A Spring Time Adventure in Ireland with St. Patrick's in Killarney.
With Fishing Villages, Seaside Drives, Afternoon Tea, Cosy Pubs, Gardens, Castles, Abbeys, Cathedrals, Stone Circles, Portal Tombs and Dolmens and Megalithic Cemeteries.
March 11th - 27th, 2027
Some of our favourite days in life have been spent exploring fishing villages, hidden coves and beaches and listening to the waves lap against the shore. There are many coastal villages, coastlines and seascapes that we love exploring, and we also have many favourite places to eat fish and chips, have afternoon tea and enjoy great pub grub, so we decided to combine them into a wonderful coastal adventure! There are so many amazing places to see and visit in Ireland, but we wanted this tour to be all about the water. The Irish Sea, the Celtic Sea, the Wild Atlantic and all of the smaller bodies of water to include Loughs, Rivers, Bays, Springs and Inlets. Yes, take us to the water, let us play in the sea and we will be happy!
Highlights include: Greystones, Enniscorthy Castle, Kilkenny and Kilkenny Castle, Jerpoint Abbey, Waterford City, Waterford Crystal Factory, Kilfarrasy Beach, Bunmahon Viewpoint and Bunmahon Beach, Copper Coast, Cobh and Cobh Titanic Walking Tour, Queenstown Titanic Experience, Kinsale, and Kinsale Harbour, Charles Fort, The Meadery, Desmond Castle and Wine Museum, Drombeg Stone Circle, Uragh Stone Circle, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, the Burren, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Caherconnell Fort, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway and Galway Bay, Sligo, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Knocknarea, Kells Monastic Site, the Hill of Tara and More!
Price includes a full Irish breakfast each morning and all meals as indicated in itinerary. 17 nights in 4 or 5 Star Irish Tourist Board rated accommodations. We try to show you as many different kinds of accommodations as possible so you may stay in manor house, a farmhouse, an old coaching inn and a small hotel all on the same visit! Itinerary also includes guided minibus tour with luggage handling, all sightseeing including any entrance fees, tour guide for all venues, all taxes and service charges.
$10,795US per person. Guaranteed departure. 1 Single Available.
$1695 Single Supplement.
$1000 per person deposit to reserve.
Please do not sign up for a tour until you have thoroughly
read through our terms and conditions as you must agree
to these to join a tour!
Day 1 - The remainder of the day
is deliberately unhurried: rest after the journey, take a gentle walk if energy allows, and prepare to meet
your guide on the morning of Day 1.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• A relaxed first dinner near the hotel
• A short evening stroll along the riverside
DAY 1
Hiroshima - Memory, Resilience, and Renewal
Meet your private guide and begin at Peace Memorial Park. Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Children's
Peace Monument, and the Peace Memorial Museum, allowing time for reflection and conversation.
Continue into modern Hiroshima to experience the lively, forward-looking city that grew from the
devastation.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner
• Shukkeien Garden or Hiroshima Castle grounds
DAY 2
Miyajima - The Sacred Island
Travel to Miyajima for a full day devoted to one of Japan's most beautiful sacred landscapes. Walk
through Itsukushima Shrine and view the great torii gate, explore the lanes of the village, and enjoy the
meeting of forest, sea, and centuries of spiritual tradition.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Mount Misen ropeway and summit walk
• Tea and sweets in a traditional cafe
• Stay into the evening after day visitors depart
Japan Private Tour Itinerary 2
DAY 3
Hiroshima to Kyoto - Into the Cultural Heart
Board the Shinkansen in Green Car comfort for Kyoto. After arrival and hotel check-in, take an
introductory walk through the city, where machiya townhouses, temple roofs, gardens, and contemporary
life sit side by side.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Private evening walk in Gion
• Seasonal kaiseki dinner
DAY 4
Kyoto - Temples, Gardens, and the Eastern Hills
Explore Kyoto's eastern side with your private guide. Follow atmospheric lanes between temple
precincts, gardens, artisan shops, and preserved neighborhoods, with time to appreciate the details
rather than rush through a checklist.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Early visit to Kiyomizu-dera
• Tea ceremony with an instructor
• Philosopher's Path walk
DAY 5
Kyoto - Arashiyama and the Western Hills
Begin early in Arashiyama, when the bamboo grove and temple gardens are at their calmest. Continue
through the western hills, balancing celebrated sights with quieter corners and a leisurely meal.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Tenryu-ji garden
• Private rickshaw ride
• Okochi Sanso garden and tea
Japan Private Tour Itinerary 3
DAY 6
Kyoto - Golden Kyoto and Traditional Arts
Discover the city's northern landmarks and the refined craft traditions that made Kyoto the imperial capital
for more than a thousand years. The day combines architecture, gardens, and encounters with living
artisanship.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Kinkaku-ji early entry timing
• Textile, lacquerware, or ceramics studio visit
• Private cultural performance
DAY 7
Nara - Japan's First Great Capital
Travel privately to Nara for a day among ancient temples, wooded paths, stone lanterns, and the famous
deer of Nara Park. Visit monumental Todai-ji and explore the historic landscape before returning to
Kyoto.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Kasuga Taisha and the lantern-lined approach
• Isuien Garden
• Sake tasting in the old merchant district
DAY 8
Kyoto to Tokyo - From Imperial Calm to Electric
Energy
Travel by Shinkansen Green Car to Tokyo. After settling in, begin with an orientation to the capital:
elegant avenues, layered neighborhoods, and a skyline that immediately reveals the scale of the city.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Observation deck at sunset
• Chef-led neighborhood dinner
• Evening walk through illuminated Tokyo
Japan Private Tour Itinerary 4
DAY 9
Tokyo - Old City Traditions
Explore Tokyo's historic eastern districts with your private guide. Visit temple precincts, traditional
shopping streets, and neighborhoods where family-run workshops and small restaurants preserve the
texture of old Edo.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Sumida River cruise
• Knife, paper, or kitchenware shopping
• Private wagashi sweet-making experience
DAY 10
Tokyo - Design, Fashion, and Contemporary Culture
Turn to the modern capital: architecture, design, fashion, and the distinctive personalities of Tokyo's
central neighborhoods. Your guide shapes the day around the client's interests while keeping the pace
comfortable.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Contemporary art museum
• Architecture-focused walk
• Cocktail bar or jazz club evening
DAY 11
Tokyo - A Personalized Day
Enjoy a flexible private day designed around personal interests. Choose food, gardens, museums,
shopping, pop culture, or a quieter neighborhood exploration, with expert guidance and logistics
throughout.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Tsukiji outer market tasting walk
• TeamLab digital art experience
• Private shopping assistance
Japan Private Tour Itinerary 5
DAY 12
Tokyo to Sendai - North to Tohoku
Travel north by Shinkansen Green Car to Sendai, gateway to the Tohoku region. Discover a city shaped
by samurai history, broad tree-lined avenues, and the legacy of Date Masamune.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Zuihoden mausoleum
• Sendai City Museum area
• Local gyutan dinner
DAY 13
Matsushima - Islands of Pine and Sea
Make a guided excursion to Matsushima, celebrated for centuries as one of Japan's three great scenic
views. Cruise among pine-covered islets and visit temples associated with the powerful Date clan.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Private or small-boat cruise
• Zuigan-ji and Entsuin
• Seasonal oyster lunch
DAY 14
Sendai to Tokyo - Return to the Capital
Return to Tokyo by Shinkansen Green Car. The afternoon and evening remain lightly structured, giving
time for final discoveries, shopping, or simply enjoying a favorite neighborhood at an easy pace.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Final shopping with guide assistance
• Farewell dinner
• Spa or hotel afternoon tea
Japan Private Tour Itinerary 6
DAY 15
Departure from Tokyo
After breakfast, enjoy time at leisure until your private transfer to the airport. Your guide and local team
remain available to support the departure arrangements and bring the journey to a smooth close.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Late checkout, subject to availability
• Airport lounge arrangements
Important note: Optional experiences are subject to availability and may require advance reservations. Final timings, hotels,
inclusions, and transportation details should be confirmed in the client's booking documents.
Japan Private Tour Itinerary 7
DAY 1
Tuesday 23rd March
After making your own flight arrangements to Japan, you will meet the Tour Manager at Haneda Airport and transfer to The Strings Hotel, our hotel for the next three nights. After check-in, we will enjoy time at leisure to explore our new surroundings.
DAY 2
Wednesday 24th March
This morning, we enjoy a gentle introduction to Tokyo beginning with a visit to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine known for its beautiful wooden architecture and surrounded by a vast evergreen forest. Afterwards, we continue to Harajuku, the home of quirky fashions trends, and we enjoy time to stroll the streets, explore the shops, and visit the quaint cafés ahead of our lunch together. On our return to the hotel, we have time at leisure to relax in the luxury of the hotel or explore the area further before meeting this evening for a special welcome dinner.
B, L, D
DAY 3
Thursday 25th March
After breakfast this morning, we continue our exploration of Tokyo aboard the city's transport network to the Tokyo SkyTree, one of the world's tallest towers at 634m, where we ride to the observation platform for a breathtaking panorama of the city. Afterwards, the remainder of the day is at leisure to spend how you wish, you may like to stroll through the Imperial Palace Gardens, take in some culture at the Hokusai Museum, or visit the Ueno Zoo.
B
DAY 4
Friday 26th March
Today, we experience Green Car (First Class) travel on Japan's iconic bullet train as we journey to Himeji. Here, we visit the World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle, affectionately known as the 'White Heron' due to the dazzling white façade, this castle is a rarity amongst Japanese castles having retained its original structure and never been rebuilt. This afternoon, we continue by high-speed train to Hiroshima for our two-night stay at the Hotel Granvia where we check in and enjoy our evening meal together - traditional Okonomiyaki!
B, D
DAY 5
Saturday 27th March
This morning, we enjoy a vintage tram charter along the extensive tram network to the heart of Hiroshima where our day will be dedicated to learning about Hiroshima and its unique place in global history. We begin our moving journey at the A-Bomb Dome before walking through Peace Park, a name given to reflect the aspirations of the re-born city, to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. After taking time for lunch, we take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima for a walk to the stunning Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic 'red gates' and the impressive Daishoin Temple before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
B
DAY 6
Sunday 28th March
After breakfast, we depart by rail to Kyoto where we board our private coach for a fascinating city tour visiting the highlights. Our first stop is the ostentatious, 400-year-old Nijo Castle to discover the secrets of medieval Japanese architecture and stroll the castle's splendid gardens before taking lunch together. This afternoon, we visit the magnificent Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion adorned in gold leaf before our final stop at the marvellous Kyoto Railway Museum with exhibits, interactive displays, and stories to explore. Afterwards, we check in to the DoubleTree by Hilton for our three-night stay and spend the evening at leisure.
B, L
DAY 7
Monday 29th March
This morning, we venture by local train to Sagano Station to embark on a spectacular train journey aboard the Sagano Romantic Train along the scenic Hozu River Valley surrounded by cherry blossoms. Afterwards, we continue to Arashiyama, designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and renowned for its temples, imperial villas, and historical sites. We will stroll through the breathtaking Bamboo Groves to the Okochi Sanso Garden where we enjoy panoramic views of the Hozugawa river, the Arashiyama mountains, and Kyoto city. After free time to explore the vibrant streets, we return to Kyoto and enjoy our evening meal together at a local, highly regarded, Italian restaurant.
B, D
DAY 8
Tuesday 30th March
Today, we journey by rail to Nara, Japan's first capital, where we walk through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze statue. We have some time to explore the temple and shrines with their priceless treasures before enjoying lunch together. We continue by train to Osaka for an afternoon in this lively, vibrant city amidst iconic billboards and flashy signage before returning to Kyoto by bullet train for an evening at leisure.
B, L
DAY 9
Wednesday 31st March
After breakfast this morning, we take the bullet train to Kanaya for a ride behind steam over the historic Oigawa Railway along the banks of the Oi River passing green tea fields, farms, villages, and cherry trees. Afterwards, we continue to Hakone and to the luxurious Hotel Indigo Gora, our hotel for the next two nights, where we have time to relax and make use of the private onsen in every room ahead of our evening meal together.
B, D
DAY 10
Thursday 1st April
This morning, we travel by coach to the famous Great Boiling Valley of Owakudani, a volcanic valley formed over 3,000 years ago where hot springs and hot rivers can be seen and, after some exploring, we continue by Hakone Ropeway to Togendai. Here, we board a stunning, ornate replica pirate ship to cruise the beautiful Lake Ashinoko set in superb mountain scenery ahead of our lunch together. This afternoon, we visit the Hakone Open Air Museum to explore the priceless collection of sculpture and art including world's largest private collection of Picasso before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
B, L
DAY 11
Friday 2nd April
Today, we travel by coach to Oshino Hakkai Village for a nostalgic stroll over bridges and pathways passing thatched cottages, water wheels, and beautiful ponds with amazing views of Mount Fuji continuing to the spectacular Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine with its 300 cherry blossom trees. Our next stop is a visit to Japan's best-kept railway secret, the Maglev Exhibition Centre in Yamanashi where we can witness the next generation of bullet trains, operating at twice the speed of the current fleet and due to be in operation in 2027! We take our lunch at a local restaurant before continuing Niigata and, on arrival, make our way to the Hotel Nikko for our overnight stay where we check in ahead of our evening meal together.
B, L, D
DAY 12
Saturday 3rd April
After breakfast this morning, we journey by local train through rural countryside to Aizu-Wakamatsu enjoying an Ekiben lunch box on board. After disembarking, we visit the imposing Tsurugajo Castle, known for its distinctive red roof - a rare and striking feature among Japan's castles - and offering insight into the discipline, values, and daily life of the samurai. This afternoon, we retrace our steps to the railway station and continue to Sendai where we make our way to The Westin, our hotel for the next two nights, checking in and enjoying time to explore our new surroundings before our evening meal together.
B, L, D
DAY 13
Sunday 4th April
Today, we explore Sendai, the city of trees, and the gateway to one of Japan's little-known gems - the magnificent Matsushima Bay - and there is no better way to discover it than from the water. We will cruise around the bay among the small, pine-covered islands enjoying celebrated views, visiting the incredible Zuiganji Buddhist Temple, and taking lunch together at a local restaurant. This afternoon, we return to Sendai with the rest of the day free to relax at the hotel, explore further, and enjoy an evening at leisure.
B, L
DAY 14
Monday 5th April
This morning, we ride the express train to the port city of Aomori and, on arrival, we enjoy our lunch together at a traditional Japanese restaurant. After lunch, we continue by rail to Hirosaki where we begin our coach tour of the highlights of the city including the Tsugaru Nebuta Village, for an insight into the Nebuta culture unique to the north of Japan, and the majestic Hirosaki Castle with its stunning cherry blossoms. We return to Aomori later in the day for our two-night stay at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel spending the evening at leisure.
B, L
DAY 15
Tuesday 6th April
Today, we ride the bullet train through the world's longest undersea tunnel to Hakodate, best known for its spectacular views, deliciously fresh seafood, and magnificent public gardens. We enjoy some seafood delights for our lunch before visiting the huge, star-shaped Fort Goryokaku with over 1,000 cherry blossoms planted along its moats. Our day continues with a thrilling ropeway journey up to Mount Hakodate for truly breathtaking views of the city before we retrace our steps to Aomori for an evening at leisure.
B, L
DAY 16
Wednesday 7th April
After breakfast this morning, we board the Resort Shirakami Train, the 'Joyful Train', for a picturesque journey south following the rocky coastline, passing beautiful fields of wildflowers with spectacular mountain scenery, and enjoying a traditional bento box lunch on board. At our destination of Akita, we make our way to the ANA Crowne Plaza to check in for our overnight stay before strolling through Senshu Park for our evening meal at a Japanese restaurant.
B, L, D
DAY 17
Thursday 8th April
This morning, we board the bullet train south to Tokyo returning to the Strings Hotel for our overnight stay. We enjoy the afternoon at leisure to take lunch, relax at the luxury hotel, explore this magnificent city, or complete some last-minute shopping before we meet again for a special farewell evening meal together.
B, D
DAY 18
Friday 9th April
After our fantastic Japanese adventure, you will make your way to Haneda Airport for your chosen flight home.
■■ Japan 15-Day Cultural Itinerary (Detailed Edition)
(Tokyo → Hiroshima → Kyoto/Nara → Tokyo → Sendai/Matsushima → Tokyo)
Day 1: Arrival in Hiroshima
✈ Fly Tokyo → Hiroshima (~1h30), transfer (~45m).
Evening: Check-in, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner.
About this stop: Hiroshima, rebuilt after WWII, is a symbol of peace and resilience. Known for its
layered-style okonomiyaki and welcoming culture.
Day 2: Hiroshima City
■ Private 4h guided walking tour — Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial
Museum, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden.
Afternoon: Free time, evening calligraphy or peace crane workshop.
About this stop: The Peace Park and Museum commemorate the tragic 1945 bombing, promoting
peace education. Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden showcase samurai history and Edo-period
beauty.
Day 3: Miyajima Day Trip
■ Half-day guided tour — Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, Mt. Misen ropeway.
Afternoon: Free exploration, evening return to Hiroshima.
About this stop: Miyajima Island is famous for Itsukushima Shrine’s 'floating torii,' a UNESCO site.
Daisho-in offers Buddhist heritage, while Mt. Misen provides panoramic views.
Day 4: Slower Hiroshima
Morning: Hiroshima Museum of Art or Mazda Museum.
Afternoon: Hondori shopping street.
Evening: Kaiseki dinner.
About this stop: The Hiroshima Museum of Art blends European and Japanese collections. The
Mazda Museum highlights the city's industrial innovation. Hondori is Hiroshima’s bustling shopping
arcade.
Day 5: Arrival in Kyoto
■ Shinkansen Hiroshima → Kyoto (~2h, depart ~9:00am).
Afternoon: Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Evening: Tea ceremony in Gion (kimono option).
About this stop: Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years, is home to countless temples,
shrines, and gardens. Fushimi Inari is famed for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.
Day 6: Kyoto Guided Highlights
■ Private 4–6h guided walking tour (customizable).Suggested: Kiyomizu-dera → Higashiyama lanes → Gion.
Alternative: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Tenryu-ji → riverfront.
Evening: Kaiseki dinner at ryokan.
About this stop: Kiyomizu-dera offers stunning wooden terraces and city views. Higashiyama’s
preserved lanes showcase old Kyoto. Gion is famous for geisha culture. Arashiyama features the iconic
Bamboo Grove and Zen temples.
Day 7: Nara Day Trip with Guide
■ Train ~45m Kyoto → Nara.
■ Private 6h guided tour — Todai-ji Great Buddha, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Park (deer), Kofuku-ji.
Afternoon: Free time in Naramachi.
Evening: Return to Kyoto.
About this stop: Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital (710 AD), holds UNESCO treasures. Todai-ji
houses the Great Buddha, Kasuga Taisha is famed for lanterns, and deer roam freely as sacred
messengers.
Day 8: Slower Kyoto – Northern Kyoto
Morning: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) & Ryoan-ji (rock garden).
Afternoon: Pottery or indigo dyeing workshop.
Evening: Casual izakaya + Gion stroll.
About this stop: Kinkaku-ji’s gold leaf pavilion is one of Japan’s most photographed landmarks.
Ryoan-ji’s Zen rock garden embodies simplicity. Workshops let you engage in Kyoto’s artisanal
traditions.
Day 9: Arrival in Tokyo
■ Shinkansen Kyoto → Tokyo (~2h30, depart ~9:00am).
Afternoon: Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa).
Evening: Dinner in Ginza.
About this stop: Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, mixes ancient and modern. Asakusa’s Senso-ji is
Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, surrounded by Nakamise shopping streets. Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale
shopping and dining hub.
Day 10: Tokyo Guided + Kabuki
■ Private 4–6h guided walking tour (customizable) — Imperial Palace East Gardens, Meiji Shrine,
Harajuku, Hamarikyu Gardens, or Shibuya Crossing.
Evening: ■ Kabuki performance at Kabukiza Theatre (Ginza).
About this stop: The Imperial Palace Gardens highlight samurai heritage. Meiji Shrine honors
Emperor Meiji and sits in a peaceful forest. Harajuku and Shibuya showcase Tokyo’s fashion and
energy. Kabuki theater is Japan’s dramatic traditional art.
Day 11: Hands-On Tokyo
Morning: Sushi-making or ramen cooking class.Afternoon: Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum.
Evening: Shinjuku nightlife (Golden Gai / Omoide Yokocho).
About this stop: Ueno Park houses cultural museums and cherry blossoms in spring. The Tokyo
National Museum displays samurai armor and art. Shinjuku’s nightlife offers neon-lit alleys, bars, and
izakaya culture.
Day 12: Sendai – Samurai History
■ Shinkansen Tokyo → Sendai (~1h30, depart ~9:00am).
■ Private 3–4h guided walking tour — Aoba Castle ruins, Zuihoden Mausoleum (Date Masamune),
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine.
Afternoon: Local shopping arcades.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant (flexible, no beef tongue).
About this stop: Sendai, the 'City of Trees,' was founded by Date Masamune, the 'One-Eyed Dragon.'
Aoba Castle offers city views, Zuihoden is Masamune’s ornate mausoleum, and Osaki Hachimangu
Shrine is a national treasure.
Day 13: Matsushima – Bay & Temples
■ Train ~40m Sendai → Matsushima.
■ Full-day private guided tour (~7h) — Matsushima Bay cruise, Zuigan-ji Temple, Entsu-in Temple
(lantern painting optional), Godaido Hall, Kanrantei Teahouse.
Evening: Return to ryokan, onsen soak + kaiseki dinner.
About this stop: Matsushima Bay, dotted with 260 pine-clad islets, is one of Japan’s 'Three Great
Views.' Zuigan-ji is a Zen temple linked to Date Masamune. Entsu-in offers exquisite gardens, while
Godaido and Kanrantei add spiritual and scenic beauty.
Day 14: Slower Matsushima/Sendai
Morning: Leisurely ryokan breakfast.
Optional seafood market visit or sake tasting.
Afternoon: Peaceful bay stroll.
Evening: Kaiseki dinner, onsen rest.
About this stop: A slower day to soak in the coastal beauty. Matsushima is renowned for oysters and
seafood markets. Sake tasting introduces Miyagi’s famed brewing tradition.
Day 15: Departure
■ Morning Shinkansen Sendai → Tokyo (~1h30, arrive ~9:30am).
Afternoon: Transfer to Narita/Haneda Airport.
✈ Flight home.
About this stop: The Shinkansen ride back to Tokyo offers a final glimpse of Japan’s landscapes.