Capitals of Japan

Welcome to Japan. After completing your arrival and customs formalities, we will transfer you to your hotel via shared shuttle. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and settle in at your own pace. In the afternoon, you will receive important information about the upcoming tour to help you prepare.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

We begin the day with a comprehensive guided tour of Tokyo lasting around five hours, revealing the city’s contrasting character—where dynamic, modern districts sit alongside peaceful, historic sites. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, offering a stunning view of Tokyo Tower and home to numerous Jizo statues, guardians of children, often dressed in knitted hats and bibs. Next, we visit the bustling Shibuya Crossing, reputedly the world’s busiest intersection, before exploring Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We continue by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, then take in the scenic Imperial Palace gardens and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. Passing through Akihabara, known as “Electric City” and the heart of manga and anime culture, we then visit Tokyo Skytree—Japan’s tallest structure—where admission is included to enjoy panoramic city views. The day concludes in Asakusa with a visit to Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street before returning to the hotel. In the evening at 6:30 p.m., we meet our guide in the hotel lobby for a subway ride to Shinjuku (tickets included), where we explore this lively district on foot before dining together at a local restaurant. We return to the hotel by subway with our guide. Please note that the order of visits may vary based on Tokyo Skytree’s admission times, and in the event of poor weather or other circumstances, an alternative viewpoint experience will be offered.

After breakfast, we transfer to the station to board the bullet train for Hiroshima, an approximately four-hour journey covering 800 kilometres. Upon arrival, we explore the city, marked by the devastation of the atomic bomb in 1945. Our visit includes Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum, which honours the city’s resilience and hope. Later, we take a ferry to Itsukushima Island, known as “the island where gods and men live together.” Here, we visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, partially built over the sea and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, stroll the island’s charming centre, and enjoy lunch. We return to Hiroshima in the evening for dinner, which is included. The order of visits may vary, but all experiences are included as planned.

Today, we take a ferry to Shikoku Island, enjoying a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour crossing that highlights Japan’s island geography. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, we ride the cable car up to the city’s impressive castle, a fine example of Japanese feudal architecture. Next, we visit Ishiteji Temple, a notable Buddhist pilgrimage site renowned for its history and beauty. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we gain admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, offering a glimpse into Japan’s classic bathing culture.

We’ll travel to Kotohira, home to a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of sailors. This pilgrimage site is set on Mount Zosu and requires climbing 785 steps to reach the shrine. Afterwards, we head to Takamatsu to visit Ritsurin Garden, celebrated as one of Japan’s finest landscaped gardens. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Later, in Naruto, we stop at a remarkable sea bridge featuring a glass floor walkway that offers views 45 metres down to the powerful whirlpools below. Our scenic route continues across a series of impressive bridges connecting islands over the sea before we arrive in Kobe for our overnight stay.

In Kobe, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which commemorates the devastating 1995 earthquake and highlights the city's impressive recovery. Afterward, we’ll continue to Osaka before making our way to Mount Koya, the foremost centre of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Here, we’ll explore the Okuno Mausoleum, a vast, tranquil cemetery with over 200,000 graves, followed by a visit to Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593. We’ll spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us in a Zen meditation practice known as Ajikan. Dinner will be included—a vegetarian meal in keeping with monastic tradition. If you wish, you can attend the temple’s early morning religious ceremony before breakfast. Please note that on certain dates, the Earthquake Museum visit may be replaced by a trip to the Sake Museum or Kobe Tower. Accommodation at the monastery offers a unique experience with simple, traditional tatami rooms and shared bathrooms. Due to limited capacity, some groups may stay in nearby hotels with half board included. Meditation sessions cannot be guaranteed during peak tourist periods.

We’ll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple before setting off early for Kyoto. This city, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and remarkable preservation, having been largely spared during World War II. Our sightseeing will include the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, the historic Imperial Palace, and the exquisite Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, surrounded by beautiful gardens. You’ll then have some free time to explore before we visit Gion, Kyoto’s lively traditional district known for its Geisha culture, where you’ll have further opportunity to soak up the unique atmosphere. If you have previously visited Kyoto on this tour, our guide will provide suggestions to help you explore other parts of the city independently.

We’ll depart Kyoto and travel through the picturesque countryside to Tsumago, a well-preserved village famed for its traditional wooden houses and considered one of Japan’s most charming rural spots. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace, with lunch included. Afterwards, we continue to Matsumoto, a lively city known for its striking 16th-century castle, often called ‘The Crow’ due to its black exterior. We’ll visit the castle before you enjoy free time to discover the city independently. Our journey then takes us to Nagano, where we’ll stay overnight.

In Nagano, we’ll visit the renowned Zenko-ji Temple, a historic pilgrimage site that houses Japan’s first Buddhist image. You’ll take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual believed to bring good fortune. Afterwards, we’ll travel into the stunning Japanese Alps, journeying through dramatic mountain scenery to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, we’ll walk along forest trails beside rivers and hot springs, observing the famous Japanese macaques bathing in the warm waters. Continuing through high-mountain landscapes, passing semi-active volcanoes, we’ll reach Kusatsu, a lively hot-spring town known for its vibrant central square. We’ll enjoy a stroll through the city park, which features open-air onsen, followed by free time for lunch. Our journey then takes us to Ikaho, another charming hot-spring town celebrated for its traditional stone stairways. We’ll explore the old town before checking in at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where we recommend relaxing in the hot springs. Dinner will be included. Please note that from November to April, weather conditions may affect visits to Kusatsu and the monkey park, and in autumn the monkeys’ movements can be unpredictable.

Today we travel to Nikko, a remarkable town famed for its ornate shrines and natural beauty. We’ll visit the Nikko-Toshogu Temple, renowned for its intricately carved “room with the sound of a dragon.” We’ll also explore the peaceful Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a dignified resting place set amid tranquil surroundings. Afterwards, we’ll take a gentle walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where rows of Jizo statues line the riverbank in quiet vigil. You’ll then have some free time to explore the town centre before we return to Tokyo, arriving around 6.30 p.m.

After breakfast, your tour concludes, leaving you with memorable experiences of Japan to cherish. You are free to continue exploring at your leisure or make your own onward travel arrangements.