13-day itinerary

Experiencing the Real Japan
(13 Days & 12 Nights)
A unique itinerary for Executive Edge Travel
The Real Japan offers unparalleled luxury tours not only for travelers visiting Japan for the
first-time, but also for discerning travelers who wish to explore Japan in depth. Our tours
combine both essential destinations and a hidden corner of Japan. Enjoy yourself in the vibrant,
cosmopolitan city of Tokyo. Soak yourself in the unspoiled rustic beauty of Ishikawa. Feel the
ancient ambience in Kyoto. Immerse yourself in great nature in Hakone and sample the
legendary Japanese hot-spring culture.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo – At leisure
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 2
Tokyo – Full day visit
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 3
Tokyo – Full day visit
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 4
Tokyo to Yamanaka Onsen
The Kayotei (Ryokan)
Day 5
Yamanaka Onsen – At leisure
The Kayotei (Ryokan)
Day 6
Yamanaka to Kanazawa – Full day visit
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Day 7
Kanazawa – Full day visit & encounters
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Day 8
Kanazawa to Kyoto – Half day visit
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 9
Kyoto – Full day visit
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 10
Day Trip to Nara – Full day visit
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 11
Kyoto to Hakone – At leisure
Gora Kadan (Ryokan)
Day 12
Hakone to Tokyo – Full day visit
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 13
Tokyo to Narita
Departure
Trip Highlights
Tokyo
One of the world’s largest cities and the political, economic and cultural capital of Japan,
Tokyo is an intriguing metropolis of interconnected towns, each with its own areas of
individual character. We offer an array of activities so that you can make the maximum use of
your stay in Tokyo, whether you go shopping in Ginza, visit Tsukiji fish market where is the
world’s largest fish wholesale and seafood market, or visit museums and shrines.
Ishikawa
One of the most renowned hot spring resorts in Japan, Kaga (Ishikawa Prefecture) is home to
quality ryokan inns whose hot spring baths have soothed weary travelers for hundreds of
years and to the world-class art of Yamanaka lacquer ware, which have been passed down
through the generations. Sample the delights of these traditional arts in the picturesque
landscapes in the mountains.
Japan’s foremost castle town, Kanazawa offers a glimpse of its former glory as one of the
richest domain ruled by the Maeda clan, whose abundant wealth was put into cultural
development. Today Kanazawa blends its authentic traditions with a modern touch, a charm
appealing to discerning travelers.
Kyoto
The Japan of your imagination, Kyoto flourished for about 1000 years as Japan’s capital and
amassed the nation’s greatest and most glorious cultural treasures. Kyoto’s delicacy and
refinement of its arts and crafts are a reflection of great pride in which Kyoto-ites take
towards this historic city. Soak up the ambience by interacting with an array of traditional arts
and crafts, and wandering through streets lined with old wooden houses.
Hakone
Lying between Mt. Fuji and the ocean in Fuji-Hakone Izu National Park is Hakone, a hilly hotspring town whose scattered attractions are both cultural and natural, including picturesque
Lake Ashi and an excellent open-air sculpture park. We recommend that you spend one night
sampling the unique hospitality offered at one of the finest ryokans in Hakone. A soak in a
hot-spring bath is rewarding after sightseeing.
Interpreter Guides
Our guides are carefully chosen for their expertise in the city where they will escort you; but
also for their sense of hospitality and kindness. Once your booking is confirmed, we will give
you here your private guide’s profile and details.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Narita to Tokyo (at leisure)
Arrive at Narita International Airport. Upon completing immigration formalities, you will be
met by your private airport assistant. A luxury vehicle will transfer you in about one hour to
your hotel in the center of Tokyo.
Leave your luggage at the hotel and take taxi or enjoy a pleasant walk (about 30 minutes) to
the Imperial Palace Garden. Located on the former site of the Edo Castle, the Palace itself is
home to the Imperial Family and therefore can’t be visited but the huge park area, surrounded
by moats and massive stone walls, makes an easy & pleasant walk on your own.
Return to the hotel after check-in (15.00 pm). We recommend a visit to the beautiful Spa to
relax from your long journey with a rejuvenating massage (advance booking recommended).
Dinner recommendation: RyuGin – Japanese Fine Cuisine & Kaiseki
Overnight at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Upon arrival at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, you will be overwhelmed by the dramatic first
impression. The extraordinary lobby surrounded by glass has been voted the best in the world
by first class travelers. The futuristic luxury of the interiors illustrates the hotel’s defining
style; extreme comfort whilst reflecting Japan’s characteristics.
An extraordinary sense of space in the rooms and suites is the predominant feel throughout
the hotel. Not only are they some of the largest in Japan, the boundaries of the rooms dissolve
with the expanse of glass walls and endless views across the city. They feature the highest
specification of entertainment and communication technology including wide LCD televisions,
wireless Internet and the most sophisticated audio visual equipment.
Day 2, Tokyo: Past, Present & Future (part 1)
Meet your private interpreter guide at 7:00am and leave by private vehicle for an early
morning visit or the Tsukiji fish market (Tuna Auction is not included). 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. After strolling around the market, we
recommend sampling the freshest sushi ever, in one of the best restaurant in the market.
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.
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.
After this discovery of modern Tokyo, take a moment to learn an ancient and quiet art of
Japanese Tea Ceremony. At this center, you will be privately introduced to the basics of
“Chado - The Way Of Tea”. Chuumon is actually a renowned Tea shop who also offers
experiences in private settings. Your guide will act as an interpreter.
Come back to your hotel around 17.00 pm
Exclusive option: a private cruise by helicopter. After a 30 minutes transfer and a safety
briefing, you will board your chartered helicopter either in the beautiful sunset light or the
illuminated night skies. The 15-minutes flight over Tokyo will enable you to witness the sheer
size of the Metropolis and the grandeur of its high rise skyscrapers. A once in a lifetime
experience!
Overnight at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 3, Tokyo: Past, Present & Future (part 2)
At 09:00 am you will be met by private interpreter-guide and private chauffeur, for the second
part of your exploration of Tokyo’s past, present & future. Start from the huge Meiji-jingu
shrine, constructed in 1920 by more than 100,000 volunteers to honor Emperor Meiji, the first
emperor of modern Japan at the outset of the Meiji period. The Shrine is located in a forest of
120,000 trees with 365 different species, donated by people from all parts of Japan.
Continue your pleasurable stroll along the main streets of fabulous shopping districts of
Omotesando and Aoyama, lined with fashionable shops and architectural wonders such as
Tod’s, Dior and the famous Prada boutique. Explore Harajuku, another major fashion and
shopping corner of Japan, to see the best of Tokyo’s sub-culture, where so-called “Harajuku
Girls” gather on Sunday, dressed up in “Cosplay”, imitating their favorite Fantasy Heroes. For
real “fashion victims”, allow at least two hours…
After Lunch, take again a time leap, back to Tokyo’s oldest shopping centers. Your guide will
show you the small streets of Asakusa, where you can still feel the presence of Ancient Japan.
Take a brief stop at Sensoji Temple, with its huge lantern and the Nakamise, dating back to
the Edo period when the temple’s neighbours were given special right to open their shops
near the temple. Come back to your hotel by 17.00 pm.
Dinner recommendation: Ukai-tei – Teppanyaki restaurant
Overnight at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 4, Tokyo to Yamanaka Onsen – Nature, Wellness & Craftsmanship (part 1)
This morning, check out of the hotel by 09.30 am and meet your English speaking chauffeur
who will transfer you in a chartered vehicle to Haneda Airport. Fly to Komatsu Airport and
meet your Japanese speaking driver for a 45-minute, private car transfer to Yamanaka Onsen.
Situated far west of Tokyo, in Ishikawa Prefecture, the town of Yamanaka Onsen is surrounded
by forested mountains. The town is renowned for its hot springs, natural settings and
sophisticated craftsmanship, including lacquer ware and earth ware (pottery).
Alongside the murmuring Daishoji River, The Kayotei is an intimate and luxurious inn
comprising of only 10 rooms, known for its warm hospitality and fresh cuisine featuring
ingredients from the nearby Sea of Japan. This inn is unique in that floors are carpeted with
cushioned tatami mats, allowing you to immediately feel at home as you walk on the premises.
After checking-in at the ryokan (and depending on availability), visit the house of a renowned
pottery maker and Tea Master, overlooking the beautiful Daishoji river. This wooden house
dates back more than 100 years and you may enjoy the experience of a private Tea ceremony,
before returning back to the Ryokan and enjoying both private and public thermal baths.
A Gourmet Kaiseki dinner will be served at the ryokan, either in the comfort of your suite or in
a private dining room.
Overnight at The Kayotei (Japanese Tatami room with private bath)
Day 5, Yamanaka Onsen – Nature, Wellness & Craftsmanship (part 2)
At this beautiful hot spring resort, spend a day to relax at your own pace, taking in the views
of the forested hills and visiting the nearby sights: walk along the river along the Kakusenkei
Gorge and breathe the fresh air. The gorge features a one-mile long footpath for leisurely
walks along the river. Spring & autumn are especially beautiful seasons here.
Come back through the charming village of Yamanaka, strolling down the main street with
several shops and galleries, offering the most beautiful products in lacquer wares and
ceramics. Also interesting is the Sake brewery, producing the only (delicious) sparkling Sake in
Japan!
We recommend visiting a very small Soba restaurant, where you will be able to witness the
creation process of these unique Japanese noodles and maybe even try your hand at it.
After Lunch, our insider knowledge enables you visit the private workshop and home of
Yasuhiro Satake, master creator of Yamanaka Lacquer ware, which is characterized by the
manner in which the natural beauty of the grain of the wood is preserved with the utmost care.
The skill involved in forming the wooden bases is remarkable in that only superior wood bases
with very little distortion are used. They are made of natural wood cut lengthwise that is
carefully dried and cured. (Visit by appointment only).
Dinner Recommendation: A Japanese Dinner (included in your stay) according to your
preferences: either a different Kaiseki menu, a beef Shabu-shabu or Tempura Dinner, will be
served in your suite or in a private dining room.
Overnight at The Kayotei (Japanese Tatami room with private bath)
Day 6, Yamanaka Onsen to Kanazawa – Preserved Traditions of the past (part 1)
This morning at 09:00 am, check out of The Kayotei, where you will be met by your interpreter
guide and transfer to Kanazawa in a privately chartered vehicle.
Start from 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.
Continue to the Higashiyama Geisha District. Built in 1820 by the Maeda government, it still
preserves an ambience of feudal times with wooden lattice fronts of old geisha houses
projecting stunning spectacles, especially in the evening in perfect harmony with the subdued
lighting. Worth a visit is Kaikaro, to discover the teahouse and feel the world of Geisha. The
owner of this prestigious House will introduce the tea house privately.
Stop by at the Gold Leaf shop. Of all the gold leaf produced in Japan, 98% come from
Kanazawa. Except for modern gold-beating machines, the techniques used are identical to
those of the Edo Period. The skills of the goldsmiths are supported by an ideal climate and
pure water. You can see the artisans work and experience decorating chopsticks with gold leaf.
Transfer at the Hotel by 17:00 pm and check in.
Overnight at Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (Luxe Style Room)
Dinner Recommendation: Jyubei – Yakitori
Day 7, Kanazawa – Preserved Traditions of the past (part 2/2)
This morning at 09:00am, meet your interpreter guide and leave for Kanazawa excursion in a
privately chartered vehicle. Start at the Daijoji Temple, one of the best kept secrets in
Kanazawa. Located outside of town, this peaceful Temple will be your first introduction to
Buddhism. If available, you will also have the chance to meet a foreigner monk, who can show
the precincts of the Temple.
Coming back to the center of town, explore the bustling Omi-cho market, which local people
regard as the “Kitchen of all Kanazawa People.” See, smell and taste the freshest seafood from
the Sea of Japan. We recommend you to spend lunch here for a memorable Sushi experience.
In the afternoon, 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. The
workshop is usually not opened to the public but The Real Japan can arrange a private visit.
Continue to discover one of Kanazawa’s oldest Sake breweries and learn the sake brewing
process before tasting several varieties of sake during a private visit with the owner of director
of production. Sake is a fermented alcoholic beverage for which Ishikawa is famous because of
its pure water and the rich quality of its rice.
Come back to the hotel by 17:00pm and relax before departing for Dinner.
Dinner recommendation: Zeniya – Kaga Cuisine & Kaiseki with a modern twist
Chef Shinichiro Takagi has a masterful talent for cooking which he combines with a sense of
true hospitality at heart. We recommend sitting at the counter, where there is neither menu
nor "a la carte" choices: Chef Takagi marks the rhythm, picking up his guest’s feelings and
serving his elaborate courses directly to the guests while engaging a delightful conversation.
Overnight at Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (Luxe Style Room)
Day 8, Kanazawa to Kyoto – Cultural & Architectural Heritage (part 1)
Around 09:30 am, check out the hotel and walk to the nearby Kanazawa station to board a
limited-express train to Kyoto in first-class seats. Upon arrival around noon, your English
speaking guide and your private driver will meet you directly on the platform.
After Lunch, start your visit at Nijojo Castle. Particularly interesting are its Momoyama
architecture, decorated sliding doors, and wooden floors that squeak like nightingales when
someone walks on them – a revolutionary security measure of those days against intruders.
Transfer to Kiyomizudera Temple and visit this impressive complex before walking through
“Sannenzaka” (Three year slope), which is the favored route of pilgrims after visiting
Kiyomizudera. There are many shops of Japanese crafts, pottery, cafés and more. Reach the
Yasaka district, through the Yasakajinja shrine, one of the most important and scenic in Kyoto.
Continue your stroll to reaching the Geisha district of Gion, 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 19 th century, more
than 3000 Geikos worked in some 700 teahouses in Gion.
Arrive at the hotel by 17:00pm and check-in. Enjoy relaxing time at leisure before leaving for
Dinner.
Dinner recommendation: Itoh Dining – Teppanyaki Restaurant
Located in an old merchant house near the Gion district's in front of Shirakawa river, enjoy
carefully selected Kobe beef, prepared in front of you by the Chef in a “French Teppan-yaki
style”, with ingredients that reflect the four seasons, in a warm atmosphere and intimate river
views.
Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Deluxe Room)
Hyatt Regency Kyoto is located in the traditional and secluded area of Higashiyama Shichijo, in
the cultural heart of Kyoto. Ideal for business or leisure travelers, the hotel is surrounded by
various sightseeing spots including the Sanjusangendo Temple, the Kyoto National Museum,
the Chishakuin Temple and the Yogenin Temple.
Designed by Super Potato, a renowned design firm, Hyatt Regency Kyoto exhibits a
harmonious blend of contemporary Japanese style and traditional Japanese elements. Each of
the 189 guest rooms offers a comfortable and relaxed environment, combining traditional
Japanese aesthetics with modern facilities. You can relish three creative and stylish restaurants
and bars at Hyatt Regency Kyoto, each of which features the freshest produce from local
market, the natural flavor of each ingredient as well as an innovative and relaxing ambience.
Day 9, Kyoto – Cultural & Architectural Heritage (part 2)
At 9:00am, meet your English speaking guide and your chauffeur for the second day of your
Kyoto excursion. Start at the “Golden Pavilion” Kinkakuji temple, originally built in 1397 to
serve as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, whose grandson used the temple
as the inspiration for the Silver Pavilion Ginkakuji temple.
A peaceful, meditative two-kilometer stroll along a canal begins somewhere near the Silver
Pavilion of Ginkakuji and ends in Nyakuoji Shrine. It is commonly known as the Philosopher’s
Walk because a well-known Japanese philosopher, Kitaro Nishida, used to stroll along the
route for meditation. At the end of the Philosopher’s walk, stop by at Nanzenji temple, sitting
on a large tranquil hillside, the highlights of which are impressive gardens, serene ponds and
a sublime dry stone garden in the sub-temple.
Taking a stroll in Nishiki, a narrow shopping arcade only 400 meters in length with just over
100vendors, guests can discover Kyoto’s distinctive culinary delicacies and be surprised by the
sights, the sound and the smells. Aritsugu, which features a variety of excellent kitchen tools,
is a recommended shop to visit.
Come back to the hotel by 17.00 pm and relax.
Exclusive option: Tonight, you may experience a unique encounter in one of Kyoto’s most
exclusive Japanese restaurant, in the company of two personal “Maiko & Geisha” who are finely
schooled in the arts of songs, dance and games, accompanied by a musician. Your guide will
be here to act as an interpreter, while you chat with the Geisha before they perform games
and dances. This is a once in a lifetime experience, reserved to the elite, even for Japanese.
Return to your hotel around 21.00 pm.
Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Deluxe Room)
Day 10, The Ancient Capital of Nara (daytrip from Kyoto)
This morning at 9:00am you will meet your English speaking guide and chauffeur 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.
Visit the nearby 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 time at leisure.
Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Deluxe Room)
Day11, Kyoto to Hakone – Relaxation at leisure in Luxury
This morning around 11:00am, check-out and transfer in a chartered vehicle to Kyoto station.
The English speaking driver will take you to the platform. Take a bullet train to Odawara
station.
Upon arrival at Odawara station around 14.30 pm, meet your Japanese Speaking chauffeur,
transfer to Gora Kadan. Arrive at the ryokan and check in. Enjoy time at leisure and relax
yourself in a private open-air bath. Alternatively, you can visit the Hakone Open Air Museum
by yourself (only 700m from Gora Kadan to the museum). If you would like to stay in the
ryokan, you can visit the museum tomorrow with your guide.
Gora Kadan was originally a resort for relatives of the Imperial family. All 37 rooms come with
unique en suite bathrooms, seven of which feature private “rotenburo” outdoor baths.
Rooms are grand in size, minimalist in design and serene in lighting.
This evening you will be served with a gourmet Japanese Kaiseki Dinner in your room.
Overnight at Gorakadan
Day 12, Hakone to Tokyo – Volcans & Art
This morning at 10:00am, check out the ryokan and start your Hakone excursion with your
interpreter guide in a chartered vehicle. Hakone is a volcanic national park near Mt.Fuji, the
tallest and most famous mountain in Japan attracting more than 200,000 climbers every year.
Take a ropeway ride to Owakudani valley, the area around a crater created in the last eruption
of Mt.Hakone, 3,000 year ago. You will smell sulfurous fumes, and see hot springs and rivers
while walking around the area.
Upon arrival on the other side of the mountain, take a lake cruise while enjoying the
magnificent views of Mt.Fuji in the background. Look for reflections of the surrounding
mountains in the lake surface. Lake Ashi was formed in the caldera of Mt.Hakone.
Visit the unique Hakone Open Air Museum, where you can enjoy the balance of nature and art
through a variety of sculptures in perfect harmony with picturesque views of the surrounding
valley and mountains. Also take a look at the indoor galleries, including a sizable Picasso
Collection, consisting of paintings, prints, sculptures and ceramic creations.
* If you’ve visited on the previous day on your own, there are other museum options such as
POLA Museum of Art, or Hakone Lalique Museum.
After your day of visit, you will continue your journey by private vehicle to Tokyo and arrive at
the hotel by 18:00 pm and check in. Enjoy your last night.
Overnight at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 13, Tokyo to Narita – Departure Day
Check out the hotel in the morning and transfer in a privately chartered vehicle to Narita
International Airport with English speaking chauffeur.
***END OF YOUR JAPAN JOURNEY***