Duration
8 days · 7 nights
Difficulty
Easy
Group size
Max 12 travelers
Rating
4.8 (268 reviews)
The journey
Step into Japan's ancient capital through vermilion torii tunnels, moss-carpeted temple gardens, and lantern-lit geisha districts. This immersive journey blends tea ceremonies, a night with maiko performers, and a ryokan stay with kaiseki dining.
Day by day
8 days, drawn in detail
Bullet-train arrival from Osaka or Tokyo, check-in at a machiya townhouse hotel, and an evening orientation walk through Pontocho Alley.
Early-morning climb through the 10,000 torii gates of Fushimi Inari before the crowds, then on to Tofuku-ji's Zen gardens.
Wander the towering bamboo forest, visit Tenryu-ji temple, and drift down the Hozugawa River on a traditional flat-bottomed boat.
A formal tea ceremony hosted by a tea master in a 200-year-old teahouse, followed by an afternoon exploring Higashiyama in kimono.
Morning visit to Kinkaku-ji's golden reflection pond, then a private zazen meditation session with monks at a working Zen temple.
Day excursion to Nara to meet the bowing deer of Nara Park and stand beneath the Great Buddha of Todai-ji.
Craft workshop with a knife maker in Nishiki Market, then an exclusive evening of dance, games, and conversation with a maiko in Gion.
Final kaiseki breakfast at your ryokan and onsen soak before your departure transfer.
The fine print
What’s included
Included
- 7 nights (machiya hotel + ryokan)
- Daily breakfast & 2 kaiseki dinners
- Private tea ceremony & maiko evening
- All rail passes & city transport
- Expert cultural guide throughout
- Nara day trip with entrance fees
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Most lunches & dinners
- Personal shopping & gratuities