Taiwan & Japan Highlights Journey
11 Days | Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone & Tokyo | From $5,800 per person
Overview
Two Countries, One Extraordinary Journey
This meticulously crafted 11-day itinerary by SAZ Travel Collection blends Taiwan's vibrant night markets and lush mountain scenery with Japan's historic temples, bullet trains, and iconic natural wonders. You spend 5 days exploring the very best of Taipei and central Taiwan before a short flight whisks you to Japan for 6 days across the Kansai region, Hakone, and Tokyo.
Taiwan offers a warm, welcoming introduction to East Asian culture - legendary street food, ancient forest railways, and serene alpine lakes. Japan then delivers its unique blend of ancient tradition and hyper-modern innovation: golden pavilions reflected in still ponds, bullet trains blurring past Mt. Fuji, and outdoor onsen baths under the stars.
SAZ Travel Collection's private journey is fully customizable and includes English-speaking guides, luxury 5-star hotels, a traditional Japanese ryokan, and seamless logistics throughout. This is East Asia at its most refined.
Part 1
Taiwan
Days 1 - 5
Part 2
Japan
Days 6 - 11
Highlights
The Best of Taiwan & Japan
Raohe Night Market, Taipei
Dive into Taiwan's legendary street food scene at Raohe Night Market - from scallion pancakes and oyster vermicelli to stinky tofu and fresh bubble tea.
National Palace Museum
Explore one of the world's greatest collections of ancient Chinese art and artifacts - over 700,000 pieces spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history.
Sun Moon Lake & Alishan Forest
Taiwan's most scenic natural wonders - a serene alpine lake ringed by mountains and a misty forest railway through ancient cedar groves.
Osaka Castle & Dotonbori
Marvel at the iconic Osaka Castle by day and feast your way through the neon-lit Dotonbori district by night - Japan's most vibrant food street.
Tokaido Shinkansen Bullet Train
Experience the thrill of Japan's legendary bullet train as it whisks you between cities at up to 320 km/h with breathtaking countryside views.
Mt. Fuji & Hakone Onsen
Ride the Hakone Ropeway for iconic views of Mt. Fuji, then soak in a traditional outdoor onsen hot spring at a classic Japanese ryokan inn.
Day by Day
Your 11-Day Taiwan & Japan Journey
1
Arrival in Taipei
Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and receive a VIP meet-and-greet with private transfer to your hotel in central Taipei. After freshening up, head out to the famous Raohe Night Market for your first taste of Taiwan - scallion pancakes, oyster vermicelli, pepper pork buns, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. Your guide introduces you to the art of ordering like a local.
2
Taipei Sightseeing
Morning visit to Dihua Street, Taipei's oldest commercial district lined with Baroque-style shophouses selling traditional herbs, teas, and dried goods. Continue to the National Palace Museum for a guided tour of its unmatched collection of ancient Chinese artifacts including jade cabbage, ivory carvings, and imperial bronzes. Afternoon at leisure to explore Ximending shopping district or Da'an Forest Park. Optional evening visit to Taipei 101 observatory for panoramic city views.
3
Sun Moon Lake
Private transfer south to Taiwan's most celebrated lake, nestled at 748 metres above sea level in the central mountains. Check in to your lakeside hotel. Afternoon scenic bike ride along the dedicated lakeside cycling path with stunning mountain reflections. Hike the Ci'en Pagoda Trail for elevated panoramic views across the lake. Sunset boat cruise and dinner at a lakeside restaurant featuring local Shao tribe cuisine - bamboo rice, mountain vegetable soup, and wild boar stew.
4
Alishan Forest Railway & Sacred Trails
Early morning drive up into the Alishan National Scenic Area. Board the narrow-gauge Alishan Forest Railway - one of only three high-altitude mountain railways in the world - winding through mist-shrouded tropical and temperate forests. Hike the Ancient Sacred Forest Trail past towering 2,000-year-old red cypress trees. Visit the Alishan Sunrise Platform (weather permitting) for a breathtaking sea of clouds. Return to Sun Moon Lake or transfer toward Taichung for the night.
5
Taichung & Evening Flight to Osaka
Morning visit to the magnificent Chung Tai Chan Monastery in Puli - a grand Buddhist monastery blending traditional Chinese architecture with modern design, housing remarkable sculptures and art across its 37 floors. Afternoon transfer to Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) for your evening flight to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Japan. Private transfer to your Osaka hotel upon arrival.
6
Osaka: Castles & Culinary Delights
Morning visit to Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks, surrounded by a beautiful moat and cherry blossom trees. Explore the museum inside and enjoy panoramic city views from the top floor. Afternoon at Kuromon Ichiba Market - Osaka's famous 'kitchen' market - for fresh seafood and local produce tastings. Evening in Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka's food culture: try takoyaki (octopus balls), kushikatsu (skewered deep-fried delicacies), and fresh crab under the neon glow of the Glico Running Man sign.
7
Nara Day Trip & Kyoto Check-In
Short morning train ride to Nara, Japan's ancient capital. Wander freely through Nara Park where over 1,200 semi-wild sika deer roam freely and will eat shika senbei (deer crackers) from your hand. Visit the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue (15 metres tall), and the serene Kasuga Taisha Shrine lined with thousands of stone lanterns. Afternoon transfer to Kyoto to check in to your hotel in the historic Higashiyama district.
8
Cultural Kyoto: Bamboo & Gold
Early morning walk through the Sagano Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama before the crowds arrive - towering green stalks creating a cathedral-like canopy of light and sound. Visit nearby Tenryu-ji Temple and its UNESCO-listed garden. Afternoon at the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), its gold-leaf exterior perfectly reflected in the surrounding mirror pond. Optional evening: stroll the lantern-lit Gion district and spot maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to engagements.
9
Kyoto to Hakone by Bullet Train
Morning at leisure in Kyoto for last temple visits or a traditional tea ceremony experience. Board the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto Station - watch Japan's countryside blur past at 320 km/h. Arrive in Hakone, a mountain resort town famous for its hot springs and views of Mt. Fuji. Check in to a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn). Evening kaiseki multi-course dinner in the ryokan's private dining room. Soak in the outdoor onsen (hot spring bath) under the stars.
10
Mt. Fuji Views & Tokyo
Morning ride the Hakone Ropeway for spectacular aerial views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting) and the volcanic Owakudani valley. Take a scenic cruise across Lake Ashi with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop. Early afternoon transfer to Tokyo by Romancecar express train or Shinkansen. Check in to your Tokyo hotel. Evening exploration of Shinjuku's Golden Gai alleyways or the upscale Ginza district for a farewell dinner.
11
Tokyo & Departure
Final morning exploring Tokyo's contrasting worlds: the iconic scramble crossing at Shibuya and the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple dating to 645 AD. Browse Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional Japanese souvenirs and sweets. Late morning transfer to Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) Airport for your departure flight. Depart with memories of night markets, bullet trains, golden pavilions, and the silent majesty of Mt. Fuji.
Accommodations
Where You'll Stay
All properties are 5-star luxury hotels or equivalent, carefully selected by SAZ Travel Collection for location, service, and authentic local character.
Mandarin Oriental Taipei
5-Star Luxury Hotel
Taipei's most prestigious address, the Mandarin Oriental combines impeccable service with stunning mountain and city views. Spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, award-winning dining at Bencotto and Ya Ge, and a world-class spa. Located in the upscale Zhongshan District, steps from Taipei's finest shopping and dining.
The Lalu Sun Moon Lake
5-Star Lakeside Resort
Perched on a peninsula jutting into Sun Moon Lake, The Lalu is consistently ranked among Asia's finest resorts. Minimalist architecture frames breathtaking lake panoramas from every room. Infinity pool seeming to merge with the lake, award-winning Wen Bar, and spa treatments using local indigenous botanicals.
Conrad Osaka
5-Star Luxury Hotel
Occupying floors 33-40 of the iconic Festival Tower West, Conrad Osaka offers breathtaking 360-degree views over the city and Nakanoshima island. Stylish rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, Gordon Ramsay's restaurant Gordon, and a stunning rooftop infinity pool. Perfectly positioned for Dotonbori and Osaka Castle visits.
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
5-Star Historic Luxury
Set on the banks of the Kamogawa River with views of the Higashiyama mountains, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury. Spacious rooms with tatami-floored alcoves, the acclaimed Mizuki restaurant for kaiseki dining, and a tranquil spa with traditional Japanese treatments.
Gora Kadan Ryokan
Traditional Luxury Ryokan
A former imperial villa transformed into one of Japan's most celebrated ryokans. Gora Kadan offers a deeply authentic Japanese experience: tatami rooms with futon bedding, private outdoor onsen (hot spring) baths, and exquisite multi-course kaiseki dinners using seasonal local ingredients. The perfect immersion into traditional Japanese hospitality.
Park Hyatt Tokyo
5-Star Iconic Luxury
Immortalized in 'Lost in Translation', the Park Hyatt Tokyo occupies the top 14 floors of the Shinjuku Park Tower with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. The legendary New York Bar and Grill, an extraordinary fitness club and pool, and rooms that set the standard for urban luxury in Asia.
Included
What's Included
- 10 nights accommodation (Taipei 2 nights, Sun Moon Lake/Taichung 2 nights, Osaka 2 nights, Kyoto 2 nights, Hakone ryokan 1 night, Tokyo 1 night)
- Daily breakfast and select dinners including ryokan kaiseki dinner
- Private airport transfers and inter-city ground transportation throughout
- Taiwan: Alishan Forest Railway tickets and guided forest hike
- Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake boat cruise and cycling
- Japan: Nara deer park and Todai-ji guided tour
- Japan: Kyoto Bamboo Forest and Golden Pavilion guided tour
- Japan: Hakone Ropeway and Lake Ashi cruise
- Shinkansen (bullet train) rail passes for Japan legs
- Taipei-Osaka flight (economy, upgrades available)
- English-speaking private guides in Taiwan and Japan
- 24/7 SAZ Travel Collection concierge support
Starting from
$5,800
per person, private journey
Trip Details
Duration
11 Days
Destinations
Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone, Tokyo
Style
Private Luxury Journey
Category
Cultural & Adventure
Best Season
Mar – May / Sep – Nov
Price
From $5,800
Route
Taiwan & Japan
From Taipei's night markets and Taiwan's misty mountains to Osaka's food streets, Kyoto's golden temples, Hakone's hot springs, and Tokyo's electric energy - two incredible countries in one seamless journey.
Taiwan
Days 1-5
Japan
Days 6-11
Taipei - Osaka - Kyoto - Hakone - Tokyo
East Asia, 11 Days
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