Japan offers unparalleled luxury journeys not only those visiting Japan for the first-time, but also for discerning travellers who wish to explore the country in depth. Take a glimpse into the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, combining the past & present, help you discover the heritage of Kanazawa, a historic city where Samurai, Geisha and feudal Lords imposed their mark and introduce you to the legendary Japanese hospitality in a peaceful Ryokan of Yamashiro Onsen thermal resort, before moving to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan filled with serene Temples, peaceful gardens and remnants of a glorious past.

Discover The Real Japan Tokyo – Ishikawa - Kyoto

10 Days / 09 Nights Customizable Sample Itinerary

Itinerary at a Glance

Date Program Accommodation

Day 01 Tokyo – Arrival at leisure Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Day 02 Tokyo - Full day visit Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Day 03 Tokyo - Full day visit Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Day 04 Tokyo to Kanazawa - Half day visit Beniya Mukayu

Day 05 Kanazawa - Full day visit Beniya Mukayu

Day 06 Kanazawa to Kyoto - half day visit Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Day 07 Kyoto - Full Day visit in Kyoto Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Day 08 Kyoto - Full Day visit in Arashiyama Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Day 09 Kyoto – Full Day visit in Nara Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Day 10 Departure from Kansai International Airport Departure

Detailed itinerary Day 01: Arrival day - Narita Airport to Tokyo After arriving at Narita International Airport and completing immigration formalities, you will be greeted by your English speaking driver at the arrival gate and transfer in a private vehicle to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the center of Tokyo for check-in.

Upon arrival at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, you will be overwhelmed by the dramatic first impression. The extraordinary lobby surrounded by glass and the futuristic luxury of the interiors illustrates the hotel’s defining style; extreme comfort whilst reflecting Japan’s characteristics. Check-in time is from 15.00 pm onwards. If you arrive on an early flight, we recommend indulging in a rejuvenating massage and some precious time in the hot bath with a fantastic view of Tokyo at the acclaimed Spa at Mandarin Oriental, to recover from your long flight.

Overnight at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo – Deluxe Room (double occupancy) Day 02: Tokyo – Full Day visit This morning, take advantage of the jetlag and rise early for a unique experience: Meet your private guide (English or German language) at 09.00 am and leave by chartered vehicle. Start with a visit to Tsukiji morning market. Amongst the wholesale fish markets of the world, Tsukiji ranks at the top in every measurable category, importing a diversity of seafood from 60 countries on six continents. Start strolling around the outer-market before entering the actual wholesale market, where you

will see fish & seafood being prepared & sold (no auction). If you like, you can sample the freshest sushi at a restaurant nearby.

After this early gastronomic experience, take a pleasant and peaceful stroll in Hamarikyu Garden, a vast landscaped park characterized by its tranquility in the middle of Tokyo and reach the pier, before boarding a cruise boat the Sumida River to Asakusa.

On your way, discover Tokyo’s skyline and bridges from a different perspective. Your guide will show you the small streets of Asakusa, one of Tokyo oldest and well preserved districts where you can still feel the presence of Ancient Japan and arrive at the Sensoji Temple, with its huge lantern. Walk along the Nakamise dori merchant street, dating back to the Edo period when the temple’s neighbours were given special right to open their shops in the approach to the temple.

Next, move on to the unique restaurant-supply district of Kappabashi, famous for its plastic food models and actually offers everything needed for a commercial restaurant: the stores sell tableware, cooking pots and pans, utensils, plus amazing knives shops. On the way, catch a glimpse at the newly completed Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest artificial structure in Japan at a height of 634.00 m (2,080 ft). Rising from a triangular-shaped lobby with a large arch on each side, the core of the building will be surrounded by a lattice work of structural steel. As the building rises, the core changes to a circular shape by the time it reaches the first observation level.

After Lunch (not included), we would like to introduce you to a private Japanese cultural experience, in the private and intimate setting of a modern school, catering to Japanese adults who wish to learn the traditional arts. Tea ceremony is one of Japan's traditional cultural practices and is the name given to a synthetic art that encompasses not only the making of tea, but also tea-room architecture, the appreciation of tea utensils and bowls and Zen Buddhism. OR you can also try: “Shodo” is the Japanese art of calligraphy. More than an art form, Shodo cultivates your inner self. Particular emphasis is placed on the combination of the strokes, the movement of the brush and the shades of the ink, as you write your chosen “Kanji”, the Chinese characters on which the Japanese writing system is based. Each kanji is a symbol for a concept and reflects a historical connecting to the word’s meaning.

After this peaceful & inspiring experience, continue your visit onto Ginza district, known for having the most expensive real estate on earth and home to some of the country’s most prestigious companies, numerous brand shops, department stores, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Here, architects rival in imagination with fashion designers from all over the world, including the Swatch & the Hermes buildings. Also take some time to visit some of Ginza’s famous department stores, especially their basement floors, with high-end food courts, where Tokyoites buy their delicacies.

Come back to your hotel around 17.00 pm and enjoy time at leisure. Overnight at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Day 03: Tokyo - Full day visit At 09.00 am, you will be met by your private guide and transfer by chartered vehicle to another side of Tokyo. Start your visit with a pleasurable stroll in the Yoyogi park of the huge Meiji-jingu shrine, constructed in 1920 by more than 100,000 volunteers to honor Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan. The Shrine is located in a 700,000 square-meters evergreen forest of 120,000 trees with 365 different species, donated by people from all parts of Japan when the shrine was established.

Explore the nearby Harajuku, to see the best of Tokyo’s sub-culture. In recent years, Harajuku has become another major fashion and shopping corner of Japan with numerous famous and lesser known yet very creative designer shops. Also take a dive into “Takeshita Dori” a small street packed with both fashion shops and shoppers. “Fashion victims” may spend two hours… Transfer to Roppongi Hills, a sleek and modern entertainment complex. Visit the Mori Art Museum, designed by Richard Gluckman in 2003, a famous architect of museums and galleries such as the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, and the Guggenheim Museum in Berlin.The Mori Art museum takes an open attitude in introducing the newest art forms from all over the world, with emphasis placed “contemporary” and “international” art.

Then climb up to the Roppongi Hills observation deck located on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, where you can enjoy 360 degree view of Tokyo. There are two relaxed “café” where you can take a break enjoying the sweeping sight over the metropolis. ALTERNATIVE MUSEUM VISITS: If you prefer a different museum, we recommend:

- The Suntory Museum of Arts for traditional Japanese arts under the theme "Beauty in Everyday Life, with an emphasize on Ceramics & Glass works

- The National Arts Center interesting both for its amazing interior architecture as for its exhibits of contemporary & modern arts

- 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, by Issey Miyake, newly opened in the area, 21_12 Design Sight focuses on design through a very innovative approach.

Around 17.00 pm, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure. Overnight at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo – Deluxe Room (double occupancy)

Day 04: Tokyo to Kanazawa – Half Day visit This morning, check out of the hotel by 09.30 am. Your English speaking chauffeur will transfer you in a chartered vehicle to Haneda Airport and board a flight to Komatsu Airport (1 hour). Upon arrival, you will be met by your private guide (ENGLISH ONLY – German dispatch possible at extra cost) and transfer to Kanazawa by private vehicle. First, start with a visit to Nomurake, a former Samurai House, for an insight into Traditional Architecture and Japanese Home gardens. Take time to absorb the peacefulness of the garden. You also may like to see the traditional and sophisticated Kutani ceramics in several shops located in this ancient district.

Then, explore the Omicho Market, which local people regard as the “Kitchen of all Kanazawa People.” The atmosphere is very different from the Tsukiji Market in Tokyo and you can see the difference in food offered from the Sea of Japan. To see, smell and taste the freshest seafood, we recommend a specialty of Kanazawa: the “Kaisendon” made with an assortment of sashimi (raw fish & seafood) on top of a rice bowl (lunch not included).

After Lunch, visit a Kaga Yuzen studio, one of Japan's leading artistic forms of textile dyeing. With splendid patterns and lengthy painting process, it is renowned as a luxury item. Meet the third generation Kaga Yuzen artist, Mr Maida and observe his amazing work (upon availability). The workshop is usually not opened to the public but a private visit can be arranged for you.

Finally, learn the process of sake brewing at one of Kanazawa’s oldest Sake breweries, during a private visit, before tasting several varieties of sake. Sake is a fermented alcoholic beverage for which Ishikawa is famous because of its pure water and the rich quality of its rice. The owner will be pleased to show you around and share his knowledge, before a well-deserved degustation. Around 16.00 pm, transfer by chartered vehicle to Yamashiro onsen, situated about 45 minutes drive from Kanazawa. The sleepy little town of Yamashiro Onsen is surrounded by forested mountains and renowned for its hot springs, natural settings and sophisticated craftsmanship, including ceramics. Upon arrival, check in at Araya Totoan and enjoy this peaceful & luxurious environment. Take advantage of your own private hot spring baths as well as the communal indoor & outdoor baths. We also recommend a relaxing massage, to complete your well-being experience. In the evening, a Gourmet Kaiseki dinner is included in your stay and will be served in the comfort of your room. Make sure to reserve ample time to relish the delicacies of the region, served in a multitude of small, delicate dishes.

In the Edo Period, Lord Maeda’s minister Araya Gen’emon ordered this ryokan to be the hot spring bathing place for his lord. Since then, 18th generations of the same family have been taking care of this Ryokan and its guests. Abundant hot water gushes out of the natural hot springs into the several baths, either shared or private in the comfort of your room. Here you will enjoy the hospitality that only a small ryokan can offer, the cuisine, with beautiful tableware which a long tradition has developed, as well as pure relaxation in tranquil settings. Overnight at Araya Totoan (Japanese Tatami room with private hot-spring bath)

Day 05: Yamashiro Onsen –Kanazawa – Full Day visit This morning at 09:00 am, you will meet your English Speaking guide and transfer to Kanazawa by private chartered vehicle. Start your visit with the ancient district of Higashiyama Geisha District. Built in 1820, it still preserves Kanazawa’s feudal heritage with wooden lattice fronts of old geisha houses. Worth a visit is Kaikaro, a traditional “teahouse” (restaurant), where Geisha used to and still entertain their clients. Enjoy the privileged opportunity (upon availability) to meet and discuss freely with the “Okami-san” (house manager) around a cup of tea and get a better understanding of the world of Geisha. Your guide will act as a translator.

After Lunch, move on the magnificent Kenrokuen garden, reputedly one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. Admire the harmonious coexistence of six Chinese attributes of perfection, evolving as the different seasons unfold. Kenrokuen Garden is beautiful in all seasons. Finally, visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Arts, one of Japan’s most successful museum, created by the duo behind SANAA Architecture (Pritzker Prize 2010). The museum focuses on integrating the design of its space with the program and features many young and up-coming Japanese artists, as well as permanent installations by renowned international artists, such as Leandro Ehrlich and Anish Kapoor.

Come back to your Ryokan in Yamashiro by 17.00 pm and enjoy a different type of Gourmet Dinner. Overnight at Araya Totoan (Japanese Tatami room with private hot-spring bath)

Day 06: Kanazawa to Kyoto – Half Day visit in Kyoto

Around 09.30 am, check out of the Ryokan, transfer to Kaga station by private vehicle and take a direct train to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto shortly after 12.00 pm, meet your private guide (English or German language) and after Lunch, start a half-day excursion in private vehicle. Start at Nijo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo shogunate. Particularly interesting are the Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and wooden floors that squeak like when walking on them – a revolutionary security measure against intruders.

Transfer to the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) temple, built in 1397 to serve as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, whose grandson actually used as the inspiration for the Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) temple.

Continue to the serene Ryoan-ji temple, prominent for its rock garden comprised of nothing but clay walls, raked sand and fifteen rocks. It is intriguing to interpret the garden’s mysterious arrangement based on intuition. Compare the stark differences between magnificence of Kinkakuji and the simplicity of Ryoanji temples. Around 17.00 pm, transfer to the Hyatt Regency Kyoto and check in. Enjoy time at leisure. Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Hyatt Regency Kyoto is located in the cultural heart of Kyoto and surrounded by various sightseeing spots including the Sanjusangendo Temple, the Kyoto National Museum, the Chishakuin Temple and the Yogenin Temple. Designed by Super Potato, the 189 guest rooms offer an harmonious blend of contemporary Japanese style and traditional Japanese elements and aesthetics with modern facilities. Day 07: Kyoto – Full day visit This morning at 9:00 am, meet your private guide, and leave for Kyoto excursion by private chartered vehicle. Start your visit at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple originally founded in 798. Its magnificent views of the city from its main hall attract visitors throughout Japan. The common Japanese idiom “jumping from the veranda of Kiyomizu Temple” means that someone is about to undertake some particularly bold or daring adventure.

A nice and relaxing stroll will take you through the old neighbourhood of “Sannenzaka” (Three year slope), which used to be the favored route of pilgrims before reaching Kiyomizudera. It is now lined with little shops and cafés. Take your time to try delicious delicacies on the way. Along the 'Higashiyama Path, which connects the Yasaka Shrine with the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodaiji Temple is a temple of the Rinzai (Pure Land) school of Zen Buddhism and was founded during the Momoyama-period, by the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the powerful general who unified Japan at the end of the 16th century. Kodaiji is interesting, not only for its formal gardens, including “artificial mountains’ garden and dry rock garden, but also a bamboo grove leading to two famous teahouses and the splendid Maki-e, which give this temple its nickname as “Maki-e Temple.

Reach Yasakajinja shrine which is one of Kyoto’s most famous Shrine, particularly for travelers and funds the annual Gion Matsuri Festival. Enter the peaceful grounds and witness the multiple offerings made by local people & businesses. You may also witness or even experience a ceremony performed by the Shrine’s maidens (advance notice is required). The Shrine is also very pretty at night, when its numerous lanterns are lit.

You are now approaching Gion, where the choice of restaurant makes it a great place for Lunch. The Geisha district of Gion is famed for the preservation of its traditional architecture and traditional entertainment presented by graceful “Geiko,” which literally means “women of art.” During its golden age in the first half of 19th century, more than 3000 Geikos worked in some 700 teahouses in Gion. If you are lucky, you may encounter one of them in the late afternoon, on the way to an assignment.

Numerous interesting shops in Gion and nearby districts offer great shopping opportunities. Depending on your centers of interest, your guide will hand-pick the most appropriate places. On the way back, stop at the Sanjusangendo Hall founded in 1164 and Famed for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess mercy. Entering the main hall, guests can notice a centrally located large Kannon, flanked on each side by 500 smaller statues, standing in neat rows side by side, each as tall as a human being. Come back to your hotel around 17.00 pm and enjoy time at leisure Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Day 08: daytrip to Arashiyama: This morning at 9:00am, meet your private guide and transfer by chartered vehicle Arashiyama, surrounded by nature and providing a welcome break from the city’s hustle. Start at the Tenryu-ji Temple. This famous Zen Buddhist temple is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of Rinzai Zen sect and part of World Cultural Heritage monuments. It has an excellent garden with a pond stroll that was laid out by a garden designer of genius.

From here, take a relaxing stroll around the Bamboo Forests, designated as one of the three most beautiful bamboo forests in Japan. Here, the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind is nice to listen to and gives a peaceful atmosphere. Arrive at Okochi Sanso, a splendid mountain retreat, previously occupied by Ōkōchi Denjirō, a silent screen actor. Take a leisurely walk through the villa's beautiful gardens in each season and savor the fine views of Kyoto city in a distance. Enjoy Lunch in the area and continue to the Adashino Nembutsuji temple where you will find 8,000 stone Buddha and pagodas. The area was originally a cremation ground, with stone grave makers dating from Heian period dotted around the surrounding bamboo forests. About a century ago, these gravestones were gathered up and placed here. Adashino means fragile, expressing the fragility of human lives.

A few minutes’ walk from here is the unique and quiet Otagi-Nenbutsuji Temple. The interest of this Tendai-shu sect Buddhist temple lies in the 1200 Rakan figures, carved by worshipers from 1981 to 1991 to pray for the prosperity of the temple. Very different from other Buddhist figures, these statues have

been sculpted with much humor and will provide interesting photo opportunities & enlighten your last visit. Come back to Hyatt Regency Kyoto by 17:00 pm, enjoy time at leisure. Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto Day 09: Full day trip to Nara: This morning at 9:00am you will meet your private guide and transfer by chartered vehicle to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan in the 8th Century. Start your visit from Nara Park; a large pleasant park in the center of the city, commonly known as “Deer Park,” home to hundreds of freely roaming deers, regarded in Shinto religion as messengers of the gods and symbol of the city. A large numbers of historical sites in Nara are located in and around this park.

Visit Kasugataisha Shrine, originally established in 768A.D. as the shrine of the powerful Fujiwara Family. See the magnificent interior famous for its numerous bronze hanging lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up to the shrine. Move on to the gigantic Todaiji temple, reputedly the largest wooden buildings in the world and one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples to be overwhelmed by the giant statue of Buddha Virocana.

Finish your Nara tour in Naramachi, the former merchant district of Nara, which was not affected by bombings during the Second World War. The district features several traditional warehouses and residential buildings including the Naramachi Koshi-no-ie, an old residence open to the public for free. Small boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants can also be found along the narrow lanes in the district.

Back to the hotel by 17:00pm and enjoy time at leisure. Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto Day 10: Kyoto to Kansai International Airport: Check out the hotel depending on your departure time and transfer in a chartered vehicle with an English speaking driver to Osaka-Kansai International Airport. An airport assistant can be arranged upon request to assist you with check-in & luggage. Board your international flight for your journey back home & depart Japan.

*** END OF YOUR JAPAN JOURNEY ***