Alps to Ancient Capitals Self-Guided Journey

Travel from Tokyo through Matsumoto and Kanazawa to Kyoto and the Kansai region on a 14-day journey through central Japan’s cities, countryside, culture, and cuisine.

Ride the Limited Express Azusa into the mountains, discover Matsumoto Castle, and experience a slower side of Japan.

Explore Kenroku-en, preserved geisha and samurai districts, local seafood, and a hands-on Gold Leaf workshop.

Visit Kyoto’s temples and traditional streets, then choose an included guided day trip to Osaka or Nara.

What’s Included

• Accommodation throughout the package; similar properties may be substituted if a listed hotel is unavailable.
• Express and Shinkansen trains between Tokyo, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Tokyo.
• Airport pickup and drop-off in Tokyo.
• Creating your own Wish Amulet and a Gold Leaf workshop in Kanazawa.
• Kyoto Eat Tour and teamLab Biovortex Kyoto tickets.
• Choose an Osaka or Nara tour; select one in advance.
• Welcome pack with treats and trip essentials at your first hotel.
•  In-destination support from the Japan-based team, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Not included

• International and domestic flights.
• Entry fees for shrines, temples, and gardens; pay locally, often in cash.
• Travel insurance. Comprehensive coverage is highly recommended.
• Restaurant reservations; recommendations are available, but guests make their own reservations.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Tokyo: Arrival & Imperial Palace

Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and transfer to your hotel. Explore the Imperial Palace’s outer grounds and East Gardens, then discover Tokyo Station’s shops and restaurants. If time allows, unwind in one of the city’s historic gardens.

Day 2 — Tokyo: Asakusa & Old Tokyo

Explore Asakusa, including Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji Temple. Create a personal wish amulet, browse the shops in Kappabashi, and continue to Yanaka for a taste of old Tokyo and its local street food.

Day 3 — Tokyo: Shibuya, Harajuku & Meiji Shrine

See the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue. Walk along Cat Street, then visit Meiji Shrine and its peaceful forest.

Day 4 — Tokyo to Matsumoto: Japanese Alps & Castle Town

Take the Limited Express Azusa from Shinjuku to Matsumoto. Visit a family-run miso brewery, explore the Matsumoto City Museum of Art and Nakamachi Street, and discover Matsumoto Castle.

Day 5 — Matsumoto to Kanazawa

Travel from Matsumoto to Kanazawa via Nagano. Check in to your hotel and enjoy time to explore the city at your own pace.

Day 6 — Kanazawa: Gardens, History & Craft

Visit Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park, then explore Oyama Shrine and the D.T. Suzuki Museum. Discover local artistry at Kanazawa Crafts Hirosaka.

Day 7 — Kanazawa: Geisha & Samurai Districts

Explore the historic Higashi Chaya geisha district, then sample local specialties at Omicho Market. Continue to Nagamachi to see its samurai residences and atmospheric lanes.

Day 8 — Kanazawa to Kyoto: Philosopher’s Path

Travel from Kanazawa to Kyoto by train. In the afternoon, walk the Philosopher’s Path, visit Nanzen-ji Temple, and discover quieter shrines and gardens in eastern Kyoto.

Day 9 — Kyoto: Higashiyama & Pottery

Explore the historic Higashiyama district, including Ginkaku-ji and the streets around Kiyomizu-dera. Take part in a Kyoto pottery workshop with a local artisan.

Day 10 — Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & teamLab

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and walk among its famous torii gates. Continue to Tofuku-ji Temple and experience teamLab Biovortex Kyoto. Advance reservations are required for teamLab.

Day 11 — Kyoto: Arashiyama

Explore Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove and historic temples, including Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and Tenryu-ji. Enjoy the area’s gardens and, if you wish, visit Fukuda Art Museum.

Day 12 — Nara or Osaka Day Trip

Choose a day trip to Nara or Osaka. In Nara, visit Tōdai-ji Temple, see the Great Buddha and meet the free-roaming deer; you can also discover the tradition of sumi ink making. In Osaka, explore Osaka Castle Park, Kuromon Market, and Nipponbashi, where you can join a Daruma-painting experience and browse Den-Den Town.

Day 13 — Kyoto to Tokyo: Final Discoveries

Enjoy a final day in Kyoto. Browse the craft and antique shops along Teramachi, sample local specialties at Nishiki Market, or relax in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. Later, take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo for your final night.

Day 14 — Tokyo: Departure

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Narita or Haneda Airport for your departure.