Tokyo to Kyoto

Arrive in Tokyo and settle in your hotel. Meet our guide in the lobby area and then take a transfer to your destination via public transport. The adventure begins with a guided walking tour through Tokyo's historic Edo districts. Wander from Nihonbashi's merchant quarters through Ningyocho and Ryogoku to the lively streets of Asakusa.

The evening brings a unique welcome dinner paired with an authentic sumo show, where we enjoy chanko hot pot prepared by wrestlers themselves.

Today, we Journey by Limited Express train to Matsumoto in the Japanese Alps. Visit a traditional miso brewery housed in towering cedar barrels and enjoy a brewer's lunch featuring dishes made with their naturally fermented product. Explore the striking black-walled Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's finest original fortresses, before settling into our onsen hotel for a traditional dinner.

This morning we gear up for a private cycling tour around the Azumino countryside to Daio Wasabi Farm, the world's largest wasabi farm. Our local cycling guide reveals the secrets of wasabi growing while we taste spring water. It is recommended to try wasabi soft serve and wasabi croquettes (on chargeable basis).

The leisurely ride showcases rural Japan's beauty, with mountain views and traditional farmhouses dotting the landscape. Lunch is served at Daio Wasabi Farm restaurant where we can experience "farm-to-table" integration of fresh wasabi into nearly every dish. The ride ends at Hodaka Station before returning independently to Matsumoto.

The evening is free to explore on our own.

Today, we explore Narai-juku, a beautifully preserved post town on the historic Nakasendo Road, once a key route between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. After wandering through its traditional streets, hike the scenic Torii Pass along the Nakasendo Trail, a moderate forested route linking Narai to Yabuhara-juku.

Later, enjoy lunch and a sake tasting at Yukawa Brewery, an award-winning brewery established in 1650, and experience a hands-on session polishing a traditional Oroku comb crafted from century-old minebari wood.

Today, we hike the iconic Tsumago to Magome section of the Nakasendo Trail, passing through time-preserved post towns connected by peaceful mountain paths.

We arrive in Tsumago-juku, a beautifully preserved post town along the historic Nakasendo route, and begin your day with a visit to the Tsumago Honjin, the former official inn that once hosted feudal lords and samurai. Its tatami rooms and wooden corridors offer a glimpse into Edo-period life.

Continue with a scenic hike along the Nakasendo Trail from Tsumago to Magome following a gentle forested path once used by merchants and travelers. This beginner to moderate walk passes through cedar forests and quiet rural hamlets. Upon reaching Magome-juku, enjoy a leisurely stroll through its charming streets lined with traditional houses, cafés, and local craft shops.

The evening is free to explore on our own,

Today, we travel by the Shinkansen to Kyoto and step into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Begin with a refined experience of Shojin Ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that reflects balance, seasonality, and harmony with nature.

Continue to Nishiki Market, often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” where vibrant stalls offer a variety of local delicacies and specialties. From here, explore the historic Higashiyama district, known for its preserved streets and traditional charm. Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, set on a hillside with sweeping views over Kyoto. Afterward, stroll down the picturesque stone-paved lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, lined with quaint shops and teahouses.

End your day in Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, where lantern-lit streets and traditional wooden machiya houses evoke the timeless elegance of old Japan.

Today, we explore a private e-bike cycling tour through Kyoto, riding from the iconic Kinkaku-ji toward Arashiyama. Pedal along quiet backstreets, traditional neighborhoods, and scenic riverside paths, discovering hidden viewpoints and gaining local insights along the way.

Enjoy a memorable lunch aboard a traditional yakatabune boat on the Hozu River, where we enjoy a Japanese-style meal while drifting past serene landscapes. Continue on foot to explore the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, walking beneath towering bamboo stalks in a tranquil, otherworldly setting.

Later, return to hotel for some time at leisure. In the evening, we meet our guide and get transferred by taxi to Pontocho for a refined kaiseki dinner.

Conclude your journey with a morning hike up Mount Inari through thousands of vermilion torii gates. Venture beyond the crowds to discover the mountain's peaceful upper shrines and viewpoints overlooking southern Kyoto. A

After descending, collect your luggage and make your way to Kansai International Airport, carrying memories of Japan's stunning landscapes and cultural treasures.