Discover Japan's Rich Heritage Tokyo to Kyoto

Upon your arrival in Tokyo, after navigating customs, you'll be whisked away to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to explore or relax at your own pace. In the afternoon, you will be provided with all the necessary details to prepare you for the exciting days of exploration ahead. 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 immerse ourselves in the vibrant and captivating cityscape of Tokyo. Our day begins with a comprehensive guided tour, offering a fascinating glimpse into this dynamic metropolis over approximately five hours. Tokyo's exhilarating urban atmosphere stands in perfect harmony with its peaceful, serene retreats. Our first destination is Zojoji Temple, where we can marvel at one of the most iconic views of the Tokyo Tower. The temple's grounds are dotted with hundreds of Jizo statues, believed to safeguard children, each uniquely adorned with colourful knit caps, bibs, and windmills.Next, we experience the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing, renowned as one of the world's busiest intersections. From there, we will visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine, a site dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort. Our journey continues with a bus ride along the stylish Omotesando Avenue, providing glimpses of Tokyo's most picturesque spots, including the Imperial Palace and its beautiful gardens, alongside the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.Our tour takes us through the vibrant district of Akihabara, famously known as “Electric Town,” a hub for Japanese manga and anime culture. We'll also catch a sight of the Kokugikan, Japan’s celebrated sumo wrestling arena. Our morning concludes in the historic Asakusa district, where we'll visit the revered Sensoji Temple and explore the bustling Nakamise Street. A delightful lunch awaits us at a local restaurant before we head back to our hotel.In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., we reconvene in the hotel lobby with our guide to catch the metro to the lively Shinjuku district—an area celebrated for its vibrant nightlife. Here, we take a leisurely stroll along bustling streets to enjoy the local atmosphere, culminating in dinner at a local eatery. Our day winds down with a metro journey back to the hotel, expertly guided for a seamless experience.

Following breakfast, we'll make our way to the station to embark on the renowned bullet train to Hiroshima, a journey of approximately four hours covering 800 kilometres. Upon our arrival, we will delve into Hiroshima's poignant history, forever altered by the tragic events of 1945. Our exploration includes a walk through the Peace Memorial Park, housing the Atomic Bomb Dome and the poignant Peace Memorial Museum, both a testament to the city's remarkable resilience and hope in the face of devastation.The day continues with a ferry ride to an enchanting island, celebrated as a place where gods and men coexist. Here, we will visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, partially constructed over the sea and devoted to the deity guardian of the seas. You'll have time to wander through the captivating centre of the island and enjoy some lunch. We'll return to Hiroshima for the evening, where dinner is included in your itinerary. Please note that while the sequence of our visits in Hiroshima may alter, rest assured that all planned experiences will be fulfilled.

Today we’ll embark on a delightful ferry journey to Shikoku Island, lasting approximately two and a half hours, giving us an opportunity to appreciate Japan's composition of many islands. Upon our arrival in Matsuyama, we’ll ascend to its impressive castle via cable car. Following this, we’ll visit Ishiteji Temple, a captivating Buddhist site renowned as a destination for pilgrimages. A delicious lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we'll visit Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, where you can relax and soak up the history.

Today, we set off for Kotohira to visit a significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors. This important pilgrimage site is situated on Mount Zosa and is accessible by ascending 785 steps. Our journey continues to Takamatsu, where we will explore Ritsurin Garden, widely regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, which is included in today's itinerary.In Naruto, we will visit an extraordinary bridge that stretches across the sea. This offers a unique chance to admire its impressive engineering and walk on its glass floor for a thrilling view of the powerful whirlpools 45 metres below. Our scenic drive will take us across beautiful bridges that elegantly link the islands. We will conclude the day in Kobe, where we will settle in for the night.

In Kobe, we will begin our exploration by visiting the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a poignant tribute to the 1995 earthquake that devastated the city and an inspiring testament to Kobe's exemplary reconstruction. Our journey continues to Osaka before we make our way to Mount Koya, the heart of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This sacred site is home to 120 temples and monasteries, offering a serene setting for spiritual exploration. We will visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a tranquil space steeped in spirituality, surrounded by an expansive cemetery with over 200,000 graves nestled in nature. The Kongobuji Temple, dating back to 1593, will also be on our itinerary.Spending the night in a Buddhist monastery, we will have the unique opportunity to engage in a Zen meditation session known as Ajikan, led by the resident monks. Dinner, featuring a lovingly prepared vegetarian meal, will be included. For those interested, the early morning religious ceremony at the temple provides another enriching experience. Please note that on certain dates, the Earthquake Museum visit may be replaced with a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower. Accommodation at the monastery offers a valuable cultural experience with simple rooms featuring traditional tatami mats and shared bathrooms. During peak tourist dates, meditation sessions may not be available, and lodging might be in nearby hotels with half board due to limited capacity in Mount Koya's temple accommodations.

Today begins with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, setting the tone for a day rich in history and culture. Our journey will take us to Kyoto, Japan's capital from 794 to 1868 and a city renowned for its preserved artistic heritage, having remarkably escaped the bombings of World War II. Kyoto also gained fame as the location where the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997, addressing greenhouse gas emissions. During our visit, we’ll explore some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll start with the majestic Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Next, we’ll visit the historic Imperial Palace, once home to Japan’s emperors. Our tour will also include the illustrious Kinkaku-ji Temple, often referred to as the "Golden Pavilion," set amidst breathtaking gardens.Afterwards, you’ll have free time to discover Kyoto at your own pace. Later, we’ll visit the Gion district, famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and its vibrant Geisha culture, where you'll have further time to explore and soak in the unique atmosphere. If you have already explored Kyoto on this tour, our guide will be happy to offer alternative suggestions for additional exploration.

Following breakfast, our scenic journey will take us along the shores of one of Japan's largest lakes. Our first destination is Shirahige Ginra, a charming shrine nestled beside the lake, offering a tranquil start to the day. Our next visit is to Eihei-ji, an influential temple-monastery established in 1244, which serves as a significant Zen Buddhism centre in Japan. This sacred site is renowned for its stunning architecture, picturesque gardens, and serene atmosphere. It remains a crucial training ground for monks who engage in Zazen meditation and adhere to a strict daily regimen.Continuing our day, we head to Katsuyama, where we explore three notable attractions. The first is the Dinosaur Museum, situated at Japan’s largest dinosaur fossil site, where you'll have the opportunity to wander through the exhibits, viewing over 40 skeletons and enjoying some free time for lunch. We will also visit the impressive Great Buddha of Echizen and its splendid temple complex, complete with a five-story pagoda that offers sweeping views from its top. We conclude our day by making our way to Kanazawa, arriving in the evening, where we will be staying overnight.

Today, we will immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of Kanazawa. Our morning begins with a guided tour of the city, which miraculously escaped the destruction of World War II air raids and once competed with Kyoto and Tokyo in prominence. We will explore the castle area, marvelling at its formidable walls, before wandering through the historic Nagamachi neighbourhood, the residence of samurais and their families. This area offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved residences, earthy walls, private gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. Our exploration includes a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, celebrated as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, embodying the aesthetic of traditional Japanese landscape design. Our tour concludes at Omicho Market, a bustling locale with a diverse array of lunch options. The afternoon is free for you to discover Kanazawa at your own pace.

Today, we embark on a journey through the stunning mountain landscapes and traditional villages of the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These picturesque villages, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are renowned for their unique architectural style, characterised by steeply pitched roofs that resemble praying hands. These roofs are ingeniously designed to withstand the heavy snowfall that blankets the area in winter. Our first stop is Ainokura, a quaint village where you can take a leisurely stroll and soak up the serene atmosphere, followed by a visit to the larger and more frequently visited Shirakawa-go Ogimachi. You'll have ample time to explore and enjoy lunch amidst these charming settings.Our adventure then takes us to Takayama, where we will explore the Hida Folk Village Museum. Set in a tranquil landscape, this open-air museum features more than 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period, relocated here to recreate the ambience of bygone times. These historic structures offer fascinating insights into the tools and utensils that were once part of daily life. The rest of the day is free for you to wander through Takayama's old town, characterised by its charming wooden houses and traditional local shops.

Following breakfast, we'll set off to explore the historical charm of Hida Furukawa. This quaint town, renowned for its vibrant festival recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, boasts large traditional drums and ornately adorned floats. Our visit includes access to the museum, where you can marvel at displays of festival floats, costumes, and drums. Continuing our adventure, we'll traverse the picturesque Japanese Alps, celebrated for their snow-cloaked peaks that dominate the landscape for much of the year. Upon reaching Matsumoto, we'll explore its stunning castle, fondly referred to as the "Crow Castle" due to its striking black facade, which harkens back to the 16th century. You'll have some free time to enjoy lunch and wander through the town's inviting streets. As the afternoon unfolds, we’ll make our way back to Tokyo, arriving by the evening.

Following breakfast, our journey reaches its conclusion, leaving you with cherished memories to take home.