Experience the Heart of Japan – A Journey You’ll Never Forget

Explore the vibrant contrasts of Japan: modern cities, timeless traditions, and peaceful natural escapes, on an itinerary designed for curious travelers seeking connection and culture.

Walk through Tokyo’s lively districts, soak in Hakone’s mountain scenery, and uncover the quiet charm of Kyoto’s temples and alleyways at your own rhythm.

Our Classic Japan journey offers just the right balance of guided discovery, local insight, and personal time, crafted to show you the real Japan, comfortably and meaningfully.

Tour Highlights

Public transportation in and across cities

Guided tours in Tokyo, Kyoto, and your selected day trip location

10 nights in 3-star accommodations

Exclusive cultural experiences (based on availability)

Airport pick-up

Optional customizations for families or special occasions

Itinerary

Arrive in Tokyo and begin your Japan journey in one of the world’s most exciting cities. After airport assistance and private transfer to your hotel, take time to refresh before stepping out for your first taste of Tokyo at night. Highlights include:
Ginza’s elegant shopping streets and architecture
Shimbashi’s lively local izakaya alleyways
Tokyo Station’s historic red-brick façade: one of the city’s best photo spots

Enjoy a relaxed evening stroll to overcome jet lag while soaking in Tokyo’s vibrant yet refined atmosphere.

Included: Airport meet & greet, Transfer by train. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 1

Welcome to Japan

Arrival in Tokyo

Meet your local guide for a 6 hours exploration of Tokyo’s traditional downtown districts and pop culture hubs. Highlights include:
・Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood and street food tastings
・Asakusa and the iconic Senso-ji Temple
・Nakamise Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs
・Ueno Park and its cultural landmarks
・Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town of anime, manga, and technology

Enjoy free time in the evening to explore Tokyo’s nightlife or unwind in a cozy izakaya.

Included: Local transport (train & metro), Guided Tour. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 2

Guided Tour (6h)

East Tokyo

Today set off to discover Tokyo’s modern energy and spiritual landmarks. Highlights include:
・Meiji Shrine, nestled in a peaceful forest in the heart of the city
・Harajuku’s colorful Takeshita Street
・Shibuya Crossing and the famous Hachiko Statue
・Shinjuku’s skyscraper district and panoramic observation deck

Enjoy free time in the evening to experience Tokyo’s vibrant dining scene or neon-lit entertainment districts.

Included: Local transport (train & metro), Guided Tour. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 3

Guided Tour (6h)

West Modern Tokyo

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can choose to explore Tokyo’s neighborhoods, visit some of the numerous museums, or go on a shopping spree.

Optional Add-Ons (extra fee):

• Sushi or Ramen Making Class

• Kintsugi Workshop

• Other activities of your choice (see our Exclusive Experiences section for more info)

• Day trip to Kamakura or Nikko (or other location)

Included: Local transport (train & metro). Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 4

Tokyo Free Day

(Optional Experiences)

Today travel with your guide to Hakone, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations and a highlight of many Japan itineraries. With your guide, explore the scenic beauty of the Fuji-Hakone region.

Highlights include:
・Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting)
・Hakone Shrine’s iconic torii gate by the water
・Hakone Ropeway and volcanic Owakudani Valley
・[Optional] Open-Air Museum featuring impressive sculptures

In the evening, check into a traditional ryokan, enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner, and relax in an authentic onsen hot spring bath.

Included: Train tickets, Guided tour, Dinner. Overnight in Hakone.

Day 5

Travel to Hakone

Nature and Majestic Mt Fuji

After breakfast, travel by Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, leave your luggage in station lockers and meet your guide for a 5-hour exploration of Western Kyoto. Highlights include:
・Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
・Tenryu-ji Zen Temple
・Katsura River scenic walk
・Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks

After the tour, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in Japan’s ancient capital.

Included: Breakfast, Shinkansen tickets, Local transport (train & metro), Guided Tour. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 6

Kyoto Bound

Arashiyama 5h Guided Tour

Meet your local guide after breakfast for a deep dive into Kyoto’s most famous historical districts. Highlights include:
・Kiyomizu-dera Temple with panoramic views over Kyoto
・Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka preserved streets and traditional shops
・Yasaka Shrine
・Additional hidden temples and quiet lanes your guide will introduce along the way

In the late afternoon, enjoy free time in the evening to explore Gion’s traditional streets or dine in a local Kyoto restaurant.

Included: Local transport (train & metro), Guided Tour. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 7

Eastern Cultural Kyoto

5h Guided Tour

Today is flexible: choose one of the following day trips, each offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s regional charm. After an early wake up to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of torii gates, your guide will accompany you whichever option you choose:

Option A: Nara
A peaceful day among sacred deer, Todai-ji’s Great Buddha, and ancient temple grounds.

Option B: Himeji
Explore Japan’s most spectacular original castle and the nearby traditional Kokoen Garden.

Let us know your preference in advance, so we can adjust the itinerary for you.

Included: Round-trip transport, Guided Tour. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 8

Day Trip from Kyoto

Pick your Favorite

Enjoy a free morning and early afternoon in Kyoto to explore more temples, gardens, tea houses, or artisan districts based on our personalized suggestions.

In the afternoon, travel to Osaka, known as “Japan’s Kitchen" to join a guided food tour through vibrant neighborhoods. Highlights include:
・Dotonbori street food district
・Local specialties such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki

Overnight in Osaka.

Included: Train to Osaka, Guided Food Tour

Included: Local transport (train & metro), Guided Tour, Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Day 9

Kyoto Free Day &

Osaka Food Experience

Today your knowledgeable guide will escort you on a half-day exploration of Osaka’s historical and modern attractions. Highlights include:
・Osaka Castle
・Shinsekai district
・Kuromon Market
・Namba and Dotonbori area

Enjoy a free afternoon for shopping, café hopping, and more!

As an alternative, you may choose to spend the day at Universal Studios Japan.

Included: Local transport (train & metro), Guided Tour

Day 10

Osaka Highlights

5h Guided Tour

Check out and transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for departure. Alternatively, if flying out of Haneda or Narita, take the bullet train back to Tokyo for an additional night before departing the following day.

Thank you for exploring Japan with Yupima. We hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable journey!

Included: Train ticket to KIX airport [Shinkansen back to Tokyo (upon additional fees)]

Day 11

Departure

Do you want to further customize or extend your holiday? Speak to one of our Travel Experts at
info(at) yupimajapantravel (dot) com
and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.

Sayonara... for now

”Our itinerary was beautifully organized, with a mix of must to sees and hidden gems. The guides were warm and knowledgeable, and we learned a lot about Japanese culture. Highly recommend!”

- Mike

”This tour gave us a perfect taste of Japan. The experiences felt authentic, and the pacing was ideal. We saw so much but never felt rushed. A great blend of comfort and culture.”

- Kateryn

”We didn’t want a big group tour, and Yupima Classic package was perfect for us. Everything was easy and well-managed, with special touches along the way. Great value for such a rich experience.”

- Jorge&Iliana

What Our Guests Say