Japan Holiday Package: Explore Central Japan With Our 10 Days Japan Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Today you begin your Japan journey by boarding your international flight to Tokyo.

On reaching, you're met by your private guide and taken to your hotel. After check-in, spend the remaining of the day at leisure, just resting and relaxing after your long flight. In case you do feel like starting exploring already, make your way out to have a walk around the Imperial Gardens.

Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

The capital city of Japan, Tokyo is also the world's most populous metropolis. It is one of the country's 47 prefectures and consists of 23 central city wards and numerous cities, towns, and villages west of the city center. Tokyo apparently offers a vast choice of shopping, culture, entertainment, and dining to its tourists. The great history of the gorgeous city can be acknowledged in districts such as Asakusa and in many outstanding museums, historic temples, and gardens. As opposed to common perception, Tokyo also offers numerous beautiful green spaces in the city center as well as within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.

Your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby today for a day of Tokyo exploration. Firstly they will go through your entire trip quickly and offer any local advice so that you can enjoy the country with confidence. In the first part, the guide will explain the tour itinerary in more detail and answer any query that you might have. They can also assist you with validating your Japan rail pass in case you require. This will take up to 2 hours. Later, head out with your guide to witness some of the major attractions of the city. A good way of grasping a different perspective of the city is by embarking on the ferry from Hamarikyu Gardens, gorgeous traditional landscaped gardens with a teahouse - up to the district of Asakusa to witness the Buddhist temple of Sensoji. 

Day 3: A Day Trip to Kamakura

Another day in Tokyo at leisure. Make most of your day to get out of the city and enjoy a day trip to the seaside town of Kamakura. The train journey will take an hour and a quarter and the trains depart regularly. At Kamakura, you can visit the temples and shrines that are freckled throughout the town, perhaps hiking up to witness the 'daibutsu' (Great Buddha) via a fascinating shrine where locals come to wash money.

Day 4: One Day Tour of Matsumoto

The second largest city in Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto is well-known for Matsumotojo, which is one of Japan's most stunning original castles. The city is also an amazing base for trips into the Japanese Alps, such as to Norikura, Kamikoch or the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Matsumoto is superbly situated for a long trip into Central Japan’s nature and history. With the Kiso Valley to the East, the Japanese Alps to the West, and one of the country’s most famous castles in the middle of the city, Matsumoto has magnificent sightseeing at its fingertips.

Today, you’ll depart Tokyo and make the three-hour journey to Matsumoto located in the Japanese Alps. Here you can explore the famous 'Crow Castle'  independently with its black and white exterior, and wander around the characterful old merchant district of the city. There's also the amazing Ukiyo-e Museum that houses thousands of woodblock print work originally belonging to the wealthy Sakai family.

Day 5: Hiking Adventure in Tsumago

Make your way to the train station today to catch a train to Tsumago, which is a traditional post town. The journey will take one to two hours. Upon arrival in Tsumago, go for a hike on the Nakasendo Highway, which is an ancient route that samurai and tradesmen used to take in the 8th century. Pass quaint villages, paddy fields, and cedar forests. The walk will last around four hours.

Day 6: Heading to Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart this morning by local bus and then bullet train. The journey will take around three and a half hours. Later in the afternoon, you can take part in a private cultural activity at Kyoto's Women's Association. With the help of expert practitioners, you can sample origami, a tea ceremony and wearing a typical Japanese kimono and have an introduction to Japanese culture. After the session, spend the afternoon at leisure.

Day 7: A Walking Tour of Kyoto’s Highlights

Enjoy a full day at leisure today to explore more of Kyoto's attractions. Make your way to Nishiki market with its numerous artisan shops and restaurants. Visiting some of the sights in the northwest of the city is recommended, including the Golden Pavilion or 'Kinkakuji' and 'Ryoanji', famous for its gorgeous zen gardens. Later in the evening, your local guide will collect you for a tour of the Geisha district of Gion. As you walk around this typical entertainment district, your guide will help you notice these elusive ladies.

Day 8: Some More Time in Kyoto

Another day at leisure. Board the train to nearby Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, renowned for the Giant Buddha and Todaiji Temple. The journey will take just under an hour. Return back to Kyoto via Fushimi Inari Shrine for its splendid 'tunnels' of red torii gates that line the hillside. Try visiting this shrine in the evening as it's quieter then and more atmospheric.

Day 9: Returning Back to Tokyo

This morning, return back to Tokyo and spend a final night in the capital. The journey will take one and a quarter hour. Make the best of your last few hours in the city exploring a new corner of it. Make your way to the Imperial Palace Gardens, trendy Shinjuku, the man-made island of Odaiba, or the peaceful landscaped Hamarikyu Gardens.

Day 10: Departure Back Home

Today, you will be picked up and transferred to the international airport for your return flight back home.

If you have any queries regarding traveling in Japan or planning a visit to the country, you can fill out the inquiry form or contact us at Priyanka.sharma@Leisure.com and we’ll try to answer them for you as soon as possible. For more travel inspiration, read all our articles for some amazing trips around the world.