Journey Through Japan's Cultural Treasures

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo and following the completion of customs procedures, you'll be transferred to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish, allowing you to unwind or explore this vibrant city at your leisure. In the afternoon, you will receive information regarding the commencement of your tour. Please be aware that travellers may join or leave the tour at various points en route, so the composition of the group may change. However, at no point will the maximum group size be exceeded. 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.

Today, we dive into the heart of Tokyo with an engaging five-hour guided tour. Discover the fascinating blend of Tokyo's modern flair and its tranquil havens. We'll start with a brief visit to Zojoji Temple, where you'll capture one of Tokyo's most iconic views—the Tokyo Tower framed by the temple's grounds, which feature hundreds of vibrant Jizo statues, each adorned in colourful attire. Our next stop is the famed Shibuya Crossing, often referred to as the busiest intersection worldwide. We'll then visit the serene Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, followed by a scenic drive along the chic Omotesando Avenue. You'll catch glimpses of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, pausing to admire Nijubashi Bridge, a beloved landmark.Continuing our journey, we'll pass through the bustling Akihabara district, affectionately known as "Electric Town" for its rich manga and anime culture. We'll drive past Kokugikan, Japan's famous sumo wrestling arena, before concluding our morning in Asakusa. Here, we'll explore the historic Sensoji Temple and the lively Nakamise Street. Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel for some downtime.This evening, we'll rendezvous with our guide in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. for a metro ride (tickets provided) to the vibrant Shinjuku district. Stroll through its lively streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, on our way to a local restaurant where dinner is included. We'll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Today, we set off for Nikko, arriving at this remarkable city at approximately 10:30 a.m. Our exploration begins at the magnificent Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famed for its "Crying Dragon" room, known for its unique acoustics. We continue to the serene Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, nestled in a tranquil setting. Our journey takes us along the picturesque Kannanga Fuchi river path, watched over by hundreds of Jizo statues. Afterwards, you'll have some free time to wander and discover the charms of Nikko's city centre at your own pace. Later in the day, we'll travel to Sendai, a bustling and modern city with a lively atmosphere. Here, you'll have an opportunity to explore and savour dinner in the vibrant city centre.

We begin our day with a trip to Matsushima, famously known for its 'Thousand Islands' Bay on the Pacific Ocean, a spot celebrated as one of Japan's most breathtaking views. Upon arrival, we’ll visit a charming tea house overlooking the scenic bay, indulging in a traditional tea session while our guide shares enlightening details about the city. Following this, we embark on a 50-minute cruise, enjoying a leisurely lunch on board as we soak in the picturesque surroundings. Our journey continues to Hiraizumi, where we explore treasured historic sites. Our first stop is Takkoku no Iwaya—a temple uniquely carved into rock—a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 801. We then explore the splendour of Chusonji’s majestic Buddhist temples, where you’ll appreciate their historical significance and serene atmosphere. The day becomes even more enriching with a visit to the tranquil gardens of Motsuji Temple, where you can partake in a Zen ceremony, a moment that promises reflection and peace (admission included). Concluding our day in Morioka, the endearing capital of Iwate Province, we check into our hotel and the rest of the evening is at your disposal to explore the city at your own pace.

Today, we journey through the stunning landscapes on our way to Hirosaki, where we'll visit its famed castle set in breathtaking parkland. Each spring, the park becomes a vibrant spectacle with over 2,500 cherry trees in full bloom. Our next stop is Aomori, the provincial capital nestled on the shores of Mutsu Bay. Here, we delve into the captivating festival traditions at the Nebuta Museum, which showcases vivid, illuminated floats reminiscent of carnival celebrations. Lunch is included at a local eatery, providing a taste of the region's culinary offerings.Following our exploration, we board a ferry for a scenic crossing to the island of Hokkaido. The journey takes just over three and a half hours, offering us time to relax and savour the views. Upon arriving in Hakodate, we'll explore its charming historic district. This area is a fascinating melting pot of cultural influences, where we can admire the beautiful Russian Orthodox Church alongside other Christian churches.

Our day in Hakodate begins with an exploration of the vibrant fish market, offering a captivating insight into local life and flavours. We then ascend Goryokaku Tower to enjoy panoramic vistas, where the unique star-shaped design of Hakodate’s historic fortress spreads out before us. Hereafter, you'll have some leisure time to meander around the surrounding castle area before we proceed to the picturesque landscape of Onuma.In this stunning natural setting, framed by numerous tiny islands, you can choose to embark on a boat ride or wander along the scenic trails at your own pace. Lunch is on us at a nearby restaurant, providing a chance to savour regional cuisine.Our afternoon journey takes us along the dramatic coastline to Noboribetsu, famed for its striking volcanic scenery. We explore the geothermal wonders of Jigokudani, aptly named Hell Valley, and pause to admire the steamy waters of Lake Oyunuma. Following the hot spring river trail, we reach a serene spot where you can relax with a soothing foot bath.As the day draws to a close, we continue to Sapporo, arriving in the evening at this charming northern capital of Japan, ready for the next stage of our adventure.

We'll explore Sapporo, beginning with a visit to the iconic Clock Tower and the attractive Odori Koen, a park-lined avenue graced by the towering Sapporo TV Tower. Our journey includes the impressive Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where we'll participate in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer in thankfulness for our travels. Just beyond the city, we'll visit the Hill of Buddha, an architectural marvel inaugurated in 2015. This site features a massive Buddha statue amid a lavender-covered hillside, with replicas of the famous Moai statues from Easter Island also taking pride of place. Our exploration continues in Otaru, a delightful town that exudes a European charm, with its bustling shopping streets, a historic canal, and fascinating museums. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m., where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to discover at your own pace.

On the eighth day of our journey, we delve into the rich cultural tapestry of the Ainu people at the Pirko Kotan Museum. The Ainu are the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and their unique traditions and way of life offer a fascinating glimpse into the island's history long before Japanese settlement.We then travel through Hokkaido’s striking interior, passing tranquil lakes and majestic mountains, to the charming town of Toyako. This spa town is nestled at the base of an impressive volcano, on the shores of a beautiful lake formed within an ancient crater. You’ll have time to wander along the lakeside, soaking in the stunning views and the serene atmosphere.Our next stop is the Volcanology Museum, where we’ll learn about the area's volcanic activity and past eruptions. Afterwards, a cable car will take us up to the summit of Mount Usu, offering you the opportunity to walk around the crater and take in the dramatic volcanic vistas. A delicious lunch will be provided as part of this adventure.As the day concludes, we journey to Tomakomai, where we board a modern ferry for an overnight crossing. You'll be accommodated in comfortable double cabins, equipped with private bathrooms. A delightful dinner is included on board as we sail across the Pacific Ocean, ensuring a restful night at sea.

Arriving at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m., we set off towards Yamadera, a remarkable temple complex over a millennium old. Nestled amidst the mountains and surrounded by towering trees, this sacred site offers an enchanting atmosphere. We will spend some time exploring the grounds and embrace the tranquillity of the area. After a delicious lunch included in the plans, we proceed to Yonezawa, renowned for its sake production. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Sake Museum, which houses a small distillery. In the afternoon, we continue our journey through picturesque landscapes en route to Aizuwakamatsu, where we’ll conclude the day with an overnight stay.

In Aizuwakamatsu, we explore the Samurai Mansion, delving into the fascinating life of the legendary samurai warriors. Our visit includes a peaceful walk through the castle garden, offering a distant yet striking view of the castle, distinguished by its unique red roof tiles. We then proceed to Iimoriyama, where sculptures gifted by Mussolini and stories of the city's youthful martyrs await.Our journey continues to Ouchi-juku, a charming village celebrated for its traditional thatched-roof houses, where you'll have time to enjoy lunch. Following this, we head to the impressive Oya Museum, intriguingly set within former stone quarries. In the evening, we return to Tokyo, arriving late in the day.

Our day begins in Tokyo as we set off for Kamakura, a city that once served as Japan's capital and still retains an air of tranquillity. Known for its exquisite temples, shrines, and gardens, Kamakura offers a glimpse into Japan's rich history. At the Hokoku-ji Zen Temple, we’ll wander through the serene bamboo forest, where you can savour a traditional cup of green tea as part of the visit. Our next stop is Sugimoto-dera, Kamakura’s oldest temple, established in 734. You'll have some time to explore the city's charming centre before we head to see the iconic Great Buddha, an impressive statue that stands as a symbol of the area.We continue our journey along the scenic Pacific coastline to Enoshima, a picturesque island accessible by bridge. Here, you'll have the freedom to enjoy lunch and wander at your leisure, taking in the island's charming atmosphere. Our final destination for the day is Odawara, where we’ll visit the formidable Odawara Castle. Originally constructed in the Edo period and meticulously restored, this castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's feudal past. We'll spend the night in Odawara, allowing you more time to immerse yourself in the area's rich history.

Today promises a journey filled with captivating scenery as we venture into the remarkable Hakone region, celebrated for its lakes and picturesque mountains near the iconic Mount Fuji. We begin by ascending to Owakudani, known as the "Valley of Hell," with its steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and sulphurous gases. Please note that access may be restricted due to volcanic activity or gases. If necessary, we'll visit the serene Arakurayama Sengen Park instead.Our next stop is Oshino Hakkai, a charming village with eight crystal-clear ponds offering picturesque views of Mount Fuji. From there, we'll make our way to Kawaguchiko, a town that seems to come straight out of a storybook, with its quaint houses, colourful flowers, and stunning mountain landscapes set beside a beautiful lake. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a delightful boat ride on the lake, taking in the serene beauty of the area.Later, we'll ascend the scenic road leading to the Fifth Station of Mount Fuji, situated 2,305 metres above sea level. This offers a unique vantage point to appreciate Japan's most famous peak. We will then return to Tokyo at the end of the day, bringing our journey to a close.Please note that during winter, the road to Mount Fuji is often closed due to snow or weather conditions. If this occurs, we will ascend as far as conditions allow. As our adventure concludes, with unforgettable memories in tow, be sure to check your flight schedule. An additional night's stay may be necessary, as departure transfers to the airport are not included. Our guide will be on hand to suggest the most suitable public transport options for your onward journey.