Kathy Sharpe
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Tokyo Arrival
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, meet your driver and head to your first hotel. You'll have the day at leisure. Choose to decompress in your hotel or set out to explore the city as you'd like.
Tokyo is a city that seamlessly blends futuristic innovation with ancient traditions. From centuries-old temples and peaceful gardens to neon-lit skyscrapers and advanced technology, there's so much to uncover.
Overnight Aoyama Grand Hotel
Day 2
Tokyo Foodie Day
After your first breakfast in Japan, meet your guide and head to Tsukiji Market. This market was once the world's largest fish market! Today, it remains a lively destination for food lovers. While the inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, the outer market still buzzes with small shops and eateries serving fresh sushi, seafood bowls, and traditional Japanese snacks.
Spend the morning on a guided tour, exploring the vibrant market, tasting fresh seafood, and sampling local delicacies. You'll also enjoy a hands-on sushi-making experience at a top sushi restaurant in Ginza, where you can then savor the sushi you prepare for lunch. You'll have the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight Aoyama Grand Hotel
Day 3
Cycling Tokyo's Hidden Neighborhoods
In the morning, set out on a cycling tour through Shimokitazawa and other hidden gems of Tokyo, covering approximately 15–20 km on a Japanese-style bicycle. You'll be introduced to the quiet backstreets of this beautiful city, which boast tranquil parks and unique cultural landmarks not found on tourist maps.
Along the way, make stops for snacks, drinks, and local sightseeing. Escape the crowded areas of Tokyo to experience a more local side of the city. Then, take the rest of the day to explore at your own pace.
Overnight Aoyama Grand Hotel
Day 4
Day at Leisure in Tokyo
Take a full day to explore Tokyo as you wish! You might choose to revisit favorite spots from earlier in your journey, explore entirely new neighborhoods, indulge in shopping, or relax and soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’d like to wander down hidden side streets, browse boutique stores, or dine at a tucked-away gem, today is yours to shape exactly as you like.
Overnight Aoyama Grand Hotel
Day 5
Sustainable Craftmanship
Begin your day with a scenic train journey from Tokyo to Matsumoto, where your guide will meet you on arrival. From here, head into the quiet mountain landscapes of Iriyamabe.
Hidden among the forests, you'll visit the atelier of Daisaku Maeda, founder of atelier m4. Maeda creates refined furniture and interiors from locally sourced timber, shaping each piece to highlight the wood's natural character. Rooted in a philosophy of sustainability, his work reflects a deep respect for the forest by using only what nature provides and ensuring its regeneration for future generations. This is a rare opportunity to step inside a working atelier, meet the artisan, and experience how traditional techniques and modern design come together in a uniquely Japanese expression of craftsmanship.
In the late afternoon, return to Matsumoto and check in to Matsumoto Jujo, a beautifully designed "bookstore ryokan" that blends literature, architecture, and hospitality. Settle in, unwind, and prepare for an evening that continues the theme of thoughtful design and elevated local culture.
Overnight Matsumoto Jujo
Day 6
Exploring Satoyama
Just 50 minutes from central Matsumoto, the satoyama landscapes of Nagawa unfold along the southern edge of the Northern Alps, an area where nature and daily life are deeply intertwined. Here, you'll experience Japan's enduring philosophy of living in balance with the land. With your knowledgeable guide, you'll hike through the mountains while immersing yourself in the history, traditions, and people that define satoyama culture.
The experience culminates in a thoughtfully prepared meal that showcases the region's seasonal bounty. Drawing on generations of local knowledge, ingredients from the mountains and surrounding farms are preserved and transformed into refined, deeply flavorful dishes. Savor this delightful meal, where traditional preservation techniques meet contemporary creativity, offering a fresh expression of Nagawa's rich culinary heritage.
Overnight Matsumoto Jujo
Day 7
Journey to Kanazawa
After breakfast, you'll head to the train station, where you'll catch the Shinkansen to Kanazawa, a must-see for history and craft lovers due to its well-preserved Edo-era districts, historical sites, art museums, and regional handicrafts. Sit back and enjoy the efficiency and comfort of Japan's world-renowned bullet train as you travel across the country.
Upon arrival at Kanazawa Station, your local guide will meet you directly on the platform. Together, head to Omicho Market, often called the city's "kitchen." Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch or sample a variety of local specialties in this lively setting. You'll then visit the famous Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan's most stunning landscape gardens. Stroll through its meticulously designed grounds, which feature seasonal flowers, tranquil ponds, and elegant teahouses.
In the late afternoon, your driver will transfer you to Takitei, a charming traditional ryokan known for its serene garden views and warm Japanese hospitality. Settle in and unwind before enjoying a refined kaiseki dinner showcasing the region's best seasonal ingredients.
Overnight Takitei Ryokan
Day 8
Gokayama: Culture and Nature
You'll have a full day to explore Gokayama with your private guide. Gokayama, a historic area in southwestern Toyama Prefecture, offers a glimpse into traditional rural Japan. This collection of approximately 40 small villages is famous for its unique farmhouses, steeply thatched-roof structures designed to withstand heavy snow. The villages of Suganuma and Ainokura are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their exceptional preservation. Leave with a deeper understanding of Japan's architectural and agrarian past.
Overnight Hotel
Day 9
Kyoto
This morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading to the train station, where you'll hop aboard a Shinkansen to Kyoto. Upon arrival, your guide will first take you to lunch at a recommended local restaurant. Then, you'll set out to explore Kyoto together!
Kyoto is a living, breathing museum of Japan's traditional art and culture. While some art forms and traditions have evolved with time to accommodate different lifestyle needs, many have remained unchanged from generation to generation. Your guide will take you to some of Kyoto's most iconic sights, from the vermillion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine to the panoramic views at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, before wandering the atmospheric streets of Gion, where you may even glimpse a Geisha or Maiko.
In the evening, check in at your hotel, then relax or head out again to experience the magical charm of Kyoto after dark. With its blend of ancient traditions and living culture, Kyoto offers a truly unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Japan.
Overnight Marufukuro
Day 10
Tea Ceremony & Kyoto by Bike
Today, the focus is on immersing yourself in Kyoto's rich cultural tapestry. The day will begin with a special Tea Ceremony experience. Step into the vibrant world of Japanese tea culture, learning about its history, philosophy, and the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Under expert guidance, you will have the opportunity to practice the proper movements of tea preparation, experience the ritual of serving and receiving matcha, and gain a deeper appreciation of this centuries-old tradition.
Following the Tea Ceremony, enjoy lunch before continuing your exploration of Kyoto by E-bike in the afternoon. Pedal through quiet backstreets and along scenic riversides. Throughout the afternoon, you will visit several temples, each offering its own unique atmosphere and energy, whether it be serene moss gardens or striking architecture and sweeping views. Each stop reveals a different expression of Kyoto's spiritual beauty.
In between visits, cycle through charming traditional neighborhoods lined with wooden machiya townhouses, artisan shops, and peaceful residential lanes, areas often missed by visitors traveling on foot or by bus. Return to your hotel at the end of the day, refreshed and enriched by Kyoto's blend of history, spirituality, and living tradition.
Overnight Marufukuro
Day 11
Mountain Hiking: Kurama to Kibune
Today, it's time to escape the city as you set off on an enchanting mountain journey that combines spiritual discovery with culinary tradition. Begin with a scenic train ride north through forested hills of cedar, pine, and maple.
The adventure starts in Kurama, a charming village renowned for its traditional artisans and the mythical folklore that still captivates locals today. From here, you'll ascend an ancient mountain trail adorned with sacred shrines, leading to the magnificent Kuramadera Temple Complex. This spiritual sanctuary offers insight into a unique form of Buddhism, where the peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by monks' chanting, cool mountain air, and the aromatic drift of burning incense.
A gentle 20-minute forest descent will bring you to Kibune, a picturesque hamlet cradled in a mountain valley. According to legend, this sacred place was founded over 1,000 years ago by a goddess who sailed here from Osaka. Explore the intricate shrine dedicated to the gods of rain and water while uncovering the fascinating secrets of this mystical location.
For lunch, you'll have the chance to savor a Kawadoko experience featuring an elaborate Japanese kaiseki lunch served on platforms suspended over the rushing river, making for a truly unforgettable communion with nature's beauty! Then, after a leisurely 30-minute downhill walk to the train station, you'll return to Kyoto.
Overnight Marufukuro
Day 12
Leisure Day in Kyoto
Take today to explore Kyoto at your own pace. You can explore its temples and shrines or set out for a day of shopping and cafe-hopping in the city's charming districts.
Alternatively, you can take a day trip to Nara today. As the first ancient capital of the land, Nara is home to several of Japan's finest antiquities, as well as over a thousand deer, all of which are very friendly! You can even buy crackers to feed them at Nara Park. In Nara, you can also find some of the oldest temples and shrines in Japan, including the Todaiji Temple that houses the Great Buddha, or Daibutsu, along with outstanding gardens and museums.
Overnight Marufukuro
Day 13
Shizuoka: Tea Farm & Craft Experience
Today, it's time to depart Kyoto and board the Shinkansen bound for Shizuoka Station. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to a recommended local restaurant for lunch. Then, enjoy a scenic drive through Shizuoka's mountainous countryside to a local tea plantation.
Upon arrival at the plantation, you'll be treated to a view of Mt. Fuji! Then, change into traditional tea-picking attire and get ready to learn about Japanese tea culture as you pick fresh tea leaves alongside experienced farmers. You'll also have the chance to tour the processing facilities to see how the leaves are transformed into finished tea. Finish with a tasting of several local green tea varieties.
After visiting the tea farm, head to Takumi Shuku for a hands-on craft experience. This workshop is one of the largest traditional craft experience facilities in Japan! It has been passed down in Shizuoka since the Imagawa and Tokugawa periods. Here, you can try your hand at making your own chopsticks and learn about Suruga Bamboo Sensuji Crafts, Japanese dyeing, woodworking, lacquerware, and pottery from local artisans.
Overnight Izumigaya Crafts Inn Waraku
Day 14
West Izu Coastal Adventure
After a relaxed breakfast, you'll have a transfer to Shimizu Port, where you'll board a ferry to Toi Port. Savor a fresh seafood bowl or some Japanese snacks as you take in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji rising dramatically in the background from the water. Upon arrival at Toi Port, you'll set off on a sea kayak fishing experience in the coastal waters of Izu. Paddle out under your own power into the deep blue of Suruga Bay on a hobby kayak. If you make a catch, you can enjoy it for lunch at a local restaurant!
Next, you'll travel to one of Izu's renowned wasabi farms. Meet the farmers who maintain this generation-old tradition and learn about the meticulous process of cultivating wasabi in crystal-clear mountain water. Try your hand at harvesting wasabi and discover traditional ways to prepare and enjoy this uniquely Japanese ingredient. You'll then transfer to your accommodation. This evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by Loquat's refined chef, featuring seasonal ingredients transformed into dishes as beautiful as works of art.
Overnight Loquat Nishi Izu
Day 15
Ridgelines, Washi, and the Onsen Town
After breakfast, meet your guide for a ridgeline hike along the Darumayama Trail. Walk above the clouds with the Izu coastline stretching out on one side and, weather permitting, the iconic silhouette of Mt. Fuji dominating the horizon on the other. It's a morning you won't soon forget!
After building up an appetite, head down to a local eatery for a relaxed lunch before continuing into the charming hot spring town of Shuzenji. Here, you'll have a hands-on washi papermaking class. Washi papermaking is one of Japan's oldest crafts, dating back over a thousand years. Under gentle guidance, you'll learn the slow, meditative process of creating your own sheet of handmade paper, which you’ll be able to take home as a keepsake.
From here, take a stroll through Shuzenji's atmospheric lanes, where willow trees line a babbling stream, and the scent of sulfur drifts through the air. Dip your feet into an outdoor foot onsen and let the warm mineral waters relax you, the perfect reward after a morning on the trail. Before leaving, don't miss a scoop of wasabi ice cream, a local specialty that surprises first-time visitors every time.
Overnight Loquat Nishi Izu
Day 16
Departure Day
After a final breakfast in Japan, check out and meet your driver for the transfer to Mishima Station. From there, board the Shinkansen back to Tokyo Station, where a second driver will be waiting at the Shinkansen platform to take you directly to Haneda or Narita Airport. Take your meaningful memories of meditative rituals, delightful cuisine, and time spent both in dynamic cities and peaceful countryside settings home with you.
