A complete Japan journey from Tokyo’s neon energy to Hakone’s onsen, Kyoto’s temples, Hiroshima and Miyajima, Osaka’s food scene, Kanazawa’s elegance, Takayama’s alpine traditions and a final return to Tokyo.
Tour Highlights
A deep Japan route through cities, temples, food culture, islands, gardens and alpine traditions.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a richer Japan journey beyond the classic route, adding Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa, Shirakawago and Takayama.
Daily Program
Grand Japan Itinerary
Follow the route from Tokyo to Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kanazawa, Takayama and back to Tokyo.
Day 1: Welcome to Japan
Arrive in Tokyo, meet your airport assistant, receive your transport cards, transfer to your hotel and set up your pocket Wi-Fi. Depending on arrival time, begin exploring Tokyo or enjoy a bowl of ramen.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Trendy Shibuya
Explore Shibuya with a guide, cross the famous scramble crossing, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, stroll through Harajuku Street, then continue to Shinjuku for evening dining at Omoide Yokocho.
Day 3: Historic Asakusa & Electric Akihabara
Visit Asakusa, pass through Kaminarimon Gate, walk along Nakamise Street to Senso-ji Temple, enjoy a nature break at Ueno Park, then explore Akihabara’s anime, manga and gaming shops.
Day 4: Ginza, Odaiba & Yakatabune Dinner Cruise
Explore Ginza, sample local specialties at Tsukiji Market, visit Hamarikyu Gardens, enjoy Rainbow Bridge views from Odaiba, then board a traditional Yakatabune boat for a dinner cruise.
Day 5: To Hakone
Escape to Hakone’s nature, visit Owakudani Valley, try black eggs, cruise across Lake Ashi, visit Hakone Shrine and spend the night in a ryokan with kaiseki dinner and onsen relaxation.
Day 6: Bullet Train to Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen. Explore Gion, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, then end the day with a cultural performance at Gion Corner.
Day 7: Guided Exploration of Historic Kyoto
Explore northeastern Kyoto with your guide, including the Silver Pavilion, Philosopher’s Path, Nanzen-ji Temple and Heian-jingu Shrine, where nature, spirituality and architecture blend beautifully.
Day 8: Arashiyama, Golden Pavilion & Tea Ceremony
Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, hike to the monkey park for city views, continue to Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, join a traditional tea ceremony, visit Daitoku-ji Temple and stop at Nijo Castle.
Day 9: To Hiroshima & Okonomiyaki Cooking Class
Travel to Hiroshima, visit Peace Memorial Park, the A-Bomb Dome, Memorial Museum and Hiroshima Castle, then explore Hondori Street and learn to make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in a cooking class.
Day 10: Miyajima Natural Sanctuary
Visit Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii gate, meet wild deer, explore temples and pagodas, then climb Mount Misen for views of the Seto Inland Sea before returning to Hiroshima.
Day 11: Hiroshima to Osaka & Food Tour
Travel to Osaka, visit Osaka Castle, explore America-mura, Shinsekai, Namba Yasaka Shrine and Dotonbori, then join a guided food tour through local bars and traditional eateries.
Day 12: Exploring Osaka
Discover Osaka’s shrines, Osaka History Museum, Tenno-ji Park and, if time allows, the Umeda Sky Building observatory. End the evening on lively Dotonbori Street.
Day 13: Osaka to Kanazawa: Into the Japanese Alps
Take a scenic train journey to Kanazawa, visit Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Garden, then stroll through the historic geisha district of Higashi Chaya in the evening.
Day 14: Art, Sushi & Tradition in Kanazawa
Join a sushi-making class, visit Oyama Shrine, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Nagamachi samurai district, Ninjadera and the historic Teramachi district.
Day 15: Shirakawago & Takayama
Travel through the Japanese Alps to Shirakawago, famous for thatched-roof houses. Visit Tenshukaku Observatory, Wada House, Kanda House and Nagase House before continuing to Takayama.
Day 16: Takayama Temples, Festival Floats & Sake Breweries
Walk the peaceful Higashiyama trail, visit Takayama Showa-kan Museum, Takayama Festival Floats Museum and step into one of the city’s centuries-old sake breweries for a tasting.
Day 17: Back to Tokyo & Japanese Souvenirs
Return to Tokyo by train for the final leg of your journey. Use your time to shop for souvenirs at Mega Donki, LOFT, Tokyu Hands, Donguri and other iconic stores.
Day 18: Farewell Japan
Enjoy your final breakfast in Japan and make your way to the airport depending on your departure time, ending your Grand Tour of Japan.
Made for travelers who want Japan’s full cultural depth in one grand route.
Grand Tour of Japan combines Tokyo’s neighborhoods, Hakone’s ryokan, Kyoto’s sacred sites, Hiroshima’s history, Miyajima’s natural sanctuary, Osaka’s food culture, Kanazawa’s refined traditions and Takayama’s alpine heritage.
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