City life, Temples, and Beach

Ready to go! Departure from Europe to Tokyo on an overnight flight, so get ready for the adventure waiting ahead of you!

You'll arrive in Tokyo and transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tokyo combines Japan's deep traditions and strong culture with the latest in innovative design, niche stores and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Visit Shibuya and wander the fashion trendsetting Harajuku area. Continue through to the vibrant nearby Yoyogi Park, just a stone's throw away Shinto shrine Meiji-Jingu.

On your first full day in Tokyo, we suggest you visit the historical Asakusa area with the impressive Senso-ji temple, the oldest in Tokyo, and the nearby Nakamise street with its small stalls with food specialities and souvenir stores.

In the afternoon, maybe take a boat ride on the Sumida River to see Tokyo from a different angle. Nearby is Tokyo Skytree, the perfect place to watch the sunset over the city.

Get up early and visit the outer fish market in Tsukiji! Try sushi from one of the nice small restaurants in the area. Afterwards, visit the Eastern Garden of the Imperial Palace and continue shopping at Ginza district. Once the night falls, try finger food, beers and sake in the narrow alleys in any one of the city's neighbourhoods. 

Time to leave Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train) and head to Kyoto, the country's ancient capital. Our suggestion for your first day in Kyoto is to visit the samurai castle Nijo, a UNESCO-protected building. The palace served as the residence and office of the Shogun during his visits to Kyoto in the old days. From here, walk to the Imperial Palace and visit the site's inner and outer garden. Spend your first night in Kyoto by watching traditional Kabuki theatre or other Gion's geisha neighbourhood shows.

Your first full day of leisure in Kyoto. You see the 1001 golden statues of the Goddess of Mercy Kannon at the Sanjusangendo temple and get a great view of the city from Kiyomizu-dera.

Continuing further north, you will reach the famous Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavillion), home to one of Japan's most fascinating landscape gardens. This is also the starting point of the Philosopher's Path, a trail along a small stream leading you to the beautiful Nanzen-ji shrine.

Today, take a day trip to Japan's first-ever capital, Nara. Start off by visiting Todai-ji temple to see the world's largest bronze Buddha in the giant Todai-ji temple. Charming, friendly deer populate the outskirts of the temple and the nearby park.

You can spend the afternoon wandering around in Kyoto, in the Nishiki Market, which is very interesting and offers plenty of local specialities of food and other products.

On your final night in Kyoto, have a traditional dinner at one of the classical restaurants in Pontocho Dori street.

Today, you’ll fly to Okinawa and land in the capital, Naha. Upon arrival, visit the Shurijo Castle in the heart of Naha — once the seat of the Ryukyu kings. Although parts of the castle were damaged by fire, the site remains rich in history and atmosphere. You can learn about the castle's architecture, watch the reconstruction work in real-time, and see the the ancient remains exhibited.

Not far from the castle, you’ll find a traditional Awamori distillery offering a free tour and tasting, giving you a flavourful introduction to Okinawa’s distinctive local spirit. Afterwards, we recommend you take a stroll through the stone-paved streets of Shurikinjo, explore the charming neighbourhood, and try some local dishes (like goya champuru and okinawa soba) at one of the restaurants found along the way.

From Naha, take a one-hour boat ride to Tokashiki, the largest of the Kerama Islands. Here, nature is stunning: green hills, dazzling white beaches, turquoise seas and almost no people - if you come outside the Japanese holiday season (Early May and August), you can have it almost all by yourself!

You are staying at Tokashiku Marine Village Hotel, located right on the beautiful Tokashiki Beach. The accommodation is simple on these small islands, a step back in time.

The hotel provides morning and evening meals in the form of varied buffets in the restaurant. Get your feet in the sand, jump in the sea and enjoy a holiday cocktail.

Today is dedicated to embracing the peace and tropical tranquillity of Tokashiki.

Enjoy the unspoiled beach that has beautiful coral reefs that you can see if you dive, but also, on just a regular snorkelling trip, you can meet exotic fish and large sea turtles.

Snack on some refreshing local Okinawa pineapple and take a late afternoon walk on the beach during the sunset!

The day starts with a chance for one last swim in the ocean.

You will return by boat to Naha in the late afternoon. Take a stroll down the food market street here; you can choose your own catch of the day and have it prepared and grilled in one of the upstairs restaurants.

Early morning today, it's time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) or maybe “matane” (see you again) to Japan and return to Europe.