Sample Itinerary

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

Tokyo

Your airport pick up will meet you at Narita or Haneda Airport and will take you to your hotel in Tokyo by public transportation. They will validate your JR Rail Passes, make seat reservations, answer any of your questions and hand you your pocket WIFI device to use during your trip. In the evening you will be free to have dinner as you like though your airport pick up will make a few recommendations. Your accommodations will be carefully selected based on your budget and taste.

Tokyo

Your private local guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will show you Tokyo. They will take you to sights that interest you and will also make suggestions. We can work on the sightseeing itinerary before you go to Tokyo to better tailor your sightseeing. Possible sights include:

teamLab Borderless Museum
This is one of the most unique museums in the world and words cannot describe it. It is truly one of those things that you have to experience live to appreciate.

Yayoi Kusama Museum
The Yayoi Kusama Museum is a contemporary art museum in Tokyo, Japan dedicated to the work of the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The Museum is located in the Shinjuku Ward, in the western suburbs of Japan. The five-floor building was designed by the Japanese architecture firm Kume Sekkei

The Mori Art Museum is a contemporary art museum founded by the real estate developer Minoru Mori in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in the Roppongi Hills complex both of which he built in Tokyo, Japan.

Your guide will make suggestions for things to do in the evening and the following day.

Tokyo

One of the best ways to experience a culture is just to wander around and allow things to happen. Spend some time in Omotesendo, Tokyo’s elegant area of art, architecture and high fashion. Gaze around this district which contains some of the most famous architecture in the city. Your guide from day 2 will give you some suggestions about where to go, what to do and what are the last exhibitions or events available. They may even suggest a few places to eat for lunch. For dinner we can arrange for you to have dinner at one of Tokyo’s many wonderful restaurants and you may want to try one of their many Michelin starred one.

Kyoto

Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, is where the traditional Japanese ‘high arts’ flourished like tea ceremony, calligraphy, poetry, philosophy and religion. Numerous temples and shrines are located throughout the city and walking along canals, next to traditional wooden houses and through the small streets really gives you an idea of the ancient imperial culture. Kyoto also famous for its crafts: textile, kimono and pottery.

Kyoto

Your private local guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will show you Kyoto. Your guide will take you to Japan’s most beautiful and historic temples and shrines, and you will walk down ancient streets where Japanese nobles strolled. There is too much to see and do but you want want to focus on Higashiyama to see Kiyomizudera, Gion to see geisha walking to their next appointment or head north to Kinkakuji. Your guide will work with you so you see the sights you are most interested in visiting. We can work on the sightseeing itinerary before you go to Kyoto to better tailor your sightseeing.

Nara

Nara is located in the central west of Honshu, the Japanese main island. Formerly known as Heijo-kyo, this city occupies an important position in the history of Japan as the first capital from 710 until 784. During this period, a large number of shrines and temples were erected under the protection of the imperial family and aristocrats. However, when the monks in the surrounding hills started gaining too much influence and eventually tried to seize power, it was decided to move the capital to Heian-kyo, nowadays known as Kyoto. Many of the temples built at the height of Heijo-kyo, like the Todai-ji and Horyuji temples, are currently registered as World Heritage Sites. Both Japanese and foreign tourists visit the city to see these temples, to walk among the free-roaming deer of Nara park or to visit some of the beautiful scenic mountains surrounding the city. The train from Kyoto Station to Nara Station will take about 45 minutes.

Naoshima Island

Today you will leave Kyoto by Shinkansen Bullet train and head to Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea by train and ferry. This island has been inhabited for as long as people have lived in Japan but jumped to fame when Tadao Ando and others transformed it into an island dedicated to art and modern architecture.

Top attractions include:

  • Chichu Museum – A unique modern art museum.
  • Art House Project – Art scattered around a small port town.
  • Benesse House – Combination of art museum and hotel.
  • Lee Ufan Museum – Museum devoted to the Korean artist Lee Ufan.
  • I Love Yu – A public bathhouse that is also an artwork.
  • Ando Museum – A traditional residence with an unusual interior.

Naoshima Island

Today you will take some rest in Naoshima. One of the best ways to enjoy the island is to rent a bicycle. There are a number of different bike rental shops. Please note that most art exhibitions are closed on Mondays. One of the best ways to get around the island is to rent an electric bike. Please let us know if you would like us to make a reservation for you.

Awaji Island

Today you will transfer from Naoshima to Awaji Island where you will explore the Yumebutai Installation of Ando Tadao. This large complex includes several buildings, gardens, modern tea houses,… We featured the Yumebutai in our video about Ando Tadao.

Osaka

Your private local guide will welcome you in Osaka and show you around this city rich in architectural wonders. Osaka is changing at a very fast pace and here highways literally pass through buildings. You will discover the city where Ando Tadao grew up and if you are interested, we will design a tour around his most prominent work including the first house he ever created. Osaka is primarily known for its people, food and sense of humor. Your guide will not work from a predetermined itinerary and will show you sights that are interesting to you. They are also very flexible and can make on the fly changes to fit your style, mood, weather and crowds. Possible sightseeing spots include in Osaka include Dotonbori, Doguyasuji, Shinsaibashi, Tsutenkaku and many others. Since Osaka is known as the “Nation’s Kitchen,” we invite you to try tasty food like including udon noodles, kushikatsu, takoyaki and okonomiyaki and your guide will know the best shops. Due to the flexible nature of your sightseeing we do not include transportation, entry fees or meals while you are with your guide. If you have a specific sight you want to visit with your guide please let me know.

Osaka

At your leisure you will explore Osaka and discover the dynamic city of Osaka. Possible sights in Osaka include:
*Osaka Castle: though it has been rebuilt with concrete it still provides a great view over Osaka. If you would like to visit a traditional castle, Himeji is a must. Let us know if you are interested as it can be included on your way to Naoshima.
*Dotonbori: best enjoyed in the evening when all the neons are lit.
*Doguyasuji: a narrow merchant street where restaurants owners buy all their tools (knifes, dishes,…)
*Shinsaibashi: the fashion district where you will find Louis Vuitton’s flagship Osaka store covered in curving glass sails, designed by Jun Aoki.
*Tsutenkaku: “deep Osaka”

Today will be your last day in Japan and your last chance for sightseeing and shopping. Please make sure you arrive at Kansai Airport or Itami Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight.

What Our Customers Have To Say

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

John Moawad

Classical Japan Tour

It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...

Marina Boyer

North Central Exploration

Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...

Edan Ecker

Shoguns and Samurai

I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...

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Our Team Of Local Experts

Our team of Japan experts have all lived in Japan for years and know its the hidden treasures. Our team is here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.

Jeff Aasgaard

Tour Sales Director

Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.

Michiyo Kakiuchi

Tour Arrangement Manager

Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.

Izumi Yamauchi

Tour Arrangement team

Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.

Start to Design Your Trip To Japan

Why Rediscover Tours

Great trips don't just happen; it takes expert knowledge and years of experience to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on Rediscover Tours to make your perfect Japanese experience. Our dedication to excellence makes the difference.

Trips Made for You

Your Japan travel expert will create your trip just for you

Your interests and travel style will be front and center when designing your tour

Accommodations will be selected based on your style and we will inform them of all your special meal and physical requirements

Japan Experts

Your Japan expert has lived in Japan or is Japanese

They know the hidden treasures of Japan that you will love and most tourists miss

Most of our team lives in Japan giving them first hand knowledge of the latest trends and experiences for you to enjoy

Finest Guides

Private local guides add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour

We only hire the best guides and review each trip with them insuring excellent experience

Your private guide will listen to you, show you sights of interest and will make on the fly changes to match the weather and crowds

With Confidence

Our office in Japan is here to assist and support you

Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000

You will arrive comfortable in the knowledge that all details are taken care of and that our Japan office is just a call away