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Japan Cultural Journey
Asia Adventure

Japan Cultural Journey

Ancient ritual. Neon future. One extraordinary country.

10 days 2–10 people 🟡 moderate From $2,899 / person

Overview

About This Experience

Japan rewards the curious traveler like nowhere else on earth. In ten days you move between worlds: the electric energy of Tokyo's alleyways and 24-hour markets; the meditative stillness of Kyoto's thousand-year-old temples and bamboo groves; and the profound silence of Hiroshima's Peace Memorial. This itinerary is designed with a local expert guide, blending depth with discovery — from samurai sword forging to midnight ramen in a basement bar nobody knows.

Highlights

What Makes This Special

🏯

Private Temple Access

Pre-dawn entry to Fushimi Inari shrine before the crowds — walk the full mountain path of 10,000 torii gates alone.

🍵

Authentic Tea Ceremony

A private chado (tea ceremony) lesson with a licensed tea master in a 400-year-old Kyoto machiya townhouse.

🚅

Bullet Train Experience

Travel by Shinkansen between cities — a rite of passage in itself — with reserved window seats and bento boxes.

🥷

Samurai & Ninja Experience

Two-hour workshop with a certified martial arts instructor — try on authentic armour and learn basic sword forms.

🏮

Gion Geisha District

Evening walk through Gion's lantern-lit streets with a guide who understands the culture, not just the map.

🕊️

Hiroshima & Miyajima

A deeply moving half-day at the Peace Memorial and museum, followed by the floating torii gate on Miyajima island.

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

1

Days 1–3

Tokyo — Metropolis Immersion

  • — Arrival at Narita/Haneda, Suica card setup and orientation
  • — Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku exploration
  • — Day 2: Tsukiji outer market breakfast, Asakusa Senso-ji, Akihabara by night
  • — Day 3: Teamlab digital art museum, Shinjuku Golden Gai, late-night ramen
2

Day 4

Nikko or Mount Fuji Day Trip

  • — Optional day trip to Nikko's ornate Toshogu shrine complex
  • — Or travel to Fuji Five Lakes for views of Mount Fuji
  • — Return to Tokyo for farewell izakaya dinner
3

Days 5–7

Kyoto — Ancient Capital

  • — Shinkansen to Kyoto — window seat through the Japanese Alps
  • — Arrive and check in to a traditional ryokan with tatami floors
  • — Day 6: Pre-dawn Fushimi Inari hike, Arashiyama bamboo grove, monkey park
  • — Day 7: Private tea ceremony, Nijo Castle, Gion evening walk
  • — Optional: Geisha encounter at a traditional ochaya teahouse
4

Day 8

Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

  • — Morning Shinkansen to Hiroshima
  • — Peace Memorial Park and Museum visit
  • — Ferry to Miyajima island — the floating torii gate at high tide
  • — Oysters fresh from the bay and overnight in Hiroshima
5

Days 9–10

Osaka & Nara Deer Park

  • — Train to Osaka via Nara — hand-feed sacred deer at Todai-ji temple
  • — Osaka afternoon: Dotonbori street food, Osaka Castle
  • — Final dinner at a Michelin-recommended kushikatsu restaurant
  • — Day 10: Departure from Osaka (Kansai Airport) or return to Tokyo

Activities

What You'll Do

Pre-dawn Fushimi Inari shrine private access
Private chado tea ceremony with tea master
Shinkansen bullet train travel between cities
Samurai armour and sword workshop
TeamLab Borderless digital art museum
Arashiyama bamboo grove at sunrise
Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Miyajima island
Nara deer park and Todai-ji temple
Tsukiji outer market breakfast tour
Traditional ryokan overnight stay

Package Details

What's Included

✓ Included

  • 9 nights accommodation (city hotels + 2 nights traditional ryokan)
  • Daily breakfast and 4 curated dinners
  • Shinkansen tickets between Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka
  • Private English-speaking Japan specialist guide (all key days)
  • Tea ceremony, samurai workshop, TeamLab tickets
  • Airport transfers and Suica IC card
  • Miyajima ferry and Nara park entry

✕ Not Included

  • International flights to/from Japan
  • Travel insurance
  • Japan Rail Pass upgrades (if required)
  • Personal spending and sake/spirits
  • Optional geisha teahouse experience (supplement)

Plan Ahead

Practical Information

Duration

10 days

Group Size

2–10 people

Difficulty

moderate

Region

Tokyo · Kyoto · Hiroshima, Japan

Best Months to Travel

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Japan Cultural Journey

From $2,899

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