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 13-day customized luxury gay group tour of Japan, including Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto and many more Japan top destinations, epic sites and off-the-beaten-track hidden gems.
We are excited to offer an immersive experience in Japanese culture and lifestyle along with the romantic sites. Japan is a country of modern amenities, renowned cuisine, and a deep sense of history. Being one of the first countries to witness sunrise, Japan has the nickname, "The Land of the Rising Sun".
Our gay group tour includes three nights in Tokyo, one of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals. Witness the contrast of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples next to towering skyscrapers. Experience two nights at a traditional Japanese ryokan, three nights in Kyoto, the historic former capital, famous for its abundance of temples, gardens, and its UNESCO World Heritage status. Enjoy an overnight and farewell dinner in Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, before returning home.
• Visits to Sensoji Temple & Nakamise Street in Asakusa
• Take in the view from Tokyo Skytree
• Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is hidden within a thickly forested area in the heart of Tokyo
• Experience Japanese culture and enjoy the comforts of Japanese hospitality and service at a traditional Ryokan in Hakone
• Enjoy the serenity of the Hakone Shrine, surrounded by lush forests
• Full day excursion in Kyoto to Kinkakuji temple, Arashimaya Bamboo Grove, Okochi Villa and gardens
• Special dinner in Kyoto with Maiko (Geisha apprentice)
• Full day to explore on your own in Kyoto or partake in an optional excursion
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage site of Himeji castle (the White Heron), widely considered one of Japan’s most spectacular castles
• Enjoy a Kobe Beef lunch
• Visit Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima island
• Visit Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima
• Explore the bustling old capital of Osaka, exciting night life and street food
Day 1 - Saturday, May 8, 2027
Welcome to Tokyo! You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight we gather for a festive welcome dinner. Overnight in a room with a view at the Groove Shinjuku Hotel in the bustling neighborhood of Shinjuku.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Hotel: Bellustar Tokyo Hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 5*
Day 2 - Sunday, May 9, 2027
After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a full-day tour of Tokyo including a visit to the Tokyo Tree viewing area Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Enjoy an included lunch, followed by a visit to Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing. This evening, we take a foodie tour in the back streets of Shinjuko with local guides.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Bellustar Tokyo Hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 5*
Day 3 - Monday, May 10, 2027
Today we venture outside of Tokyo to the world heritage town and national park at Nikko. In the morning we visit Toshogu shrine and following lunch we visit Kanmangafuchi Abyss. At the end of the day we return to our comfortable hotel in Tokyo. Tonight you are on your own to explore the Tokyo food scene.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Bellustar Tokyo Hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 5*
Day 4 - Tuesday, May 11, 2027
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, we will travel to Hakone. Upon arrival we’ll visit the Hakone Shrine and then enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Ashinoko, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
After lunch, we explore the serene Hakone Shinsenkyo Garden, where traditional Japanese landscapes blend seamlessly with vibrant seasonal blooms. Stroll through lush paths, tranquil ponds, and sculpted rock formations, all set against the stunning backdrop of Hakone’s mountains. After, we’ll check into our beautiful Ryokan hotel and enjoy dinner before settling in for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu Ryokan, Hakone, 5*
Day 5 - Wednesday, May 12, 2027
Wake up to a tasty breakfast before visiting the Hakone Open-air Museum, renowned for its impressive collection of outdoor sculptures and art installations set amidst stunning natural scenery. After lunch, take a ride on the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway for breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscapes. Then, discover the Owakudani Valley, famous for its volcanic steam vents, hot springs, and unique black hot spring eggs.
After, we return to our hotel with some time to refresh before dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu Ryokan, Hakone, 5*
Day 6 - Thursday, May 13, 2027
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to the Odawara Station, where we board the bullet train to Kyoto. Lunch is on your own today, so you might decide to enjoy a unique local lunch experience with a bento box on the train. Upon arrival to Kyoto we’ll proceed to the Ritz Carlton Hotel Kyoto. Enjoy a bit of time to relax before a special traditional Japanese dinner with Maiko (apprentice geisha).
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: The Westin Miyako Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto, 5*
Day 7 - Friday, May 14, 2027
After breakfast we embark on a full day tour of Kyoto. We start with the beautiful Kinkakuji Temple and then on to the famous Arashiayama District, which is filled with temples and shrines and its famous bamboo groves. We’ll enjoy lunch at Shigetsu, after which we take a walk through the Bamboo Grove, then visit Okochi Sanso Villa and enjoy tea in the amazing Japanese garden. After, we return to our beautiful hotel, where you’ll be free to explore the food scene on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: The Westin Miyako Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto, 5*
Day 8 - Saturday, May 15, 2027
Today is your day to enjoy Kyoto at your leisure. Sleep in, have a spa day, or you may choose to participate in an optional excursion such as a deeper dive into the temples of Kyoto, or a Traditional Tea Ceremony or Obanzai Cooking Class. You may only choose one optional tour for Kyoto as they all occur on the morning of May 15th.
Traditional Tea Ceremony
$100 Per Person
Sado, the tea ceremony, is one of the traditional events with green tea called Matcha. In the Azuchi-Momoyama period, Sen-no-rikyu invented “Wabicha” which became the origin of modern Sado. This Tea Ceremony represents the true essence of Japanese hospitality. By observing certain rules and aesthetic values, you will see how a true tea ceremony is performed, and how great tasting green tea is made.
Izakaya Cooking Class
$180 Per Person
You will learn how to cook Izakaya dishes. This is the heart of Japan’s casual dining culture, blending comfort food with vibrant social energy. Izakaya menus feature a wide range of small dishes meant for sharing—similar to Spanish tapas.
Half Day Temples Tour
$100 Per Person
During our tour of Kyoto, we plan to visit the beautiful Kinkakuji Temple as well as other famous temples in the Arashiyama District. This optional half day tour will give you the chance for a deeper dive with visits of up to three additional beautiful temples.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: The Westin Miyako Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto, 5*
Day 9 - Sunday, May 16, 2027
Today we leave Kyoto for the city of Himeji, where we begin our visit with the stunning Himeji Castle, and continue on to its beautiful gardens. After, enjoy a Kobe beef lunch at a true Japanese steakhouse. Following lunch, we will proceed to Hiroshima by Bullet Train (Green Class) and check into our hotel. After some time to relax we’ll proceed to dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, Hiroshima, 5*
Day 10 - Monday, May 17, 2027
Following breakfast, transfer to Miyajima by private motor coach. From here, we embark on a ferry ride to Miyajima Island – home to the giant Itsukushima Shrine. The bright, red torii-gate seems to float on the water during high tide. After a short guided tour, you have time to explore the island and enjoy lunch on your own. After, we return to Hiroshima, where you’ll have some time to relax and refresh before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, Hiroshima, 5*
Day 11 - Tuesday, May 18, 2027
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Peace Memorial Park and museum, a major attraction of the Hiroshima bombing. Afterwards we head to the train station, where you’ll have some free time for lunch and shopping before boarding the bullet train (Green Class) to Japan’s second largest metropolitan area, Osaka. Upon arrival, check-in to our hotel before dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: InterContinental Osaka Hotel , Osaka, 5*
Day 12 - Wednesday, May 19, 2027
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll proceed to the bustling Dontonburi neighborhood, where we’ll stroll along the city’s streets. After, you’ll have some time to sample Osaka cuisine on your own. Then, enjoy some free time this afternoon to pack or do some last minute shopping before our farewell dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: InterContinental Osaka Hotel, Osaka, 5*
Day 13 - Thursday, May 20, 2027
After breakfast at the InterContinental you will be transferred to the airport or train station for your journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
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• FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED!
• Airport arrival and departure transfers
• Three nights hotel accommodation Tokyo
• Full-day tour in Tokyo
• Full-day tour of the World Heritage site of Nikko
• Two nights accommodation in a traditional Ryokan Hotel
• A visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum
• A scenic cruise on Lake Ashinoko aboard the Hakone Pleasure Boat
• Bullet Train from Hakone to Kyoto
• Three nights hotel accommodation in Kyoto
• Full-day tour of Kyoto
• Visit to Himeji Castle
• Bullet train from Himeji to Hiroshima (Green Class)
• Two nights hotel accommodation in Hiroshima
• Full-day tour to Miyajima Island
• Tour of Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum
• Bullet Train from Hiroshima to Osaka (Green Class)
• Two nights hotel accommodation in Osaka
• Half-day tour of Osaka's Dontonburi neighborhood
• Twelve breakfasts, seven lunches and eight dinners
Bellustar Tokyo Hotel, Tokyo
A luxury urban hotel offering a special space away from the hustle and bustle of the city.The spacious guest rooms on the 39th floor and above feature interiors that incorporate Japanese traditional culture and views overlooking Tokyo. On the top floor, you can spend time reconnecting with yourself with 360-degree panoramic views in the Sky Private Villa, which offers unique culinary experiences in an unparalleled space, a spa where you can experience the blessings of Japan's nature, and five penthouses.
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, city views, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free toiletries. Private check-in and check-out services ensure a seamless arrival and departure. The restaurant offers French, sushi, and barbecue grill cuisines in a traditional and modern ambience. Breakfast is served as American.
Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel in Tokyo offers a city centre location with stunning views. Seibu Shinjuku PePe Shopping Mall is a 2-minute walk away, while Shinjuku Subnade Shopping Mall lies 400 metres nearby.
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu Ryokan, Hakone
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu offers Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring, an open-air bath or ceramic open-air hot springs bath made with Shigaraki pottery. The property boasts views of Tonomine, Myojogatake and Mount Asama. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
All rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, refrigerator, electric kettle and private bathroom. Free bath amenities and a hairdryer are provided. Some rooms feature a seating area where you can relax. Wine and champagne are offered by the property at an additional fee.
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu is a traditional Japanese style inn (Ryokan) that focuses on the harmony of authentic Japanese hospitality and nature. You can watch the sunrise in the sky while bathing in enormous open-air onsens with infinite horizon views. All rooms have their own private open-air baths. The onsen water is said to be good for ailments like rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, and allergies.
There is an on-site bar and lounge in addition to a Japanese-style restaurant. Hakone Kowakien Tenyu offers a breakfast buffet. For dinner, guests can enjoy Japanese and Western-style fusion cuisine.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto
The Westin Miyako Kyoto opened in 1890 at the base of Higashiyama in the ancient capital city of Kyoto, Japan. For more than 130 years, our Higashiyama, Kyoto, hotel has responded to the changing times while respecting its traditions.
Expect memorable moments filled with understated elegance, luxury, and approachable service when you visit us in Kyoto, Japan.
Explore nearby museums, music halls, zoos, and many historical temples and shrines, including the Heian Shrine, Nanzenji, Eikando, and Ginkakuji. Sample delicious, locally inspired dishes and expertly crafted cocktails in one of our many hotel restaurants.
At the end of your day in Kyoto, settle into a well-appointed hotel room or suite with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and 24-hour room service. Experience all Kyoto, Japan, has to offer with your family at The Westin Miyako Kyoto.
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, Hiroshima
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is a 1-minute walk from Hiroshima Station and a 10-minute drive from the Atomic Bomb Dome. It offers 4 dining options, an indoor pool and a fitness centre.
All rooms offer both air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is fitted with a fridge, ironing equipment and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player. A humidifier and a trouser press are provided. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub.
Guests can work out at the fitness centre or swim at the indoor pool at a charge. Laundry and dry cleaning services are offered. Luggage storage can be found at the 24-hour front desk.
Hotel Sheraton Grand Hiroshima is a 10-minute drive from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and a 5-minute drive from Hiroshima Castle.
InterContinental Osaka Hotel, Osaka
Only a 5-minute walk from JR Osaka Train Station, InterContinental Osaka is located at the newly developed Grand Front Osaka. This 5-star hotel boasts 5 dining options, a 24-hour fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool. Free WiFi is available at the entire property and guests can enjoy refreshing massages during their luxurious stay. Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line is a 7-minute stroll from the hotel.
Offering views of Osaka city from the 20th floor, Pierre restaurant serves exquisite contemporary French dishes. All Day Dining serves a buffet with various international dishes, while light tapas dishes and drinks are available at Adee Bar and Lounge.
The spacious air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen satellite TV, a safety deposit box and a large work desk area. Guests can enjoy drinks from the minibar and listen to their favourite tunes using the iPod docking station. The en suite bathroom comes with glass windows, while slippers, bathrobes, tooth brush sets and free bath amenities are provided.
When should I schedule my flights?
Arrival: You should schedule your flights to arrive to Tokyo (NRT or HND) by May 8, 2027. The first activity that day will be at approximately 5:30pm.
Departure: You should schedule your flights to depart from Osaka (KIX or ITM) at any time on May 20, 2027. Check out time from the Intercontinental Hotel is 11:00am.
We will provide transfers to/from either airport in each city.
What are the passport or visa requirements?
Whether or not you need a Visa will depend heavily on what country you’re coming from. Most western nations such as the United States or the UK have 90-day exemptions. Unless you’re from one the countries without Visa exemptions, all you’ll need to show the immigration officer is your passport. You will also have to comply with a scanning of your fingerprints and a photo. All foreign residents and tourists are REQUIRED to carry on their person either their resident card or their passport at all times (this can be in the form of a photo, stored on your smart phone, as it is best to keep the original locked in your hotel safety box).
What arrival and departure transfers are included?
Arrival transfers are provided from the Tokyo’s Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) airports to the host hotel in Tokyo.
Departure transfers are provided from the Osaka host hotel to Osaka’s Kansai (KIX) or Itami (ITM) airports).
If you extend your stay at these properties, the transfers will still be included.
Contact our team to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.
What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform us at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.
What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.
What should I expect on the included tours?
Excursions during your travel program are led by expert English speaking local guides. Utilizing wireless audio guides enables you to hear every word of your travel guide at absolutely all times. It provides maximum flexibility and convenience without missing a moment of fascinating commentary and is compatible with hearing aids.
Is there a dress code?
You are on vacation as the last thing we want to impose is a dress code. We will however appreciate you wearing more than a thong or mankini at dinner. Be as dressed up or down as you see fit during excursions as long as you are comfortable and dress appropriately for changeable weather.
We encourage you to bring along a few nicer outfits for dinners such as casual slacks, button down shirt.
Do I need to have vaccinations to visit Japan?
Most US travelers are covered by routine vaccinations. US citizens should consult the Centers for Disease Control website, or your health care provider for vaccination requirements and recommendations. Citizens of all other countries should consult their government’s national disease center or their physician.
I have tattoos, will they affect any aspect of my visit?
Although it is beginning to change, tattoos are generally viewed as taboo in Japan. What this means in practice is that you will not be able to use most pools, public bathing facilities (onsens), or gyms. If you have a small tattoo you can simply cover it with flesh-colored tape and be fine but if you have sleeves, you’re going to need to pass on some activities. Nevertheless, there may still be opportunities to experience an Onsen (traditional hot spring). Ask us about booking a room with private onsen (not available at all properties) as this will allow you to circumvent the need to share with people who aren’t comfortable with your tattoos.
Will there be smoking areas?
All hotels will have designated smoking areas. We ask that guests refrain from smoking while during tours.
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