Classic Japan Holiday

FLY AUCKLAND TO TOKYO

Fly from Auckland to Tokyo Narita direct with Air New Zealand. (Other flight options are available - just ask us).

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car.

TOKYO - FULL DAY TOUR

Enjoy an efficient, one-day tour of Tokyo accompanied by an English-speaking government-licensed guide. Your guide will introduce both modern and traditional aspects of Japan's dynamic capital.

Today's time with your guide can be tailored to suit you, so the itinerary outlined here is just a suggested one and can be altered to fit your interests. We will put you in touch with your guide well in advance of travel so you can liaise with the guide directly by email.

Begin your day at Senso-ji Temple, one of the most famous temples in Japan and an icon of the city. Senso-ji is 1,300 years old and is famous for its spectacular entrance gate called Kaminarimon. The oldest shopping street in Japan, Nakamise Dori leads to the temple and although is quite touristy, is a great place to try local snacks and for people watching.

From here, take the Ginza Line from Asakusa to Nihombashi (15 minutes) to explore the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, a garden attached to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. The East Gardens are where most administrative buildings are situated along with the remains of the former Edo Castle.

From here, you can walk down to Tokyo Station, itself a remarkable historic building. From the station, walk through the Ginza District, famous for its department stores and historic retail outlets.

From Ginza, walk down to Tsukiji Outer Market, the location of the former fish auction market which moved to Toyosu in 2018. It's a great spot for lunch at one of the local restaurants and there is plenty to choose from, not only seafood.

From the market you can walk to Hamarikyu Gardens nearby. The gardens were created on the site of a 17th century villa of the Shogun Tokugawa family. The main attraction of the gardens is the beautiful Shiori Pond and its teahouse where visitors can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets served in tea-ceremony style.

From Hamarikyu you can walk to Shiodome Station and catch the Yurikamome Line across the Rainbow Bridge into Odaiba, a redeveloped area overlooking Tokyo Bay. It's a nice contrast here to the morning's sights.

Finally, head on to teamLab Planets, a very popular modern art museum with interactive walk-through exhibits.

TOKYO - SELF GUIDED EXCURSION

This is a suggested day of exploring based on using the Yamanote Line - the main JR Line which circles Tokyo. It makes navigation on this day easy and stops at many major sights in the city. It's a long day if you try to do everything, so perhaps pick and choose what you're interested in. Get your Suica Card ready and off you go!

We've suggested you kick off your day in Ueno, an older part of Tokyo. You can spend the morning exploring the museums and galleries in Ueno Park and pottering about on Ameyoko a historic shopping/market street near Ueno Station.

From Ueno head clockwise and hop off at Akihabara, a mecca for geeks and gamers. Get off at Hamamatsucho to see Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple.

Back on the Yamanote Line, jump off at Harajuku Station and pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine, just a short walk from Harajuku Station. It's one of the most important shrines in Japan. Yoyogi Park is great for strolling and people watching. The old Olympic Park is located here also.

From the Meiji Shrine, walk back to Harajuku where you can explore this shopping and fashion mecca. It's great for people watching, strolling down luxurious Omotesando, hunting for fashion bargains on Takeshita Street or browsing boutiques along Cat Street.

You could walk on and have lunch in Shibuya and spend some time in this area. Shibuya Parco is a great place for retail therapy. Shibuya Crossing is an icon of Tokyo - the busiest street crossing in the world. Grab a Starbucks, take a seat and admire the view. Cross over the street and visit the famous Hachiko Statue.

For amazing views over Tokyo, head up Shibuya Sky which is a bit more relaxed than Tokyo Skytree and is a great place to rest your feet and enjoy amazing city views. You'll need to book in advance for Shibuya Sky tickets.

Later you could head to Shinjuku and spend some time in lovely Gyoen National Garden for a bit of a change of pace from busy Harajuku and Shibuya. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the largest parks in Tokyo and features three different garden styles: a traditional Japanese garden, French garden and English lawn garden.

Tokyo Metropolitan Building on the west side of Shinjuku Station has a free observation platform with great city views and is often illuminated outside.

There are so many places to eat in Shinjuku but for something traditional, head to Omoide Yokocho, a historic alley consisting of small Izakaya restaurants. Shinjuku comes to life in the evenings with the bright lights of the big city.

TRAVEL TO HAKONE

Today you will need to make your own way to Shinjuku Station in order to catch the Romance Car directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station. It's about 90 minutes. If you're lucky you'll be able to see Mount Fuji from the right side of the train on approach to Hakone.

Armed with your Hakone Free Pass you will be able to travel by Funicular Railway, Cable Car, Bus and even by Pirate Ship to explore this beautiful area of hot springs, pine clad hills and lakes in the shadow of Mount Fuji.

The Romance Car terminates at Hakone Yumoto. Hakone Yumoto is worth a little bit of an exploration. Sample some of the snacks on offer and cross the bridge over the river.

From Hakone Yumoto, get onto the Hakone Tozan Railway and head to Chokoku-no-Mori Station (OH56), about 15 minutes from Hakone Yumoto. It's just a short stroll from here to the Hakone Open-Air Museum which is highly acclaimed. You'll probably want to spend an hour or so here before jumping back on the train for one station to Gora.

At Gora, jump on the retro Cable Car which will transport you steeply uphill to the Hakone Ropeway which will in turn whisk you high over the trees to Owakudani, a volcanic area with venting steam and a sulphurous aroma. On a clear day as you crest the hill you'll be greated with views of Mount Fuji.

At Owakaduni you need to change to the second ropeway and you can visit the small Hakone Geo-museum. You can try the famous Kurotomago black eggs here also if you wish.

The second ropeway will take you down to beautiful Lake Ashi where you can board a 'pirate ship' for a sightseeing cruise across the lake to Motohakone-ko. It's a lovely peaceful 30-minute cruise and a highlight of the day. You'll cruise past Hakone-jinja Shrine near the end. From Motohakone-ko you can walk to the shrine if you want to see it close up. Part of the walk here is along the historic Tokaido route, which once connected Tokyo with Kyoto.

Back at the bus station in Motohakone-ko - where the boats dock, catch the Hakone Tozan bus from here to your accommodation. We;ll give you instructions about exactly how to get to your accommodation. 

This evening enjoy your traditional Ryokan style accommodation and dinner.

HAKONE - TAKAYAMA

Make your way by Hakone Tozan Bus to Gora Station and board the train at Hakone Yumoto to Odawara at around 10 am. At Odawara change to the Bullet Train to Nagoya where you will change on to the Hida Wide View Train, which has wide panoramic windows offering scenic views as you head into the Japanese Alps.

You'll be in Takayama around 3 pm. On arrival in Takayama make your own way to your hotel.

Takayama is a picturesque city situated in the Japanese Alps. The town prides itself on the inhabitant’s expertise in carpentry. The history of Tatayama is preserved in a number of small museums dotted throughout the city.

This afternoon you can visit the historic district of San-machi Suji, known for its sake breweries indicated by huge cedar balls hanging on the outside of shops.

 If you like a walk, don’t miss the Higashiyama Walking Course through a forest and past temples and cemeteries.

This is a pleasant walking route through Takayama's temple town (Teramachi), the city's rural "suburbs" and Shiroyama Park, a wooded hill and former site of Takayama Castle.

Along the 3.5 km trail, you will pass more than a dozen common temples and shrines, the ruins of Takayama's former castle and ordinary scenes of a rural Japanese town.

While the Higashiyama Walking Course is by no means a stunning sightseeing experience, it offers a pleasant way to spend one or two hours and get to know Takayama's calmer side.

TAKAYAMA, DAY AT LEISURE

Set the alarm a little earlier this morning. The Miyagawa Morning Market runs daily from 7am until noon along the banks of the Miyagawa River, and arriving before the crowds is well worth it.

Around sixty stalls stretch along the riverside between Kajibashi and Yayoibashi bridges, selling seasonal vegetables, mountain pickles, handmade crafts, and local sweets. It's an unhurried, genuinely local experience and one of the best morning markets in Japan. A second market runs simultaneously in front of the old Takayama Jinya government building nearby, and is worth a look on your way back.

After breakfast, head back into the Sanmachi Suji district for a more leisurely explore than yesterday allowed. The three merchant lanes reward a slower pace: duck into Kusakabe Heritage House, a beautifully preserved Edo-era merchant residence that gives a real sense of how prosperous families lived and traded here. Several of the sake breweries along the lane open their doors for tastings, and the local Hida sake, brewed with clear Alpine water, is some of the finest in the country.

For something a little different, the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall, a short walk from the Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, is well worth an hour of your time. Eleven of the extraordinary floats used in Takayama's famous spring and autumn festivals are displayed here in a purpose-built hall, rotating on a seasonal basis. These aren't props: some date back several centuries and represent some of the most intricate woodwork and mechanical craftsmanship in Japan.

The Takayama Showa Museum in the town centre is a quietly charming detour, recreating everyday life in 1950s Japan through reconstructed shopfronts, household objects, and street scenes. It's modest in scale but genuinely evocative, particularly if you have an interest in mid-century Japanese domestic life.

For the afternoon, the Hida no Sato Folk Village is the pick of what remains. Around thirty traditional thatched farmhouses, relocated from across the Hida region, are spread across a hillside site about two kilometres south-west of the station. The gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steep thatched roofs designed to shed the region's heavy snowfall, are extraordinary structures, and the backdrop of mountains makes the whole place feel authentically remote even though you're a short walk from the town centre.

Takayama is also an excellent place to eat well. Tonight, make a point of trying Hida beef: the local wagyu, raised in the mountain air of Gifu Prefecture, is among the finest in Japan and considerably more accessible here than in the cities. Several restaurants in the old town serve it grilled on a small iron plate at the table, and it's a meal worth planning for.

TRAVEL TO KANAZAWA

This morning, make your way to Takayama Station and board the train to Kanazawa. The journey takes around two and a quarter hours, crossing through the mountains of the Hida region before descending to the coast. It's a scenic and comfortable ride, and a good opportunity to sit back and reflect on what Takayama delivered.

Arriving at Kanazawa Station, take a moment before you head out. The station building itself is something of a landmark: a vast wooden torii-style gate, inspired by the traditional hand drum known as the tsuzumi, frames the entrance and sets an immediate tone for a city that takes its culture seriously. The adjoining glass dome is equally striking. It makes for a memorable first impression.

Kanazawa is one of Japan's great underrated cities. It survived the Second World War largely intact, which means the historic districts, temples, and traditional townhouses you'll explore over the next day or two are the real thing, not reconstructions. The city grew rich under the powerful Maeda clan, who ruled here for nearly three centuries and channelled their wealth into art, craft, and architecture. That legacy is visible everywhere, from the precision of Kenroku-en Garden to the lacquerware and gold leaf that the city is still famous for producing.

Drop your bags and head out this afternoon. The Nagamachi Samurai District is an easy walk from the city centre and a natural place to begin. The lanes here are narrow, lined with ochre-coloured earthen walls and crossed by small canals, and several of the former samurai residences are open to visitors.

Nomura House is the pick of them: the interiors are beautifully preserved, with carved transoms, lacquered furniture, and a compact garden that punches well above its size. The Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum nearby adds further context to the samurai heritage of the district, with armour and clan artefacts on display.

If you have time before dinner, the Omicho Market is worth a wander. One of Japan's oldest covered markets, it has operated here since the Edo period and remains a working food market rather than a tourist attraction. Around 200 stalls and shops sell fresh seafood, mountain vegetables, tofu, pickles, and local produce, and the energy of the place is infectious.

The market is also one of the best spots in Kanazawa for dinner: several small restaurants line the upper floor and inner lanes, many specialising in the day's catch. Grab a counter seat, point at something you don't recognise, and trust the process.

KANAZAWA - SELF-GUIDED EXCURSION

Kenroku-en Garden is the natural centrepiece of any day in Kanazawa, and it earns its reputation as one of Japan's three finest landscape gardens without any difficulty.

The grounds were developed over several centuries as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and opened to the public in 1871. The design follows the classical principle that a perfect garden must possess six qualities: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water, and panoramic views. Walking through it, you sense each one. Allow a couple of hours here at least, and more if you arrive when the seasonal colour is at its peak.

Within the garden grounds, the Seisonkaku Villa is worth seeking out. Built in 1863 by the thirteenth Maeda daimyo as a retirement residence for his mother, it is one of the finest surviving samurai villas in Japan. The interiors are elegant and personal, with her belongings still on display, and the craftsmanship throughout reflects the considerable wealth and taste of the Maeda at their height.

Kanazawa Castle Park adjoins the garden on the opposite side and is an easy and rewarding combined visit. The castle itself was the seat of the Maeda Clan from 1583 until the end of the Edo period, burning down and being rebuilt several times over the centuries.

The last major fire in 1881 left only the Ishikawa-mon Gate and two storehouses standing. The reconstructed turrets and long storehouse are now open to visitors and contain excellent displays on traditional carpentry techniques. The park itself is spacious and relaxed, a good place to sit and recover your bearings mid-morning.

Tucked alongside the castle park is the Gyokusen Inmaru Garden, a smaller Edo-era garden that was restored in 2015 and offers a more intimate contrast to the grandeur of Kenroku-en. A tea ceremony is available here at the Gyokusen-an Rest House, and it's one of the nicer settings in which to experience one.

On your way through the area, stop at Oyama Shrine, an unusual and striking monument whose gate blends Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch architectural influences in a way that shouldn't work but does.

For something entirely different, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the most enjoyable art spaces in Japan. The circular building has no obvious front or back, designed to be approached from any direction, and the collection inside is playful, accessible, and frequently surprising. The most famous installation, Leandro Erlich's swimming pool illusion, is worth the entry price alone.

When you're ready to shift the mood, make your way across to the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa's most prominent geisha quarter. The main street is a beautifully preserved row of two-storey timber teahouses dating from the early nineteenth century, and it remains a working entertainment district.

Kaikaro, the largest teahouse on the lane, is open to visitors and rewards a look inside: the vermilion lacquered stairs, gold-laced tatami, and painted sliding doors give a genuine sense of the world that once played out here nightly. Along the same street, Hakuze is a gold leaf shop with a tearoom entirely lined in gold leaf, which is as extraordinary as it sounds.

If time and energy allow, the Kazuemachi Chaya District across the Asano River offers a quieter, more local alternative. The lane follows the riverbank and sees far fewer visitors than Higashi, and in the early evening you may catch the faint sound of shamisen drifting from behind closed shutters.

KANAZAWA TO KYOTO

Make your own way to Kanazawa Station and travel to Kyoto by train via Tsuruga. It is a smooth and comfortable journey, and you will arrive right into the heart of Kyoto at Kyoto Station.

After checking in, ease into the city with a gentle afternoon walk in eastern Kyoto. A lovely option is the Philosopher’s Path, a peaceful streamside walkway at the foot of the Higashiyama hills. If you feel like a little structure, begin near Ginkaku ji (the Silver Pavilion) and stroll south along the canal towards Nanzen ji, passing quiet neighbourhood streets, small shrines and local cafés along the way. It is an easy, calming introduction to Kyoto and a nice way to stretch your legs after time on the train.

Later, if you would like to experience Kyoto’s evening atmosphere, head to Gion. The lantern lit lanes and traditional wooden townhouses make it one of the most atmospheric areas to wander after dark, and it is also an excellent place to choose a simple dinner or a drink to round out your first night in the city.

KYOTO – FULL DAY EXCURSION - HIGASHIYAMA, NISHIKI MARKET, NIJO CASTLE & FUSHIMI INARI

Kyoto can feel busy at first, so today is designed to keep things simple and memorable. You will see some of Kyoto’s most iconic scenery, with plenty of chances to stop, browse and take your time as you explore.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning, usually around 8:30am or at another agreed time. Getting around is generally by taxi, along with short train or subway journeys, which helps keep the day easy and cuts down on time spent navigating.

Begin at Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s great classics and a wonderful first “wow” moment. Arriving earlier makes a real difference here, and the views from the famous wooden terrace are well worth it.

From Kiyomizu-dera, stroll downhill with your guide through the traditional lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. This is one of Kyoto’s loveliest areas to wander, with plenty of small shops, snack stops and photo opportunities along the way.

Next, continue to Yasaka Shrine, right on the edge of Kyoto’s old entertainment quarter. Your guide can share a little about Kyoto’s festival culture here, and it’s a fun place to try an omikuji fortune or simply take in the atmosphere.

From Yasaka Shrine, enjoy a gentle walk through Gion for a glimpse of Kyoto’s classic streetscapes. If you do happen to see a geiko or maiko, it’s best to enjoy the moment respectfully and avoid blocking paths or chasing photographs.

For lunch, head into the centre for Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s “kitchen” and one of the easiest places to eat. There is plenty of choice here, from skewers and dumplings to matcha treats, tamagoyaki, mochi and excellent seasonal fruit.

You may part ways with your guide here or at Nijo Castle, depending on how the day is running.

After lunch, continue with your guide to Nijo Castle, one of Kyoto’s most interesting historic sites. The famous “nightingale floors” squeak as you walk, an old security feature that still makes the castle feel vivid and memorable today.

If you are still keen for one more iconic Kyoto experience, finish at Fushimi Inari Taisha later in the afternoon. The vermilion torii gates are one of Kyoto’s most recognisable sights, and visiting later in the day often makes for a calmer, more atmospheric walk.

You don’t need to hike the whole mountain to enjoy it. A steady walk up through the first sections of the gates to one of the viewpoints is usually more than enough before heading back down.

If you feel like an easy dinner afterwards, the areas around Kyoto Station or central Kawaramachi offer plenty of straightforward options without needing too much planning. Pontocho is also a very good spot to head for dinner.

NARA - SELF GUIDED EXCURSION

Today you could make a visit to nearby Nara. From Nara Kintentsu Station, on the way to Nara park, stands a famous mochi shop called Nakatanidou, where crowds of visitors flock to daily.

Nakatanidou's pride and claim to fame is their dramatic mochi-pounding process, a tradition known as mochitsuki in Japanese. They perform high-speed mochitsuki every day at the shop, churning out hundreds of pieces of mochi, fresh and warm from the pounding.

Kofukuji Temple is an easy five-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.

During the Heian period, Kofukuji was the temple of the most powerful family in Japan, the Fujiwara's. It was established in Nara in 710, at the same time as the capital. If you pay to enter only one of the buildings here, make it the Kofukuji Kofukuji National Treasure Museum which contains many extremely valuable documents and treasures from Nara 's history as the capital of Japan.

From here you could take a stroll to pretty Yoshikien Garden, with a pond, moss garden and tea ceremony garden which is free to visit. Neighbouring Isuien Garden is als great, but there is a fee to enter.

Next up, head on to Todai-ji Temple which houses the Great Buddha statue designated as a national treasure, and the world's largest wooden structure.

For a great view over Nara, hike up the stairs to Nigatsudo. At Mount Wakakusa you can pay to enter an enclosed deer park if you wish.

Nara's grandest shrine houses four main deities and many lucky gods Kasuga Taisha is considered one of the most sacred sites in all of Japan. As a place where numerous gods are enshrined, it attracts both devotees and tourists seeking an iconic Shinto experience. It is famous for its beautifully lit bronze lanterns.

There is another area of Nara you may want to explore at Nishinokyo, to the West of Nara Park. This is home to Yakushi-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Horyuji Temple.

KYOTO – ARASHIYAMA - SELF-GUIDED EXCURSION

Today is set aside for Kyoto’s leafy north-west, where the wide Katsura River wraps around Arashiyama’s temples, gardens and hillside views. It’s one of Kyoto’s most popular areas, so the secret is to start early, enjoy the classics, then slip into the quieter corners once the day-trippers arrive.

Arashiyama is easy to reach by rail. The simplest option is the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, or you can use the Hankyu Line to Arashiyama (handy from downtown Kyoto), then stroll over the river. If you want an even more old-school arrival, the Randen tram is slow but charming and drops you right into the neighbourhood.

Begin with Tenryu-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s great Zen temples, best known for its calm garden framed by Arashiyama’s wooded hills. From here, it’s a short walk to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which is at its most atmospheric in the morning before the crowds build. Keep going beyond the main photo spot and you’ll often find the lanes noticeably quieter within minutes.

For a crowd-escape that still feels very “Kyoto”, continue to Okochi Sanso Villa and Garden, a beautiful hilltop garden with winding paths, borrowed scenery and a welcome sense of space. It’s a wonderful reset if the bamboo area feels busy, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get that tranquil Arashiyama feeling without needing a long hike.

Afterwards, wander back towards the river and cross Togetsukyo Bridge, the district’s iconic crossing with classic views upstream and down. The riverside is ideal for a slower pace, with snack stands and little cafés, and it’s a good moment to pause for something simple before your next climb. If you feel like a local-style lunch, Arashiyama is famous for tofu cuisine, soba, and easy set meals that are perfect before an active afternoon.

If everyone is up for a short but rewarding hike, head to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. The walk up is steady and involves stairs, but the payoff is superb panoramic views over Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. At the top, keep a respectful distance from the monkeys, follow the on-site rules, and make sure hats, sunglasses and snacks are tucked away.

From here, you can keep the rest of the afternoon flexible depending on energy levels. If you want a scenic “journey” rather than more walking, the Sagano Romantic Train is a lovely add-on, rolling through a forested valley for an easy, photogenic ride. It’s popular, so booking ahead is wise when possible, and it’s best treated as a single highlight rather than something to squeeze in at the end.

To return from the valley, you have two straightforward options. You can come back by regular JR train, which is simple and reliable, or you can choose the Hozugawa Riverboat for a memorable float back towards Arashiyama, weather and river conditions permitting. If you plan on the boat, allow plenty of time and keep your day uncluttered, as it can be affected by rain or high water.

If you still have energy and want to add one or two of Kyoto’s most famous sights, you can combine Arashiyama with Ryoan-ji Temple and its rock garden, then continue to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This works best by taxi for efficiency, or by bus if you are happy to take it slowly, and it’s usually more enjoyable if you pick just one or two temples rather than trying to collect them all. These sites are popular, so going later in the afternoon can sometimes feel calmer than arriving at peak midday.

You can finish your day back in central Kyoto for dinner, or stay local for an early evening meal around Arashiyama before heading back. Either way, it’s a day that combines Kyoto’s headline scenery with a few quieter, more rewarding corners if you pace it well.
 

FLY TO AUCKLAND

Leave Kyoto with a relaxed buffer so you can travel smoothly to Narita and arrive at the airport a full three hours before your Air New Zealand NZ 90 departure. NZ90 is typically an early-evening flight (often around 18:45 or 20:00), but work to the departure time shown on your ticket.

From your Kyoto hotel, make your way to Kyoto Station, as this is the simplest Shinkansen departure point. Depending on where you’re staying, a short taxi can be the easiest option with luggage, or you can use the local subway and trains if you prefer.

At Kyoto Station, allow a little time to find your platform and pick up a coffee or ekiben for the journey. Your tickets are included, so you can go straight through the Shinkansen gates with your ticket and board your reserved seat.

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shinagawa Station. The trip is usually around two hours on the faster services, and arriving at Shinagawa avoids crossing central Tokyo with luggage.

At Shinagawa Station, follow the clear signs for the Narita Express (N’EX). Board the Narita Express from Shinagawa to Narita Airport. The N’EX is reserved-seating only, so keep your seat details handy and stow luggage in the carriage racks.

The Narita Express serves both Narita Airport Terminal 1 and Narita Airport Terminal 2·3, so get off at the terminal shown on your Air New Zealand booking. Once you arrive, follow Departures signage for Air New Zealand check-in, then allow time for bag drop, immigration and security.

ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Arrive back in New Zealand.