Refined Kansai Journey: Lake Biwa & CastlesA Premium Journey Through Shiga's Hidden Gems
Tour Route
Your journey through Japan's most iconic destinations
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About This Tour
Enjoy a premium journey across Japan, combining seamless Shinkansen travel with private sightseeing taxis for a comfortable and refined experience. Stay at high-end hotels, travel in the spacious comfort of Green Car (the first-class carriages on Japan's trains), and explore each destination with the ease of a dedicated vehicle. This tour takes you beyond the usual routes to discover some of Japan's lesser-known yet remarkable destinations. Visit Hikone Castle, a designated national treasure, stroll through the historic merchant town of Omihachiman, enjoy a cruise on Lake Biwa, and experience the serene moss gardens of Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, Kyoto. Alongside these hidden gems, you will also have plenty of time to explore Japan's iconic cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This carefully designed route offers the perfect balance of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant city life — bringing together the best of both traditional and modern Japan in one unforgettable journey.
Tour Highlights
- Stay in a luxury hotel throughout your journey.
- Travel in Green Car, the first-class seating on the Shinkansen.
- Use sightseeing taxis to explore without dealing with crowds.
- Go on a day cruise on Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake.
- Spend your leisure time sightseeing at popular spots in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
What Makes This Tour Special
Experience the best of Japan's cultural heritage through this carefully crafted journey that combines iconic destinations with authentic local experiences.
Our expertly designed itinerary ensures you witness the perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation that defines Japan's unique character.
Day 1 - Welcome to Japan – Your Luxury Journey Begins
Welcome to Japan! Our staff will be waiting for you at Haneda or Narita Airport. We will provide you with everything you need for this trip and escort you to the taxi stand. Take a taxi to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo. Hotel Check-in This luxury hotel represents Japan. It offers a peaceful, elegant experience, surrounded by Japanese gardens that change with the seasons.
Day 2 - Tradition and Modern Life in Tokyo
Breakfast at the Hotel This vibrant city beautifully blends traditional Japanese culture with the latest trends. The best way to experience all that Tokyo has to offer is by exploring on foot, so put on your walking shoes and get ready for an adventure! <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Asakusa: This traditional downtown area preserves old-world charm and features iconic sites such as the Kaminarimon Gate and Sensoji Temple. - Tokyo Skytree®: A popular destination that offers panoramic views of Tokyo from its observation deck. - The Imperial Palace: A serene location surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic buildings. - Shibuya Scramble Crossing: A bustling symbol of Tokyo, filled with people. - Harajuku: An area where youth culture and unique fashion come together.
Day 3 - Hikone Castle & Omi Heritage Towns
Breakfast at the Hotel After breakfast, check out and send your large luggage to Kyoto. You can explore Otsu at your leisure. In the morning, travel from Tokyo to Maibara by Shinkansen, then take a chartered taxi to the tour of Omi area. Shiga is rich in history and is home to Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. You will find well-preserved castle towns and waterfront villages here. Enjoy the local culture and beautiful traditional landscapes. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Hikone Castle: This National Treasure has a keep that remains from the Edo period. - Omihachiman: This quaint castle town has charming white-walled streets and the Hachiman Canal. - La Collina Omihachiman: The flagship store of a renowned Shiga confectioner, set in a vast complex with cafés, shops, and freshly made Baumkuchen. Return to the hotel by chartered taxi. Hotel Check-in The Prince Hotel Lake Biwa Otsu is a tall resort by Lake Biwa. It offers spacious rooms with lake views. Dinner at the Hotel
Day 4 - Lake Biwa Cruise & Omi Wagyu Beef Experience
Breakfast at the Hotel Take a chartered taxi for sightseeing. In the morning, board the Biwako Cruise Michigan. Enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Biwa from the deck. Don’t forget to check out the café on board, which is highly recommended. During December to February, the cruise will be changed to a 60-minute sightseeing boat course. Let's continue your journey through Shiga. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Ishiyamadera Temple: This temple was founded about 1,300 years ago. It is said to have inspired "The Tale of Genji," Japan’s oldest long novel. Return to the hotel by chartered taxi.
Day 5 - Sacred Mountains & Temple Retreats
Breakfast at the Hotel Hotel Check-out Take a chartered taxi to Kyoto and enjoy some sightseeing along the way. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Mii-dera Temple: This historic temple complex is home to several National Treasures and offers a peaceful setting with scenic views of Lake Biwa. - Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, Kyoto: Known for its beautiful moss garden, this temple is a peaceful place to reflect. The garden features lovely "Warabe Jizo" statues. - Amida-ji Temple: A hidden gem near Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, offering a peaceful setting away from the crowds, perfect for a quiet moment in nature. Head to the hotel by chartered taxi. Hotel Check-in The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike is a luxury hotel located in the natural surroundings of northern Kyoto. It is well-known for its beautiful architecture and calm setting.
Day 6 - Stepping into Kyoto's Timeless Traditions
Breakfast at the Hotel Kyoto is the heart of Japanese culture, filled with historic temples, shrines, and beautiful streets. Enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka: Visit this World Heritage temple and explore the souvenir shops and tea houses along the slopes. - Gion and Yasaka Shrine: Walk through the charming streets of Gion. You might see a maiko (apprentice geisha) while you’re there. - Stroll along the Kamo River: This is a great place for an evening walk. Enjoy a break at a riverside cafe.
Day 7 - Fushimi Inari & Uji Cultural Route
Breakfast at the Hotel After breakfast, check out and send your large luggage to Tokyo. You can explore Osaka at your leisure. While taking a chartered taxi to Osaka, you can see more of Kyoto. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Byodoin Temple: This temple features the Phoenix Hall, an important symbol of 10th-century Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can experience the culture of that time here. It is also shown on the 10-yen coin. - Fushimi Inari Taisha: This popular spot has thousands of red torii gates that go on and on, making it great for photos. Hotel Check-in The InterContinental Osaka is a luxury hotel in Osaka's Umeda district. It is known for its stylish design and high-quality stays. Enjoy Osaka at Night! Osaka is lively, with busy neighborhoods and a rich food culture. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi: Enjoy bright signs and street food like takoyaki. - Umeda Sky Building: Visit the observatory for a 360-degree view of Osaka, especially beautiful at night.
Day 8 - Free Exploration of Vibrant Osaka
Breakfast at the Hotel Let's continue sightseeing in Osaka! <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Tennoji & Abeno Harukas: Visit Japan's tallest building for stunning views, shopping, and museums. - Nakanoshima Area: Enjoy cultural sites along the river, perfect for art lovers and peaceful walks. - Osaka Castle: Take in great views of Osaka from the castle tower. - Shinsekai: Experience this retro district at Tsutenkaku Tower and try local foods like doteyaki and kushikatsu. Plus, a day trip to Himeji Castle is highly recommended for a taste of Japan’s rich history!
Day 9 - Refined Tokyo Revisited
Breakfast at the Hotel Hotel Check-out In the morning, travel from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo: This museum shows many important pieces of Japanese art from modern to contemporary times. - Nihonbashi/Ginza: A great area for shopping that blends tradition and modernity. - Kabuki-za: This theater is famous for Kabuki performances, which are Japan's traditional theater. You can also see just one act if you prefer. Hotel Check-in
Day 10 - Have fun in the friendly and relaxed neighborhoods of Tokyo
Breakfast at the Hotel Ready to explore beyond Tokyo? Here are some great spots to check out: <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Kamakura: A lovely historic town with beautiful coastlines. Don’t miss the Great Buddha and a stroll down Komachi Street! - Nikko: Perfect for nature and culture lovers, featuring the stunning Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls. - Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi: Enjoy breathtaking views of Japan’s tallest mountain and the nearby lake. Plus, there are exciting amusement and theme parks close by for some extra fun!
Day 11 - Farewell – Until Your Next Journey
Breakfast at the Hotel The tour ends at hotel check-out. Please take the airport shuttle taxi. Thank you for spending the last 11 days with our tour. We hope to see you again!
Accommodation
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
2 nightsTokyo Mejiro
2 beds
Prince Hotel Lake Biwa Otsu
2 nightsOtsu
2 beds
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
2 nightsKyoto
2 beds
InterContinental Osaka
2 nightsOsaka Umeda
2 beds
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
2 nightsTokyo Mejiro
2 beds
Day 1 - Tokyo
Day 2 - Tokyo
Hotel Breakfast
Day 3 - Otsu
Hotel Breakfast
Hotel Dinner
Day 4 - Otsu
Hotel Breakfast
Day 5 - Kyoto
Hotel Breakfast
Day 6 - Kyoto
Hotel Breakfast
Day 7 - Osaka
Hotel Breakfast
Day 8 - Osaka
Hotel Breakfast
Day 9 - Tokyo
Hotel Breakfast
Day 10 - Tokyo
Hotel Breakfast
Day 11 - Tokyo
Hotel Breakfast
Luxury Accommodation
All accommodations are carefully selected 3-4 star hotels with excellent locations and amenities. Traditional ryokan experiences included where applicable.
Tour Price
US$6,500 ~ US$9,400
From
US$6,500 ~ US$9,400