Capitals and Treasures of Japan
- 13 days
- Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa
Set out to discover Japan’s Capitals and Treasures, an exceptional itinerary designed to let you experience Japan in all its richness and diversity.
From the fascinating bustle of Tokyo, where ultra-modern megacities rub shoulders with preserved neighborhoods from another era, to the soothing landscapes of Hakone, this journey takes you to the heart of the Japanese soul. Facing Mount Fuji, amidst hot springs and refined ryokans, each stop invites you to slow down, soak in the atmosphere, and let yourself be surprised. In Kyoto, the former imperial capital, let yourself be enchanted by the timeless beauty of its temples, gardens, and historic alleyways, before a getaway to Nara, the cradle of Japanese civilization, where free-roaming deer and millennia-old monuments share the same serenity.
Further afield, the sacred island of Miyajima welcomes you to a timeless setting, where spirituality and nature merge into an unforgettable scene. Finally, elegant Kanazawa reveals its well-preserved treasures: legendary gardens, samurai heritage, and contemporary art, just a stone’s throw from the Sea of Japan.
A harmonious and inspiring journey, ideal for a first visit to Japan or for rediscovering the country in a new light.
Why choose Japan Experience ?
What's included in this tour?
What’s not included
Your trip in detail
This 4-day itinerary explores Tokyo’s iconic neighborhoods, combining modern attractions with cultural sites: Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Tsukiji, Asakusa, and the Tokyo Skytree.
On the last day, you’re free to choose from a variety of optional activities based on your interests (museums, theme parks, themed tours, and more)!
or similar category 3* hotel
Arrival at Tokyo Airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!
Meet and Greet at the customs exit by our airport assistant, who will provide you with all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
Transfer from the airport to Tokyo (unaccompanied).
This transfer is via a shared shuttle with other guests heading to the same hotel or a hotel near yours. These shuttles depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight’s scheduled arrival, and stops may be made before reaching your hotel.
If you would like a private transfer, with no stops and immediately after your flight’s actual arrival, please select the “Private Taxi from the Airport” option.
For your first day in Tokyo, we recommend visiting:
- Harajuku, the trendy neighborhood for young people
- Meiji Jingu, the grand imperial shrine
- Takeshita-dori, Tokyo’s must-see street
- Omotesando, Tokyo’s “Champs-Élysées”
- Shibuya and its famous intersection
For your second day of sightseeing, we suggest visiting:
- Ginza, the upscale district
- Tsukiji, the food market
- Hama-rikyu, a Japanese garden nestled among the skyscrapers
- Asakusa, the capital’s traditional district
- The Buddhist temple Senso-ji
- Tokyo Skytree, the observation tower
Informations
Please note that tickets for Hama-rikyu and the Tokyo Sky Tree are not included and must be purchased separately.
Per sfruttare al meglio il vostro soggiorno a Tokyo, il nostro consiglio è di concludere il viaggio con un'ampia gamma di entusiasmanti attività opzionali:
- Voglia di divertimento? Il Warner Bros. Studio Tour - Harry Potter, Disneyland o il parco Hello Kitty vi aspettano.
- Preferite esperienze a tema? Scegliete tra un tour architettonico, una passeggiata in un giardino giapponese, una lezione di cucina casalinga o persino i biglietti per uno spettacolo di teatro Noh.
- Cercate il brivido? Fate un tour panoramico in elicottero o assistete a un torneo di sumo (secondo stagionalità)!
- Cercate un'escursione di un giorno? A soli 45 minuti di treno si trova Kamakura, un'affascinante città costiera ricca di storia.
Concludete la giornata in bellezza con una passeggiata serale attraverso Shinjuku, uno dei quartieri più vivaci di Tokyo. Incontrate la vostra guida in prima serata per un tour a piedi unico della durata di circa un'ora e mezza, durante il quale esplorerete Kabukicho e Golden Gai, tra le altre zone.
This day takes you from Tokyo to the scenic hot-spring region of Hakone. After sending your luggage ahead to Kyoto, you’ll travel light to Hakone, where you can enjoy views of Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji and the volcanic valley of Owakudani. You’ll end the day with a traditional Japanese dinner and a relaxing night in a ryokan.
(or similar category 3* hotel)
In the morning, you can have your luggage sent to your hotel in Kyoto so you can travel light during your two days in Hakone, then board a train bound for Hakone. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon.
Let yourself be enchanted by the magnificent scenery of the hot spring resort, Lake Ashi with its view of Mount Fuji, and the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car.
Return to the ryokan in the late afternoon, as your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you around 6:30 p.m., before you spend a night in the Japanese style!
From historical landmarks and iconic temples to traditional neighborhoods and a side trip to Nara, immerse yourself in the heart of Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Three action-packed days to savor all the charm of Kyoto before a leisurely return home.
(or similar category 3* hotel)
Traditional Japanese breakfast at a ryokan.
In the morning, travel to Kyoto by shinkansen.
Start your afternoon with:
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the Great Water Temple;
- The historic alleys of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka;
- Kôdai-ji, Kyoto’s temple of maple trees and bamboo.
End your day with a stroll and enjoy the sunset.
Meet your guide in the early evening to begin your evening stroll through Gion, the historic district of Kyoto (you’ll find more details on the exact date and meeting place in your travel guide).
Information
Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion.
For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:
- The Zen garden at Ryoan-ji;
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion);
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The enchanting Path of Philosophy;
- Nanzen-ji Temple.
For your last day in Kyoto, we recommend heading to Nara (a 50-minute trip included in your JR Pass).
Tour of Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital in the 8th century.
Discover:
- The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns;
- Tōdai-ji, its great bronze Buddha, and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate;
- Kōfuku-ji Temple and its charming pagoda
Return to Kyoto for sunset at Fushimi Inari-taisha, the immense shrine with Kyoto’s 10,000 torii.
Head to Miyajima for a timeless getaway: a legendary shrine perched on the sea, spectacular views from Mount Misen, and a night in a ryokan in the heart of the island. An authentic Japanese experience, blending spirituality, nature, and the good life.
or similar category 3* hotel
In the morning, head to Hiroshima.
Once you arrive in Hiroshima, take your time checking into your hotel. Then head out to visit the park and the Peace Memorial, the castle and its park filled with cherry trees (depending on the season), before sampling one of Hiroshima’s specialties: okonomiyaki!
Breakfast at the hotel.
It’s time to explore the island! The Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and its grand Torii gate standing in the sea are must-see sights.
Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and walk back down. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you!
Don’t miss the Daisho-in Buddhist Temple, nestled among the trees at the foot of Mount Misen. The grounds are home to hundreds of Buddhist statues scattered throughout the pavilions and along the paths.
In the late afternoon, return to your hotel in Hiroshima.
Nestled between the Japanese Alps and the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa embodies the elegance of a refined and well-preserved Japan. Legendary gardens, a samurai heritage, contemporary art, and gourmet markets come together to create a destination that is as culturally rich as it is sensorially delightful.
or similar category 3* hotel
Breakfast at the hotel.
Before leaving your hotel, you’ll send your luggage to your hotel in Tokyo (details in your travel itinerary; please check with the hotel front desk) so you can travel light for the final leg of your tour.
On the way, we suggest a stop in Himeji to explore the “White Heron,” the famous castle listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Set out to explore Kanazawa, nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps.
- Kenroku-en, Kanazawa’s magnificent Japanese garden;
- The Museum of Contemporary Art and its outdoor gallery;
- Omicho, the fish market on the Sea of Japan;
- The Nomura House, a former samurai residence, and its picturesque old quarter.
Direct transfer to Tokyo Haneda or Narita Airport.
If you prefer a private transfer, direct to the airport with no stops along the way, select the "Private Taxi to the Airport" option.
Return flight to your home country, but feel free to extend your stay by a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... we’d be happy to help!



