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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo where you will be met in the arrivals hall and privately transferred to your hotel. Your Red Savannah representative will greet you in the hotel lobby and provide a welcome orientation to travel in Japan. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind after your flight. You may wish to work off any jet-lag with an uplifting stroll through the Eastern Gardens of the Imperial Palace.
Overnight: Palace Hotel Tokyo
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Day 2 Discover Tokyo
With your expert local guide and private driver, you'll set out today to explore Tokyo's quietly evocative older quarters. Your tour begins in Yanesen - the interconnected neighbourhoods of Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi. Stroll along Yanaka Ginza, a gently buzzing shopping street of family-run stores and artisan makers, before passing through the serene avenues of Yanaka Cemetery, where layers of the city's past rest beneath the trees. Continue to Nezu Shrine, its red torii gates forming a rhythmic pathway through the grounds. The day then turns literary in Jimbocho, Tokyo's historic book district, where narrow streets are lined with second-hand and specialist bookshops, as well as atmospheric kissaten - classic Japanese coffee houses.
Overnight: Palace Hotel Tokyo
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Day 3 Train to Gero Onsen
Leaving the bustle of Tokyo behind, you will be transferred to the station and assisted with the boarding of your bullet train (shinkansen) to Nagoya. From here, an easy change of train takes you to your ultimate destination, Gero Onsen. This pretty hot springs town, located in the foothills of Honshu's central mountains, is the perfect place to slow the pace and begin your immersion into rural Japan. When you arrive at the station, a complimentary shuttle transports your beautiful ryokan positioned with sweeping views over Gero. Round off your day with a soothing hot springs soak - either in the open air main onsen, admiring the views of the surrounding hills, or in the private onsen bath in your room.
Overnight: Yunoshimakan
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Day 4 Temples and hot springs of Gero
Begin your day with a gentle walking tour led by a local guide, exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Gero. Your first stop is Onsenji Temple, a peaceful temple dedicated to the Buddha of healing. Located on a hill overlooking the town, it offers beautiful views that set the tone for a calm and reflective morning. From here, continue on foot to Gassho Village, an open air museum featuring traditional gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs. Relocated from the mountains of Shirakawago area, these beautifully preserved farmhouses reflect traditional ways of life and the ingenuity of architecture in this historic region.
This afternoon is free for you to relax in your ryokan and private onsen, or continue exploring Gero. You could purchase a Yumeguri Tegata ("Hot Spring Hopping Pass") to visit three different onsen facilities. Each offers its own unique setting and mineral-rich water. As you wander the town, you will also find free public footbaths which flow with natural, healing waters. One of the most scenic spots is the Funsenike pool by the riverside, where you can soak your feet while listening to the flowing water.
Overnight: Yunoshimakan
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Day 5 Takayama
This morning you will met by your local guide and travel north to the mountain town of Takayama. Often called "Little Kyoto," Takayama is known for its beautifully preserved old town, traditional crafts, and rich merchant heritage. Your exploration begins in Teramachi, the temple district, where more than a dozen temples and shrines sit quietly along a wooded hillside. Together with your guide, take a gentle walk through this peaceful area and learn more about the area's spiritual significance. Continue to Sanmachi Suji, Takayama's most iconic district. Its rows of well-preserved merchant houses showcase the prosperity of the town during the 17th and 18th centuries, when it flourished as a trading hub. Many of the buildings now host small museums, sake breweries, and local craft shops, offering a wonderful glimpse into daily life in old Takayama.
Overnight: Wanosato
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Day 6 Food, onsen and relaxation in Takayama
Today is an opportunity to unwind at your rural ryokan in Takayama, soaking in the atmosphere. A stay at Wanosato immerses you in the rich history of the region with very little effort required. The ryokan retains a typical Gassho-zukuri roof and a striking central irori fireplace. You can take it easy by enjoying a hot spring bath, sipping tea in the peaceful gardens, and feasting on the exceptional traditional food served at the ryokan.
Overnight: Wanosato
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Day 7 Journey to Iiyama
Take the scenic journey by train today to Iiyama, set in the foothills of Nagano's mountainous heart. You'll be met on the platform by your local guide and private driver. Together you'll head to nearby Togari and enjoy an exclusive opportunity to a visit to a craft sake brewery. You will be guided through the brewery to observe and learn about the sake making process.
At the end of the afternoon, you will be welcomed into The Omoya, a meticulously restored 260-year-old kominka farmhouse, exclusive to one group at a time. Surrounded by serene landscapes in a truly untouched corner of Japan, this exquisite farmhouse was acquired by our local team in Japan who have sensitively restored it as part of a true labour of love for the Iiyama region. The interiors are simply beautiful, and the heritage of the farmhouse has been carefully preserved with timber beams and handcrafted details. You may wish to round off your day with a soak in the inviting hinoki bath which looks out to the peaceful Japanese garden.
Overnight: The Omoya
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Day 8 Shiga Kogen National Park
This morning, rise early and head out with your guide and driver for an exploration of Shiga Kogen National Park. This highland region is at its most striking in autumn, when the beech and birch forests turn shades of amber, crimson and gold. The park is glorious at any time of year though, and your private guide will lead you along peaceful walking trails passing mountain plateaus and clear streams. You'll be navigated to the park's most scenic viewpoints, perhaps occasionally glimpsing Japanese macaques in the trees around you.
The second part of your tour this morning provides a deeper introduction to the region's emblematic minka farmhouses. As people migrated towards Japan's major cities, many of these historic buildings have been left abandoned. However, some have been carefully restored and found new life as modern homes that retain all of their original character. Settle in at one of these minka for a delicious farm-to-table lunch before returning to The Omoya where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: The Omoya
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Day 9 Hiking with a Yamabushi Monk
Steeped in centuries of spiritual devotion, Mount Kosuge in Iiyama is one of Nagano's most revered sacred sites and a cornerstone of shugendō, Japan's ancient tradition of mountain asceticism. For more than 1,300 years, yamabushi - itinerant mountain practitioners - have retreated here for rigorous spiritual training, shaping the secluded settlement now known as Kosuge Village.
Today, you are granted rare, private access to this living tradition. In the company of a genuine modern-day yamabushi, you will walk a tranquil cedar forest trail, following a route once used by ascetics on their path to enlightenment. Your journey leads to the Inner Shrine, a secluded 400-year-old sanctuary hidden deep within the mountain. Accompanied by an expert guide who facilitates conversation and insight, you will gain a deeper understanding of this demanding and little-seen spiritual way of life. If you wish, the experience may conclude with an intimate hot pot dinner shared with the yamabushi - a profound ending to an exceptional and contemplative day.
Overnight: The Omoya
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Day 10 Kamakura
This morning say farewell to The Omoya and take the train via Tokyo to the idyllic seaside town of Kamakura. On arrival, check into Kamakura Cocon where the balance of the day is at leisure.
Quietly positioned in one of Kamakura's residential streets, Kamakura Cocon is within easy reach of the city's Zen temples, wooded hills and long sweep of shoreline. Inside, the hotel echoes its surroundings with pared-back interiors and a calm, soothing feel - the perfect base for explorations of this historic seaside town.
Overnight: Kamakura Cocon
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Day 11 Zen Temples & Gardens - insider's access
Rise early this morning and head to Engakuji, one of the most well-established Zen temples in Japan. On arrival you will be welcomed by Koyama-san, an English-speaking monk who will, by special invitation, take you into the inner sanctum of the temple. Here you will explore both the training and living quarters of the monks that are usually off limits in most other Zen temples in Japan. Koyama-san will then guide you through the history and architecture of this illustrious 700+ year-old temple before leading you in some Zazen meditation, sharing his insight on how to progress in this ancient discipline. You will then be served a simple breakfast before saying your farewells.
This afternoon, meet award-winning garden designer and local resident, Saori Imoto, who will guide you through Kamakura's Zen gardens. As you walk with Ms Imoto, she will unlock the mysteries of Zen gardens as well guide you through the most historical sights in Kamakura, bring its wonders to life in a truly accessible way.
Overnight: Kamakura Cocon
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Day 12 Depart
After a final breakfast in Kamakura, you will be transferred to the airport in plenty time for your flight home, or for further touring in Japan.
Overnight: Home
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Depart
