Tokyo & Mount Fuji — 6 days
A city-to-mountain contrast: Tokyo neon, cultural stops and a scenic day near Mount Fuji.
View itineraryJapan Tours — Tokyo, Kyoto & Hokkaido
From neon cities and cedar-lined temples to alpine powder and alpine seafood — experience Japan with knowledgeable local guides and relaxed logistics.
Small groups
Local guides
Seasonal departures
Why choose Cooee Tours for Japan?
- Australian-run operator with trusted Japanese partners and experienced local guides.
- Small-group itineraries that adapt seasonally (cherry blossom, autumn colours, winter snow).
- Carefully planned transfers with optional rail passes and domestic flights included where needed.
Featured itineraries
Kyoto Cultural Trail — 6 days
Temples, tea ceremonies and neighbourhoods that reveal Japan’s cultural heart.
View itineraryHokkaido Nature & Food — 7 days
Wild landscapes, seafood experiences and seasonal adventures in Japan’s northern island.
View itineraryTokyo & Mount Fuji — 6 days (expanded itinerary & travel notes)
Overview: Tokyo is an exhilarating study in contrasts: centuries-old temples and shrines sit amid hyper-modern skyscrapers, centuries-old culinary traditions coexist with avant-garde dining, and neighbourhood identities are sharply defined. This six-day tour pairs a deep-dive into Tokyo — its markets, micro-neighbourhoods, cultural rituals and modern pleasures — with a scenic day near Mount Fuji that reveals Japan’s mountainous spirit. The pace is balanced: active days alternate with reflective time to absorb each place.
Why this tour works
Tokyo can be overwhelming; our itinerary breaks the city into manageable, themed sections. We prioritise morning visits to popular temples, curated food experiences in Tsukiji/ Toyosu and intimate neighbourhood walks in Yanaka and Shimokitazawa. The Mount Fuji day (via Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes) provides a calm, natural counterpoint. Logistics are managed: private transfers, optional rail passes and pre-booked entries where helpful.
What’s included (short)
Five nights’ accommodation in central Tokyo, private transfer on arrival, one night option near Mount Fuji, guided neighbourhood walks, food experiences, and selected meals.
Detailed day-by-day
Day 1 — Arrival & Shinjuku orientation
Arrive at Narita or Haneda and transfer to your hotel in Shinjuku. Time to settle before an orientation walk that introduces Shinjuku’s lively evening scene: izakayas (Japanese pubs), neon-lit alleys and the metropolitan government observation deck for a skyline view.
Day 2 — Tsukiji/Toyosu & Asakusa
Start with a guided visit to the Toyosu market (successor to Tsukiji) to see wholesale fish operations and sample fresh sushi. Afternoon visits to Asakusa’s Senso-ji temple and Nakamise shopping street offer a more traditional Tokyo flavour. Evening optional kabuki preview or river cruise.
Day 3 — Neighborhood walks & culture
Explore contrasting neighbourhoods: the old-town charm of Yanaka, the thrift and cafe culture of Shimokitazawa, and modern Omotesando for architecture and boutique shopping. Time for a tea ceremony experience and a ramen masterclass for those who wish to dive into culinary craft.
Day 4 — Day trip to Mount Fuji & Hakone
Leave Tokyo for a scenic day toward Mount Fuji. Options include a Hakone loop with a ropeway, onsen (hot spring) views and a cruise on Lake Ashi, or the Fuji Five Lakes route for classic Fuji vistas and a gentle lakeside walk. Picnic or local lunch arranged; return to Tokyo in the evening or overnight near the mountain for sunrise views.
Day 5 — Modern Tokyo & nightlife
Visit teamLabs Borderless (or similar digital art spaces), explore Ginza’s food and department store culture, and an evening in Roppongi or Ebisu for refined dining. Optional tailor-made food tour to explore Tokyo’s extraordinary range of dining from conveyor belt sushi to Michelin-starred small restaurants.
Day 6 — Departure or extend
Morning at leisure for last-minute shopping or visits. We provide transfer to the airport and can assist with rail passes or onward travel to Kyoto or Hokkaido.
Practical notes & culture
Public transport is efficient; most travellers use IC cards (Suica/Pasmo). Respect local etiquette: queueing, quiet on public transport and removing shoes where requested. Seasonal planning matters — cherry blossom windows and autumn colours are popular and require early booking.
Optional extras
Private sushi masterclass, sumo stable morning visit (when available), or a private onsen evening near Hakone.
Who this is for
City lovers who also want a taste of Japan’s rural and natural highlights, food-focused travellers and those who value efficient logistics paired with meaningful local experiences.
Image: Tokyo at night. Photo credit: Unsplash.
Kyoto Cultural Trail — 6 days (expanded itinerary & travel notes)
Overview: Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart — centuries of imperial history condensed into temples, gardens, tea houses and neighbourhood traditions. This six-day trail walks through Kyoto’s seasonal rhythms: cherry blossoms or autumn leaves (depending on timing), early-morning temple meditations, curated tea ceremonies, and quiet strolls through Gion, Arashiyama and lesser-known hidden shrines. We prioritise authentic encounters: a local tea master, artisan workshops and a night with a kaiseki dining experience if desired.
Why this tour works
Kyoto’s treasures are best appreciated slowly. Our itinerary staggers major sites with quieter neighbourhoods and practical timing to avoid busier hours. English-speaking local guides provide historical context and introduce you to living crafts — from pottery to kimono dyeing — ensuring cultural depth rather than surface sightseeing.
What’s included (short)
Five nights’ accommodation in Kyoto, guided temple and garden visits, a tea ceremony, a private or small-group kaiseki experience (optional), hands-on artisan visits, and selected meals.
Detailed day-by-day
Day 1 — Arrival & Gion evening
Arrival in Kyoto with transfer to your centrally-located ryokan or hotel. Evening walk through Gion to observe traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly catch sight of a geisha on their way to appointments. A relaxed dinner introduces delicate Kyoto cuisine.
Day 2 — Eastern Kyoto & Kiyomizu-dera
Morning visit to Kiyomizu-dera with its sweeping city views, then follow quiet lanes through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to traditional shops and confectioneries. Afternoon explores Higashiyama’s temples and a visit to a local pottery studio for hands-on experience.
Day 3 — Arashiyama & bamboo grove
Head west to Arashiyama: stroll the famous bamboo groove early to avoid crowds, visit Tenryu-ji temple and cross the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge. Optional riverboat ride or visit to nearby small-scale weaving and craft workshops.
Day 4 — Northern temples & Ryoan-ji
Discover Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji’s rock garden, followed by a peaceful tea ceremony at a local chashitsu (tea house). Afternoon free for boutique shopping or a kimono dressing experience if desired.
Day 5 — Fushimi Inari & sake district
Early morning hike through Fushimi Inari’s thousands of torii gates, then a visit to the nearby Fushimi sake district for brewery tours and tastings. Evening kaiseki (multi-course) dinner available as an optional upgrade for a curated culinary finale.
Day 6 — Departure
Morning at leisure for temple revisits or last shopping. Transfer assistance provided for departure via Kansai or return to Tokyo via shinkansen (bullet train).
Practical notes & etiquette
Respectful behaviour in temples and shrines is expected: bow slightly at entrances, remove hats and shoes where requested, and avoid loud conversations in sacred spaces. Kyoto’s narrow lanes reward slow walking; bring comfortable footwear and a light outer layer for evenings.
Optional extras
Private kaiseki dinner, extended artisan workshops, or a guided cycling tour of Kyoto’s outskirts and temples.
Who this is for
Culture-seekers, food enthusiasts, and travellers who want to understand the rhythms of traditional Japan through intimate and respectful experiences.
Image: Kyoto temple in autumn. Photo credit: Unsplash.
Hokkaido Nature & Food — 7 days (expanded itinerary & travel notes)
Overview: Hokkaido is Japan’s northern frontier — a place of wide skies, seasonal bounty and rugged landscapes. From the flower fields of Furano and the onsens of Noboribetsu to the seafood-rich ports of Hakodate and Sapporo’s vibrant food scene, Hokkaido offers an immersive nature-and-food itinerary that changes dramatically with the seasons. Winter delivers some of the world’s best powder snow; summer brings alpine meadows and superb seafood.
Why this tour works
Hokkaido rewards focused exploration. We structure routes to minimise long transfers while maximising seasonal highlights: lavender and flower fields in summer, autumn colours in early October, and memorable winter experiences for snow-sport enthusiasts. Food is central — from morning fish markets to farm-to-table dinners showcasing regional produce like dairy, corn and seafood.
What’s included (short)
Six nights’ accommodation, private transfers between included stops, guided nature walks, local food experiences and selected meals. Seasonal activities (skiing, snowshoeing, flower-field visits) are offered where appropriate.
Detailed day-by-day
Day 1 — Arrival in Sapporo & orientation
Arrive into Sapporo and transfer to the hotel. Evening exploration of Susukino’s food alleys or a visit to Sapporo Beer Garden for local specialties like jingisukan (grilled mutton).
Day 2 — Otaru & seafood markets
Short coastal drive to Otaru, a picturesque canal town with historical warehouses and a strong seafood tradition. Visit the morning market to sample fresh sushi and shellfish, then stroll the artisan lanes before returning to Sapporo.
Day 3 — Furano flower fields or Daisetsuzan hiking
Seasonal choice: summer visitors enjoy the famed Furano lavender and flower fields; active travellers in other seasons may head to Daisetsuzan National Park for alpine walking. Picnic lunches showcase local cheeses and produce.
Day 4 — Noboribetsu & onsen experience
Travel to Noboribetsu for a guided visit to Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and a restorative onsen stay. Evening kaiseki or farm-to-table dinner highlighting Hokkaido’s dairy and seafood.
Day 5 — Hakodate seafood & night view
Rail or road transfer to Hakodate to visit the famous morning fish market and sample the freshest squid and seafood bowls. In the evening the mountain view from Hakodate is one of Japan’s most celebrated night panoramas.
Day 6 — Sapporo culinary deep dive
Return to Sapporo for a guided culinary day: local markets, miso ramen tasting and visits to craft beer or dairy producers. Free evening to explore the city’s gastronomic scene.
Day 7 — Departure
Morning at leisure and transfer to the airport. Suggestions for winter extensions include Niseko for skiing or additional island hopping to Rishiri and Rebun for remote coastal scenery.
Practical notes & seasons
Winter requires warm layered clothing and early bookings for ski-related services. Summer brings comfortable hiking weather but also busy flower-season windows. Hokkaido’s food culture is a highlight — bring appetite and a willingness to try regional specialities.
Optional extras
Private sushi masterclass in Hakodate, winter snowshoeing tours, or extended Niseko skiing packages. Birdwatching and wildlife-focused tours can also be arranged for naturalists.
Who this is for
Nature lovers, food-focused travellers, and people who appreciate seasonal variety — from summer meadows to pristine winter snowscapes.
Image: Hokkaido landscape. Photo credit: Unsplash.
Guest reviews
"Excellent guides and smooth rail logistics — Japan felt effortless to explore." — Michael, Canberra
"Kyoto moments were unforgettable. The tea ceremony was a highlight." — Priya, Melbourne
"Hokkaido cuisine is next-level — fresh and inventive." — Ben, Brisbane
FAQ
Do we need a Japan Rail Pass?
Rail passes can be cost-effective for multi-city travel. We advise on whether a pass suits your itinerary and can pre-book rail options.
Is English widely spoken?
English varies by region; our local guides ensure clear communication and we supply helpful translations and transport assistance when needed.
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Local guides & partners