Capitals of Japan ending in Kyoto

Welcome to Japan. After you complete customs formalities, we will transfer you to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will provide you with all the essential information about the start of your tour.
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. This city blends vibrant, modern neighbourhoods with tranquil, historic sites. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, where you can see hundreds of Jizo statues—stone figures adorned with knitted hats and bibs, believed to protect children—against the striking backdrop of Tokyo Tower. Next, we visit Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections worldwide, before heading to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We then travel by bus along Omotesando Avenue, known for its elegant architecture, and explore the scenic grounds of the Imperial Palace, including a stop at the famous Nijubashi Bridge. Continuing through Akihabara, Tokyo’s centre for manga and anime culture, we proceed to Tokyo Skytree. Admission is included to this tallest structure in Japan, where we enjoy panoramic city views. Our final stop is Asakusa, where we explore Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street before returning to the hotel.In the early evening at 6:30 p.m., we meet in the hotel lobby and take the subway with our guide to Shinjuku. You’ll have time to walk through this vibrant district before we share dinner at a local restaurant, after which we return to the hotel by subway accompanied by our guide. Please note the itinerary may be adjusted depending on Skytree admission times and weather conditions; if access to Tokyo Skytree is restricted, we will visit an alternative viewpoint.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the station to board the bullet train to Hiroshima, a journey of around four hours covering approximately 800 kilometres. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the city, deeply marked by the tragic events of 1945. Our visit includes a walk through Peace Memorial Park, viewing the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visiting the Peace Memorial Museum – a poignant tribute to resilience and hope after devastation. Later, we’ll take a ferry to Itsukushima Island, famed for Itsukushima Shrine, partially built over the sea and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, wander the island’s charming centre, and enjoy some lunch. We’ll return to Hiroshima for the evening, with dinner included. The order of visits may vary, but all planned experiences will be included.

Today we take a ferry to Shikoku Island, a scenic two-and-a-half-hour crossing that highlights Japan’s island geography. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, we ride the cable car up to explore its impressive castle, a fine example of traditional Japanese fortification. Next, we visit Ishiteji Temple, a notable Buddhist pilgrimage site with a rich history. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Later, we include admission to Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest public bathhouses, dating back to the 19th century, where you can experience a traditional Japanese hot spring bath.

We will travel to Kotohira to visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, located on Mount Zosu. Access involves climbing 785 steps, reflecting its status as an important pilgrimage site. Afterwards, we continue to Takamatsu to explore Ritsurin Garden, renowned as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. Later, in Naruto, we’ll stop at a remarkable bridge spanning the sea, where we’ll walk across its glass floor and observe the powerful sea whirlpools 45 metres below. Our route then takes us over scenic bridges connecting several islands. We conclude the day by arriving in Kobe for overnight accommodation.

In Kobe, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which commemorates the devastating 1995 earthquake and highlights the city’s impressive recovery. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Osaka before travelling to Mount Koya, the most important centre of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Here, we’ll explore the Okuno Mausoleum, a serene and extensive cemetery surrounded by nature, and visit Kongobuji Temple, originally established in 1593. We’ll spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation session (Ajikan). Dinner will be included, featuring a traditional vegetarian meal. If you wish, you can also attend the temple’s religious ceremony before breakfast. Please note that on certain dates the Earthquake Museum visit may be replaced by the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower. Accommodation in the monastery offers a unique experience with simple, traditional Japanese-style rooms and shared bathrooms. During busy periods, accommodation might be in a nearby hotel with half board included, and meditation sessions may not be guaranteed.

We begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple before departing early for Kyoto. Once Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court, Kyoto was largely spared during World War II, preserving its rich artistic and cultural heritage. It is also known for hosting the Kyoto Protocol on climate change in 1997. Our tour includes visits to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, the historic Imperial Palace, and Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion set amidst beautiful gardens. You will then have some free time to explore independently before we visit Gion, Kyoto’s lively district celebrated for its traditional Geisha culture, where you may wish to spend additional time absorbing the atmosphere. If you have previously visited Kyoto during this tour, your guide will offer suggestions for alternative areas to explore.

After breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with wonderful memories of your time in Japan.