Japan's Samurai History, Culture and Cuisine

Your Japanese vacation begins in Tokyo. You will be driven from the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle.

The Japanese capital seamlessly blends modern design, quirky creativity, and ancient culture. Its resplendent cherry blossoms, vibrant neon cityscapes, and serene Shinto shrines are a sight to behold. As a global cultural icon, Tokyo is renowned for its manga and anime, eclectic fashion, and cuisine. The city’s famed food scene is characterised by meticulously crafted, fresh ingredient-driven dishes. A city where both a humble alleyway bar and a chic eatery offer equally high standards of quality— that’s Tokyo's vibrant diversity for you!

Tokyo's Finest by Day

Explore some of Tokyo’s most famous attractions with your local guide. Begin your day in the Asakusa neighbourhood, where traditional buildings and modern architecture stand side by side. Visit the Sensoji Buddhist temple, believed to be the oldest in Tokyo. Stroll around the temple and the adjacent Nakamise Street, which is lined with traditional shops that offer a wide range of souvenirs and food.

Next, hop on the Tokyo Water Bus and cross the Sumidagawa (Sumida River) to reach the Hamarikyu Garden. Stroll through this exquisite Edo-era garden, and visit the charming tea house nestled within it for some matcha (powdered green tea) and sweets. After refreshments, head to the renowned Meiji Shrine. Dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji, this is also a popular spot for weddings. Round off your tour at Omotesando shopping street, a tree-lined boulevard with modern architecture and stylish top branded shops.

A Day in the Life of a Sumo Wrestler

Join your guide to discover Ryogoku, the heart of sumo wrestling in Japan! It is home to Tokyo’s largest cluster of sumo stables, known as heyas, and the famous Kokugikan Sumo Stadium. All sumo wrestlers, locally known as rikishi, reside in these stables. You will get to tour one such heya to get a glimpse into their daily lives, meals, and rigorous training routines.

Witness the morning training sessions, or asa-geiko, where the junior wrestlers rise early to train before heading out to take care of their daily responsibilities. They are followed by the higher ranked wrestlers, who practise between 7 and 10 am. After several rounds of warm-up and technique practice, they compete in a thrilling game of ‘King of the Castle’, where one wrestler remains in the ring to fight off the others until he is defeated.

As the training schedule is subject to change, the tour concludes at the stable, and you will have to make your own onward arrangements.

Evening Culinary Tour in Tokyo

Enjoy a gourmet tour to sample Tokyo’s local culinary delights. Meet your guide at the hotel and proceed to one of the popular food streets nearby. Dig into some delectable yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) served with salt or a sweet soy-based sauce called ‘tare’.

Based on your taste and preferences, your guide will suggest a variety of well-known dishes such as okonomiyaki, monjayaki, sashimi, crispy Japanese fried chicken, braised seafood, or vegetables. Say goodbye to your guide after dinner, and if you wish, you can stay back to savour more flavourful delicacies.

You will be driven in a private vehicle from your hotel to Tokyo train station, where you will board your train to Takayama via Nagoya. The travel time is about five hours. Upon arrival, make your own way from Takayama train station to your hotel.

Tucked away in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a scenic countryside retreat with its carefully preserved old town and lovely hiking trails through the mountainous Hida. Explore the picturesque streets, sake breweries, and cosy cafes of the Sanmachi Suji District.

Explore Takayama on your own

If time isn’t a constraint and the weather permits, we recommend heading out to explore Takayama’s attractions. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the morning market, where you can mix with the locals and admire the diverse range of handmade crafts, household items, and fresh produce. Wander through the charming old town area, which is adorned with stunning examples of 17th-century Edo Period architecture.

Stop for a refreshing drink at one of the historical taverns and perhaps even enjoy a meal at a local inn. The open-air Hida Folk Village, renowned for its relocated traditional houses, warrants a visit as well. You can also attend workshops on local handicrafts at the nearby Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Center.

If you visit during spring or autumn, you should experience the biannual Takayama Festival, which features colourful floats and cultural performances.

Shirakawa-gō Village Excursion

Embark on a guided tour of Takayama’s beautifully preserved old town and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-gō village with a local guide. Begin by visiting the Miyagawa Market in the old town, located along the Miyagawa River. Local handicrafts and farm products such as flowers, vegetables, and pickles are sold here.

Next, stroll through the San-machi Suji district, the traditional home town of Takayama merchants and sake brewers. The area has been meticulously preserved, looking much like it did 200 or 300 years ago, with taverns, shops, and inns whose history spans several generations.

Visit the historical landmark of Takayama Jinya. In 1692, the Hida Region surrounding Takayama came under the direct rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate because of its abundant timber resources. Officials sent from Edo worked out of the Takayama Jinya. The current complex houses offices, storehouses, courtrooms, kitchens, restrooms, baths, and various administrative rooms. The complex was used until 1969, and now functions as a museum.

Round off your morning at a sake brewery, where you will get to taste Japan’s national beverage. Owing to the clear water that surrounds it, Takayama’s sake is particularly famous throughout the country.

In the afternoon, head for the Shirakawa-gō region. Your guide will take you around the village, which is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are over 250 years old. The sloped roof design of these farmhouses enables them to withstand the region’s heavy snowfall.

After exploring the village, you and your guide will part ways. You will either return to Takayama by car or be dropped off in Kanazawa.

You will be driven from Takayama to Kanazawa in a private vehicle.

Kanazawa has regained attention among adventurous travellers thanks to its connectivity to Tokyo via the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed rail network. In addition to its most famous landmarks, the 17th-century castle garden Kenroku-en, and the neighbouring Kanazawa Castle, the city is also renowned for its gold leaf art. The city's well-preserved samurai and geisha quarters offer an authentic glimpse of how life was in feudal Japan.

Treasures of Kanazawa

Explore the stunning 17th-century Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s top three gardens. Its year-round splendour is enhanced by fountains, waterfalls, bridges, and teahouses. The two ponds of Kenroku-en- Kasumigaike and Hisagoike, are fed by a sophisticated water system. The garden’s centrepiece is an interesting two-legged stone lantern known as Kotojitoro.

Stroll along its meandering pathways amid cherry and Karasaki pines and stop by the beautifully preserved Seisoanku Samurai villa nearby. This will be followed by a visit to the samurai district of Nagamachi. The highlight here is Nomura-ke, a historic Edo Period samurai residence that contains samurai calligraphy, heirloom antiques, a traditional tea ceremony room, and a pretty courtyard garden. Admire the traditional fusuma-e paintings, Japanese cypress ceilings, and even a 400-year-old Japanese bayberry tree within the premises.

Kanazawa Tea Ceremony

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony at a lovely Japanese tearoom, guided by a sado or tea art host. Learn about the ceremony’s origins and history as the host’s assistant explains the ceremony’s cultural significance. Every minute of this nearly hour-long ritual, which showcases the essence of Japanese culture and aesthetics, is worth savouring.

Make your own way to Kanazawa's train or bus station. It will take you about two hours to reach Kyoto (via Tsuruga) by train. You will be met at the station and driven to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Home to at least 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kyoto is among the best-preserved cities and attracts thousands of visitors every year. As the former capital city and royal seat of power, it is a fabulous showcase of Japan’s rich culture and traditions. While you are here, explore Kyoto’s ancient shrines, enjoy matcha in tranquil tearooms, converse with geishas, and unwind at traditional inns.

Personalised Tour of Kyoto by Night

Experience Kyoto at night, with its myriad sights and sounds. Join your guide at sunset for a tour of the city’s bustling neighbourhoods. Start at the historic Geisha district of Pontocho, which is lined with wooden buildings and paper lanterns. As you walk on its paved paths, you might catch sight of Maiko and Geiko heading to their appointments.

Next, see a fascinating blend of the old and new in Kawaramachi, where stylish shopping centres and centuries-old shrines coexist side by side. Nearby, the Takasegawa River flows through a canal that runs across the city. Along the riverbank, you’ll find cherry blossoms, craft beer bars, and traditional Japanese homes turned into little restaurants.

Savour dinner and drinks at one such backstreet establishment to get an insight into the local lifestyle. Most of the eateries here are fairly small, with seating limited to four or five people at a time. Before the tour ends, you can even try cooking one of the local dishes.

Highlights of Kyoto: Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest and Markets

Soak in the sights, sounds, and aromas of Kyoto with an expert local guide. Begin your tour of the city's UNESCO World Heritage sites at Kinkakuji Temple. This was the former residence of a Shogun, and was transformed into a Buddhist temple upon his death.

Admire the meticulously preserved Edo-era gardens while exploring the spectacular 15th-century Nijo Castle. Note the monument’s intricate details and distinctive architectural elements before making your way to Nishiki Market, which is popularly known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen.’

Indulge in a hearty meal (payable on the spot) at this food street, which is dotted with a variety of eateries and traditional dining establishments. Sample some of the local fare such as sushi, dried fish, and pickles, before rounding off your day at the stunning Arashiyama bamboo grove.

Samurai Sword Dance Show and Personalised Lesson

Delve into the history and lifestyle of the legendary samurai warriors of ancient Japan! Learn the fundamentals of Kenbu under the guidance of a seasoned Kenbu master as you wield your katana, the iconic samurai sword. This highly stylised sword dance was used by samurai in practice as a concentration tool. The Kenbu master will also tell you about the famous Bushido code the samurai adhered to, and the stringent standards of honour and etiquette they followed.

Market Visit, Sake Tasting, and Cooking Class in Kyoto

Experience Kyoto’s renowned culinary legacy with a cooking class, sake tasting session, and market tour. Explore the bustling 400-year-old Nishiki Market, where more than 100 stalls sell food, ingredients, and cookware. Join your guide in selecting the necessary ingredients for your cooking lesson.

Once you have picked up what you need, walk through charming alleys to arrive at a Machiya, a traditional townhouse, and try some sake— the famous Japanese rice wine. At another townhouse, you will get to try making rolled sushi. After an enjoyable cooking lesson, relish a meal of miso soup, sushi, cooked salad, and some seasonal fruits before heading back to your hotel.

You will be driven from in a private vehicle from Kyoto to your hotel in Osaka. Please note that your chauffeur might sometimes not speak English.

Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, is known for its rich trading and merchant history, the ancient Shinto Sumiyoshi-taisha temple, and the glorious 16th-century Osaka Castle. Its close proximity to Kansai airport, impressive hotel options, vibrant nightlife, brilliant neon shopfronts, and delicious cuisine make Osaka a popular stopover destination.

Personalised Osaka Highlights Tour

Meet your guide and take the subway and local train to explore the notable landmarks of the port city of Osaka.

Start with a visit to one of Japan’s most famous castles, the majestic Osaka Castle. Easily recognised by its moats and majestic stone walls, this citadel played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Your guide will narrate fascinating historical details as you stroll around the castle grounds.

Next, head to the buzzing streets of the Dotonbori shopping and entertainment district, which is also a dream destination for foodies. As you wander around these vibrant streets, look out for bright neon lights and the iconic mechanised signs that are turned on as night falls. The renowned Glico running man and the Kani Doraku crab are two signs you are very likely to notice.

Personalised Culinary Tour of Osaka

Osaka is often hailed as Japan’s food capital, and this guided tour is dedicated to relishing the culinary delights of this vibrant metropolis. Join your guide and take public transportation to arrive at the food districts of Shinsekai or Dotonbori. Walk through the pedestrian-only streets teeming with lively bars and restaurants.

Explore the popular local eateries that range from ramen bars to restaurants. Sample a range of regional delicacies such as okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake) and takoyaki (fried octopus). You should also try a local dish that consists of skewered meats and vegetables, known as kushikatsu, and enjoy a refreshing beverage. Before winding up, you can ask your guide to drop by an authentic izakaya bar or any of the local hangouts.

You will be transferred from your hotel to Osaka train station, and helped to board your Shinkansen Train from Shin Osaka to Odawara Hakone. The travel time is about 2.5 hours.

With Mount Fuji’s breathtaking backdrop emerging from coniferous forest-covered mountainsides, and its lakes and hot springs, Hakone is the quintessential image of Japan. While Tokyo is the nation’s vibrant centre, Hakone is a serene retreat. The traditional Hakone gate, or torii, stands by the tranquil waters of Lake Ashino-ko and welcomes you into this sacred region.

For the intrepid traveller, there are numerous activities to choose from. This is the ideal place to hike along the many trails that mark the nearby lakes and mountains. Enjoy stunning views of the gorgeous countryside below as you ascend higher. Experience the charming, vintage world of traditional Japanese bath houses and inns spread across Hakone. A dip in the hot springs after a wonderful day spent hiking is the perfect way to end your day!

You will be driven from your hotel to Tokyo airport, where you will catch your flight back home.