Japan Nature & Heritage Self-Guided Journey

Explore Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Nara on a 10-day self-guided journey through Japan’s natural landscapes, historic sites, and cultural experiences.

Cruise across Lake Ashi, ride the Hakone Ropeway over Owakudani’s volcanic valley, and discover Mt. Fuji.

Explore Tokyo’s Yanaka district and Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, then visit Nara Park and its great Buddha.

Choose from washi paper making, textile dyeing, a traditional tea ceremony, or kimono rental.

What’s Included

• Shinkansen tickets for the journey between Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto.
• Romancecar tickets from Tokyo to Hakone.
• Airport pickup and drop-off.
• 9 breakfasts, served on days 2–10.
• Hotel stays in Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto. Representative stays include The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku, a ryokan in Hakone, and CANDEO HOTELS Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku. Equivalent accommodations may be provided; Untold Japan vets all.
• Local guided tours in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara.
• Selected hands-on experiences, such as washi paper making, textile dyeing, a tea ceremony, or kimono rental.
• Hakone sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi.
• Entry to the attractions and cultural experiences listed in the itinerary.
• Welcome package with your itinerary, tickets, and travel guide.

Not included

• International flights to and from Japan.
• Visa fees and Japan entry registration, if required.
• Travel insurance.
• Meals not listed in the itinerary, including lunches, dinners, and drinks unless specified.
• Optional activities and tours not included in the itinerary.
• Transportation 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: Yanaka walking tour

Explore Yanaka with a local guide and discover its preserved streets, traditional wooden houses, and neighborhood shops. Enjoy a glimpse of Tokyo’s quieter, historic side.

Day 3 — Tokyo: Nature & craft experience

Enjoy a hands-on Japanese craft experience, such as washi paper making or textile dyeing. Spend the rest of the day exploring Tokyo at your own pace.

Day 4 — Hakone: Sightseeing & arrival

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone and take in the area’s natural scenery. Cruise across Lake Ashi and ride the ropeway over the volcanic valley of Owakudani, with views of Mount Fuji when weather permits. Check in to your ryokan and enjoy the evening.

Day 5 — Hakone to Kyoto: Arrival & Omakase tour

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

Day 6 — Kyoto: East Kyoto tour & tea or kimono experience

Explore eastern Kyoto with a local guide, including the Philosopher’s Path and nearby historic sights. Choose a traditional tea ceremony or a kimono experience.

Day 7 — Nara day trip

Visit Nara Park, where sacred deer roam freely, and explore Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha. Enjoy time to discover Nara at a relaxed pace before returning to Kyoto.

Day 8 — Kyoto to Tokyo: Morning exploration & return

Enjoy a free morning in Kyoto before traveling back to Tokyo by Shinkansen. After checking in, 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.