Travel site for foreigners visiting Japan Lumina Travel

【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)

Tokyo / Nikko / Lake Kawaguchi / Kiso Valley / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Mt.Koya - With Private Vehicle & English-Speaking Guide

Experience Japan’s contrasts and connections — from vibrant Tokyo and sacred Mt. Fuji to the nostalgic post towns of the Nakasendo, the elegance of Kyoto and Nara, and the warmth of Osaka and Mount Koya. From modern cities to sacred mountains and preserved post towns, this journey reveals how Japan’s landscapes, beliefs, and daily life are deeply connected. Traveling at a comfortable pace with a private vehicle and English-speaking guide, guests experience both iconic highlights and quieter local moments—creating a balanced and seamless introduction to Japan’s cultural depth.

  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)

Seasonal Hightlights

  • Spring (Mar–May) – Cherry blossoms bloom from Tokyo to Kyoto, painting temples, lakes, and post towns in soft pink.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug) – Lush green valleys, clear mountain air, and lively festivals bring Japan’s countryside to life.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov) – Brilliant red and gold foliage frame the Nakasendo, Kyoto’s temples, and Mount Koya’s forests.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb) – Quiet shrines, snow-dusted peaks, and crisp skies offer Japan at its most serene and spiritual.

Travel Itinerary

DAY City/Area Highlight Details & Experiences Accomodation Style Photo
DAY1 Arrival in Tokyo Welcome to Japan! A day to settle in and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
  • Narita International Airport → Tokyo hotel by private coach (1–1.5 hrs)
  • Check in hotel
Luxury hotel in central Tokyo Arrival in Tokyo
DAY2 Tokyo Sightseeing Discover the essence of Tokyo through sacred shrines, imperial heritage, and vibrant temple districts.
  • Sightseeing by private car
  • Meiji Shrine – Serene forest shrine
  • Imperial Palace East Garden – Edo Castle ruins
  • Asakusa Senso-ji – Oldest temple & Nakamise Street
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Luxury hotel in central Tokyo Tokyo Sightseeing
DAY3 Nikko Excursion Step into a sacred mountain town where centuries of spiritual devotion meet breathtaking scenery.
  • Transfer – Tokyo → Nikko by private car (approx. 2.5 hrs each way)
  • Toshogu Shrine – Lavish Tokugawa shrine
  • Rinnoji Temple – Buddhist statues
  • Futarasan Shrine – Sacred mountain shrine
  • Lake Chuzenji – Scenic lake
  • Kegon Waterfall – 97m dramatic falls
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Luxury hotel in central Tokyo Nikko Excursion
DAY4 Mt. Fuji Area Sightseeing Marvel at Japan’s most iconic peak from every angle—heritage, nature, and art.
  • Transfer – Tokyo → Mt. Fuji area by private car (approx. 2 hrs)
  • Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center
  • Oshino Hakkai – Spring ponds
  • Oishi Park – A lakeside park offering seasonal flowers with stunning views of Mt. Fuji
  • Lake Kawaguchi – Fuji reflections
  • Icchiku Kubota Museum – Kimono art
  • Check in hotel
    -enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji and a soothing hot spring.
  • Those who love staying active can enjoy a wide range of activities.
Luxury Auberge style Villa or hotel in Lake Kawaguchi Mt. Fuji Area Sightseeing
DAY5 Lake Kawaguchi →
Kiso Valley Excursion
Travel back in time along the historic Nakasendo trail, where post towns preserve the charm of old Japan.
  • Transfer – Kawaguchi-ko → Mishima Station by private car (approx. 2 hrs), Shinkansen – Mishima →
  • Nagoya (approx. 1 hr)
  • Local Train – Nagoya → Kiso Valley (approx. 1–1.5 hrs)
  • Sightseeing by private car
  • Magome-juku – Edo town
  • Check in hotel in the evening
Japanese Style RyokanKiso Valley Lake Kawaguchi →<br>
Kiso Valley Excursion
DAY6 Kiso Valley →
Kyoto Sightseeing
Wander the Edo-era streets of Tsumago, where time seems to stand still, then journey south to Kyoto — from mountain passes to temple-lined avenues.
  • Magome-juku – Edo town
  • Tsumago-juku – Preserved village
  • If you love hiking, immerse yourself in the timeless charm of the Nakasendo by walking the scenic trail between Tsumago and Magome.-Optional Hike – 8 km trail (2.5h)
  • Transfer – Kiso Valley → Kyoto by train (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
  • Check in hotel in the evening
Kiso Valley →<br>
Kyoto Sightseeing
DAY7 Kyoto Sightseeing Step into Japan’s cultural heart, where timeless traditions and elegant streetscapescreate a world of living history.
  • Transfer – Kiso Valley → Kyoto by train (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
  • Sightseeing by private car
  • Kiyomizu-dera – Wooden stage views
  • Tea Ceremony –art of Japanese tea
  • Gion – Historic geisha district
  • check in hotel
Luxury hotel in central Kyoto Kyoto Sightseeing
DAY8 Kyoto Full-day Sightseeing Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s timeless beauty, from majestic castles and golden temples to scenic riverside charm.
  • Sightseeing by private car
  • Nijo Castle – Shogun residence
  • Kinkaku-ji – Golden Pavilion
  • Tenryu-ji – Zen temple & garden
  • Arashiyama – Bamboo grove & riverside
  • Return to hotel in the evening
Luxury hotel in central Kyoto Kyoto Full-day Sightseeing
DAY9 Nara Excursion &
Fushimi Inari
Step back to Japan’s first capital, where magnificent temples, sacred deer, and lantern-lit shrines offer a spiritual journey through history—then return to Kyoto via the iconic thousand torii gates.
  • Sightseeing by private car
  • Todai-ji – Great Buddha
  • Nara Park – Friendly deer
  • Kasuga Taisha – Lantern shrine
  • Fushimi Inari – Thousand torii gates
  • Return to hotel in the evening
Luxury hotel in central Kyoto Nara Excursion &<br>
Fushimi Inari
DAY10 Kyoto →
Osaka Sightseeing
From temples to neon lights—experience Osaka’s vibrant charm and modern energy.
  • Kyoto → Osaka by private coach (approx. 1 hr)
  • Osaka Castle – Historic fortress
  • Umeda Sky Building – City views
  • Aqua Liner – River cruise
  • Dotonbori – Food & neon district
  • check in hotel
Luxury hotel in central Osaka Kyoto →<br>
Osaka Sightseeing
DAY11 Osaka →
Koyasan Full-day Sightseeing
Journey to the spiritual heart of Japanese Buddhism, where sacred temples and serene mountain settings inspire deep reflection.
  • Transfer – Osaka → Koyasan by private coach (approx. 2 hrs)
  • Okunoin – Sacred cemetery
  • Danjo Garan – Central complex
  • Kongobu-ji – Shingon HQ, rock garden
  • Temple Stay - Experience lodging at a temple with vegetarian dinner and morning prayers
Temple Stay in Koyasan Osaka →<br>
Koyasan Full-day Sightseeing
DAY12 Koyasan →
KIX Departure
Bid farewell to Japan after a journey through tradition, nature, and vibrant cities.
  • Transfer Koyasan → Kansai International Airport (2–2.5 hrs)
International Flight Home Koyasan →<br>
KIX Departure

Travel Itinerary

DAY1

City / Area
Arrival in Tokyo
Highlight
Welcome to Japan! A day to settle in and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Details & Experiences
  • Narita International Airport → Tokyo hotel by private coach (1–1.5 hrs)
  • Check in hotel
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Tokyo
Photo
Arrival in Tokyo

DAY2

City / Area
Tokyo Sightseeing
Highlight
Discover the essence of Tokyo through sacred shrines, imperial heritage, and vibrant temple districts.
Details & Experiences
  • Sightseeing by private car
  • Meiji Shrine – Serene forest shrine
  • Imperial Palace East Garden – Edo Castle ruins
  • Asakusa Senso-ji – Oldest temple & Nakamise Street
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Tokyo
Photo
Tokyo Sightseeing

DAY3

City / Area
Nikko Excursion
Highlight
Step into a sacred mountain town where centuries of spiritual devotion meet breathtaking scenery.
Details & Experiences
  • Transfer – Tokyo → Nikko by private car (approx. 2.5 hrs each way)
  • Toshogu Shrine – Lavish Tokugawa shrine
  • Rinnoji Temple – Buddhist statues
  • Futarasan Shrine – Sacred mountain shrine
  • Lake Chuzenji – Scenic lake
  • Kegon Waterfall – 97m dramatic falls
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Tokyo
Photo
Nikko Excursion

DAY4

City / Area
Mt. Fuji Area Sightseeing
Highlight
Marvel at Japan’s most iconic peak from every angle—heritage, nature, and art.
Details & Experiences
  • Transfer – Tokyo → Mt. Fuji area by private car (approx. 2 hrs)
  • Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center
  • Oshino Hakkai – Spring ponds
  • Oishi Park – A lakeside park offering seasonal flowers with stunning views of Mt. Fuji
  • Lake Kawaguchi – Fuji reflections
  • Icchiku Kubota Museum – Kimono art
  • Check in hotel
    -enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji and a soothing hot spring.
  • Those who love staying active can enjoy a wide range of activities.
Accomodation Style
Luxury Auberge style Villa or hotel in Lake Kawaguchi
Photo
Mt. Fuji Area Sightseeing

DAY5

City / Area
Lake Kawaguchi →
Kiso Valley Excursion
Highlight
Travel back in time along the historic Nakasendo trail, where post towns preserve the charm of old Japan.
Details & Experiences
  • Transfer – Kawaguchi-ko → Mishima Station by private car (approx. 2 hrs), Shinkansen – Mishima →
  • Nagoya (approx. 1 hr)
  • Local Train – Nagoya → Kiso Valley (approx. 1–1.5 hrs)
  • Sightseeing by private car
  • Magome-juku – Edo town
  • Check in hotel in the evening
Accomodation Style
Japanese Style RyokanKiso Valley
Photo
Lake Kawaguchi →<br>
Kiso Valley Excursion

DAY6

City / Area
Kiso Valley →
Kyoto Sightseeing
Highlight
Wander the Edo-era streets of Tsumago, where time seems to stand still, then journey south to Kyoto — from mountain passes to temple-lined avenues.
Details & Experiences
  • Magome-juku – Edo town
  • Tsumago-juku – Preserved village
  • If you love hiking, immerse yourself in the timeless charm of the Nakasendo by walking the scenic trail between Tsumago and Magome.-Optional Hike – 8 km trail (2.5h)
  • Transfer – Kiso Valley → Kyoto by train (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
  • Check in hotel in the evening
Accomodation Style
Photo
Kiso Valley →<br>
Kyoto Sightseeing

DAY7

City / Area
Kyoto Sightseeing
Highlight
Step into Japan’s cultural heart, where timeless traditions and elegant streetscapescreate a world of living history.
Details & Experiences
  • Transfer – Kiso Valley → Kyoto by train (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
  • Sightseeing by private car
  • Kiyomizu-dera – Wooden stage views
  • Tea Ceremony –art of Japanese tea
  • Gion – Historic geisha district
  • check in hotel
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Kyoto
Photo
Kyoto Sightseeing

DAY8

City / Area
Kyoto Full-day Sightseeing
Highlight
Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s timeless beauty, from majestic castles and golden temples to scenic riverside charm.
Details & Experiences
  • Sightseeing by private car
  • Nijo Castle – Shogun residence
  • Kinkaku-ji – Golden Pavilion
  • Tenryu-ji – Zen temple & garden
  • Arashiyama – Bamboo grove & riverside
  • Return to hotel in the evening
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Kyoto
Photo
Kyoto Full-day Sightseeing

DAY9

City / Area
Nara Excursion &
Fushimi Inari
Highlight
Step back to Japan’s first capital, where magnificent temples, sacred deer, and lantern-lit shrines offer a spiritual journey through history—then return to Kyoto via the iconic thousand torii gates.
Details & Experiences
  • Sightseeing by private car
  • Todai-ji – Great Buddha
  • Nara Park – Friendly deer
  • Kasuga Taisha – Lantern shrine
  • Fushimi Inari – Thousand torii gates
  • Return to hotel in the evening
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Kyoto
Photo
Nara Excursion &<br>
Fushimi Inari

DAY10

City / Area
Kyoto →
Osaka Sightseeing
Highlight
From temples to neon lights—experience Osaka’s vibrant charm and modern energy.
Details & Experiences
  • Kyoto → Osaka by private coach (approx. 1 hr)
  • Osaka Castle – Historic fortress
  • Umeda Sky Building – City views
  • Aqua Liner – River cruise
  • Dotonbori – Food & neon district
  • check in hotel
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Osaka
Photo
Kyoto →<br>
Osaka Sightseeing

DAY11

City / Area
Osaka →
Koyasan Full-day Sightseeing
Highlight
Journey to the spiritual heart of Japanese Buddhism, where sacred temples and serene mountain settings inspire deep reflection.
Details & Experiences
  • Transfer – Osaka → Koyasan by private coach (approx. 2 hrs)
  • Okunoin – Sacred cemetery
  • Danjo Garan – Central complex
  • Kongobu-ji – Shingon HQ, rock garden
  • Temple Stay - Experience lodging at a temple with vegetarian dinner and morning prayers
Accomodation Style
Temple Stay in Koyasan
Photo
Osaka →<br>
Koyasan Full-day Sightseeing

DAY12

City / Area
Koyasan →
KIX Departure
Highlight
Bid farewell to Japan after a journey through tradition, nature, and vibrant cities.
Details & Experiences
  • Transfer Koyasan → Kansai International Airport (2–2.5 hrs)
Accomodation Style
International Flight Home
Photo
Koyasan →<br>
KIX Departure

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  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)
  • 【Discover Japan】From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Regional Treasures (12 Days / 11 Nights)