JapanFrom architectural masterpieces to traditional places

The first leg of the journey is by high-speed train, which can reach speeds of up to 260 km/h. This is followed by a ride on the Wide View express train, which offers one of the most scenic train rides in Japan. Travel in style in the comfortable Green Class. Discover the magnificent sights of the charming, historic village of Gokayama, hidden in the picturesque Japanese Alps. The houses in this region are built in a very special way, in the Gassho-zukuri style. This architectural style was developed over many generations—the roofs were built without nails and are elaborately constructed to withstand large amounts of snow.

Enrich your spirit with a visit to a Zen temple. Optionally, you can also take part in a traditional tea ceremony, followed by zazen meditation. Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the local restaurants at Omicho Market, which is famous throughout Japan for its fresh seafood and delicious sushi.

Your guide will then take you on to Nagamachi, a historic village where high-ranking and middle-ranking samurai once resided. In addition to well-preserved houses, there are also several local craft shops to discover in the area, such as Kaburaki (Kutan i porcelain), Yuzen-kan (Kaga-yuzen kimono dyeing), and Nosaku (Kaga Maki-e lacquerware painting). We also recommend a visit to the unspoiled Kenroku-en Garden, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Discover the country's oldest water fountain, several tea houses, and a large villa that was once the retirement home of one of Kanazawa's wealthiest clans.

The next stop on your journey is beautiful Kyoto, which will enchant you with its colorful temples and shrines! Your tour begins with a visit to Nijo Castle, an ornate castle originally built as the private villa of a powerful feudal lord. Next, you will visit the tranquil Ryoanji Temple, famous for its well-maintained rock garden and known as the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. Not far from Ryoan-ji is the stunning Golden Pavilion, known as Kinkaku-ji Temple. What is undoubtedly impressive about the pavilion is that it is completely covered in handmade gold leaf.

Immerse yourself in Japanese traditions with an exclusive half-day excursion through Kyoto. The day begins with a visit to Kodai-ji, one of Kyoto's most famous Zen Buddhist temples. Following this interactive experience, you will take a tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. Admire the picturesque streets, whose gently sloping stone steps are lined with tea houses and craft shops. Another highlight is the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates, which adorn many of the city's postcards.

Your journey continues to Kurashiki, a place full of sights and culture. Start the day with a visit to Okayama Castle, also known as "Crow Castle" because of its black facade. Continue on to Korakuen Garden, considered one of Japan's three great gardens and a place of outstanding natural beauty. Okayama Castle can only be reached via Tsukimi Bashi Bridge, a steel and concrete bridge that crosses the Asahi River.

If time permits, be sure to visit the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan's first and oldest Western art museum. On display are works by some of the world's most famous artists, including El Greco, Matisse, and Picasso.

The Setouchi region is often celebrated as Japan's Mediterranean counterpart. Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima are three islands in the Seto Inland Sea that are home to a number of art museums and installations by renowned local and international artists and architects. Start in Naoshima, board the private yacht, and set sail for Teshima. Upon arrival at Ieura Port, rental bicycles are available for exploring the island. Cycle around the compact island and stop at various attractions, including the Teshima Art Museum and Yokoo House, as well as other art exhibitions such as Les Archives du Cœur and La Forêt des Murmures.

After a simple but delicious lunch—either in a cozy café or a quiet restaurant overlooking the water—you will sail from Teshima to Inujima. Upon arrival, you will disembark and explore the artworks scattered along the coastline on foot while enjoying the magnificent views. Visit the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum and the Inujima Art House Project. At the end of this beautiful day, return to the yacht and enjoy champagne and snacks served on board during the return trip.

In the afternoon, you will return to Kansai for a night in Osaka, Japan's culinary capital. Osaka is a destination for foodies. In fact, the motto that the city's exuberant residents live by is kuiadore – "eating yourself into bankruptcy." The first stop will be at a street food stall to get a taste of traditional Japanese snacks such as menchi katsu.

Afterwards, visit a standing bar to enjoy the atmosphere and sample a selection of sake and Japanese wine, as well as delicious homemade specialties.

Afterwards, you can try a new type of tempura at a restaurant in a small alleyway. Old favorites such as shrimp tempura and experimental combinations such as asparagus tempura and cheese can be found on the menu. On the evening of your last day, discover Osaka's many culinary highlights or vibrant nightlife before heading home the next day.