditions and seasonal ingredients. Continue to a private sushi masterclass with an expert chef, culminating in a delicious sushi lunch. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure with your private Alphard at your disposal.
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
Guide: Market specialist, approximately 07:00–08:30, followed by a sushi masterclass
Transfer: Morning transfers included; private Alphard, 12:00–18:00
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 13 – Tokyo: Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and transferring by private Alphard to the airport for your flight home, bringing your unforgettable Japanese journey to an end.
Transfer: Private Alphard, approximately 2–3 hours
Meals: Breakfast

Overall Tour Inclusions

• Private Guided Tours: 7 days (39 hours) with specialist guides, including cultural, historical, culinary and fashion experiences.
• Private Transportation: Luxury Alphard for 9 sightseeing days (66 hours), plus 5 airport, station and hotel transfer services.
• Train Travel: Green Car Shinkansen tickets for 2 guests from Odawara to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo.
• Exclusive Experiences: Sumo morning practice, private geisha banquet, traditional tea ceremony, master artisan studio visit, Japanese denim and fashion tour, and a private sushi masterclass.
• Accommodation: 12 nights in proposed luxury hotels across Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka, quoted separately.
• Meals: Private geisha banquet dinner and sushi masterclass lunch included. Hotel breakfasts and the Hakone ryokan dinner are arranged separately.
• Additional Services: Daily concierge and reservation assistance, scheduled local transfers and luggage forwarding for 2 guests.

Please note: Hotel accommodation and accommodation-linked meals are excluded from the land-only rate. All experiences and arrangements are subject to availability and final confirmation.

Inclusions

• Land arrangements for 2 guests, including private guides on 7 days (39 hours).
• Luxury Alphard transportation for 9 sightseeing days (66 hours), plus 5 airport and station transfers.
• Green Car Shinkansen tickets from Odawara to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo.
• Exclusive cultural experiences, including sumo practice, traditional artisan workshops, a private geisha banquet, Japanese tea, fashion and denim experiences, and a sushi masterclass.
• Guided admissions, scheduled local transfers and all associated vehicle costs.
• Luggage forwarding between destinations, restaurant reservation assistance and daily online concierge support.
• Full itinerary planning and trip management.
• Private ozashiki dinner and sushi masterclass lunch.

Exclusions

• International and domestic flights.
• Hotel accommodation, breakfasts, ryokan dinner and other meals or drinks not specifically included.
• Travel insurance, visas and gratuities.
• Personal expenses, shopping, excess baggage and porterage.
• Optional activities, additional transportation and services outside the scheduled itinerary.
• Early check-in and late check-out unless specified.

Important Notes

All arrangements are indicative and subject to availability and final confirmation. The quotation is land-only for 2 guests, with accommodation priced separately. Cultural experiences depend on host availability, while Mount Fuji views are weather-dependent. Airport transfers are provisionally based on Narita Airport. No services are currently booked.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

• Booking becomes firm upon payment of a 20% non-refundable deposit.
• The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than one month prior to the tour departure date.
• 29–15 days before: 30% of total cost.
• 14–7 days before: 50% of total cost.
• 6 days before / no-shows: 100% non-refundable.