Hidden Japan Journey

A 13-Day Cultural Immersion from North to South

Duration

13 Days

Price guide

$11750 PP

Cities

Tokyo, Nikko, Kanazawa, Gokayama, Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, Mount Koya, Osaka

Duration

13 Days

Price guide

$11750 PP

Cities

Tokyo, Nikko, Kanazawa, Gokayama, Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, Mount Koya, Osaka

Overview

Step beyond the typical Golden Route to discover Japan’s spiritual landscapes, timeless villages, and intimate cultural traditions. From a temple stay on Mount Koya to geisha districts and UNESCO villages, this journey offers true depth, elegance, and serenity.
white and black concrete bridge over river

Itinerary Details

Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Japan’s dazzling capital. After a private transfer to your hotel, unwind with city views or stroll through nearby neighborhoods.
Day 1 Tokyo 39
Day 2
Tokyo Discovery
Visit Meiji Shrine, Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, and the trendy Shibuya and Omotesando districts. Enjoy an introduction to Japan’s blend of history and innovation.Visit Meiji Shrine, Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, and the trendy Shibuya and Omotesando districts. Enjoy an introduction to Japan’s blend of history and innovation.
Day 2 Tokyo
Day 3
Nikko World Heritage
Take a day trip to Nikko to visit the lavish Toshogu Shrine and surrounding mountains and waterfalls. Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Day 3.1 Nikko 39

Custom trips with TGG

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

Day 4
To Kanazawa
Board the bullet train to Kanazawa. Visit Kenrokuen Garden, the samurai district, and local markets before checking into your boutique hotel.
Day 4 -Kanazawa-39
Day 5
Gokayama & Shirakawa-go
Explore these UNESCO-listed thatched villages nestled in the Japanese Alps. Learn about traditional gassho-zukuri homes and local crafts.
Day 5 Shirakawa 39
Day 6
To Takayama
Travel to Takayama, a well-preserved town known for its Edo-period charm. Explore the old town and enjoy an optional sake tasting.
Day 6 Takayama 39
Day 7
Morning Market & Kyoto Arrival
Visit Takayama’s riverside market before continuing to Kyoto. Settle into your ryokan and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner.
Day 7 Takayama 39_
Day 8
Temples & Cultural Workshops
See Kyoto’s iconic temples and join a private cultural activity—calligraphy, ikebana, or kimono fitting—in a historic townhouse.
Day 8 Kyoto
Day 9
Nara Day Trip
Visit the Great Buddha at Todai-ji, explore Nara Park, and enjoy tea in a traditional merchant house before returning to Kyoto.
Day 9 Nara 39
Day 10
Spiritual Mount Koya
Travel to Mount Koya, center of Shingon Buddhism. Stay at a working temple, participate in a meditation, and enjoy a shojin ryori dinner.
Day 10_Mount Koya 39
Day 11
Monk’s Morning Ceremony
Wake early for a temple prayer ceremony. After a vegetarian breakfast, descend from the mountains and continue to Osaka.
Day 11 Monk_s Morning
Day 12
Osaka Highlights
Tour Osaka’s historic castle and bustling Dotonbori area. Celebrate your journey with wagyu or a farewell sushi feast.
Day 12 Osaka 39
Day 13
Depart from Osaka
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Day 13 Osaka Departure

Itinerary Details

Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Japan’s dazzling capital. After a private transfer to your hotel, unwind with city views or stroll through nearby neighborhoods.
Day 1 Tokyo 39
Day 2
Tokyo Discovery
Visit Meiji Shrine, Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, and the trendy Shibuya and Omotesando districts. Enjoy an introduction to Japan’s blend of history and innovation.Visit Meiji Shrine, Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, and the trendy Shibuya and Omotesando districts. Enjoy an introduction to Japan’s blend of history and innovation.
Day 2 Tokyo
Day 3
Nikko World Heritage
Take a day trip to Nikko to visit the lavish Toshogu Shrine and surrounding mountains and waterfalls. Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Day 3.1 Nikko 39

Custom trips with TGG

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

Day 4
To Kanazawa
Board the bullet train to Kanazawa. Visit Kenrokuen Garden, the samurai district, and local markets before checking into your boutique hotel.
Day 4 -Kanazawa-39
Day 5
Gokayama & Shirakawa-go
Explore these UNESCO-listed thatched villages nestled in the Japanese Alps. Learn about traditional gassho-zukuri homes and local crafts.
Day 5 Shirakawa 39
Day 6
To Takayama
Travel to Takayama, a well-preserved town known for its Edo-period charm. Explore the old town and enjoy an optional sake tasting.
Day 6 Takayama 39
Day 7
Morning Market & Kyoto Arrival
Visit Takayama’s riverside market before continuing to Kyoto. Settle into your ryokan and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner.
Day 7 Takayama 39_
Day 8
Temples & Cultural Workshops
See Kyoto’s iconic temples and join a private cultural activity—calligraphy, ikebana, or kimono fitting—in a historic townhouse.
Day 8 Kyoto
Day 9
Nara Day Trip
Visit the Great Buddha at Todai-ji, explore Nara Park, and enjoy tea in a traditional merchant house before returning to Kyoto.
Day 9 Nara 39
Day 10
Spiritual Mount Koya
Travel to Mount Koya, center of Shingon Buddhism. Stay at a working temple, participate in a meditation, and enjoy a shojin ryori dinner.
Day 10_Mount Koya 39
Day 11
Monk’s Morning Ceremony
Wake early for a temple prayer ceremony. After a vegetarian breakfast, descend from the mountains and continue to Osaka.
Day 11 Monk_s Morning
Day 12
Osaka Highlights
Tour Osaka’s historic castle and bustling Dotonbori area. Celebrate your journey with wagyu or a farewell sushi feast.
Day 12 Osaka 39
Day 13
Depart from Osaka
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Day 13 Osaka Departure

Accommodations

Where You
Could Stay

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, Tokyo
Tokyo
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
Hyatt-Centric-Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan, Takayama
Takayama
Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan
Ritz-Calrton-Kyoto
Kyoto
The Ritz-Carlton
Eko-in Temple, Mount Koya
Mount Koya
Eko-in Temple

Why Us

Why book with TGG?

Discover our featured journeys & explore today!

Custom Journeys

Our journeys are built entirely around you. Each itinerary reflects your interests, style, and pace with meticulous attention to detail.

Impeccable Service

Enjoy expert care that begins before takeoff and continues long after you return. We handle every element with attention, discretion, and ease.

Insider Access

Step into a world of exclusive access shaped by relationships, not algorithms. From private guides to closed-door experiences, we curate rare moments that connect you to the heart of each destination.

Global Support

Travel with confidence knowing your global concierge team is quietly managing every detail behind the scenes, from before you depart to the moment you return home with memories for a lifetime.