History & Culture of Central Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & Kanazawa - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Explore Japan's Capital City

Welcome to Japan's lively capital, Tokyo! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. After freshening up, you can explore the city on your own. A good place to start is Tokyo Tower, a 108-foot-tall (33 m) red and white structure inspired by the Eiffel Tower. Take an elevator up to the observation deck, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the sprawling city and even Mount Fuji in the distance on clear days. When you're done admiring the view, head down to the 14th-century Zojoji Temple at the foot of the tower. 

Step through the grand main gate to discover the meticulously maintained gardens, intricate halls, and mausoleum housing the Tokugawa family, a powerful and influential samurai clan. In the evening, make your way to Akihabara, a lively district known as "Electric Town." Stroll the bustling streets lined with animé shops, electronics stores, and gaming centers, all covered in neon lights. If you're looking for a unique dining experience, end the night at a maid café, where servers wear elaborate maid costumes and perform in between serving your food and drinks. 

Day 2: Full-Day History Tour of Tokyo

Join your guide on a full-day history tour of the city's shrines, palaces, and temples. Your first stop is the Meiji Jingu Shrine, built in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Follow the gravel path to the main complex to take in the grandeur of traditional Japanese architecture and witness solemn Shinto ceremonies. Participate in a ritual yourself by praying and leaving an offering at the shrine before exploring the surrounding Yoyogi-koen Park, a 133-acre (54 ha) park popular for leisurely strolls and picnics. 

Trade one green space for another as you head to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace next for a walk among the traditional tea houses, scenic ponds, and picturesque bridges, like Nijubashi Bridge with its double arches. Continue to the bustling district of Asakusa to visit Senso-ji, the oldest temple in the city, built in 645 CE. Walk down the busy shopping street of Nakamise-dori to get to the main hall adorned with sacred artifacts. On your way out, pick up an omikuji to read your fortune and end the tour.

Day 3: Full-Day Fuji Five Lakes Tour

Leave the city behind for the day as you transfer 1.5 hours to the Fuji Five Lakes to marvel at Mount Fuji from every angle. Start with a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi's tranquil waters, enjoying views of the surrounding forests, lakeside villages, and iconic Mount Fuji. If you're not a fan of boats, you can take a ride on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway instead. As the cable car gracefully ascends, enjoy sweeping views of the lake, the lush greenery, and the picturesque villages. When you reach the observation deck near the summit of Mount Tenjo, look out at the snowcapped peak of Mount Fuji. 

After the boat tour or cable car ride, continue to Arakurayama Sengen Park. Ascend to the Chureito Pagoda perched on the hillside for panoramic views of the snowcapped mountain against the backdrop of seasonal foliage (like pink cherry blossoms if you visit in spring). Then, end the tour in Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village renowned for its eight crystal-clear ponds fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji. Stroll around the village and admire the traditional thatched-roof houses, shrines, and quaint shops selling local crafts and delicacies before transferring back to Tokyo.

Day 4: Train to Kyoto, Walking Tour of Gion, Traditional Tea Ceremony

Say goodbye to Tokyo this morning as you head to the station to catch a 2.5-hour bullet train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. Make your way to the hotel, where you can relax until you join a walking tour in the evening. When it's time, follow your guide through the alleyways of Gion, a historic geisha district full of traditional wooden machiya houses. Stroll past quaint teahouses, high-end ryotei restaurants, and the torii gate marking the entrance to Yasaka Shrine, a Shinto sanctuary dating back to 656 CE. You may even catch a glimpse of geishas adorned in colorful clothing strolling along Hanami-koji Street.

Immerse yourself in Japan's tea culture next with a ceremony called sado or chanoyu. Sit down on a tatami, a type of straw mat, and join in the ritualistic preparation and consumption of matcha led by a knowledgeable tea master. You'll also learn about Zen philosophy while savoring traditional Japanese sweets. After the tour, stay in Gion to find a restaurant for dinner or visit Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto's Kitchen," to browse the hundreds of stalls offering an array of fresh produce, Kyoto specialties, and handmade goods.

Day 5: Guided Tour of Kyoto's Landmarks

Although Kyoto isn't Japan's official capital anymore, it's often called the cultural capital for its array of temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens. Today, you'll visit some of these sites, starting at Fushimi Inari-taisha, a shrine home to over 10,000 red torii gates, all donated by individuals or businesses and inscribed with their names and wishes. Follow the torii-lined route up to the observation deck atop the mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the gates and the surrounding forest. Head to the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion.

Stroll through the landscaped gardens and look out at the golden structure reflected in the surrounding ponds. Continue to the district of Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Stroll through the towering bamboo stalks and look up at the sunlight filtering through the canopy. Nearby, you can stop at Togetsu-kyo, also known as "Moon Crossing Bridge," for panoramic views of the bamboo grove and the lush mountains surrounding the city. Once you cross the river, you'll be greeted by Iwatayama Monkey Park, home to over 120 Japanese macaques. 

Day 6: Visit UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, Train to Kanazawa

Spend your last few hours in Kyoto exploring the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Edo period's first shogun (military leader). Enter the main palace to see the walls adorned with intricate paintings depicting scenes from nature and Japanese folklore. Then, head outside to stroll through the expansive gardens, looking out at the serene reflecting ponds, seasonal flowers, and intricate bridges. When you're done at the castle, make your way to the station for a 2.5-hour train ride to Kanazawa, nestled on the coast of the Sea of Japan.

Day 7: Full-Day Tour of Kanazawa

Discover why Kanazawa is often called the historical jewel of Japan on today's city tour, starting at the gardens of Kenroku-en, created by the Maeda family during the Edo period. Stroll the garden paths, winding past meandering streams, serene ponds, bubbling water features, and traditional tea houses. After exploring the garden, continue to Kanazawa Castle to learn about Japan's feudal history. Enter through the iconic Ishikawa-mon Gate and cross the well-manicured gardens to explore the Hishi Yagura keep.

Browse the collection of artifacts, then head to the top floor for panoramic views of the modern cityscape below. Next, learn about the city's rich tea culture in Higashi Chaya, known for its traditional wooden teahouses and geisha culture. Admire the intricate latticework of the buildings, explore charming cafés and boutiques, or book a tea ceremony to see how it compares to the one you did in Kyoto. End the tour in Nagamachi, the city's samurai district, to discover the traditional earthen-walled residences that used to house samurai and their families. 

Day 8: Visit the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go & Suganuma

Venture into the Japanese countryside this morning with a visit to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go, just one hour outside Kanazawa. Follow your guide through the village to admire its distinctive gassho-zukuri architecture (traditional farmhouses characterized by their steep, thatched roofs). Stroll along the cobblestone streets to see the well-preserved farmhouses up close, some dating back over 250 years. Don't miss Wada House, one of the largest and most well-preserved structures in the village.

Then, transfer 20 minutes to another UNESCO-listed village, Suganuma, home to more gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Stroll along the peaceful streets lined with these historic homes, some of which have been transformed into museums or guesthouses. You'll also find lush rice paddies and serene water channels throughout the village, creating a tranquil atmosphere. If there's time, visit the Gokayama Folklore Museum to peruse the collection of artifacts, tools, and exhibits highlighting the traditions of Suganuma's inhabitants throughout history. 

Day 9: Train to Tokyo, Depart

Start your final day in Japan with a three-hour journey back to Tokyo aboard a bullet train. Try to snag a window seat so you can enjoy picturesque views of rural Japan's rolling hills, coastal vistas, and traditional villages. When you arrive, make your way to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!