An Exceptional Journey Through Japan

Art, ryokan and time to unwind

A journey to make your own

A carefully crafted journey through Japan. Carefully chosen places, distinctive hotels, discreet restaurants and time to observe, feel and understand. From Tokyo to the Seto Inland Sea, the itinerary centres on thoughtfully selected experiences. Tokyo reveals a contemporary, creative Japan. Hakone offers a pause for the senses: nature, quiet and the art of Japanese hospitality in an exceptional ryokan. Kyoto opens up through its temples, craftspeople and ancient traditions. Finally, the Inland Sea brings space for art and contemplation, among islands, museums and seascapes. A deeply Japanese journey with an eye for beauty, designed as a starting point to shape around your pace, interests and tastes.

Continue to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, with its listed temples, golden pavilions, bamboo groves, tea houses, craftspeople and cobbled lanes. There is time for sightseeing, pauses and leisurely walks. Finish in Osaka, a lively, relaxed city for food lovers, known for its street food and bustling neighbourhoods. It is an enjoyable change of pace for the final days: urban, welcoming and full of life. A rounded introduction to Japan in 13 days.

A journey to make your own

An Exceptional Journey Through Japan

Suggested duration

12 days

From

€6,600 per person

What you’ll love

  • Some of Japan’s finest hotels.
  • An exceptional ryokan with a private onsen and kaiseki dinner.
  • Intimate encounters with craftspeople and tea masters, and workshops by appointment.
  • Remarkable dining, from omakase to contemporary cooking and secluded restaurants.
  • The Inland Sea: Naoshima, Teshima and Tadao Ando’s museums.
A Caramage Japan travel specialist.

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Kai your contact

Your bespoke travel specialist

Itinerary

A suggested journey, tailored entirely to your interests

Days 1 to 3

Tokyo

A boutique hotel in Tokyo.
A traditional street in Tokyo at night.

Explore

Discover Tokyo at its most contemporary and refined. Stay in a characterful boutique hotel or an architect-designed property, ideally placed to explore at your own pace.

Highlights

  • Daikanyama and Nakameguro: carefully designed cafés, design-focused bookshops and canalside walks.
  • Aoyama and Omotesando: contemporary architecture, concept stores and galleries.
  • The Roppongi Art Triangle: Mori Art Museum, Suntory Museum and National Art Center.
  • Food experiences: omakase counters, modern Japanese cooking and local favourites.
  • Quiet moments in gardens, peaceful temples and creative backstreets away from the bustle.
4 nights at this stop

Day 4

Hakone

Mount Fuji seen from Lake Ashi in Hakone.
A premium ryokan with an onsen in Hakone.

Explore

Hakone offers a pause in nature and an introduction to the art of Japanese hospitality. Leave Tokyo’s energy behind for misty mountains and forests near Mount Fuji. Stay in a premium ryokan, chosen for its warm welcome and exceptional baths.

Highlights

  • Settle into an exceptional ryokan.
  • Enjoy a private onsen or onsen baths overlooking nature.
  • A kaiseki dinner showcasing refined seasonal cooking.
  • Walks around Lake Ashi and Hakone’s beautiful scenery.
  • Museums to suit your interests, such as the Pola Museum of Art or Hakone Open Air Museum.
1 night at this stop

Days 5 to 9

Kyoto

A temple and garden in Kyoto.
The red torii gates of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto.

Explore

Japan’s former imperial capital brings together celebrated temples, historic lanes and traditional craftsmanship. Stay in a restored machiya or an intimate boutique hotel, well placed for cultural visits and unhurried exploring.

Highlights

  • Kiyomizu-dera, the spectacular temple overlooking the city.
  • Arashiyama and its bamboo grove.
  • Walks through Gion’s historic lanes and traditional houses.
  • Nishiki Market, a wonderful place to taste local food and observe everyday life.
  • Less familiar shrines and Zen gardens.
4 nights at this stop

Days 10 to 11

Osaka

A lively Osaka neighbourhood with illuminated signs.
Osaka Castle.

Explore

Osaka offers a lively, food-focused finale. Warm and easy to enjoy, the city draws you in with its energy, bustling neighbourhoods and generous food culture.

Highlights

  • Dotonbori, its canals and illuminated signs.
  • Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s history.
  • Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of Asia’s most impressive.
  • Walks through lively local neighbourhoods.
2 nights at this stop

Days 12 to 13

Tokyo

A panoramic view over Tokyo.
A fine dining experience in Tokyo.

Explore

An enjoyable final stop before departure. Settle into a conveniently located hotel and enjoy one last evening at leisure.

Highlights

  • A neighbourhood stroll or an evening walk.
  • Last shopping and souvenirs.
  • One more bowl of ramen, or dinner wherever takes your fancy.
Final night

Does this journey inspire you?

This itinerary is a starting point. We will tailor it entirely to your interests, your pace and the way you like to travel.

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Let our travellers tell you

Your questions answered

This journey is for travellers seeking a distinctive, premium experience of Japan, with an emphasis on exceptional places, comfort and personal encounters.

The itinerary focuses on outstanding stays and rare experiences: premium ryokan, discreet restaurants, artistic settings and places chosen for their tranquillity.

Yes. This is a suggested journey to make your own. We can adjust the duration, stops, accommodation, private experiences and free time to suit your interests.

An Exceptional Journey Through Japan
Suggested duration 12 days
From €6,600 per person

About the price

An Exceptional Journey Through Japan

From €6,600 per person

Based on two people sharing a double room.

International flights excluded.

Your Japan specialist can tailor every part of this suggested journey to you.

The final price may vary with your travel dates and your choice of stops, activities and accommodation.

What is included

  • 11 nights in characterful 4★+ hotels and exceptional ryokan.
  • Breakfast included.
  • A stay with half board at one stop, combining Japanese hospitality and seasonal cooking.
  • A reservation at a restaurant chosen for the quality of its cooking. The meal is payable locally.
  • The main journeys between cities.
  • Airport meet and greet on arrival.
  • Three guided days at key stops on your journey.
  • Three experiences introducing you to Japanese culture, chosen to suit your interests.
  • Unlimited internet access throughout your stay.
  • Local assistance in English, seven days a week.
  • Your personalised travel guide, with your itinerary, practical advice and our recommended places.

What is not included

  • International flights.
  • Meals other than breakfast and the dinner included at the specified stop.
  • Additional guided days and activities.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Local accommodation taxes.
The interior of a luxury ryokan in Japan.
An Exceptional Journey Through Japan

5/5

We felt in safe hands from the start

The Caramage team, and Anne in particular, were wonderfully responsive. Their professionalism, warmth and willingness to listen put us at ease straight away. Everything felt effortless. We are from Canada and have recommended Caramage to two friends, who also loved their trips. We would recommend this agency without hesitation.

The Tremblay family, Canada