12-Day Japan Grand Cultural Discovery

Kyoto • Nara • Tottori • Hiroshima • Kagoshima • Osaka

Small Group Tour – Maximum 22 Travelers

Experience Japan beyond the ordinary.
From Kyoto’s golden temples and sacred shrines to the dramatic Tottori Sand Dunes, from Hiroshima’s powerful history to the volcanic landscapes of Kagoshima — this immersive 12-day journey reveals Japan’s authentic soul.

✔ Small Group Experience (Max 22 Guests)
✔ Roundtrip International Flights
✔ Bullet Train Adventure
✔ Miyajima Ferry & Sakurajima Volcano Visit
✔ Sushi Workshop & Sake Tasting
✔ 23 Meals Included
✔ Expert English-Speaking Tour Manager

Perfect for culturally curious travelers seeking meaningful experiences, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems.

DAY 1 – Depart for Japan

Board your international flight to Osaka and begin your unforgettable Japanese adventure.

DAY 2 – Arrive in Osaka, Transfer to Kyoto

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Osaka, transfer to historic Kyoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital.

This evening, meet your Tour Manager for an orientation session followed by a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3 – Kyoto Highlights: Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion & Bamboo Forest

Step into Japan’s feudal past.

Enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride through Kyoto’s Higashiyama District, passing wooden townhouses and historic teahouses.

Visit Nijo Castle, built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Admire its intricate interiors and “nightingale floors.”

Continue to the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), shimmering in gold leaf beside its reflective pond.

Explore Tenryuji Temple’s Zen Garden before strolling through the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4 – Imperial Nara, Sushi Experience & Fushimi Inari

Travel to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visit Todai-ji Temple, housing the colossal bronze Great Buddha.

Walk through Nara Deer Park, where sacred deer roam freely.

Participate in a hands-on sushi and sashimi cooking class led by a professional chef.

Stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.

Tonight, enjoy dinner accompanied by a traditional Maiko (Geisha apprentice) dance performance.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 – Kobe, Himeji Castle & Tottori

Depart Kyoto toward Kobe.

Visit the Sake Brewery Museum and discover the art of Japan’s iconic rice wine, complete with tasting.

Enjoy a premium Kobe beef lunch, one of the world’s most prized delicacies.

Explore Himeji Castle, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece known as the “White Heron Castle.”

Continue to Tottori, home to Japan’s largest sand dunes.

Overnight: Tottori
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 – Tottori Sand Dunes & Uradome Coast

Witness the dramatic beauty of the Tottori Sand Dunes, where golden sands meet the Sea of Japan.

Visit the unique Sand Museum, featuring extraordinary life-sized sand sculptures.

Cruise along the stunning Uradome Coast, passing limestone cliffs and hidden coves.

In Kurayoshi, stroll through the historic Shirakabe Dozogun District, known for white-walled storehouses and Edo-era charm.

Overnight: Tottori
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7 – Mount Daisen, Zen Meditation & Hiroshima

Travel toward scenic Mount Daisen.

Experience authentic Zazen meditation in a Zen temple.

Enjoy a traditional Shojin Ryori vegetarian lunch, rooted in Buddhist philosophy.

Visit the renowned Adachi Museum of Art, celebrated for its exquisite Japanese gardens.

Continue to Hiroshima.

Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8 – Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

Reflect at the Atomic Bomb Dome and explore the moving exhibits of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

Board a ferry to picturesque Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s most scenic destinations.

Visit Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its “floating” torii gate.

Stroll Omotesando Street and taste local Momiji Manju sweets.

Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9 – Bullet Train to Kagoshima & Sakurajima Volcano

Board the legendary Shinkansen bullet train to Kagoshima.

Explore Sengan-en Garden, set against the dramatic backdrop of Sakurajima Volcano.

Take a ferry to Sakurajima Island and walk along the scenic Yogan Nagisa footpath with volcanic views.

Overnight: Kagoshima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10 – Samurai Heritage & Sand Steam Hot Spring

Visit the Chiran Peace Museum, honoring WWII history.

Explore the beautifully preserved Chiran Samurai Residence Gardens.

Relax in a traditional sand steam hot spring, where mineral-rich heated sand provides a unique wellness experience.

Enjoy leisure time in Kagoshima’s vibrant Tenmonkan district.

Overnight: Kagoshima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11 – Flight to Osaka & Dotonbori

Fly to Osaka.

Explore lively Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and neon-lit Dotonbori, famous for its street food and iconic Glico sign.

Enjoy a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Osaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12 – Depart Japan

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

✔ Small Group (Max 22 Travelers)
✔ Roundtrip Flights (Los Angeles–Osaka)
✔ Domestic Flight (Kagoshima–Osaka)
✔ High-Speed Bullet Train (Hiroshima–Kagoshima)
✔ Roundtrip Ferry to Miyajima
✔ 10 Nights Accommodation
✔ 23 Meals (10B, 7L, 6D)
✔ All Entrance Fees & Guided Tours
✔ English-Speaking Tour Manager
✔ Hotel Taxes & Porterage
✔ Wireless Touring Headsets

Why Book This Japan Tour?

• Perfect balance of culture, nature & history

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Sushi-making & sake tasting

• Maiko dance performance

• Zen meditation experience

• Kobe beef lunch

• Sand dunes & volcanic landscapes

• Bullet train adventure

Designed for travelers seeking authentic Japan beyond the typical tourist path.

Book Your Japan Grand Cultural Discovery Today

Seats are limited due to small group size.
Peak seasons (Cherry Blossom & Autumn Leaves) sell out quickly.

👉 Reserve your Japan tour now and experience the cultural treasures of Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Kagoshima in one extraordinary journey.