Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Transfer: Tokyo Narita Aptto Tokyo - Station
Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo (5 Star Rating)
Set high above Tokyo in the prestigious Nihonbashi district, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo combines contemporary Japanese design with exceptional service and is part of Goway's Stays of Distinction collection. Elegant rooms and suites provide a serene retreat above the city, while an impressive selection of world-class restaurants showcases French, Cantonese, Italian and Japanese cuisine. An award-winning spa, panoramic skyline views and a prime location near Tokyo Station and Ginza complete this sophisticated urban sanctuary.
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Day 2: Tokyo Shrine Blessing & Ultimate Ramen ExperienceOn this exclusive experience you will meet a priest from a real practicing Shinto shrine and receive their blessing! At Shitaya Shrine, which lies halfway between the popular sightseeing districts of Ueno and Asakusa, you can enjoy a short blessing for safe travels, good fortune or any matter where you feel you may need a nudge from a higher power. A guide will join you for interpretation, so this gives you the chance to ask the priest any burning questions you may have about Shintoism.Meet a ramen expert at your hotel and head to two of their top recommended ramen shops where you will be able to enjoy 4 mini bowls of steaming hot ramen.
The expert will be happy to share their passion for noodles with you and explain why these particular restaurants are, in their opinion, some of the best in town. You'll soon find that no two ramen shops are the same as they all have their own unique specialty, be it the deep flavor of their broth or the firmness of their noodles.
Day 3: Tokyo: Tsukiji, Ginza & Japanese Whisky TastingDiscover the flavours of Tokyo on this food journey through Tsukiji and Ginza. While Tsukiji is one of the city's most famous destinations, the real highlights are often tucked away from the crowds. Your guide will lead you beyond the tourist spots to trusted local vendors, hidden eateries, and longtime market favorites.
Enjoy 7-8 carefully selected tastings, beginning with a fresh sushi breakfast at one of our favorite local restaurants. As you explore the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, sample specialties like freshly sliced tuna, grilled seafood skewers, wagyu beef, and other seasonal bites while learning about Tokyo's unique food culture.
The experience continues into the refined streets of Ginza, where you'll finish with a visit to a depachika -- Japan's beautifully curated department store food hall. Browse an incredible selection of artisanal sweets, gourmet bento, and regional delicacies for the perfect ending to your Tokyo culinary adventure.Experience the world of Japanese whisky on this private tasting journey through Shinbashi, one of Tokyo's most atmospheric nightlife districts. Spend the evening exploring hidden bars and tucked-away micro-distilleries while tasting exceptional Japanese whisky pours rarely found outside Japan.
Along the way, discover what sets Japanese whisky apart from the rest of the world. Beyond its international awards and reputation, Japanese whisky is deeply rooted in craftsmanship, precision, and regional character. Your guide will share the stories behind each pour -- from the importance of pure local water sources to the meticulous techniques that shape every bottle.
From intimate whisky bars known only to locals to off-the-beaten-path tasting spots, each stop offers a deeper look into Tokyo's thriving whisky culture. By the end of the evening, you'll leave not only with a taste for Japan's finest spirits, but also with a greater appreciation for the artistry behind every glass.
Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone Scenic Journey with Mt. Fuji ViewsThis morning, leave Tokyo behind as you journey to Hakone, the gateway to Mt Fuji and surrounding national park. Once in Hakone, you will have the chance to explore the Hakone "Loop". The loop can be done in clockwise or anticlockwise order, and your guide will decide the best course depending on where you are staying tonight, the season and how busy Hakone is when you visit.
The loop typically includes a journey up to the Gora area to ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani volcano crater, where you can try the tasty black eggs boiled in water bubbling up from within the volcano itself. Also included in the day's arrangements is a cruise across Lake Ashi. On clear weather days, you may be able to see Mt. Fuji peeping over the mountains (visibility is best from November to March). After the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel or ryokan in Hakone.
Hotel: Gora Kadan (5 Star Rating)
Set in the mountains of Hakone, Gora Kadan is one of Japan’s most prestigious ryokans and is part of Goway's Stays of Distinction collection. Once a retreat of the Imperial Family, this elegant ryokan combines refined Japanese hospitality and rich heritage with understated luxury, offering beautifully appointed rooms, private onsen options, exquisite kaiseki cuisine, and highly personalized service in a serene mountain setting.
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Day 5: Hakone at Leisure: Onsen Relaxation & Kaiseki CuisineDay 6: Bullet Train to Kyoto & Michelin-Starred DiningTransfer: Hakone - Gora to Odawara Station
Hotel: Six Senses Kyoto (5 Star Rating)
Six Senses Kyoto offers a sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in the genuine spirit of the region. From our inspired spaces that pay homage to authentic Japanese traditions and décor, to curated encounters with local artisans and culinary journeys that showcase traditional flavors, we invite you to engage with the authentic soul of Kyoto. With iconic historical sites like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the enchanting Gion district within close reach, immerse yourself in a journey that honors the past while embracing the present, forging connections that transcend time.
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Gion Kawakami is a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant in Kyoto, nestled in the historic Hanami-koji district. Beloved by discerning gourmets - including famed Japanese actor Ken Watanabe - this kaiseki restaurant is known for its refined elegance and warm, welcoming ambiance. With a history spanning over a century, it occupies a beautifully restored machiya townhouse, preserving the timeless charm of the Taisho era.
Chef Hiroyuki Kato, a Kyoto native, embraces the philosophy of Ichigo Ichie - treating every encounter with guests, ingredients, and tradition as a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Guided by this belief, he carefully curates the finest seasonal ingredients to create sophisticated dishes that embody the essence of Kyoto's culinary heritage.
Day 7: Kyoto & Arashiyama HighlightsBegin your journey in the cultural heart of Japan with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This breathtaking Zen temple, covered entirely in brilliant gold leaf, reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond and gardens. No matter the season - Kinkakuji offers a picture-perfect scene that captures the essence of Kyoto's timeless beauty.
Next, step back into the era of the samurai at Nijo Castle, a 17th-century fortress built for the powerful shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Wander through its elegant wooden halls, where the famous "nightingale floors" chirp softly underfoot to alert guards of approaching visitors. The castle's intricate wall paintings and beautifully landscaped gardens reflect the refined aesthetics of the Edo period. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's feudal history.
Continue your exploration at Nishiki Market, affectionately known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." Stretching over five bustling blocks, this lively market is packed with local vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and pickled vegetables to sweets, teas, and handcrafted souvenirs. Savor a few street snacks as you wander - perhaps some yuba (tofu skin), senbei (rice crackers), or freshly grilled skewers and experience the flavors that define Kyoto's culinary heritage.
End your day in the scenic district of Arashiyama, located on the western edge of the city. Stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks of bamboo sway gently in the breeze, creating a tranquil, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Day 8: Kyoto Traditions: Kimono, Tea & Geisha EveningStep inside a traditional machiya townhouse and experience two of Japan's most cherished cultural traditions. Choose a beautiful kimono from a selection of elegant patterns, colors and rich fabrics, each reflecting elements of Japan's seasonal and artistic heritage. Have your kimono professionally fitted and styled with an obi and traditional accessories. Once dressed, take part in an authentic tea ceremony in an intimate, traditional setting. Learn about the history and varieties of Japanese tea, discover the etiquette behind the ceremony, and gain insight into the meaning and intention behind each graceful movement.Get a rare peek into the world of Kyoto's mysterious geisha districts and enjoy a traditional multi-course dinner. No two encounters with Kyoto's legendary geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) are the same, but this exclusive event can include experiences such as dancing, musical performances, and the chance to partake in a traditional game. This is a unique chance to experience this refined form of entertainment, a mysterious world that even most Japanese find impenetrable.
Day 9: Kyoto Rituals & Meditation: Exclusive Monk-Led Temple ExperienceDiscover the serene Sennyuji Temple in Kyoto on an exclusive experience led by a resident monk. Enjoy rare access to sacred spaces, including the Reimeiden, Dragon Hall and Reliquary Hall, while learning about the temple's history and the traditions of esoteric Buddhism. Take part in the powerful Goma Fire Ritual, symbolizing the purification of worldly desires, followed by Ajikan Meditation, a practice focused on cultivating compassion and wisdom. This intimate experience offers a rare insight into Kyoto's spiritual traditions and imperial heritage.
Day 10: Fly to Miyako Island in OkinawaTransfer: Kyoto - City Centre to Osaka Itami Airport
Transfer: Miyako Jima Airportto Miyakojima
Hotel: Rosewood Miyakojima (5 Star Rating)
Rosewood Miyakojima is part of Goway's Idyllic Retreats collection, offering an exclusive island escape that blends modern Japanese minimalism with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Ryukyu Islands. Set along the turquoise waters of Miyakojima, the resort features luxurious villas and houses, including beachfront villas with direct access to the sand, alongside private pools, refined dining and the tranquil Asaya Spa.
Guests can enjoy immersive experiences such as snorkeling, kayaking and beach yoga, as well as local culinary, pottery and traditional craft experiences, making it an exceptional choice for a luxurious and secluded island getaway.
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Day 11: Day at Leisure on Miyako IslandDay 12: Day at Leisure on Miyako IslandDay 13: Day at Leisure on Miyako IslandDay 14: Depart from OkinawaTransfer: Miyakojima to Miyako Jima Airport
