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The Chureito Pagoda above autumn leaves, with Mount Fuji behind

First time

Your first time in Japan

Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto, put together in an order that makes sense.

What we do for you

The classic route, planned well

Most first trips follow the same line: Tokyo, a night or two in the mountains around Hakone, then Kyoto. It is a classic for good reason. What makes it work is the order, how long you stay in each place, and what you do on which day.

We plan the moves so that luggage goes ahead where it can, the bullet train is booked at a sensible hour, and the days in Kyoto do not start at the same time as everyone else's.

We also explain the small things before you arrive: how a ryokan evening runs, how to pay, what to wear to a temple. The digital guide in the STAYGO app keeps all of it in one place.

How we plan it

  • The right order

    Cities, nights and moves in an order that keeps travel days short.

  • Trains and transfers

    Shinkansen seats, luggage sent ahead where possible, and cars where they help.

  • Japan, explained

    Ryokan manners, temples, tipping and payment, all in your digital guide.

  • Help on the day

    Questions during the trip go to us through the STAYGO app or WhatsApp.

Ideas for your journey

Shapes to start from. Every route is rebuilt around your dates, your pace and the rooms that are open.

  • 10 days

    Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto

    1. Tokyo4 nights
    2. Hakone2 nights
    3. Kyoto3 nights

    The classic first route, with a ryokan between the two cities.

  • 12 days

    Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka

    1. Tokyo4 nights
    2. Hakone2 nights
    3. Kyoto3 nights
    4. Osaka2 nights

    The same line, ending in Osaka for food and an easy flight home.

  • 14 days

    Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Hiroshima

    1. Tokyo4 nights
    2. Hakone2 nights
    3. Kyoto4 nights
    4. Hiroshima3 nights

    Further west for Hiroshima and the island shrine of Miyajima.

We check availability before we propose anything, and nothing is promised until it is confirmed.

Further reading

Or start from another kind of trip

Other journeys

Tell us about your journey

Send us your dates, who is travelling and what matters most. We will come back with a first shape for the trip before any work begins.

Plan your journey

You pay hotels, ryokan, restaurants and guides directly, at their own rates. We add no markups and take no commissions. The Signature planning fee is USD 3,500 for your group, for a journey of 7–14 days. Longer or more complex journeys are planned as Bespoke.

During the trip, you reach us through the STAYGO app and WhatsApp. We agree our response hours with you before you leave.