Splendours of Japan with Takayama Festival

Day 1
Konnichiwa Tokyo
Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a drink and local appetisers.

Day 2
Explore Vibrant Tokyo
Begin your city tour in Asakusa, Tokyo’s historic entertainment district, where you’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, one of the city’s most colourful and popular temples. Founded in 628 and rebuilt many times over the centuries, Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Next, stroll down Nakamise Street and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colourful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. Ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest free-standing broadcasting tower, for panoramic views of the city skyline. End the day with a stroll around Ginza, Tokyo’s famous shopping district.

Day 3
Off to the Five Lakes District
Start your day at the Imperial Palace Plaza, where you’ll view the two bridges leading to the palace’s inner grounds. Walk through the East Gardens, a peaceful space once part of the original Edo Castle. At the Tokyo National Museum, take time to browse the country’s oldest collection of Japanese art. Then, join a sushi chef to learn how to prepare this iconic dish. Head into the Fuji Five Lakes District and look out for Mt. Fuji dominating the horizon. In the small village of Oshino Hakkai, discover eight clear spring‑fed ponds—registered as a component of the Mount Fuji UNESCO World Heritage site—and see how snowmelt from Mt. Fuji supports rural life in this scenic part of Japan.

Day 4
Majestic Mt. Fuji and Timeless Takayama
Journey up Mt. Fuji by road to the 5th Station, sitting 2,300 m (7,546 ft) above sea level. From here, take in sweeping views over Lake Kawaguchiko and the surrounding peaks before travelling through the scenic landscapes of the Japanese Alps to Takayama, a hillside town known for its traditional streets and mountain setting. Tonight, settle into your hotel where you’ll sit down to dinner together.

Day 5
Join the Locals at the Takayama Festival
Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama’s Old Town. Enjoy lunch featuring Japanese Hida-gyu, beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed renowned for its quality. After lunch, soak up the town’s festive atmosphere as you admire the intricately carved yatai (floats), some dating back to the 17th century, featuring karakuri ningyo (mechanical marionettes) that move and dance under the skilled control of tsuna kata (puppeteers). This evening, head to the peaceful UNESCO-listed village of Gokayama, set among five mountain valleys, to watch local artisans make washi paper and try your hand at crafting your own during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that supports the sustainability of this small business. Later, return to your hotel.

Day 6
Experience Gokayama and on to Kanazawa
Continue your time in the peaceful UNESCO-listed village of Gokayama this morning. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses, built without the use of nails, with steeply sloped thatched roofs designed to prevent snow from accumulating. Then, continue to Kanazawa, take a short walk through Omicho Market and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in this busy coastal town. Next, visit the gardens of Kenroku-en, shaped over a hundred years before meeting a Local Specialist to learn the secrets of gold leaf painting.

Day 7
Onwards to Kyoto Connect with Locals
Board an express train to Kyoto, where you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple. Originally a 14th-century villa, this striking Zen temple is now best known for its Golden Pavilion, reflected in the surrounding pond and gardens. Later, connect with locals at a traditional restaurant during your Be My Guest experience. Learn about Japanese customs as your hosts share stories of everyday life and regional traditions over a shared meal. The evening is yours to spend as you wish.

Day 8
Discover Enchanting Kyoto
The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide your path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. Continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the intricate detail of its 1,001 statues of the “thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy. Then, enjoy a walking tour through the Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. This evening, indulge in dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

Day 9
Departure from Kyoto
Your encounter with Japan’s age-old traditions and modern cityscapes comes to an end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.

Dining Summary
8 Breakfast (B)
3 Lunch (L)
4 Dinner (D)
Be My Guest
Kyoto: Meet Nakamura Family for a kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese Restaurant near Kyoto and learn about local customs.
Iconic Experience
Tokyo: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, in the historic Asakusa district. Wander through Nakamise Arcade, lined with traditional treats and crafts, before arriving at the main hall, a symbol of faith, resilience and local spirit.
Tokyo: Rise above the skyline at Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. From its observation deck, you’ll take in panoramic views of the city, from Mount Fuji to Tokyo Bay. It’s a modern marvel and an unforgettable moment that will leave you awestruck.
Ginza: With the guidance of your professional sushi chef, make your own selection of sushi specialities. Afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labour with a delicious lunch.
Tokyo: Visit the Tokyo National Museum to browse collections of Japanese art and archaeological objects.
Mt Fuji: Admire the stunning countryside at Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
Takayama: Join the locals at the Takayama Festival.
Gokayama: Take some time to admire the peaceful mountain village of Gokayama. Discover their unique homes that have been built without the use of nails and their sloped thatched roofs. 
Kanazawa: Learn about the delicacy of the 16th-century craft gold leaf painting with your Local Specialist.
Kanazawa: Step back in time at the Nomura Samurai House, once home to a respected warrior family. Explore its gardens, traditional architecture and treasured artefacts. You’ll learn about samurai life and honour in feudal Japan with a rare glimpse into the elegance of Edo-period craftsmanship.
Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.  
Kyoto: Explore Gion District, Kyoto’s renowned geisha quarter. Stroll past beautifully preserved wooden machiya townhouses and soak up the atmosphere of this storied neighbourhood.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Gokayama: Help support a local business with a visit to a washi paper workshop. You'll watch the family at work and test your paper-making skills for yourself. Your experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
Explore Tokyo and Kyoto
Visit the Sensoji Temple, the Skytree Observation Tower, the National Museum in Tokyo, the 5th Station of Mount Fuji, as well as the Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Sanjusangen-do Hall in Kyoto.
View Mt. Fuji
See the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama and the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa