Japan's Timeless Treasures and Scenic Beauty

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival in Tokyo, you'll be transferred to your hotel by a shared shuttle bus after completing customs. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure and acclimatise to this vibrant city. In the afternoon, we will provide you with details about the beginning of your tour, setting the stage for an exciting adventure. Relax and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Tokyo as you begin your journey through Japan. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day, we will embark on an enlightening five-hour guided tour of Tokyo, a city where vibrant modernity seamlessly blends with tranquil traditions. Our adventure begins at Zojoji Temple, offering a stunning view of the Tokyo Tower. Here, you will find hundreds of Jizo statues, each intricately carved and adorned with colourful items, believed to protect children.Next, we will visit the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, renowned as the busiest intersection globally, followed by a stop at the serene Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our journey then continues along the elegant Omotesando Avenue. Passing by the picturesque Imperial Palace gardens, we will pause to admire the historic Nijubashi Bridge.We will continue through the lively Akihabara district, celebrated as the "Electric Town" and a haven for manga and anime enthusiasts, before driving past Japan's illustrious sumo wrestling arena, Kokugikan. Our tour concludes in the historic neighbourhood of Asakusa, where we will visit the ancient Sensoji Temple and stroll through the bustling Nakamise Street. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, after which we'll return to our hotel.In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., our guide will meet us in the hotel lobby. Together, we'll board the metro (tickets included) to the vibrant Shinjuku district. You'll relish a leisurely walk through its bustling streets, celebrated for their lively nightlife, before settling in a local restaurant for dinner, which is included. Our guide will ensure a safe return to the hotel by metro afterwards.

Today, we’ll venture into the breathtaking Mount Fuji area, admiring the stunning scenery en route. Our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park, where we’ll be greeted by exquisite pagodas and the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. From this tranquil vantage point, we'll continue to the delightful town of Kawaguchiko, renowned for its mountainous backdrop and vibrant floral displays surrounding its namesake lake. Upon arrival, we'll visit the serene Fuji Sengen Shrine, set amid towering trees, which serves as the traditional starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. Here, we’ll take a moment to appreciate the magic of this location.A highlight of our day will be a leisurely boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, offering you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the area's peaceful atmosphere. Following this, we’ll ascend via a scenic road to the Fifth Station on Mount Fuji, situated at an altitude of 2,305 metres, where you’ll enjoy spectacular vistas and lush forests. Please note, in winter months, the ascent may be hindered by snow or adverse weather conditions, and we'll proceed as far as permitted.We'll then return to Kawaguchiko, allowing some time to savour a gentle walk along the lake. This evening, we will stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can unwind in the onsen, the communal bath. Dinner will be included. Be mindful that accommodations will feature either traditional Japanese tatami mat rooms or Western-style rooms; occasionally, we may arrange for a stay in a Western-style hotel.

We begin our day by travelling along a scenic route that winds past picturesque lakes, leading us to Iyashi no Sato Nenba. This charming village, once devastated by a typhoon in 1966, has been meticulously restored as an open-air museum. Here, traditional houses have been transformed into delightful arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a fascinating insight into Japan's past. Next, we visit the awe-inspiring Shiraito Falls, known as one of Japan’s most stunning natural sights, where water cascades gracefully from a height of 20 metres. Our journey continues to Nagoya, where we explore the renowned Toyota Museum. This visit, with admission included, is a must for car enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by automotive innovation. Finally, we travel to Kyoto, where we will spend the night.

Today, we dedicate the entire day to discovering the remarkable city of Kyoto, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was the seat of the Imperial Court. Interestingly, Kyoto was the only major city in Japan to remain unscathed during World War II, thus preserving its exquisite artistic heritage. The Kyoto Protocol—an important international agreement on climate change—was also signed here in 1997.Our adventure begins in the idyllic district of Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the stunning view from the Togetsukyo Bridge, famously known as the "Bridge over the Moon." This picturesque spot offers a captivating panorama of the surrounding landscape. Our journey continues to the revered Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s esteemed “five great Zen temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After marvelling at the temple, we’ll enjoy a tranquil walk through its enchanting bamboo forest.Our next stop is the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. We will also visit the Imperial Palace and the Kinkakuji Temple, or the "Golden Pavilion," celebrated for its magnificent architecture and lush gardens. Please note that the sequence of these visits may change.After our guided explorations, you’ll have some free time to wander through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district. Immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere, famously associated with geishas, and soak in the unique charm of this historic area.

Today, we embark on a scenic journey through Japan’s enchanting countryside, heading to Tsumago, a village renowned for its beautifully preserved wooden structures. Often considered one of Japan's most picturesque settings, Tsumago offers a delightful glimpse into the past. You'll have time to leisurely explore the village, immersing yourself in its traditional charm. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savouring regional flavours in this idyllic setting.Our adventure continues to Matsumoto, a vibrant tourist destination celebrated for its striking 16th-century fortress, Matsumoto Castle. Known as "The Crow" due to its distinctive black exterior, this castle stands as a monumental example of Japan’s architectural heritage. After touring the castle, there will be time to wander the town and soak in its unique atmosphere.In the afternoon, we will travel back to Tokyo, reaching our destination by the end of the day.

Following breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories to cherish.