Japan Crafts & Culture Self-Guided Journey

Discover Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, and Nara on a 10-day family-friendly self-guided journey with hands-on Japanese craft workshops, cultural landmarks, and a traditional ryokan stay.

Experience hands-on Japanese crafts like calligraphy, omamori making, and traditional dyeing.

Explore Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, and Nara, visiting temples, historic streets, and scenic landmarks.

Spend a night at a traditional ryokan near Mt. Fuji, with a relaxing atmosphere and traditional dinner.

What’s Included

• Airport Transfers: Airport pickup and drop-off.
• Intercity & Regional Transport: Shinkansen tickets between Tokyo and Kyoto, plus train or bus transfers from  Tokyo to the Kawaguchiko / Mt. Fuji area.
• Accommodations: Hotel stays in Tokyo and Kyoto, along with a traditional ryokan stay in Fujiyoshida / Kawaguchiko (premium hotel upgrades available).
• Meals: 9 breakfasts (Days 2–10) and 1 traditional dinner at the ryokan near Mt. Fuji (Day 5).
• Guided Sightseeing: Local guided tours across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara.
• Admissions & Visits: Entry tickets to all temples, cultural landmarks, and scheduled itinerary experiences.
• Cultural Activities: Hands-on craft workshops, including calligraphy, omamori amulet making, and traditional textile dyeing.
• Travel Documents & Support: Welcome package complete with your full daily itinerary, all transit tickets, and a comprehensive travel guide.

Not included

• International flights to and from Japan.
• Visa fees and Japan entry registration; requirements vary by nationality.
• Travel insurance. Please arrange coverage for yourself and all companions before arriving in Japan.
• Meals not listed in the itinerary, including lunches, dinners, and drinks unless specified.
• Optional activities and tours not included in the itinerary.
• Transportation costs outside the included transfers.
• Hotel city taxes, if applicable.
• Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, and shopping.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Tokyo: Arrival in Japan

Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and make your way to your hotel in Tokyo. After checking in, enjoy a relaxed evening and explore at your own pace. Restaurant recommendations are available for dinner.

Day 2 — Tokyo: Asakusa

Explore Asakusa with a local guide. Visit Senso-ji Temple and walk along Nakamise Street, known for its traditional shops and local treats.

Day 3 — Tokyo: Craft experience

Take part in a hands-on Japanese craft workshop. Try calligraphy, omamori lucky-charm making, or traditional textile dyeing, depending on the activity arranged for the day.

Day 4 — Mt. Fuji: Kawaguchiko

Travel from Tokyo to the Kawaguchiko area and take in the scenery around Mount Fuji. Check in to your ryokan and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 5 — Kawaguchiko to Kyoto: Arrival & Omakase tour

Travel from the Kawaguchiko area to Kyoto and check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy the planned omakase tour and discover Kyoto’s food culture.

Day 6 — Kyoto: Heritage walk & teamLab

Explore Kyoto’s historic streets with a local guide, then visit teamLab. Enjoy the rest of the day discovering the city at your own pace.

Day 7 — Nara day trip & return to Kyoto

Take a day trip to Nara. Visit Nara Park, where sacred deer roam freely, and explore Tōdai-ji Temple before returning to Kyoto.

Day 8 — Kyoto to Tokyo: Return & craft experience

Return to Tokyo and enjoy the craft experience planned for the day, such as calligraphy, omamori making, or traditional dyeing. Spend the evening at your leisure.

Day 9 — Tokyo: Free day

Enjoy a free day in Tokyo. Revisit a favorite neighborhood, explore local shops, or choose an optional activity at your own pace.

Day 10 — Departure

Check out and make your way to Narita or Haneda Airport for your departure. Thank you for traveling with Pathways. We hope to welcome you back to Japan soon.