The Ultimate Luxury Japan Grand Traverse Alps to Sea 15D14N (Honshu, Shikoku & Kyushu), Fully Guided

Upon arrival to Tokyo's airport, you are greeted by our local representative, who will assist you to have your private transfer to your accommodation.

Later today, you will meet the guide at the hotel for an orientation session.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Tokyo is a city of contrasts with a reputation of "city never goes to sleep". It mixes with history, culture and modern technology. This front-line capital famous for its pioneering modernity, iconic landscapes of neon and soaring skyscrapers is dotted with peaceful park lands, shrines, temples and adored gardens. Despite its mania for anime pop culture, fashion, digital trends and discernible consumption, the city embraces an ancient heritage evident in the temples and shrines scattered amongst the vast sky rises. The Imperial Palace provides a palpable link to the city's incredible heritage even with the explosion of commercial emporia.

Overnight in the luxury Palace Hotel Tokyo, an iconic luxurious hotel situated at the heart of Marunouchi, the business district adjacent to the much-loved natural splendor. Just opposite the Imperial Palace gardens, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is a haven of hospitality - serene and refined, and imbued with understated luxury throughout.

Room Style: Western Style

Bed Type: King/twin beds

Toilet: Ensuite Western style

NOTE: Other luxurious accommodation in Tokyo such as Aman Tokyo, Hoshino Tokyo, Janu, Four Seasons Tokyo At Otemachi etc can also be arranged to suit your requirements. Please contact us for tailor-made itinerary. 

After breakfast and check out, our local representative will assist you to arrange luggage transfer from Tokyo to Kyoto. Please prepare an overnight pack. Your luggage is expected to arrive at the hotel in Kyoto the next day.

Arrive at the Tokyo Station by private transfer, where you'll take a bullet-train to Nagano station, where you will meet your guide, then transfer to another limited express to Kiso Fukushima station.

Upon arrival at Kiso Fukushima, take a short walking tour. Kiso-Fukushima is a delightful town in Nagano Prefecture on the railway line between Nagoya and Matsumoto in central Japan. It is located roughly half-way along the Nakasendo.

Kiso-Fukushima was an important checkpoint on the route, and its historic sekisho, or barrier station, is one of only two on the Nakasendo. The Fukushima Sekisho-ato (checkpoint) is where travellers on the Nakasendo were made to wait and present their passes to travel on the highway. The Tokugawa regime was on the look-out for guns and women travelling in disguise; the daimyo (feudal lords) were forced to leave their wives and children in the capital of Edo as virtual hostages under a policy known as sankin-kotai.

Across the Kiso River from the Fukushima Sekisho-ato is Kozenji Temple with an attractive rock garden. Kozenji Temple is free to enter and lovely especially in the fall.

Tonight you will stay at Komanoyu. Unwind at this long-established inn, the only ryokan that can be found along the mountain road connecting Kiso-Fukushima Station and Mount Kisokoma. Enjoy local specialties using food from Kiso Mountains and high quality sake from the local area.

Room Style: Japanese Style

Bed Type: Futon

Bath: Ensuite bath

Toilet: Ensuite Western style

Total walking distance: approx. 8 km, 3 hours

Meet your guide and take an early morning start for a short train ride from Kiso-Fukushima station to Nakatusgawa station. Upon arrival at the Nakatsugawa Station, ride a local bus to Magome, a well-preserved post town.

Start the journey to Tsumago, one of the post towns that was flourished in the Edo Period. The trail that runs from Magome to Tsumago is perhaps the most popular section of Nakasendo Trail.

Tsumago was in its Golden Era during the time when merchants and other noble and prominent people frequently passed through for trade and other formal appointments. In the latter part of 1970, this small town was classified as a Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Site, thanks to the collective effort of its locals to preserve most of the remaining historical buildings.

This ancient trail can be completed within approx. 3 hours, including some quick breaks and picnic lunch.

After concluding the trail walk, ride a bus to Nagiso, then take trains to Kyoto. Our local representative will meet you at the Kyoto station and assist you to ride in a private car to your hotel.

Your accommodation tonight is at The Screen. Located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace and downtown Kyoto, The Screen is Japan's first personalise boutique hotel. The boutique hotel boasts luxurious guest rooms with each unique design by thirteen different local and international designers.

Dinner is at your own arrangement.

Room Style: Western Style

Bed Type: King bed/Twin share

Bath: Ensuite bath

Toilet: Ensuite Western style

NOTE: Other luxurious accommodation in Kyoto such as Aman Kyoto, HOSHINOYA Kyoto, FAUCHON L'Hotel Kyoto, Four Seasons Kyoto etc can also be arranged to suit your requirements. Please contact us for tailor-made itinerary. 

Full day guided cycling approx. 20 km, 8 hours. If you don't wish to do the cycling tour, we can also arrange you to do other tours. Please see other options below.

After breakfast, embark on an active day cycling around the Japan's cultural capital lead by a local guide. Hop on the bike and pedal a short distance to Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in the city.

Then cycle to Nijo Castle, one of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Take a tour through this massive compound, stopping to admire its intricately painted sliding doors and unusual "chirping" floors. Learn about the history of the castle and the symbolic meaning of its architecture.

Take a break and a quick lunch before for another ride to Kinkaku-ji Temple. This beautiful structure was built as a retirement village of a shogun but, after his death, was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The top two floors are covered in gold leaf, creating a resplendent image that is reflected in the temple’s tranquil pond.

Adjacent to Kinkaku-ji is another Zen Buddhist temple called Ryoan-ji. Ryoan-ji is home to one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens. Gaze upon this tranquil site while the guide explains the various legends associated with its origin.

Continue your last ride and pedal to the scenic Arashiyama, an area famous for its bamboo forest, massive temples and vibrant alleyways. Spend time exploring this colourful neighbourhood before returning to central Kyoto where the tour concludes.

Dinner is at your own arrangement.

Return to your accommodation at your own arrangement.

Other Options for Today's Itinerary (Extra cost may apply):
- Private guided Higashiyama walking tour - Half Day
- Private guided Philosopher's Path walking tour - Half Day
- Private guided Kurama to Kibune walking tour - Full Day
- We have many other tour options. Please contact us for more information.

After breakfast, meet our representative at hotel, who will help you arrange luggage transfer when you check-out. Please prepare a small bag good for 2 nights. Your luggage is expected to arrive at your hotel in Hiroshima the next day.

Iya Valley is one of Japan's Three Hidden Valleys located deep in the mountains on rural Shikoku Island. It is particularly famous for its vine bridges, stunning scenery, and exciting white water rafting.

Our local representative will lead you to the station after checking out from the hotel. Your journey starts from Kyoto to Okayama and then change to a Limited Express train to the picturesque and remote Iya Valley region on Shikoku.

Upon arrival at the Ooboke station, your private coach awaits you and take you to see some of the highlights of Iya valley.

The first stop is the Manikin Peeing Boy Statue, from where visitors have a stunning view over the steep surrounding mountains and the turquoise Iya river, flowing more than 200 metres below them.

Then continue to Iya Kazurabashi vine-bridge. In the past centuries over 13 of these bridges offered passage over the Iya River, but nowadays only three remain.

The next stop is Ochiai Village, a small hamlet in the heart of Iya Valley with a collection of historical farm houses dating back to the mid-Edo era. Perched on a mountain side you can get an insight of the rural lifestyle and traditions that have been kept alive until the present day. Visit the Sanjo Jinja Shrine, located in the centre of the village, which was established in the beginning of the Edo period. Then continue to Nagaoka-ke house, a former farm house that has been renovated and is now open to the public.

You'll be dropped off at your hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Your accommodation tonight is a beautiful tradition Japanese ryokan. The Iya Onsen Hotel is perched high up on the steep slope overlooking the Iya Valley. Offering beautiful views of the changing seasons in the Iya Valley, Iya Onsen provides elegant Japanese-style rooms. Expansive vistas of Iya Valley can be viewed from the resort's open-air baths. The hotel's outdoor hot spring baths are located along the river some 170 meters below the hotel itself and are connected to the upper buildings by a steep cable car. The bath water is a lukewarm 39 degrees Celsius.

Room Style: Japanese Style

Bed Type: Futon

Bath: Indoor/outdoor onsen

Toilet: Ensuite Western style

Meet your guide at the hotel after breakfast. Today you will take train to Takamatsu.

Upon arrival at Takamatsu station, your guide will take you on a half-day tour of Takamatsu.

You'll visit Ritsurin Park firstly, one of the designated Special Places of Scenic Beauty in Japan. It is a 75-hectare property set against Mt. Shiun that features thirteen man-made hills, six ponds, oriental bridges, and a wide variety of trees and flowers such as the Crane and Turtle Pine Tree, the Evergreen Oak Tree, irises, and azaleas.

The park was originally built in the 1620s to serve as a private garden for the then leaders of Kagawa prefecture, the Ikoma Family, and after more than a century, the garden was completed and became the villa of the succeeding Matsudaira family. After the restoration of the Meiji era, it was opened to the public and has since become one of the favourites for both locals and foreign tourists.

Take a break and have an afternoon tea at Kikugetsu-tei, a teahouse set right in the middle of the park. Spend a pleasant time with a cup of green tea and a view of Nan-ko pond.

Later, head to Yashima, the so-called “Roof Island” of Shikoku. Visit the 5-hectare open-air museum of Shikoku Village that features the lifestyle of the locals between the Edo and the Meiji eras. It houses over twenty buildings, four of which are designated Important Cultural Properties, namely, the former Kono and Shimoki Residences and the processing facilities of sugarcane and soy sauce.

Drop off at the hotel in the late afternoon.

You will stay a luxury ryokan nestled on a hillside, offering panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, beautiful sunset, and splendid night view of the city of Takamatsu.

Dinner is at your own arrangement

Room Style: Japanese Style

Bed Type: Futon

Bath: Private bath

Toilet: Ensuite Western style

After breakfast, your guide will lead you to Naoshima. Naoshima is one of the small art islands along the Seto Inland Sea that hosts the annual contemporary art festival, more commonly known as 'Setouchi Triennale.'

Catch the ferry to Miyanoura Port, one of the two main ports on Naoshima either by ferry or speed boat.

Upon arrival in Miyanoura, board the local bus to a couple of the most famous museums, including the legendary Ando Museum.

Walk around the area to take some photos of the iconic red pumpkin, one of the most famous outdoor sculptures by the Japanese contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama. Stop by I Love You, a combination of art and public bathhouse (sento) that showcases various styles of wall art and design.

On the eastern side of Naoshima is Ando Museum. This museum is devoted to the most famous contemporary architect Tadao Ando in Japan. Then take the local bus to Tsutsuji-so and find another iconic work of Yayoi Kusama or relax for a while on the beach before catching the bus back to Miyanoura Port.

Catch a ferry to Uno port, take a local train to Okayama, farewell your guide here and embark on a bullet train and head to today's final destination - Hiroshima.

Overnight at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima. This luxury and reputable hotel is situated in the middle of excitement and energy, along with historic site and architecture. All rooms are designed with contemporary furnishing and overlooking the city Hiroshima.

Dinner is at your own arrangement

Room Style: Western Style

Bed Type: Twin Shared

Bath: Ensuite bath

Toilet: Ensuite Western style

Your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to hike to the summit of Mt Misen on the Miyajima Island (approx. 6km return hike). Easier walking option: Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and then hike up to Mt. Misen (approx. 1.5 hour walk).

Designated as one of Japan's "Three Most Beautiful Views", the shrine dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure. Mere 'commoners' were not allowed to set foot on this holy place, and even now it is forbidden to give birth of die on the island!

Take some time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples, and sample local goodies like maple leaf shaped cakes. The abundant nature of the virgin forest is one of the main attractions of Miyajima.

Then hike up to the peak of the island, Mt. Misen via the Daishoin route. Walk on the paved path, pass Takinomiya Shrine and Shiraito Fall. There are more than 2,000 stone steps to the summit. Stop at the sixth marking stone near Satomiya Mura, and reward yourself with the beautiful view of the Torii and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Return to your accommodation in Hiroshima. Dinner is at your own arrangement.

After breakfast, our local representative will assist you to arrange luggage transfer from Hiroshima to Kagoshima. Please prepare an overnight pack. Your luggage is expected to arrive at the hotel in Kagoshima the next day.

Today, you will take a bullet-train from Hiroshima to Kumamoto and meet your guide at the platform of Kumamoto station. Drive to Mt Aso area by private coach.

If the weather is permitted, this is a great chance to do trekking on Mt. Aso.

Take approx. one hour to the crater. The Nakadake is one of the most active volcano in Japan. Inside its crater lies a beautiful fuming blue lake and it is even possible for you to see it from above.

Note: Due to volcanic activity, access to the caldera, the hiking & trekking paths, as well as the Volcano Museum are closed and the operations of the Mt. Aso Ropeway is suspended. Alternative itinerary will be provided. Eboshi-dake(1337m) & Kusasenrigahama loop course (about 2 hours trekking) can be arranged.

Then head to today's final destination, Takachiho by private transfer.

Tonight, enjoy watching 'Takachiho Kagura Dance' at Takachiho Shrine.

Tonight you will stay at a gorgeous 80-years old ryokan featureing spacious guest rooms surrounded by tranquil mountains. Relax in the private bath inside the room, and enjoy delicious dishes prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients in Takachiho.

Room Style: Western/Japanese style

Bed Type: Twin Share/Futon

Bath: Ensuite indoor

Toilet: Ensuite Western style

In the morning, you guide will take you to visit Takachiho Gorge. The magnificent Takachiho Gorge, and its famous waterfall, as well as overhanging rocks and sheer walls, was formed over 120,000 years ago by a double volcanic eruption.

Gokase-gawa flows in the middle of the basalt columns, offering the chance to row down the river and get the chance to see a close up view of the surrounding cliffs and the 17m high Minai Falls.

Enjoy a short walk on the paved pathways along the edge of the gorge, and visit the 1900 year-old Takachiho-jinja Shrine. According to myths, Takachiho is the place where Amaterasu-omikami, the queen of gods, descended. Pay a visit to "Couple cedar" - two giant trees with their trunks fused together and look like husband and wife. It is said that if you walk around the trees three times, hand in hand with your friend, family member or lover, you will be blessed with prosperity of descendants and safety in your family.

In the afternoon, take a train to Kagoshima. A pre-reserved taxi awaits you at the station and take you to your hotel.

Situated in a prime location, The famous symbol of Kagoshima, the volcanic island Sakurajima, can be seen from the lobby, and your room.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel

Room Style: Western with mountain view

Bed Type: Twin Shared

Bath: Ensuite bath

Toilet: Ensuite Western style

This morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to see some highlights of Kagoshima.

Start with the Terukuni Shrine in the centre of Kagoshima, and take a pleasant walk uphill to the Shiroyama Observatory. This is Kagoshimá's most popular photo spot, with a beautiful view over the city, the bay and Sakurajima volcano.

From there follow your guide to Sengan-en garden, a beautiful Japanese landscape garden with a striking view over the bay and Sakurajima, used as a borrowed landscape for the garden. Next to the garden lies the Shuseikan Industrial Complex as well as the Ijinkan, a former residence of foreign engineers, that are both part of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” World Heritage site.

Then take a ferry to explore the island of Sakurajima. Visit the Sakurajima Visitor Centre which has exhibits about the history of the Sakurajima and its eruptions, located by the ferry terminal.

Have a pleasant walk along the Nagisa Lava Trail, a nice walking trail of about three kilometre of length, which cuts through the lava zone of the great 1914 eruption, and soothe your feet in the volcanically heated foot baths near in Nagisa Park.

Later, you might want to take the tourist loop bus, which will lead you around the island and bring you to all the important places on this volcanic peninsula.

In the late afternoon, take the ferry back to Kagoshima port and return to the hotel with your guide, or continue to explore this beautiful port city individually.

Return to your accommodation and enjoy the dinner at the hotel.

Today is a self-guided day.

Depart from Kagoshima and head to Yakushima Island today.

Yakushima is a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu and a place many Japanese people long to visit. Designated a Unesco World Heritage, the mystic ancient forests and the towering mountains make it a secluded and largely unspoilt paradise for nature lovers or an avid hikers.

Arrive at Yakushima by jetfoil (Hi-speed boat), you will be transferred by private taxi to the hotel for check in.

Enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure.

Your accommodation is Sankara Hotel & Spa. Set on ‘The Alps on the Sea’, the mysterious Island of Yakushima, Sankara Hotel & Spa is a secluded retreat set between mountains, cedar forests and the sea. It features 29 refined, villa-type rooms, a wonderfully indulgent spa and a superb French restaurant offering a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine. The glorious granite mountains in the background, the uninterrupted sea views and the sounds of wildlife in the surrounding forest and orchards are constant reminders that this is a magical place.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Room Style: Western Style

Bed Type: Twin Shared

Bath: Ensuite bath

Toilet: Ensuite Western style

Total walking distance: approx. 10 km, 7- 8 hours. There are many trails on the island. We can arrange more challenging hike to suit your fitness level at no additional charge.

Known as the 'island of ancient forests and water', Yakushima is a secluded and unspoilt paradise which feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s megacities. Exploring on foot and is a wonderful way to discover one of Japan's natural wonders. You'll enjoy a whole day trekking in Mt. Kuromi Dake with an English speaking guide. The 10-kilometre track can be covered in around 8 hours and is an easy-to-intermediate path, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.

Kuromi Dake is Kyushu's 6th highest peak. It is on the border of Yakushima's Inner and Outer Mountains, and it offers some of the best views of Yakushima's interior. This trail passes through an old-growth forest including many old conifers and a noteable Yakusugi tree (over 1,000 years old), enters the World Natural Heritage Sight, and leads to the Yodogo Hut, a shelter where many hikers spend the night. The river next to this hut is clear, calm, and ice cold. From here the trail leads uphill to Hana no Ego, Japan's southernmost high-altitude peat marsh. Shortly after the peat marsh, you reach the turn-off for Kuromi Dake, and are soon met with fixed ropes to help your ascent to the rocky peak. You will be using ropes to pull yourself up and down highly-inclined rock surfaces, but on a clear day, it's well worth the views from the summit!

The high-altitude Yakushima rhododendrons are particularly stunning in the rainy season at the end of May, but from azaleas (technically rhododendrons) to small alpine flowers, wildflowers can be seen from late spring through summer.

Today's lunch is a homemade bento (lunch box), prepared with tasty and healthy local products from the island.

Return to your accommodation and relax, and enjoy lovely dinner at the hotel.

Total walking distance: approx. 8.4 km, 8 hours. There are many trails on the island. We can arrange more challenging hike to suit your fitness level at no additional charge.

Another day of amazing hiking accompanied by your English speaking guide. Follow the paths inside Yakushima's dense forests, meander up and down for 8.4 km from the far end of the Yakusugiland Park, to Hananoego, the high-altitude peat marsh.

The trail offers impressive scenery. The forest is thick with giant cryptomeria, fur, and spruce trees disappearing into the mist. A bridge crosses over the calm and emerald Yodogawa River. It gives you a feel of a vague sense of isolation.

About 1.5 hours walking, follow a short path to Yamato Sugi. This cryptomeria is over 10 meters around, nearly 30 meters tall, and has an estimated age of 3,000-4,000 years.

Stop for lunch and enjoy another delicious home-made bento.

Your guide will accompany you back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Return to your accommodation and relax, and enjoy lovely dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. A pre-reserved taxi will take you to Yakushima airport to meet your departing flight.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.