The World Heritage 15 day private escorted tour of Japan includes many of the must-see spectacles and is ideal for first time visitors. Travel by coach bus, train and the super impressive shinkansen as you see the major World Heritage sights of Japan. Experience modern megacities, historical towns and the ancient traditions and culture that Japan is famous for.

You can customise this itinerary to suit your wishes.

Day 1: Tokyo
Upon arrival at Narita/Haneda Airport, clear customs and immigration. Your meeting assistant will escort you to your private taxi with chauffeur to take you direct to your accommodation in Tokyo.

Accommodation: Hotel in Tokyo – 3 nights

Day 2: Tokyo (B)
After breakfast your Japan journey begins with a full day of sightseeing in Tokyo. Your guide will take you to some of the major sights including Meiji Jingu Shrine, Sensouji Temple – Tokyo’s most famous Buddhist Temple – and Nakamise Shopping Street for those little souvenirs. Then take a cruise along the Sumida River. The tour will conclude at 5pm and you’ll have the rest of the evening free to explore the nightlife of Tokyo.

Day 3: Tokyo – Nikko – Tokyo (B)
Enjoy a private guided sightseeing tour of Nikko by public transport (8am – 6:30pm). Visit the intricately decorated Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine. Find the famous three animal carvings (sleeping cat, three monkeys and imagined elephant)!

Day 4: Tokyo – Nagoya – Takayama (B, D)
Transfer to Tokyo or Shinagawa Station by public transport with your guide. Travel to Takayama, a charming little samurai town in the heart of the Japanese Alps, via Nagoya by bullet train and express train with no guide on board. Upon arrival in Takayama, take a short sightseeing tour on foot, visiting Takayama Jinya and Kami-sanmachi street, full of traditional merchant houses.
*Note, that heavy luggage is transferred from your accommodation in Tokyo to Kyoto. Please pack your clothes and toiletries for a three night stay into an overnight bag or backpack.

Accommodation: Ryokan in Takayama – 1 night

Day 5: Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa (B)
Enjoy a private sightseeing tour of Takayama and Shirakawago (9am – 6pm). In the morning, explore the Miyagawa Morning Market and Hida Kokubunji Temple by foot, then take public transport to Shirakawago. This World Heritage listed village contains many traditional thatched-roof farmhouses. View the fairytale village from the observation deck of Ogi Machi and explore the Open-Air Museum Gassho-Style Minkaen.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kanazawa – 2 nights

Day 6: Kanazawa (B)
Your guide takes you on a tour of Kanazawa city (9am – 5pm) visiting Kenroku-en Garden (one of Japan’s 3 most beautiful gardens), the Nomura Samurai House in the Nagamachi samurai district and Higashi Chayagai geisha district.

Day 7: Kanazawa – Kyoto (B)
Leave Kanazawa for Kyoto by public transport. Enjoy an afternoon of free time in Kyoto

Accommodation: Hotel in Kyoto – 3 nights

Day 8: Kyoto (B)
Private guided sightseeing tour of Kyoto (9am – 5pm) by public transport. Explore Ryoanji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavillion), Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and then stroll around the Gion District.

Day 9: Kyoto (B)
Private guided sightseeing tour of Kyoto (9am – 5pm) by public transport. Visit the Arashiyama area to see the Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge, walk through thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the enjoy the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery.

Day 10: Kyoto – Uji – Nara (B, D)
After breakfast, depart for Nara via Uji on a private guided excursion (8:30am – 5pm). Stop by Byodoin Temple (Phoenix Hall) in Uji before seeing the world’s largest wooden building at Todaiji in Nara (which houses the great bronze Buddha). Walk through Nara Park, home to over a thousand friendly deer, and visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
*Note, that heavy luggage is transferred from your accommodation in Kyoto to Himeji. Please pack your clothes and toiletries for a two night stay into an overnight bag or backpack.

Accommodation: Ryokan in Nara – 1 night

Day 11: Nara – Koyasan (B, D)
Transfer to Koyasan (Mt Koya, one of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan) with your guide by public transport. Upon arrival, start a private guided sightseeing tour visiting Konpon Daito Pagoda and Kongobuji Temple. Experience authentic Shojin-ryori – Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine for dinner and breakfast.

Accommodation: Temple in Mt Koya – 1 night

Day 12: Koyasan – Himeji (B)
Participate in Buddhist Morning Mass, then depart for Himeji. Upon arrival, enjoy a short, private guided sightseeing tour of Himeji visiting the world heritage Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden.

Accommodation: Hotel in Himeji – 1 night

Day 13: Himeji – Hiroshima – Miyajima (B, D)
Leave Himeji for Hiroshima on public transport. Take a private guided tour of Hiroshima. Witness and learn of the tragic results of war and heartbreaking stories at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Continue with your guide to Miyajima and take a private guided tour of Itsukushima Shrine.
*Note, that heavy luggage is transferred from your accommodation in Himeji to Osaka. Please pack your clothes and toiletries for a one night stay into an overnight bag or backpack.

Accommodation: Ryokan in Miyajima – 1 night

Day 14: Miyajima – Osaka (B)
Leave Miyajima for Osaka on public transport. Upon arrival in Osaka, start a private guided sightseeing tour visiting Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics.

Accommodation: Hotel in Osaka – 1 night

Day 15: Osaka – Kansai International Airport (B)
Your escorted tour finishes after breakfast. Transfer on your own to Kansai International Airport and head off to your next destination.
We can also arrange late check out, post-tour accommodation and any other arrangements if you wish to extend your stay in Japan after the tour concludes.