Upon arrival at Haneda or Narita International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and met by your private driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Tokyo.After check-in, the rest of the day is intentionally left at leisure—time to settle in, recover from your journey and take in your first impressions of a city where centuries-old traditions and an extraordinary modern culture exist side by side.In the evening, meet your fellow travellers as our small circle comes together for the first time.From here, Japan Unscripted begins - a journey beyond predictable itineraries, created around unexpected encounters, local stories, remarkable food, traditions and experiences that reveal a different side of Japan.Standard hotel check-in is from 3:00 PM. Early check-in is not included and is subject to availability.

After breakfast, meet your private guide and set out to discover Tokyo through three fascinating layers of Japanese culture - its imperial past, extraordinary culinary traditions and the legendary world of the samurai.Imperial Palace East GardensBegin at the serene East Gardens of the former Edo Castle, once the seat of the powerful Tokugawa shogunate and today part of the Imperial Palace grounds. Walk through ancient stone walls, landscaped gardens and remnants of Edo Castle while your guide brings to life the stories behind Japan's imperial and feudal history.The Art of Sushi | Private Chef ExperienceNext, move from history to one of Japan's most celebrated culinary traditions.In an intimate, hands-on session with a professional sushi chef, learn the precision and philosophy behind authentic Japanese sushi. Work with carefully selected seasonal ingredients, discover traditional knife techniques, grind fresh wasabi on a sharkskin grater and watch the chef demonstrate skills perfected over years of practice.Then comes the best part - sit down to enjoy the sushi you have created alongside the chef's own preparations. You'll leave not only with a deeper appreciation of Japanese cuisine, but also an official certificate as a playful keepsake of your experience.Old Tokyo | Asakusa, Sensō-ji & NakamiseContinue into the atmospheric lanes of Asakusa, where Tokyo's older soul still survives beneath the modern city.Enter through the monumental Kaminarimon Gate to visit Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, before wandering along Nakamise Street, where generations of merchants have sold traditional sweets, crafts and small Japanese treasures.Inside the World of the Samurai & NinjaEnd the day by stepping into the fascinating world of Japan's legendary warriors. Discover samurai armour, historic swords and the codes and traditions that shaped the warrior class.The experience becomes interactive as you try your hand at traditional ninja skills - including shuriken throwing - bringing a fun and unexpected finish to your first full day in Tokyo.A day that begins with emperors, continues over sushi and ends in the world of warriors - Tokyo, unscripted.

This morning, leave the energy of Tokyo behind as we take you into an entirely different landscape - mountains, volcanic valleys, contemporary art and the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Fuji.Travel by private vehicle into Hakone, one of Japan's most celebrated mountain regions and the gateway to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.Across Lake AshiBegin with a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Ashi, a volcanic caldera lake surrounded by forested mountains. On a clear day, watch for one of Japan's most iconic sights - Mount Fuji rising beyond the lake.Above the Volcano | Hakone Ropeway & OwakudaniContinue aboard the Hakone Ropeway, soaring above the extraordinary volcanic terrain towards Owakudani Valley.Steam rises naturally from the mountainside as sulphur vents and hot springs reveal the geothermal forces still active beneath Hakone. While here, look out for Owakudani's famous black eggs, cooked in the naturally sulphurous hot-spring waters and said by local legend to add seven years to your life.Art Among the Mountains | Hakone Open-Air MuseumThe afternoon takes a completely different turn at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where art leaves the traditional gallery behind.Walk through expansive gardens where large-scale sculptures and contemporary works sit against a backdrop of mountains and changing autumn foliage - a beautiful intersection of art, architecture and nature.From Hakone, continue deeper into Shizuoka Prefecture towards Mishima, where you will check into your hotel.The evening is yours to slow down, settle in and enjoy the quieter rhythm of Japan beyond its cities.From Tokyo's skyline to Fuji's volcanic landscapes - today, Japan begins to reveal another side of itself.

Mountains. Pure spring water. Wasabi fields. Onsen and kaiseki. Today is Japan at its quietest - and perhaps its most authentic.Today, we take you deeper into the Izu Peninsula - a landscape shaped by mountains, pristine spring waters and traditions that have been quietly preserved for generations. This is a day of discovering rural Japan through its landscapes, its people and one of its most treasured ingredients.Above Izu | Panorama ParkBegin the morning with a scenic ropeway journey to Izu Panorama Park, rising above the peninsula to sweeping views across Suruga Bay.On a clear autumn day, Mount Fuji dominates the horizon while landscaped gardens and peaceful observation terraces provide time to simply slow down and take in the extraordinary surroundings.The Secret Behind Real Wasabi | Ikadaba Wasabi FieldsContinue into the mountains to discover a side of Japanese cuisine few travellers ever experience.Visit the Ikadaba Wasabi Fields, where pure spring water flowing from Mount Amagi has sustained traditional wasabi cultivation for generations.Walk among the terraced fields and learn why authentic Japanese wasabi is so different from what most of the world knows - from the quality of the water and painstaking cultivation techniques to the time required for each plant to mature.The area's traditional wasabi cultivation has received international recognition as part of a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), preserving an agricultural practice deeply connected to Izu's natural environment.Shuzenji | The Quiet JapanLater, arrive in Shuzenji Onsen, one of the Izu Peninsula's most atmospheric hot-spring towns.Wander through cobbled lanes, cross small red bridges and walk beneath the beautiful bamboo grove before visiting historic Shuzenji Temple. Traditional ryokan, flowing streams and centuries of onsen culture give the town a timeless quality far removed from Japan's larger cities.Return to your ryokan as evening settles over Izu.Tonight, experience another treasured Japanese tradition - a beautifully presented kaiseki dinner, where multiple courses celebrate the season through local ingredients, delicate flavours and meticulous presentation.For those who wish to embrace the experience completely, a yukata or kimono can also be arranged.*Kaiseki dinner is included. Yukata/kimono rental can be arranged at an additional cost.

Today, we explore Shizuoka through its flavours - a region where fertile landscapes, mountain water and generations of craftsmanship have shaped some of Japan’s most celebrated produce.And accompanying you throughout the day is Japan’s most iconic presence - Mount Fuji.Among the Tea Fields | Enmusubi Tea GardenBegin amid the beautiful tea landscapes of Shizuoka, Japan’s renowned tea-producing region.At Enmusubi Tea Garden, step beyond simply drinking Japanese tea and discover the traditions surrounding it. Experience tea-brewing demonstrations and guided tastings while learning how differences in cultivation, harvesting and preparation influence the character of each cup.Traditional performances - including the charming dances associated with Japan’s tea-picking culture and the distinctive sounds of the shamisen - bring another layer to the experience.And when the skies are clear, all of this unfolds against an extraordinary backdrop: Mount Fuji rising beyond the tea fields.Wine Beneath Mount Fuji | Fujisan WineryFrom tea, move to something rather unexpected - Japanese wine.Visit Fujisan Winery, a boutique producer nestled in the foothills of Mount Fuji. Discover the winery’s approach to production before sitting down to taste locally crafted wines in one of Japan’s most remarkable wine-growing settings.Those who prefer not to drink can enjoy non-alcoholic selections, while Café Shizen offers an opportunity to slow down over regional flavours and views of the surrounding landscape.An Evening of KaisekiReturn to your ryokan as evening approaches.Tonight, gather once again for a traditional kaiseki dinner, where a succession of beautifully presented courses reflects the ingredients, flavours and colours of the season.From tea leaves grown beneath Fuji to wines produced in its foothills, today is a taste of Japan shaped by the land itself.Winery experiences may vary according to the season. Non-alcoholic beverages are available.

From one of the world’s most sophisticated rail journeys to one of Japan’s smallest whisky distilleries and the preserved merchant streets of Nagahama, the day reveals a fascinating contrast between modern precision and old-world craftsmanship.Japan at 285 km/h | Green Class ShinkansenThis morning, make your way to Mishima Station and board Japan’s legendary Shinkansen for the journey to Maibara.Settle into reserved Green Class, Japan’s premium railway cabin, with spacious seating and luggage space as the countryside passes rapidly beyond your window.More than simply a transfer, travelling aboard the bullet train is an experience in itself—a glimpse into the efficiency, precision and attention to detail for which modern Japan is renowned.Your guide will not accompany you onboard the Shinkansen and will meet you after your rail journey.Inside One of Japan’s Smallest Whisky Distilleries | NagahamaArriving in Shiga Prefecture, continue to Nagahama Distillery for an intimate introduction to the rapidly evolving world of Japanese whisky.One of Japan’s smallest whisky distilleries, Nagahama offers a fascinating contrast to the country’s larger whisky houses. Step inside to learn about its small-scale production philosophy, distillation techniques and approach to maturation.Conclude with a tasting of single malt whisky available exclusively to visitors of the distillery - a wonderful discovery for both whisky enthusiasts and curious travellers.Kurokabe Square | The Merchant Streets of Old JapanThe afternoon slows down as you wander through Kurokabe Square, Nagahama’s beautifully preserved historic quarter.Traditional merchant buildings now house artisan glass studios, independent boutiques, galleries and intimate cafés. Take time to explore at an unhurried pace, discovering local craftsmanship and another, quieter side of Japan away from its major cities.Later, proceed to your hotel and settle in.This evening, come together for a Japanese-Western course dinner at Dining TAN-ETSU, bringing the day to a relaxed close.From the speed and precision of the Shinkansen to whisky made slowly by hand - today captures the contrasts that make Japan so fascinating.Green Class reserved seating with luggage space is included. Your guide will not accompany you aboard the Shinkansen.

Today is about the Japan that has been passed from one generation to another.Travel deeper into Shiga to discover centuries-old craftsmanship, extraordinary contemporary architecture and the waterways that once carried some of Japan's most influential merchants.Forged by Hand | An 840-Year Blacksmith TraditionBegin with one of the most intimate experiences of Japan Unscripted.Step inside the historic Manyu Blacksmith Workshop, housed within a designated Tangible Cultural Property, where the art of blacksmithing has been preserved for more than 840 years.Meet the craftsmen who continue this remarkable tradition and learn how fire, metal and generations of knowledge come together in the forging process.Then step up to the workshop yourself.Under the guidance of a master craftsman, experience traditional forging techniques as you create your own handcrafted paper knife—a deeply personal souvenir carrying both your own handiwork and centuries of Japanese craftsmanship.La Collina Omihachiman | Where Architecture Meets NatureContinue to the extraordinary La Collina Omihachiman, where architecture appears to grow organically from the surrounding countryside.Known for its distinctive grass-covered roofs and imaginative approach to sustainable design, La Collina brings together nature, architecture and Japanese confectionery in a setting unlike anything else on the journey.Take time to explore, discover its artisan sweets and simply enjoy the playful beauty of the landscape.Along the Waterways of the Omi MerchantsLater, board a traditional boat for a gentle journey along the historic Yahata-bori Canal.These waterways once played an important role in the prosperity of the legendary Omi merchants who travelled throughout Japan establishing trading networks and businesses.As you cruise for approximately 35 minutes, pass beautifully preserved warehouses, stone embankments and traditional townhouses—a scene so evocative of old Japan that the area has frequently been used as a setting for Japanese films and television dramas.Kaiseki by Lake BiwaAs evening approaches, settle in for a traditional kaiseki dinner overlooking Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake.A succession of seasonal dishes brings together flavour, presentation and the Japanese philosophy of celebrating ingredients at precisely the right moment.Fire. Hands. Water. Tradition. Today is not about observing Japan from the outside - it's about stepping into traditions that have endured for centuries.Yahata-bori Canal boat ride is approximately 35 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Today, we arrives in Kyoto - the ancient imperial capital where wooden machiya houses, temple bells, hidden gardens and centuries-old rituals continue to exist alongside everyday life.But Kyoto is not a city to simply see. It is a city best understood slowly - through its rituals, its streets and the quiet details that have defined Japanese culture for generations.Behind the Doors of a Machiya | Private Tea CeremonyBegin in the historic Gion district, stepping inside a traditional Kyoto machiya for an intimate private tea ceremony.More than simply drinking matcha, the Japanese tea ceremony is a philosophy built around harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity.Learn the meaning behind each deliberate movement—from preparing the tea and handling the utensils to the etiquette between host and guest—before preparing and enjoying matcha in this atmospheric setting.Walking Through Old Kyoto | Ninenzaka & SannenzakaContinue on foot through the beautifully preserved lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where traditional wooden townhouses, artisan stores, small teahouses and local confectioners line the stone-paved streets.Rather than rushing through, take time to wander, browse and absorb the atmosphere of a Kyoto that seems to belong to another era.Kiyomizu-dera | Above the Rooftops of KyotoFollow the historic streets uphill to Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto's most celebrated temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Stand upon its remarkable wooden stage overlooking the forest and city beyond, particularly beautiful when framed by the colours of autumn.Visit the sacred Otowa Waterfall, whose waters have been revered by visitors for centuries, before exploring the surrounding temple grounds.The Zen Side of Kyoto | Kennin-jiEnd the day at Kennin-ji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple and a wonderful counterpoint to the energy of the city's better-known landmarks.Step into serene gardens and contemplative spaces while discovering some of the temple's most celebrated artworks, including imagery associated with the legendary Wind and Thunder Gods. Here Kyoto becomes quieter.Take a moment to slow down before leaving - because sometimes the most memorable experience in Japan is simply learning to be still.From the ritual of tea to the silence of a Zen garden, today reveals Kyoto not as a collection of sights, but as a way of experiencing Japan.Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Some temple areas include stairs and uneven pathways.

Journey privately to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, where ancient temples rise from forested landscapes, sacred deer wander freely and artistic traditions continue to be practised much as they have been for generations.Among Nara’s Sacred DeerBegin in Nara Park, where hundreds of free-roaming deer have become one of the city’s most enduring symbols.Far more than a charming encounter, deer have traditionally been regarded in Nara as messengers of the gods, giving their presence around the city’s shrines and temples a deeper cultural significance.Walk among them as you make your way through Nara’s beautiful parkland.Tōdai-ji | In the Presence of the Great BuddhaContinue to magnificent Tōdai-ji, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples.Step inside the immense wooden Great Buddha Hall and come face-to-face with the monumental bronze Daibutsu - an extraordinary representation of Buddha that has watched over Nara for centuries.The sheer scale of the hall and the quiet presence of the Buddha make this one of the most powerful cultural encounters of the journey.A Forest of Lanterns | Kasuga TaishaWalk deeper into Nara’s sacred landscape to Kasuga Taisha, where pathways through the forest are lined with hundreds of moss-covered stone lanterns.Inside the shrine, hundreds more bronze lanterns hang from vermilion corridors - a beautiful tradition created through centuries of offerings from worshippers.Made by Your Own Hands | Traditional Japanese Ink & CalligraphyThe afternoon introduces you to another side of Nara that few visitors encounter.Nara has been at the heart of traditional Japanese ink-making for centuries. Meet skilled artisans and discover the painstaking process behind sumi ink, an essential part of Japanese calligraphy and artistic culture.Then create something of your own.Craft and decorate your own traditional ink stick with delicate gold leaf, before learning the fundamentals of Japanese calligraphy under expert guidance.Rather than simply buying a souvenir, you leave Nara carrying something connected to its history - and made partly by your own hands.Return privately to Kyoto in the late afternoon.Sacred forests, a monumental Buddha and an ancient craft practised by hand - today, Nara reveals a Japan where spirituality and artistry have always belonged together.Full-day private excursion. All workshop materials are included.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kyoto before meeting your English-speaking driver for a comfortable private transfer to Kansai International Airport.As your journey comes to an end, depart with memories of extraordinary landscapes, timeless traditions, remarkable flavours and meaningful encounters—each revealing a side of Japan beyond the familiar.You came to see Japan. You leave having experienced it.Private airport transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule.