Kyoto & the Alpine Route
Japan · 10 days · March – May · October – November · Max 10 guests
Overview
The trip, in one breath.
Japan rewards those who take it slowly, so we've designed this journey around early starts and quiet moments: a temple garden before the tour buses arrive, a private tea ceremony, and a bullet-train ride into the Japanese Alps for two nights in a hot-spring ryokan. Tokyo closes the loop with its electric energy — the perfect exhale after ten days of calm.
Highlights
- Private tea ceremony in a restored machiya townhouse
- Two nights in a hot-spring ryokan in the Japanese Alps
- Kyoto's most famous gardens — before the crowds, every time
- Bullet train through snow country to Takayama
- Small group of ten, led by an English-speaking local guide
Day by day
The itinerary.
Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo
Private transfer and a gentle first evening: neighbourhood izakayas and your first perfect bowl of ramen.
Day 2
Tokyo's Contrasts
Meiji Shrine's forest, a hidden speakeasy alley and the best tuna market breakfast you'll ever have.
Day 3
Bullet Train to Kyoto
The Shinkansen through Mt Fuji country, then an afternoon in Kyoto's Gion district.
Day 4
Temples at Dawn
Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji before opening hours, followed by a private tea ceremony.
Day 5
Arashiyama & the Bamboo Grove
Monkey park, bamboo forest and a riverside lunch in the hills of Arashiyama.
Day 6
Into the Alps
Shinkansen to Takayama and a scenic drive to your ryokan, where dinner is served course by course.
Day 7
Onsen & Old Town
A morning in the hot spring, then Takayama's perfectly preserved old quarter.
Day 8
Hida Folk Village
Thatched-roof farmhouses and a sake brewery tour, then back to the ryokan for one last soak.
Day 9
Return to Tokyo
One last bullet train and an evening at leisure — shopping, skyline bars, or both.
Day 10
Departure
Private transfer to the airport. Say it slowly: sayonara.
Included
What the price covers.
- All accommodation incl. two ryokan nights (half board)
- Breakfast daily, 4 dinners & 3 lunches
- All Shinkansen & local rail passes
- Private guides in Tokyo & Kyoto
- Tea ceremony & temple-entry fees
- 24/7 in-trip support
Not included
The honest list.
- International flights
- Travel insurance (we can arrange it)
- Optional activities & personal spending
Insurance is required on all journeys — we can arrange it through our partner in under five minutes.