Heritage and inspiration on
Japan's Golden Route

Connecting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Beyond
7 days

Tour Highlights

Exploring Japan's most celebrated destinations, this program blends iconic sights with exclusive cultural moments. The journey begins with a refined welcome in a historic garden with four centuries of Edo-era heritage, followed by an exclusive cocktail high above the skyline at Tokyo Skytree. A chartered Shinkansen (bullet train) delivers guests to Kyoto for once-in-a-lifetime temple access with tea and calligraphy. UNESCO World Heritage Sites--Mount Hiei's Enryakuji Temple, Todaiji Temple in Nara City, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial area, and Miyajima's sacred Itsukushima Shrine--add depth and inspiration. The journey concludes in Osaka with an exclusive farewell staged in a dignified Noh theater.

Route Map

Day 1

Arrival in Tokyo and welcome reception

Tokyo

Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport; transfer by private coach to central Tokyo
Imperial Palace Outer Gardens walk: The first impressions of Tokyo begin with a stroll through the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace, where wide stone paths, moats, and historic gates recall the city's Edo-period (1603-1867) origins.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Welcome reception at Happo-en: In the evening, a welcome reception is hosted at Happo-en, a famous garden estate combining traditional architecture, landscaped grounds, and refined hospitality. Its centuries-old bonsai collection, teahouse, and seasonal gardens provide an elegant backdrop for greeting guests and marking the start of the program.
Overnight in Tokyo

Day 2

Traditions, and the Tokyo skyline

Tokyo

Sightseeing and lunch in Asakusa: The day begins with sightseeing in Asakusa, home to Sensoji Temple and Nakamise-dori, its lively shopping street. Guests have free time to stroll through the historic arcade, where local food stalls offer traditional snacks and sweets. The visit combines cultural heritage with culinary encounters, blending religious tradition with the flavors of everyday Tokyo.
Edo-Tokyo Museum visit: The Edo-Tokyo Museum provides insight into the transformation of the city from a samurai-era castle town to a modern metropolis, with large-scale reconstructions and interactive displays. The museum is scheduled to reopen in spring after a major renewal.
Dinner at Tokyo Skytree restaurant and oberservation deck private cocktail party: Guests dine at a restaurant inside Tokyo Skytree, Japan's tallest (634 meter) tower, before moving to the observation deck. The deck is privately reserved for a cocktail party with panoramic night views, creating a most memorable highlight.
Overnight in Tokyo

Day 3

Exclusive Shinkansen train journey and cultural discovery

Tokyo

Kyoto

Otsu

Seminar in a chartered Shinkansen; lunch: Guests travel to Kyoto on a private car of a chartered Shinkansen arranged through JR Central's exclusive package. The private space allows for flexible seating, customized setups, and onboard facilities for seminars, creating a special setting that enhances unity among guests.
Cultural experiences in Kyoto temples and shrines by private coach: Guests are welcomed with exclusive access to historic temples and shrines. In this private setting, they can enjoy special programs such as a tea ceremony or calligraphy workshop, offering an authentic and intimate encounter with Kyoto's cultural traditions.
Cocktail reception and Kyoto-style French dining: The evening begins with a private cocktail reception near Yasaka Pagoda, one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, offering an atmospheric start to the evening. Guests then walk to Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925, a restored heritage villa, for a refined French-inspired dinner that highlights seasonal Kyoto ingredients in an elegant fusion of tradition and modern gastronomy.
Transfer from Kyoto to Otsu by private coach
Overnight in Otsu: Guests stay at a hotel overlooking Lake Biwa, where tranquil waters and expansive lake views provide a serene finale to the day.

Day 4

Spiritual practices, temple visits and fine dining

Otsu

Nara

Mt. Hiei and Enryakuji Temple: Guests travel to Mt. Hiei and Enryakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and headquarters of the Tendai Buddhist sect, which offers both spiritual heritage and participatory experiences. The program includes shakyo, the practice of writing Buddhist sutras with a brush, and a temple lunch of shojin ryori, vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.
Transfer to Nara and Todaiji Temple by private coach: Guests visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to one of the largest bronze statues of the Buddha in the world. They then move to a nearby venue for a private performance of gagaku, Japan's ancient imperial court music, adding cultural depth to the program.
Dinner at Kikusuiro: Dinner is hosted at Kikusuiro, a historic restaurant established in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Peak seasonal ingredients are crafted into dishes presented with a sense of excitement, offering a culinary experience unique to Kikusuiro, complemented by a curated saké tasting session highlighting Nara's brewing heritage.
Overnight in Nara

Day 5

Culinary experiences and island exploration

Nara

Hiroshima

Transfer to Hiroshima by Shinkansen: Guests travel from Nara to Kyoto Station and continue by Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
okonomiyaki cooking experience: Guests take part in an interactive session preparing Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the city's signature, pancake shaped savory dish.
See more details on the okonomiyaki cooking experience
Ferry to Miyajima: The journey continues by ferry to Miyajima, renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
Sightseeing at Itsukushima Shrine and shopping alleys: On Miyajima, guests visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its torii gate that seems to float over the ocean, then stroll through local alleys filled with specialty shops.
Private dinner with French-inspired cuisine on Miyajima: Dinner takes place in a beautifully restored, century-old residence on Miyajima Island, where Japanese tradition meets Western modernity. Surrounded by shoji screens, carved transoms, and a seasonal garden, guests enjoy refined French-inspired cuisine crafted from seasonal local ingredients. Reserved exclusively for the group, the setting offers a timeless sense of elegance.
Overnight in Hiroshima

Day 6

Peace reflections and a farewell dinner

Hiroshima

Osaka

Peace Memorial Park and Orizuru Tower: Guests visit the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and continue to Orizuru Tower, where exhibits and panoramic views provide space for reflection on peace and renewal.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Transfer to Osaka by Shinkansen and sightseeing: Guests travel by Shinkansen to Osaka and continue by private coach for sightseeing at iconic landmarks such as Osaka Castle, the bustling Dotonbori district, and Shinsaibashi shopping street.
Farewell dinner at Yamamoto Noh Theater: The farewell evening takes place at Yamamoto Noh Theater, a historic venue that hosts traditional Noh and Bunraku performances. For this occasion, the theater is reserved exclusively as a unique venue, creating a rare and prestigious setting for the farewell dinner. Guests enjoy refined hospitality in an atmosphere that blends centuries-old tradition with a truly memorable sense of occasion.
Overnight in Osaka