Tokyo, Hakone and Mount Fuji

Classic Japan Journey:

Tokyo, Hakone and Mount Fuji

Year round

From £11,420pp

Land-only

11 Nights

Mount Fuji Reflection Lake Kawaguchi Japan

Discover Japan through serene mountains, timeless temples and refined cultural experiences in unparalleled luxury

This journey through Japan offers an exquisite blend of vibrant city life, serene natural beauty, and cultural immersion, curated for a truly refined experience. From the bustling streets and historic temples of Tokyo to the tranquil mountains and lakes of Hakone, Fujikawaguchiko and Karuizawa, each day unfolds with discovery and elegance. You will enjoy exclusive access to cultural experiences and insights from expert guides, deepening your understanding of Japan’s traditions, history, and spiritual heritage. Scenic landscapes, iconic landmarks and hands-on cultural encounters are woven together, creating a seamless journey of exploration and reflection. This itinerary is a sophisticated introduction to Japan, combining luxury, learning, and unforgettable moments.

Itinerary highlights

Immerse yourself in the rituals of sumo morning practice with a private guide, gaining rare insight into this ancient cultural tradition.

Stay in a luxurious ryokan, where delicate kaiseki cuisine and soothing open-air onsens offer a private taste of timeless Japanese hospitality.

Explore tranquil temples, forested shrines, and sacred gardens, letting incense, stone paths, and serene architecture guide quiet reflection.

Witness the majestic presence of Mount Fuji from lakeside villages and iconic pagodas, capturing moments of natural and cultural harmony.

Participate in Zazen meditation accompanied by the haunting notes of a shakuhachi flute, connecting with Japan’s spiritual traditions in a moment of calm.

Travel in first-class comfort on a bullet train from Tokyo to Hakone, gliding past Japan’s iconic landscapes toward serene mountain retreats.

Shape clay into delicate pottery under the guidance of skilled artisans, discovering centuries of craftsmanship and tradition.

Discover Japan through serene mountains, timeless temples and refined cultural experiences in unparalleled luxury

Itinerary highlights

Immerse yourself in the rituals of sumo morning practice with a private guide, gaining rare insight into this ancient cultural tradition.

Stay in a luxurious ryokan, where delicate kaiseki cuisine and soothing open-air onsens offer a private taste of timeless Japanese hospitality.

Explore tranquil temples, forested shrines, and sacred gardens, letting incense, stone paths, and serene architecture guide quiet reflection.

Witness the majestic presence of Mount Fuji from lakeside villages and iconic pagodas, capturing moments of natural and cultural harmony.

Participate in Zazen meditation accompanied by the haunting notes of a shakuhachi flute, connecting with Japan’s spiritual traditions in a moment of calm.

Travel in first-class comfort on a bullet train from Tokyo to Hakone, gliding past Japan’s iconic landscapes toward serene mountain retreats.

Shape clay into delicate pottery under the guidance of skilled artisans, discovering centuries of craftsmanship and tradition.

Day 1

Journey begins

Your journey begins with an international flight to Tokyo, the gateway to Japan. As you travel east, anticipation builds for an iconic adventure through Tokyo, Hakone and the majestic presence of Mount Fuji, where tradition and modernity intertwine.

Day 2

Tokyo, Japan

Arriving in Tokyo, you are warmly welcomed at the airport before a private transfer to your hotel. After time to rest, the city invites gentle exploration. Step outside for a relaxed stroll through nearby streets, elegant boutiques and the aroma of fresh street food set the scene. Perhaps enjoy your first taste of Japanese cuisine at a local restaurant or simply take in the energy of this extraordinary city, where ancient traditions sit effortlessly alongside cutting-edge modern life.

Day 3

Tokyo, Japan

Begin the day with an early visit to a sumo stable, where you observe morning practice and gain rare insight into this ancient Japanese tradition. With your private guide, learn about the discipline, rituals and cultural importance of sumo wrestling. Continue to Asakusa to visit Senso ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, where incense drifts through the air and locals pause for quiet prayer. The day concludes at Tokyo Skytree, rising high above the city, offering sweeping views across Tokyo’s vast skyline and a striking contrast between old and new Japan.

Day 4

Tokyo, Japan

This morning begins with a peaceful walk through the Kokyo Higashi Gyoen (The Imperial Palace East Gardens), once part of Edo Castle, where manicured lawns, stone walls and quiet ponds offer a glimpse into Japan’s imperial past. Continue to Meiji Shrine, set within a forest of towering trees, where the gentle rhythm of ritual and prayer creates a calm contrast to the city beyond. The afternoon reveals modern Tokyo as you experience the famous Shibuya Crossing, a spectacle of movement and energy, before exploring Harajuku, known for its creative fashion, youthful spirit and lively street culture.

Day 5

Hakone, Japan

After a private transfer to Tokyo Station, board a first-class bullet train to Hakone. On arrival at Odawara, you are met and transferred to Hakone Kowakien Tenyu, a luxurious ryokan offering serene rooms with views of the surrounding mountains. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the open air onsen, stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, or savour exquisite kaiseki dining as the evening mist drifts across the valley. The tranquil setting invites quiet reflection and a gentle immersion into Japan’s natural beauty and refined hospitality.

Day 6

Hakone, Japan

Begin the day with a visit to Hakone Shrine, nestled beside the serene waters of Ashi Lake and framed by towering cedar trees, where vermilion gates appear to float above the lake. Board a pirate ship for a scenic cruise across Ashinoko Lake, with Mount Fuji’s silhouette painting the horizon. Continue the Hakone Ropeway from Togendai to Owakudani, a volcanic valley famed for its steaming vents and sulphuric aromas. Take in panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, and if you wish, sample the region’s famous black eggs, believed to bring longevity, before returning to your ryokan for a restful evening.

Day 7

Fujikawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji), Japan

Start the morning with a calming Zazen (seated meditation) session, guided by the haunting notes of a shakuhachi flute at a historic Hakone site. Feel the serene atmosphere wash over you as you connect with centuries of spiritual tradition. Afterward, transfer to Fujikawaguchiko, a charming resort town on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. Here, the waters mirror the majestic presence of Mount Fuji, offering postcard-perfect views. Stroll along the lakeside or simply relax and take in the crisp mountain air, letting the tranquil beauty of this iconic landscape set the tone for your afternoon.

Day 8

Fujikawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji), Japan

Begin the day exploring Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village where crystal clear spring waters emerge from Mount Fuji’s underground aquifers, surrounded by traditional thatched-roof houses. Continue to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, where the striking red pagoda framed against Mount Fuji provides an iconic view. In the afternoon, visit a world-famous winery in Yamanashi, enjoying a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars, followed by a tasting of premium Japanese wines. Savour the unique flavours while soaking in the surrounding landscapes, blending cultural heritage, natural beauty and refined indulgence in one unforgettable experience.

Day 9

Karuizawa, Japan

Explore the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum in the morning, marvelling at exquisite kimono art that brings traditional dyeing techniques to breathtaking contemporary life. Continue to Oishi Park, where colourful flowers and Lake Kawaguchiko views create a peaceful stroll. Transfer to Karuizawa, stopping at Shiraito Falls, a delicate curtain of water cascading from volcanic cliffs. Finish the day at Kumoba Pond, its calm surface reflecting surrounding autumnal trees and serene skies, offering the perfect moment to pause and absorb the natural beauty of this elegant mountain resort town.

Day 10

Karuizawa, Japan

Wander through the charming Kyukaruizawa area, where historic streets are lined with boutiques, cafes and traditional architecture. Visit Kumano Kotai Shrine, a tranquil sanctuary where moss-covered stone steps and ancient trees evoke centuries of devotion. Pause at Usui Pass Observatory Platform to admire sweeping views across mountains and valleys, a perfect spot to feel the region’s natural grandeur. In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on pottery experience, shaping small plates and bowls from clay under the guidance of local artisans, creating a personal keepsake to remember your time in this elegant mountain retreat.

Day 11

Depart Karuizawa

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you back to Tokyo for your return flight to the UK. Reflect on the serene landscapes, cultural treasures and unforgettable experiences of your journey through Japan, carrying with your memories of its mountains, temples and timeless traditions.

Day 12

Arrive home

What's Included

International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
Seamless ground transfers
First-class bullet train tickets
Handpicked accommodations
Meals as indicated
Curated tours and experiences, including entrance fees
Expert English-speaking local guides

What's Included

International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
Seamless ground transfers
First-class bullet train tickets
Handpicked accommodations
Meals as indicated
Curated tours and experiences, including entrance fees
Expert English-speaking local guides

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Every journey I plan starts with a conversation. Tell me what excites you, what you've always dreamed of experiencing, and I'll craft something extraordinary. The best expeditions begin with a single question: What would make this unforgettable for you?

Ashley | Expedition Planner

Tokyo, Hakone and Mount Fuji

Classic Japan Journey: