Onsen and Craft.
Gold leaf, lacquer, a hearth and a hot spring — the trip for a client who has seen Kyoto and wants to make something rather than photograph it.
How long is the Onsen and Craft itinerary and who is it for?
7 nights. Repeat visitors, and first-timers with a craft or food interest who would rather be in Kanazawa than Shibuya.
Last updated: 6 July 2026
Why it runs in this order.
The Japan Sea coast and the Alps, ending on Fuji. Slower than the Golden Route on purpose.
More on the region is on the destination guide.
The programme.
-
Days 1–3Kanazawa
In from Tokyo by shinkansen. Kenroku-en at opening, the Higashi Chaya district, a gold-leaf workshop and a sushi lunch at Omicho that is worth planning the day around.
-
Days 4–5Takayama and the Kiso Valley
Across the Alps. The Takayama morning markets, Hida beef, and the Magome to Tsumago walk on the old Nakasendo with luggage sent ahead.
-
Days 6–7Hakone
A ryokan with a private bath, the hearth lit, and two days with nothing scheduled. Fuji from the lake if the air is right.
-
Day 8Tokyo
Romancecar in, out from Haneda — or one more Tokyo night for the craft shops the trip will have made them want.
What the net rate covers.
- Seven nights across Kanazawa, the Alps and Hakone
- Two craft workshops with makers, not demonstrations laid on for groups
- Ryokan half-board where the ryokan is the point
- The Nakasendo walk with baggage forwarded
- All rail reserved, luggage forwarded between bases
- 24/7 duty desk
What it does not.
- International air
- Meals beyond ryokan half-board and breakfasts
- Travel insurance
When to ask.
Six months. Longer for autumn colour, when the Alps and Hakone book out together.
Onsen and Craft — what agents ask.
How long is the Onsen and Craft itinerary?
7 nights. The Japan Sea coast and the Alps, ending on Fuji. Slower than the Golden Route on purpose.
Who is the Onsen and Craft programme for?
Repeat visitors, and first-timers with a craft or food interest who would rather be in Kanazawa than Shibuya.
How far ahead does it need booking?
Six months. Longer for autumn colour, when the Alps and Hakone book out together.
What does Explera quote for this?
A confidential net rate to the travel agent, which you mark up yourself. We do not publish prices and we do not sell to your client — everything runs white-label under your brand.
Other programmes.
Suzuka Race Weekend
The Japanese Grand Prix done without the two things that ruin it — a two-hour transfer on race morning and a hotel ninety minutes from the circuit.
Suzuka and the Golden Route
The race as the centrepiece of a proper Japan trip, rather than a long-haul flight for three days at a circuit.
The Golden Route, Properly
Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto — the itinerary every operator sells, built so it does not feel like the itinerary every operator sells.
The Setouchi Art Islands
Ando concrete, a Monet room underground and a spotted pumpkin on a pier — the strongest contemporary-art sell in Japan, and a day that fails without planning.
Hokkaido Powder and Culture
The best snow in the world with something to do when it stops falling, which is what separates a Japan ski trip from a Japan ski holiday.
Explera DMC Japan is the Japan DMC travel agents trust for Onsen and Craft. As a B2B Japan DMC, we contract the hotels, transfers, licensed guides and experiences at net rates - so you sell Onsen and Craft with one accountable ground partner. Talk to Explera DMC Japan, your Japan DMC, for a net service quotation within 24 hours.
Start quoting Japan at net rates this week.
Join 340+ agencies who trust Explera with their guests on the ground. Registration is free and approval is fast.