Day 1

Arrive: Tokyo Narita International Airport (flights arranged by client)

Upon arrival and after clearing immigration/customs formalities you are met by a Valise Travel Concierge representative (English-speaking assistant) who is waiting for you in the Arrival Hall with a Valise Travel Concierge sign, and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle to check-in.

Hotel check-in/check-out:
Official check-in time: 14:00
Official check-out time: 11:00

Capital of Japan since 1889 and with a population of 38.1 million (greater Tokyo), Tokyo is the dynamic epicenter of 21st century Japan. A dazzling fusion of ancient and modern, traditional and the avant-garde, the city pulsates with promise. Asia’s financial center and one of the world’s alpha cities, Tokyo offers the traveler a myriad of activities that draw on the city’s imperial history, innovative technology, exciting art and design, and the charming kindness of her people. For food, fun, and fashion there is no city quite like Tokyo.

The Gate Hotel Ryogoku by Hulic is located in Sumida neighborhood and is connected to a shopping center and steps from Kyu Yasuda Garden and Sumo Museum. The city of Ryogoku, bustling with the enthusiasm of Sumo fans, are filled with vestiges of Edo culture here and there. Since the Edo period, the Sumida River has been a place of life and relaxation for people. The Gate Hotel Ryogoku by Hulic connects the river to the city as the gate. Indulge yourself while relaxing at the room which feels time passes slowly. Enjoy cocktails at the private terrace and lounge on the top floor overlooks the city of Ryogoku and the Sumida River, spend a moment of grace with the sparkle of Ryogoku and the Sumida River.

The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic
Essential Room 3 nights

Day 2
Tokyo B

09:00 Please meet your guide in the hotel lobby and commence sightseeing by private vehicle.

Proceed to Tsukiji Fish Market, once the largest such market in the world. The fish market has relocated but the outer market is a thrill to explore. Discover a dizzying array of goods, from dried foods and seasonings to fresh produce and all manner of kitchen utensils.

Morning Option: Private Sushi Making Class with lunch (quoted separately)

The market is a thrill to explore and provides an ideal opportunity to learn the art of sushi making. Under the personal guidance of a sushi chef, master the process of sushi making from start to finish. The class, given in English, includes learning the proper way to wash and cook rice, prepare a fish or egg topping and mold the sushi. End the easy-to-follow lesson with a satisfying sushi lunch of your own making.

Following your lunch visit the Imperial Palace Grounds, the former site of Edo Castle where their Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside. Set on 1.15 million square meters of land in the heart of the city, Edo Castle was the official residence of the Tokugawa shogunate who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. Although much of the palace grounds are closed to the public, you can still take a leisurely stroll through many areas around the premises.

Transfer to Senso-ji, the oldest and most impressive temple in Tokyo. It was built in 645 to house a tiny golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Dating back to the 17th century, Nakamise, the 250-meter approach to Senso-ji, is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Japan. The temple precincts bustle with people praying, shopping and sightseeing.

Following your sightseeing return to your hotel arriving at 17:00.

The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic
Essential Room

Day 3
Tokyo B

09:00 Please meet your guide in the hotel lobby and commence sightseeing by private vehicle.

Discover Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, the great-great-grandparents of the current emperor. Built in 1920, the shrine covers over 700,000 square meters of land and is thickly forested with over 120,000 trees, all donated from across Japan. For many Japanese, the shrine is both a spiritual home and an oasis in Tokyo.

A short drive takes you to Harajuku, featuring fashionable Omotesando, sometimes referred to as Tokyo's Champs-Elysees, and the youth culture mecca that is at the heart of Harajuku.

Lunch at a local restaurant (payable locally).
Travel onwards to the landmark Roppongi Hills, Tokyo's largest urban redevelopment project. Spend time browsing in the many elegant boutiques here before making your way to the 238-meter-tall Mori Tower, which stands in the center of this mini city.

The cultural jewel in the crown of this skyscraper is the Mori Art Museum, which occupies the 52nd and 53rd floors. The museum has no permanent collection, so anticipate an eclectic fusion of contemporary Asian art, research projects and public programs. End your visit gazing out over the city from the Sky Deck, Japan's highest open-air observation deck.

Following your sightseeing return to your hotel arriving at 17:00.

The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic
Essential Room

Day 4
Tokyo-Hakone B-D

*07:30 Please deposit your baggage at the bell desk and we will separately transport it to your hotel in Takayama.
*You will receive the baggage on 21 April 2024
*Please prepare overnight bag for your stay in Hakone.

08:00 Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and transfer overland by private vehicle from Tokyo to Hakone.

Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is celebrated for its hot springs, magnificent natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor activities for the visitor. It is also the single best place to view Mount Fuji in all its majestic wonder. Among the many sights is the Hakone Open-Air Museum, one of the world’s finest outdoor sculpture gardens. Visitors to Tokyo should include a day or two in Hakone to experience Japan’s wonderful onsen (hot springs) culture.

Mount Fuji is Japan's most iconic symbol rising to a summit elevation of 3,776 meters (12,388 feet); it is sacred to all Japanese and has become synonymous with the country the world over.

On arrival into Hakone you will first visit the world-famous Hakone Open Air Museum which was opened in 1969 and is the first museum of its kind in Japan. Set on acres of lovely manicured lawns and gardens the collection includes 1,000 sculptures done by some of the world's most acclaimed sculptors. These include pieces by Henry Moore, Constantin Brancusi, Barbara Hepworth, Rokuzan Ogiwara, and Kotaro Takamura. The museum also includes 5 indoor exhibition galleries including the Picasso Pavilion which exhibits 700 pieces (sketches, prints, drawings) of his work making this one of the largest holdings of Picasso's art in Asia.
Lunch at a local restaurant (payable locally).

You will then transfer to the Hakone Ropeway and take the cable car ride over the infamous Owakudani Valley which was created just 3,000 years ago during a major volcanic eruption. The valley is riddled with vents and hot springs that pour forth clouds of vaporous Sulphur earning the valley the nickname of 'Hell's Valley'.

After disembarking from the ropeway your last activity today is a boat ride on Lake Ashinoko (popularly called Lake Ashi) a caldera lake that offers the best views onto Mount Fuji. The lake is surrounded by lovely pine forests and is a popular region for hikers.

Following your sightseeing transfer to your ryokan for check-in arriving at 16:00.

Hotel check-in/check-out:
Official check-in time: 15:00
Official check-out time: 11:00

Welcome to Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu, a true sanctuary facing magnificent mountain in Hakone, away from your bustling city life. The concept of our ryokan is the harmony of authentic Japanese hospitality and the nature. You can watch the sunrising sky while bathing in our enormous open-air onsen with infinite horizon view. In addition, all rooms come with its own private open-air bath. In the evening, get excited for the beautifully presented delicious Japanese cuisine at your table. Enjoy the heavenly experience of the true Japanese service throughout your stay. Hakone Open-Air Museum and Hakone Gora Park is only 6-minute bus ride from Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu. Chisuji Falls is 13-minute walk away, and Owakudani Valley is 2.3 km away.

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Superior Room with an open-air bath 1 night

Day 5
Hakone-Nagoya-Takayama B-D

09:00 Meet your English-speaking assistant in the hotel lobby and transfer by private vehicle to the train station (No assistant to accompany clients during this train journey).

Depart: Odawara Train Station at 10:07 on Sunday 21 April 2024
Train No. Hikari#637 (Shinkansen)
Arrive: Nagoya Train Station at 11:14 on Sunday 21 April 2024
Upon arrival meet another English-speaking assistant who will assist you in buying a Japanese Bento (lunch box, payable locally) to enjoy during the train journey, and assist your onward train (No assistant to accompany clients during this train journey).

Depart: Nagoya Train Station at 11:43 
Train No. Wide View Hida#9 (JR Limited Express train)
Arrive: Takayama Train Station at 14:18 

Upon arrival meet your guide and commence sightseeing by private vehicle.

Nestled in the foothills of the Japanese Alps charming Takayama is a quaint mountain town steeped in historic tradition. For visitors this is a living museum of old Japan with is narrow lanes, wooden shops, houses and sake breweries. Enjoy exploring this delightful treasure trove of tradition especially during its spring and autumn festivals. Visitors can also take a day trip to Shirakawago a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its 16th homesteads.

Due to its relative isolation in the foothills of the Japanese Alps, Takayama (the Gifu Prefecture) has a distinctive culinary tradition that is best experienced through a series of ``taste tests´´ that highlight its unique food culture.

Visit local shops in the Old Town to sample such food traditions as local miso, tofu, and crackers and then balance these with some sake sampling at one of the town's major breweries. This is then given another positive palette experience when tasting the many local handmade sweets made from flavored sticky rice.

Then visit the Takayama Yatai Kaikan, which exhibits a number of exquisite floats used during the celebrations of the spring and autumn festivals. These exquisite wood and lacquer floats, some up to 250 years old, are paraded throughout the town during festival days.

Next to the Yatai Kaikan is the sacred Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine which dates to the reign of the emperor Nintoku (413 - 439). Set within a grove of towering fir trees, the shrine reflects the deep respect for nature which the Japanese have.

Following your sightseeing transfer to your hotel for check-in arriving at 17:00.

Hotel check-in/check-out:
Official check-in time: 14:00
Official check-out time: 11:00

This 5-star property lies 1.8 kilometers from the city center and provides accessibility to important town facilities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. For the comfort and convenience of guests, Ryokan Hidatei Hanaougi offers a car park, shuttle service, bicycle rental, safety deposit boxes, and shops. In addition, all guestrooms feature a variety of comforts such as internet access to please even the most discerning guest. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to unwind after a hard day, you will be entertained by top-class recreational facilities such as spa and hot spring bath.

Hidatei Hanaougi
Japanese Room with an open-air bath 1 night

Day 6
Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa B

09:00 Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and transfer overland from Takayama to Kanazawa by private vehicle.

You will make one stop on this transfer in the beautiful village of Shirakawa which is located in the Ono District of Gifu Prefecture. The village area is located 48 kilometers (30 miles) to the west of Takayama and the drive takes about 50 minutes.

After arriving in the Shirakawa area you first visit the scenic lookout which affords panoramic views across the valley floor. The village is situated in the Ryohaku Mountains with the highest point in the area Mount Hakusan at 2,172 meters (7,125 feet). The mountain setting influences the climate of the region with the village recording an average of 10 meters (415 inches) of snow each winter making this one of the snowiest places in Japan. The village has a long history dating back to the Edo period (1603 - 1868) and is one of the only areas left in central Honshu where the distinctive gassho-zukuri style of architecture can be found. The steep sloped thatched roofs provide protection from the heavy winter snowfalls.

The village is now an invested UNESCO World Heritage Site and the local economy is dependent on the seasonal tourism that this designation has brought. Summer are particularly busy and there is now some concern about the village being impacted by the growing number of tourists. Enjoy the balance of the day exploring the village which includes visits to selected houses to learn about the life of the villagers.

Lunch at a local restaurant (payable locally).

You will continue your overland transfer to Kanazawa (75 kilometers or about 48 miles) where, on arrival, you are taken to your lovely hotel arriving at 17:00.
Hotel check-in/check-out:
Official check-in time: 15:00
Official check-out time: 12:00

Set at the southern end of the Noto Peninsula along the coast of the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is called, “Japan’s best kept travel secret”. Authentically Japanese, without over commercial or western influences, the city is home to one of the three most beautiful classical gardens, a historic samurai quarter, a traditional geisha district and a number of elegant handicraft workshops.

Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, situated just seconds from the Kanazawa station, is the perfect launchpad from which to explore the authentic art, shops, unforgettable cuisine and culture of Kanazawa. Relax in Hyatt Centric Kanazawa before heading out to explore, the rooms and suites offer natural lighting and modern amenities in playfully designed spaces. Experience this well-preserved historic city renowned for its geisha and samurai districts through its local sips, sights, snacks and sounds.

Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Standard Room 2 nights

Day 7
Kanazawa B

09:00 Please meet your guide in the hotel lobby and enjoy a full-day orientation of Kanazawa - by private vehicle - that will focus on the city's rich history and cultural traditions.

Begin with a walk through the Nagamachi District, the former samurai district which flourished during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) when the powerful Tokugawa shogunate dominated Japan. The Nagamachi area is a mirror to the traditions of samurai life and through the meticulous restoration done on this area visitors can better appreciate this rich chapter of Japanese history.

During the walk you will stop to visit the Nomura-ke, an exquisitely restored samurai residence which features an elegant garden and an outstanding collection of art and artifacts from the Edo period.

You then continue with a visit to one of the city's Silk Dyeing Studios which is in the middle of the Nagamachi Samurai District. The hand-made silks are dyed in the centuries-old traditional methods used by silk artists.

Lunch at a local restaurant (payable locally).

Next visit the Kenrokuen Garden considered one of the three finest ""classical"" gardens in all of Japan. The garden, which is located to the southwest of Kanazawa Castle, was begun in 1676 and restored again in 1759. It covers an area of 114,436 square meters (25 acres) and includes 8,750 trees and plants representing 183 different species. The highlight of this visit is the Seisonkaku Villa a beautiful Samurai home located in the southwest corner of the garden.

Your orientation will conclude with a visit to the Kutani Pottery Kiln, which offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the entire process to produce these delicate ceramic wares, from their formation on the potter's lathe to final hand-painted flourishes.

Afternoon option: Private Kutani Pottery Drawing Experience (quoted separately)

Produced in the Ishikawa Prefecture since the 17th century, Kutani porcelain ware has undergone a major revival over the past two decades. Once again the exquisite multicolored fired pieces are prized around the world.

Enjoy a private lesson led by a porcelain artist in drawing on the unfired porcelain pieces which, once finished, can be taken with you. Shipping assistance is available for those who prefer not to carry finished pieces with them.

**Clients can draw line on white ceramic, the supplier paint the ware by 5 traditional colors and send fired ware to Japan or overseas (shipping fee on own expense).

Following your orientation tour return to your hotel arriving at 17:00.

Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Standard Room

Day 8
Kanazawa-Kyoto B

07:30 Please deposit your baggage at the bell desk and we will separately transport it to your hotel in Kyoto.

*Please prepare an overnight bag for your first night in Kyoto

09:00 Meet your English-speaking assistant in the hotel lobby and proceed to the train station on foot (No assistant to accompany clients during this train journey).
Depart: Kanazawa Train Station at 09:54 
Train No. Thunderbird#16 (JR Limited Express train)
Arrive: Kyoto Train Station at 12:09 

Upon arrival meet your guide and transfer by private vehicle to a local restaurant for lunch (payable locally).

If Tokyo suggests the future then Kyoto is the heart of historic Japan, a city steeped in imperial heritage and deeply rooted in classical Japanese tradition. Serving as the capital of imperial Japan from 794 to 1868 it is famous for its cultural treasures: temples, gardens, shrines, and the intangible philosophy of an ancient way of life. For visitors the city features the greatest concentration of Japanese history and culture; a repository of the cultural treasures for which Japan is celebrated.

Following tour lunch start your discovery of Kyoto at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the superb Kiyomizu temple. According to legend, the priest Enchin erected a hermitage and small chapel here in 788. From the temple's lofty platform, enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto. Note that both the main hall and the platform were built without the use of nails or joiners.

Afternoon option: Private Tea Ceremony and Kimono Wearing (quoted separately)

Don a traditional kimono and take part in the ancient rite of the ""Chado"" or tea ceremony in this engaging hands on experience.

The afternoon private experience is held in a traditional machiya or town house and led by expert tea masters.
You will first be fitted and properly dressed in a traditional kimono which literally means, ""Thing to Wear"". The kimono is the national costume of Japan and is worn on many special festive occasions.

After being dressed in the kimono take part in the traditions of the tea ceremony which is deeply influenced by the philosophy of Zen Buddhism.

The tea master will carefully explain the significance of the ceremony and how it expresses the importance of coming together in a chance meeting.

Following you sightseeing transfer to your hotel to check-in arriving at 16:00.

Hotel check-in/check-out:
Official check-in time: 15:00
Official check-out time: 12:00

Located near historic Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic Kyoto landmark, Garrya Kyoto Nijo Castle is an exquisite boutique hotel featuring 25 rooms including one suite. Each room has been beautifully designed to balance the traditions of its historic location with the most innovative of hi-tech amenities. Spaciously laid-out and highlighted using auspicious red lacquer furnishings and other striking accent pieces, most rooms have floor to ceiling windows looking onto the castle or elegant gardens. The hotel features one restaurant which celebrates the fusion of novelle French cuisine with the freshest of locally sourced Japanese ingredients. A truly unique experience, the Garrya Kyoto Nijo Castle honours the classic traditions of imperial Kyoto.

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
Deluxe Room 3 nights

Day 9
Kyoto B

08:30 Please meet your guide in the hotel lobby and commence sightseeing.

Travel to Kinkakuji, a magnificent Zen temple overlooking Kyokochi Pond. Originally conceived as a warlord's retirement villa, Kinkakuji is also known as the Golden Pavilion, as much of it is adorned with gold leaf.

Travel to Arashiyama, the drive takes about 30 minutes.

Wander amid the soaring stalks of bamboo and experience the sense of otherworldliness that makes this place so enchanting. If there is a breeze, listen for the inimitable creak as the bamboo sways in the grove, now listed among Japan's 100 soundscapes.

Pair your walk with a visit to nearby Tenryuji, ranked among Kyoto's five great Zen temples. Erected in 1339 and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tenryuji is best appreciated from its charming gardens.

Lunch at a local restaurant (payable locally).

Proceed to Togetsu Bridge, Arashiyama's most iconic landmark and the perfect point from which to relish the ever-changing colors of the mountain scenery. In springtime, the cherry trees that line the Oi River are a riot of pink blossom.
A short drive to Monkey Park Iwatayama, home to over 170 Japanese macaques. Although wild, the inhabitants are happy to accept donations from visitors, so feel free to feed them at designated feeding sites.

Following your sightseeing return to your hotel arriving at 16:30.

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
Deluxe Room

Day 10
Kyoto-Nara-Kyoto B

09:00 Please meet your guide in the hotel lobby and commence sightseeing.

Drive to Fushimi Inari, the most significant of many shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. At the main hall present a small offering to the resident deity then make your way to the rear of the shrine to find the first of over 5,000 vermilion torii gates.

The Fushimi district is also renowned for its sake. Discover the intricacies of the sake production process. Understand how important it is for brewers to balance the main ingredients of water, rice, malt and yeast and how the taste of the sake changes according to the ingredients.

Lunch at a local restaurant (payable locally).

The one-hour drive brings you to the old capital of Nara. Your first stop is Nara Park. This expansive estate is home to over 1,000 freely roaming deer. Considered in Shintoism as messengers of the gods, the deer relish the crackers on sale around the park.

Then head to Todaiji, a temple founded in 752 and home to Daibutsu, or Great Buddha, the world's largest bronze casting. Marvel at the size of the Buddha's open hand, which alone is the height of human, and at Daibutsuden, which houses the statue. It is believed to be the largest wooden structure on earth.

Return to Shintoism at Kasuga Taisha, a shrine built in 768 and reconstructed every 20 years thereafter. Try to envisage the 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns when they are lit on 3rd or 5th February and 15th August each year.

Following your sightseeing return to your hotel in Koto to check-in arriving at 17:00.

Evening Option: Private Japanese Dinner with a Geisha & Maiko with round trip transfers (quoted separately)

18:30 Please meet your guide in the hotel lobby and transfer to the dinner venue.

Enjoy a truly authentic Kyoto evening in the private company of a geisha and maiko, traditional Japanese female entertainers famed throughout the world as the ultimate hostesses. Your guide is on hand to answer the many questions you are sure to have.

The evening begins in fine style with kaiseki ryori, a multi-course dinner that is emblematic of Kyoto sophistication and artistry. The night culminates with a rare opportunity to interact with geiko and maiko. Enjoy a private entertainment of dance, games and conversation followed by a musical accompaniment in the form of a jikata, a geisha trained in Japanese music. A typical performance consists of short songs, known as ko-uta, from the Edo period (1603-1868) accompanied by the three-stringed shamisen.

Following your dinner return to your hotel arriving at 21:30.
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
Deluxe Room

Day 11
Kyoto-Okayama-Naoshima B

*07:30 Please deposit your baggage at the bell desk and we will separately transport it to your hotel in Osaka.

*Please prepare an overnight bag for stay in Naoshima.

09:00 Meet your English-speaking assistant in the hotel lobby and transfer to the train station (No assistant to accompany clients during this train journey).

Depart: Kyoto Train Station at 10:02 
Train No. Nozomi #13 (Shinkansen)
Arrive: Okayama Train Station at 11:02 

Upon arrival meet your guide and transfer to Uno Port (approximately an hour drive) by private vehicle.

You will take the local ferry from Uno Port to Miyanoura Port (approximately 20 minutes ride).

Washed by the jade waters of the Inland Sea the island of Naoshima (as well as its sister island, Teshima) has become an international art sensation; the art islands of Asia. Attracting the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists and designers the islands are shrines to the eclecticism of international contemporary art. No visit is complete, however, without an overnight stay at the island’s eccentrically charming Benesse House Museum and Hotel.

Upon arrival enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (payable locally).

Following your lunch commence sightseeing to the Lee Ufan Museum, where the organic stone and steel sculptures and two-dimensional paintings of Korean contemporary artist resonate harmoniously with Ando's gentle, minimalist architecture.

Your tour will end at the Benesse House where you visit the hotel museum before checking in. You can also venture beyond the museum and its artworks by internationally acclaimed artists to the seashore and nearby forest to relish the fusion of art and the island's natural beauty.

Hotel check-in/check-out:
Official check-in time: 15:00
Official check-out time: 11:00

The Benesse House is a modern art museum and resort hotel on the southern coast of Naoshima Island. The complex is the centerpiece of the Benesse Corporation's art facilities on the island and consists of four buildings: the Museum, Oval, Park and Beach, all designed by star architect Ando Tadao. Each building features its own unique artwork and guest rooms. The main attraction of the Benesse House is its modern art museum, located on a hill overlooking the sea displays work created by many different artists from both Japan and abroad inspired by the natural surroundings of Naoshima and the architecture on the island. Overnight guests staying at the Museum and Oval buildings can enjoy 24-hour access to the museum.

Benesse House
Park Room 1 night

Day 12
Naoshima-Oakayama-Osaka B

09:00 Please meet your guide in the hotel lobby and commence sightseeing by private vehicle.

Begin your discovery of this mecca for art devotees at the Chichu Art Museum, a fine example of the seamless dialogue between art, architecture and nature that pervades Naoshima. Observe how artworks by James Turrell, Claude Monet and Walter De Maria have been thoughtfully integrated into intimate spaces designed by star architect Tadao Ando. Marvel at how the natural lighting in this largely subterranean gallery creates magically illuminated ambiances that change hourly with the light of the day as well as the seasons.

Continue on to the Art House Project, a series of abandoned structures scattered throughout a residential district that have been transformed into works of art by contemporary artists and architects from both Japan and abroad. Note how history, locality and memories of the village are expressed by each artist's uniquely creative vision. Enjoy an experience that is in constant change, not only through interactions with the art houses themselves but with the local culture of the community as well.

Lunch at a local restaurant (payable locally).

Following your lunch transfer by private vehicle and local ferry the train station (No guide to accompany clients during this train journey).
Depart: Okayama Train Station at 16:58 
Train No. Nozomi #42 (Shinkansen)
Arrive: Okayama Train Station 

Upon arrival meet your English-speaking assistant and transfer to hotel to check-in by private vehicle.

Osaka is Japan’s “second city” with a metropolitan population of 19 million and an appealing energy that is manifested in its dazzling neon urban core, food markets, hi-tech entertainment attractions and the more relaxed charms of her people. Osaka is the gateway to south and west Japan, a transportation, communication and financial hub powering Japan to the future.

Hotel check-in/check-out:
Official check-in time: 15:00
Official check-out time: 11:00

Welcome to Conrad Osaka, your 'address in the sky.' With a commanding presence on Nakanoshima between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, this sleek luxury hotel offers incredible views of the water and Osaka from all guest rooms and public areas. Conrad Osaka resides on the highest floors of Nakanoshima Festival West Tower, home to shops, restaurants and an art museum. Festival Hall is next door, easily reached via underground link. The hotel is also connected to Higobashi and Watanabebashi stations for quick access to businesses, attractions, and ITM and KIX airports.

Conrad Osaka (5*)
Deluxe Room 2 nights

Day 13
Osaka B

09:00 Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and set off by private vehicle on a full-day orientation of Osaka.

Begins at Osaka Castle, constructed between the years 1583 – 1597 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi the castle was a major part of the unification of Japan. The castle covers 51,000 square meters (15 acres) and the main structure is 5 stories in height on the exterior but has 3 additional levels underground. The grounds surrounding the castle are planted in hundreds of cherry trees which are a sea of pink during the hanami period (cherry blossom viewing season) each March and April.

Continue to the Umeda Sky Building one of Osaka’s most recognized landmarks. Rising to a height of 173 meters (568 feet) the complex consists of two 40-story towers linked by a bridge and an escalator. This is called the “Floating Garden Observatory” and affords visitors unobstructed panoramic views of the greater city area.

Proceed to Shinsekai, a traditional neighborhood that excels in kushikatsu, Osaka's best-known specialty. The skewered, battered and deep-fried delights are the ideal street food with a wide variety, including chicken and beef, pumpkin and asparagus, and even banana and ice cream.

Continue to Kuromon Market, a covered public market comprised of over 150 shops. For fresh-from-the-ocean fare, try crab legs, oysters, sea urchin and eel. Save some room for a dessert of fruit.

End your local tastings at Dotonbori, yet another of Osaka's foodie meccas. Look out for dishes such as tacoyaki (grilled octopus dumplings) and okonomiyaki (Japanese style savory pancakes) along Dotonbori River before crossing to the other side to see colorful neon signs and flash signboards.

Afterwards, return to your hotel arriving at 16:00.

Conrad Osaka
Deluxe Room

Day 14
Osaka B

(At designated time) Please meet your English-speaking assistant in the hotel lobby and transfer to Osaka Kansai International Airport by private vehicle.

Depart: Osaka Kansai International Airport (details to be advised by clients) on Tuesday 30 April 2024
Flight No. (flight to be confirmed by client)
Arrive: (Details to be advised by client)

Arrival Airport - Tokyo Narita International Airport

Departure Airport - Osaka Kansai International Airport

Price includes all accommodations, activities, transfers and meals as specified on itinerary.

Alcoholic beverages other than those specifically stated, airfare, gratuities, and items of a personal nature such as laundry services, are not included in the price of this trip.

A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space. Balance is due 6-weeks prior to travel. This amount is non-refundable upon payment.

Cancellations less than six weeks prior to arrival are non- refundable.

Limited to 7 guests.

Additional Trip Terms & Conditions