Day 1 - Athens ➝ Istanbul ➝ Tokyo (Flight)
Your journey begins at Athens International Airport.
Aboard your Turkish Airlines flight, you’ll first reach Istanbul before continuing directly to Tokyo.
It’s a long route, but there’s something special about it, the anticipation of arriving in a country unlike any other.
As the plane crosses the night sky, your mind slowly quiets.
For the first time in a while, there’s nothing you need to do.
Just travel.
Day 2 - Welcome to Tokyo
Arriving in Tokyo is an experience in itself, a city that moves with perfect rhythm, yet without chaos. Bright, polite, and meticulously ordered, it hums with quiet energy.
Your first encounter with modern Japan begins at TeamLab Planets, the world-renowned digital art museum you don’t simply observe, you enter. Inside rooms of light and water, art transforms into movement, texture, and emotion. Every step draws you deeper into a living, breathing masterpiece.
Later, transfer to Akihabara, the district where technology pulses through every corner. Neon storefronts, anime icons, and endless electronics blend into a pixelated dreamscape that feels both futuristic and nostalgic.
As evening falls, head to Golden Gai, the soul of Shinjuku’s nightlife. Tiny bars, each with room for barely ten guests, line narrow alleys filled with music, warmth, and quiet conversation. Here, Tokyo’s vastness suddenly feels intimate.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Tokyo.
Day 3 - The Contrasts of Tokyo
After breakfast, it’s time to discover the many faces of Tokyo.
The day begins at the Imperial Palace Gardens, the official residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, a place of remarkable tranquility in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities, open to the public only on select days each year.
Continue to Asakusa, home to the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most beloved shrine, dedicated to the goddess Kannon. Stroll along Nakamise-dori, a lively street lined with traditional shops selling sweets, souvenirs, and crafts that echo old Edo.
Next, visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, an oasis of serenity surrounded by towering cedars, before stepping into the electric energy of Harajuku and Shinjuku, where skyscrapers and neon lights rise above the city, guarded by the iconic Godzilla statue.
As evening approaches, the glamour of Ginza comes alive, polished lights, luxury boutiques, and the quiet sophistication of Tokyo’s modern elegance.
The day ends atop the Tokyo Skytree, where the city stretches endlessly beneath you, infinite, peaceful, magnetic.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 - Tokyo ➝ Kamakura ➝ Yokohama (Minato Mirai) ➝ Tokyo
After breakfast, depart for Kamakura, Japan’s former capital, a coastal city steeped in greenery, history, and quiet spirituality.
Here, visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kotoku-in Temple), an 11-meter-tall bronze statue that has stood for nearly eight centuries, open to the sky and symbolizing the enduring calm of Zen.
Continue to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the city’s most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, a deity revered for courage and good fortune. Then enjoy a leisurely walk along Komachi-dori, a charming street lined with boutiques, cafés, and the scent of freshly baked Japanese sweets.
On the way back to Tokyo, stop at Yokohama’s Minato Mirai, a futuristic waterfront district where sleek architecture meets the sea, a place that captures the essence of modern Japan’s coastal beauty.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Tokyo.
Day 5 - Tokyo, Day at Leisure
Today, Tokyo belongs entirely to you.
A city that reveals a different face at every corner, from tranquil gardens and shimmering high-rises to lively street markets that pulse with energy.
Wander through the neighborhoods that reflect your mood: shop in grand department stores, unwind in one of the city’s serene parks, or stop by a themed café for a playful taste of Japanese pop culture.
Follow the scent of freshly grilled takoyaki through the streets and discover the simple joy of Tokyo’s Street food scene.
It’s a day to move at your own pace, to let the city set the rhythm, to feel its contrasts and calm, and to experience a Japan that never truly sleeps.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6 - Tokyo ➝ Hakone ➝ Lake Ashi ➝ Hakone Ropeway ➝ Mishima ➝ Hiroshima
After breakfast, depart for Hakone, a region famed for its hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and serene mountain air. The city fades behind you, giving way to forests, mist, and still waters.
Enjoy a short cruise aboard a “pirate ship” on Lake Ashi, with the sacred Mount Fuji rising in the distance when the weather is kind. The view feels cinematic, a perfect harmony of calm and majesty.
Next, board the Hakone Ropeway, gliding over the steaming volcanic valley of Ōwakudani, known as the “Great Boiling Valley.” Formed thousands of years ago by an eruption, this surreal landscape of sulfur vents and drifting clouds is both eerie and beautiful. Here, locals sell the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) boiled in the hot springs, legend says that eating one adds seven years to your life.
Continue to Mishima Station, where you’ll board the world-renowned Shinkansen bullet train, speeding through Japan’s countryside toward Hiroshima (with a brief connection in Shin-Kobe).
Arrive in Hiroshima, a city that bears the scars of history yet stands as a profound symbol of peace and resilience. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 - Hiroshima ➝ Miyajima ➝ Hiroshima ➝ Kyoto
This morning, depart for Miyajima, the enchanting “Island of the Gods,” often called “the island that floats on water.”
Here stands the Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan’s most photographed landmarks, famous for its majestic torii gate that appears to rise directly from the sea during high tide, a sight of rare serenity and grace.
Return to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Peace Museum, and the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome.
On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima became the first city in history to experience the devastation of an atomic bomb. The preserved Dome, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a silent reminder of that day and as a powerful symbol of peace, resilience, and the enduring hope for a better world.
In the afternoon, board the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital and living treasure of art, spirituality, and tradition.
Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay in Kyoto.
Day 8 - Kyoto Sightseeing ➝ Arashiyama Bamboo Forest ➝ Gion ➝ Traditional “Sukiyaki” Dinner
This morning begins in Arashiyama, known poetically as “the Mountain of Storms” a place where nature, serenity, and tradition coexist in perfect balance.
Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a surreal landscape of towering bamboo stalks that sway and whisper in the wind. The sound, a soft rustling that feels almost musical, is one of Japan’s most soothing natural experiences.
Continue to the Tenryu-ji Temple, or “Temple of the Heavenly Dragon,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by Zen gardens that reflect the harmony between humanity and nature. Then, visit Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and Nijo Castle, once the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, renowned for its ornate interiors and “nightingale floors.”
In the afternoon, stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, where time seems to stand still. Narrow streets lined with teahouses and wooden machiya buildings reveal the elegance of old Japan.
End the day with a traditional “Sukiyaki” dinner at a local restaurant, dinner at a local restaurant, a warm, authentic experience that reflects the spirit of Japanese hospitality.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 9 - Kyoto / Tea Ceremony ➝ Nara ➝ Maiko/Geisha Show
This morning begins with visits to two of Kyoto’s most emblematic temples, Sanjusangendo, home to a thousand statues of the goddess Kannon, and Kiyomizu-dera, a masterpiece of wooden architecture and spiritual calm.
Next, take part in an authentic tea ceremony, an experience rooted in centuries of Japanese tradition. Every gesture and movement reflects harmony, respect, and mindfulness, a quiet moment that captures the essence of Japan’s cultural soul.
Continue to Nara, Japan’s first capital and a place where history and nature meet. Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world, as well as the Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its hundreds of stone lanterns. In Nara Park, sacred deer wander freely, believed to be messengers of peace and good fortune.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by a Maiko/Geisha performance, an elegant glimpse into the artistry and grace of old Japan.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 10 - Kyoto → Osaka, City Tour
Morning departure for Osaka, one of Japan’s most vibrant port cities and a hub of modern culture and cuisine.
Your first stop is the Osaka Castle, an architectural landmark that dominates the skyline with its grand scale, golden details, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Inside, the castle houses a museum that brings the samurai era to life through armor, garments, and scenes of everyday life.
Continue to the Umeda district, where you’ll ascend the Umeda Sky Building, a futuristic observation tower offering a breathtaking 360° view of the city, a panorama that captures Osaka’s pulse and energy.
Later, explore Dotonbori, the city’s illuminated heart, where neon lights, canal reflections, and endless restaurants create an atmosphere that feels alive at every corner.
As evening falls, take a stroll through the parks of Namba, beautifully lit with festive decorations that capture the spirit of the season.
Overnight stay in Osaka.
Day 11 - Osaka / Full-Day Excursion to Kobe ➝ Flight to Athens
Today’s journey takes you to Kobe, one of Japan’s most cosmopolitan port cities. Blending refined modernity with maritime charm, Kobe is known for its resilience and elegance, a city that was beautifully rebuilt after the devastating 1995 earthquake.
Begin with your visit to the Earthquake Memorial Museum, dedicated to the city’s recovery and the human stories of courage and renewal that followed the disaster.
Continue to Harborland, Kobe’s lively waterfront district filled with cafés, shops, and restaurants overlooking the sea, the perfect place for a stroll and a last taste of Japan’s relaxed sophistication.
Next, take the Kobe Ropeway up the hillside for sweeping views of the city and its port, a serene farewell image before your return.
Enjoy some free time for shopping or coffee by the water before transferring to the airport in the afternoon for your return flight to Athens, via connecting city.
Day 12 - Arrival in Athens
Arrival in Athens, carrying with your vivid images, meaningful encounters, and the quiet sense of renewal that only Japan can inspire, a journey where culture, nature, and reflection came together in perfect harmony.