Japan Nature Itinerary – 12 Day Scenic Journey from Tokyo to Kyoto

（ Private Car ）

Upon your arrival in Tokyo, your driver will welcome you at your airport’s arrival hall and get you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Accommodation： Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotel ＆ Resorts) ★★★★

（ Private Car ＆ Private Guide ）

Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Surrounded by a beautiful forest, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city despite being located in the heart of Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy traditional architecture, tranquil walking paths, and cultural events held throughout the year. It is an important site for understanding the spirit of the Japanese people and Japanese culture.

Takeshita Street is a lively shopping street in Harajuku, Tokyo, famous for its youth fashion, trendy boutiques, crepes, and vibrant pop culture.
The tree-lined avenue of Omotesando is often considered Tokyo’s version of Paris’s grand boulevards, offering a wide range of upscale brand-name stores and stylish shopping experiences.

Senso-ji Temple is the oldest and most famous Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Its iconic Kaminarimon Gate is a popular photo spot, and the bustling shopping street Nakamise-dori leading to the temple offers a variety of local street foods. You can enjoy treats like takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), Asakusa’s specialty monjayaki (savory pancake), and taiyaki (fish-shaped waffles filled with sweet red bean paste).

Accommodation： Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotel ＆ Resorts) ★★★★

（ Private Car ＆ Private Guide ）

Iyashi no Sato Nenba is a peaceful, traditional Japanese village located near Mt. Fuji. The restored thatched-roof houses offer cultural experiences such as craft making, kimono rentals, and local cuisine. Surrounded by nature, it provides stunning views of Mt. Fuji, making it ideal for relaxation and photography.

Narusawa Ice Cave, located in the Aokigahara Forest, is a fascinating lava cave formed by a Mt. Fuji eruption about 1,150 years ago. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 3°C throughout the year and features stunning natural ice pillars and icicle-like formations. With tunnels as low as 90 cm and narrow stairways, it offers an adventurous experience—making it a perfect stop on a hidden gem or off-the-beaten-path tour.

Arakura Sengen Shrine, located on Mount Arakura in Yamanashi Prefecture, is famous as a scenic spot for viewing Mount Fuji. The shrine grounds feature a beautiful five-story pagoda, making it a popular destination for photographers, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring.

Oshino Hakkai is located at the base of Mount Fuji and is famous for its eight clear spring water ponds. These springs are fed by melted snow from Mount Fuji and have been treasured for centuries as pure water. The area features traditional thatched-roof houses, charming shops, and beautiful scenery, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking nature and culture.

Accommodation： Fuji View Hotel ★★★★

（ Private Car ＆ Private Guide ）

Owakudani Valley was formed by a volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone about 3,000 years ago. Even today, steam vents and the smell of sulfur fill the air, making it a popular spot to experience geothermal activity up close. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the powerful forces of nature. Don’t miss the local specialty, “Kuro-tamago” (black eggs) — hard-boiled eggs cooked in the hot springs, turned black by the volcanic minerals. It’s said that eating one will add seven years to your life!

Ride a pirate ship-style sightseeing boat on Lake Ashi and enjoy a relaxing cruise while taking in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Hakone's stunning scenery. Located on the lakeshore, Hakone Shrine is known for its sacred atmosphere surrounded by forest and its iconic red torii gate standing gracefully in the water.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is Japan’s first outdoor sculpture museum, set amidst the beautiful mountains of Hakone. Over 100 sculptures by renowned artists are displayed across its spacious grounds. Visitors can enjoy a blend of art and nature, along with interactive exhibits, relaxing hot spring foot baths, and the Picasso Pavilion featuring a rich collection of his works.

You’ll board a Shinkansen/Bullet Train (1hr 10min) from Odawara to Nagoya, where you’ll then be driven to your hotel with a personal transport.

Accommodation： Nagoya Tokyu Hotel ★★★★

（ Private Guide ）

Nagoya Castle, built in 1612, is a historic symbol of central Japan. Famous for its golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-headed carp), the castle features stunning samurai architecture and beautiful seasonal gardens. Explore the elegant palace, engaging exhibits, and scenic grounds to experience the depth of Japan’s feudal era and cultural heritage.

The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is located at the birthplace of the Toyota Group. Preserving a Taisho-era factory as an industrial heritage site, the museum allows visitors to experience the evolution of textile machinery that supported Japan’s modernization and the development of cutting-edge automotive technology through dynamic displays and live demonstrations of real machines.

The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park in Nagoya is a lively museum showcasing the evolution of Japan’s railways. It features full-size exhibits including historic steam locomotives, Shinkansen models, and the latest superconducting maglev trains. Visitors can enjoy interactive simulators, one of Japan’s largest railway dioramas, and family-friendly attractions. It offers a valuable experience of the past, present, and future of rail travel.

Accommodation： Nagoya Tokyu Hotel ★★★★

（ Private Car ＆ Private Guide ）

You'll get to walk the Nakasendo trail. This trail was once part of feudal Japan's highway network which connected Kyoto and Tokyo. Travelers once took several days to traverse it, staying in Juku post towns. Today, visitors can walk sections by day and stay in local inns at night.

Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku are charming post towns along the historic Nakasendo Trail. These beautifully preserved villages offer a glimpse into Edo-period Japan with traditional wooden buildings, cobblestone streets, and local crafts. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, authentic inns, and delicious regional cuisine while experiencing Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Perfect for history and nature lovers.

Accommodation： Takayama Ouan Hotel ★★★★

（ Private Car ＆ Private Guide ）

Takayama Sanmachi is the historic old town area of Takayama, famous for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings, traditional shops, and charming streets. Visitors can explore sake breweries, local crafts, and cozy cafes while enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere. This area offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s past and is a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts.

Takayama Jinya is a historic government office located in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. It was used by the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period to manage the Hida region. Built in the 17th century, it is the only surviving building of its kind in Japan. The complex includes traditional tatami rooms, offices, and a rice storehouse. Visitors can explore the well-preserved architecture and learn about the administrative systems of feudal Japan. Surrounded by scenic mountains, Takayama Jinya offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s samurai-era governance and rural history. It's a must-visit for culture and history lovers.

Shirakawa-go is a picturesque mountain village in Gifu Prefecture, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These thatched-roof houses, some over 250 years old, are designed to withstand heavy snow and resemble hands pressed in prayer. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into rural life in historic Japan. Visitors can explore preserved homes, local museums, and beautiful natural surroundings. Shirakawa-go is especially stunning in winter, when snow blankets the rooftops. Its peaceful atmosphere, scenic beauty, and unique architecture make it a must-visit destination for culture and history lovers.

Accommodation: Hotel Niko Kanazawa ★★★★

（ Private Car ＆ Private Guide ）

Kenrokuen Garden, located in Kanazawa, is one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional gardens. Created in the 17th century by the Maeda clan, it is famous for its beauty throughout all seasons. The garden features ponds, streams, tea houses, bridges, and carefully landscaped trees and flowers. Its name means “garden of six attributes,” representing spaciousness, serenity, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and panoramic views. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, seasonal blossoms like cherry and plum flowers, and iconic sights such as the Kotojitoro lantern. Kenrokuen offers a perfect blend of nature and design, making it a must-visit for garden lovers and tourists alike.

Kanazawa Castle is a historic landmark located in the heart of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. Once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan during the Edo period, the castle served as a key political and military base. While much of the original structure was lost to fire, several gates, walls, and turrets have been beautifully reconstructed using traditional methods. The castle grounds are spacious and scenic, featuring moats, stone walls, and seasonal flowers. Visitors can explore the restored buildings and learn about samurai-era architecture and defense. Together with nearby Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle offers a rich glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

Nagamachi Buke Yashiki is an area where samurai of the Kaga Domain lived during the Edo period. It is known for its well-preserved samurai residences, narrow stone-paved alleys, earthen walls, and distinctive "nagaya-mon" gates with samurai windows. Visitors can get a glimpse of the samurai lifestyle and traditional architecture.

Higashi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa’s most charming historic neighborhoods, located in Ishikawa Prefecture. Lined with beautiful wooden buildings, it once served as a gathering place for geisha entertainment during the Edo period. Visitors can stroll along narrow lanes, admire traditional tea houses, and experience classic Japanese culture. Many chaya now house cafés and boutiques selling gold-leaf crafts, sweets, and pottery. The area feels atmospheric at dusk when lanterns glow softly. With its well-preserved atmosphere, Higashi Chaya offers a memorable glimpse into Japan’s elegant past and is an essential stop for anyone exploring the heritage of Kanazawa.

Accommodation: Hotel Niko Kanazawa ★★★★

（ Private Guide ）

You’ll board a one-way high-speed train from Kanazawa to Kyoto (approx. 3 hours and 26 minutes).
You’ll be accompanied by a personal English-speaking guide.

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, featuring a wooden stage that extends from the main hall and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Founded in 778 and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the Japanese people. It's well worth visiting to experience the seasonal scenery and traditional temple architecture.

Hanamikoji Street, located in Kyoto’s Gion district, is famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and charming atmosphere. Stroll along this historic street to experience classic tea houses, geisha culture, and quaint shops. Especially magical in the evening, Hanamikoji offers a glimpse into old Kyoto and Japan’s timeless elegance.

Accommodation： Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijyo ★★★★