Fall in love with Japan —
we’ll handle the rest

We head to Asakusa, to Tokyo’s oldest temple. We pass under the Kaminarimon gate with its huge red lantern, walk down Nakamise street lined with sweet and souvenir stalls, make a wish and draw an omikuji fortune. Mornings are the quietest time here: the stalls are just opening and the crowds haven’t arrived yet.

We start with the city’s busiest districts to catch and feel the rhythm of the capital.

• Up to Shibuya Sky, the observation deck overlooking all of Tokyo — feel the scale of the city and take your first stunning photos from above.
• A walk across Shibuya Crossing, the most famous intersection in the world. Hundreds of people at once, big-city energy, glowing lights and the pulse of the capital.
• In the evening we explore Kabukicho and other nightlife corners: see where and how Japanese people unwind after work — tiny cozy bars, izakayas and hidden courtyards with the feel of the real Tokyo.

We begin in Akihabara, the heart of Japanese pop culture. Manga, anime, game centers, themed stores — even if you’re not a fan, it’s a fascinating layer of modern Japan.

• iconic stores: Animate, Mandarake, Kotobukiya
• a huge range of manga, figures, artbooks and collectible models
• multi-story arcades
• geek street culture, neon and anime soundtracks
• concept cafés: maid cafés and restaurants themed on favorite series

This area is a mecca for anime, manga and video game fans.

Then Ginza. A completely different rhythm: architecture, brands, carefully designed spaces. A contrast after Akiba: white façades, mirrored buildings, perfect shop windows.

• Dior, Chanel and LV boutiques, plus the 12-story Uniqlo Global Flagship
• Ginza Six — a modern shopping center with art installations
• the iconic Wako Clock Tower
• a coffee break at %Arabica or Turret Coffee Ginza

Perfect for soaking up the atmosphere of modern urban luxury.

We stop in quiet Setagaya, at the temple said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko. More than a thousand cat figurines with a raised paw stand on the grounds, left by people whose wishes came true. Entry is free, there are few tourists, and the streets around the temple are full of cats on signs and in shop windows.

We dive into young Tokyo, home to the city’s best vintage shops:

• New York Joe Exchange
• Flamingo
• Chicago
• Haight & Ashbury
• thrift shops and rare Japanese brands from the ’80s and ’90s

Narrow lanes, street art, music, tiny coffee shops — everything that makes Tokyo feel alive and warm. In the evening, we transfer to our hotel near Fuji.

We leave Tokyo and spend the day around Lake Kawaguchiko.

Wake up in the quiet of nature with the mountain right in front of you. A slow morning: warm coffee, Japanese sweets, soft light and a feeling of being completely at one with nature.

We head down to the lake for an easy stroll along the shore: mirror-like water, clean mountain air and classic views of Fuji’s iconic silhouette. If you like, you can rent a bike along the shore — an easy ride, fresh air, the scent of pine and sakura, and Fuji views at every turn.

We stop at an authentic village with old-style thatched-roof houses. The atmosphere of old Japan: craft workshops, local sweets, seasonal produce, cozy courtyards. We’ll also visit the famous spots you’ve surely seen on Pinterest and postcards:

• The Lawson with a view of Fuji — that legendary shot
• Tenjoyama Park & Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway — a cable car up to a lookout with a panorama of the whole region
• Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and the Chureito Pagoda — one of Japan’s great symbols, the postcard view of Fuji and the red pagoda

After a full day, we head to Kyoto, carrying that sense of calm and Japanese zen with us.

We visit one of Japan’s most iconic shrines, climbing a path lined with endless torii gates — a red corridor stretching up the sacred mountain.

We climb to the legendary temple with its wooden terrace. From the deck you get a panorama of the whole city: mountains, rooftops and endless green hills.

We wander down into the old district of teahouses, craft shops and lanes where you’ll want to photograph every step. This is where you truly feel the spirit of Kyoto.

We head to Arashiyama, Kyoto’s green gem. We walk through the famous bamboo forest, feel its fairy-tale atmosphere and take iconic photos among the towering stalks.

We hike up the hill to the free-roaming Japanese macaques. At the top: dozens of funny monkeys and a gorgeous panorama of Kyoto.

We end the day at the Golden Temple, reflected in its mirror pond. A calm, almost meditative place — one of Kyoto’s signature sights.

• We stroll the historic streets
• Wooden machiya houses and the soft glow of lanterns
• Authentic teahouses and restaurants
• The timeless atmosphere of the old capital
• A chance to see a maiko — an apprentice geisha on her way to an appointment

One of the most beautiful moments of the trip — calm and almost cinematic.

A narrow lane along the Kamo River: hundreds of tiny bars and restaurants, traditional food, river views, music, soft light and pure Japanese atmosphere. The perfect place to feel Kyoto’s evening soul.

Depending on the mood, we drop into a jazz bar, a whisky and sake bar, or a tiny themed bar that seats 6–8. Kyoto is the capital of concept bars. Intimate and beautiful.

The perfect way to unwind: hot springs, sauna, open-air pools under the sky (rotenburo) and a tea lounge. The ideal moment to recharge before new adventures.

• A walk along the Kamo River
• A photo session with Kyoto’s evening lights
• A traditional kaiseki restaurant

In the morning we travel from Kyoto to Nara — just 45 minutes by train, very comfortable. Nara is a calm, warm, green city where history and nature truly blend together.

We start with the best part — one of the most heartwarming places of the whole trip.

• Hundreds of tame deer roaming freely through the park
• You can feed them special deer crackers
• Adorable, very photogenic moments
• A calm atmosphere, Japanese maples, little bridges and ponds

Real therapy — nature and quiet.

One of the country’s most important sacred sites: the vast Daibutsuden hall and the Great Buddha statue — one of the largest in the world — with powerful energy and a sense of deep antiquity. A must-see in Nara.

Right next to the park, a beautiful complex: a five-story pagoda and a calm pond with reflections (some of the best shots of the trip), with the feel of the ancient capital.

After the park we move into the more urban part of town: traditional wooden houses, small craft shops, old sweet shops and Japanese-style cafés. The perfect walk to feel old Japan.

We try local specialties: Nara’s kakinoha sushi (wrapped in persimmon leaves), udon, tofu dishes and matcha desserts.

We start the day at the city’s main symbol. Classic Japanese architecture, a cherry-tree park all around and gorgeous views from the lookout. Perfect for photos and an easy stroll.

Osaka is the capital of street food, and Dotonbori is where you feel it 100%. What we’ll try:

• Takoyaki — octopus balls
• Okonomiyaki — Japanese “pizza”
• Gyudon or Osaka-style ramen
• Matcha desserts

A photo with the Glico Man (the famous glowing running man) is a must.

America-mura — a neighborhood for lovers of style, graffiti and street fashion — plus bar-hopping: cocktail bars and karaoke nearby.

A ride on the Ferris wheel — best by day or toward sunset. Views of the bay, bridges and skyscrapers.

Fresh seafood, ramen or a fish set menu. A quiet, pleasant atmosphere by the water.

Shinsaibashi Shopping Street and Don Quijote, Japan’s cult discount store, are perfect for this. Pick up gifts, cosmetics, Japanese sweets and electronics.

A delicious farewell dinner, then getting ready to fly home.