Japanese Odyssey Temples, Culture, and Nature

Welcome to Japan and to Tokyo. After you clear immigration and customs, we’ll arrange a shared shuttle bus transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure – you can unwind after your flight or take a gentle stroll nearby. In the afternoon, we’ll provide full details 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. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

This morning we’ll set off on a guided city tour of around seven hours, showcasing Tokyo’s dynamic districts alongside its tranquil temples and shrines. We’ll make a brief stop at Zojoji Temple for one of the best views of Tokyo Tower, and you’ll see rows of Jizo statues – guardians of children – dressed with knitted hats, bibs and pinwheels. We’ll then continue to Shibuya Crossing, viewed from the bus, before visiting Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife.Next, we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree – admission included to the Tembo Deck at 350 metres – for sweeping city views. We’ll finish in Asakusa to explore Sensoji Temple and stroll Nakamise Street. On our return to the hotel, we’ll pass through Akihabara – the Electric City and a centre of manga and anime culture – and the Ginza district.At 6:30 p.m. we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway – tickets included – to Shinjuku for a short walk through this lively area, followed by an included dinner at a local restaurant. We’ll return to the hotel by subway with our guide.Please note: the order of visits may vary depending on the Skytree admission time. In case of bad weather or exceptional circumstances, Skytree access may be limited – an alternative viewpoint will be offered.

We depart Tokyo early by bullet train, arriving in Kyoto in just over two hours after covering almost 500 km. The day is devoted to Japan’s former imperial capital – seat of the Imperial Court from 794 to 1868 – which was spared wartime bombing and later hosted the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. We’ll visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, set within elegant gardens. We’ll then spend time in Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district known for its geisha heritage and lively atmosphere. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to continue exploring at your own pace.

We’ll depart Kyoto for Nara to visit Todai-ji, a remarkable Buddhist temple founded in 752 and home to a giant Buddha statue. In Nara Park you can take photos and meet the friendly deer that wander freely. Lunch is included.Afterwards, we’ll continue to Horyu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising a seminary, monasteries and temples – its central pagoda is among the oldest wooden structures in the world and the complex is regarded as Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple.We’ll then travel on to Osaka, arriving in the evening for our overnight stay in this vibrant, modern city. Later, we’ll visit Dotonbori – a lively, colourful district known for its animated nightlife.

We depart Osaka for Himeji to explore its vast castle complex – admission included – a striking showcase of traditional Japanese castle architecture. After lunch at a local restaurant – included – we continue to Okayama to visit Korakuen, one of Japan’s most admired gardens, with lakes, waterfalls and traditional teahouses. By crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you can visit Okayama Castle, a sixteenth‑century fortification rebuilt in 1966 after wartime destruction – entry to the castle interior is not included. You’ll then have free time to discover this lively provincial capital of just over 700,000 residents. Note: On some dates, we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, and the visit to Kurashiki may take place this afternoon.

We leave Okayama for Kurashiki, renowned for its beautifully preserved historic centre – you’ll have time for a relaxed stroll through its characterful streets. We then continue to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum, reflecting on the events of 1945 and the city’s resilience.Afterwards, we take a ferry to the island often described as the place where men and gods live together. Here we visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and partially built over the water. You’ll have time to wander the town centre and enjoy lunch before we return to our hotel in Hiroshima, where dinner is included. Please note – the order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without altering the overall itinerary.

Today we take the ferry to Shikoku Island – a pleasant crossing of around two and a half hours and a good reminder that Japan is made up of many islands. On arrival in Matsuyama, we ride the cable car to visit its impressive castle, then continue to Ishiteji, a beautiful Buddhist temple and popular pilgrimage site. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon we include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.

We leave Matsuyama for Kotohira to visit the Shinto shrine dedicated to seafarers, set on Mount Zosu – the approach involves climbing 785 steps. We then continue to Takamatsu to explore Ritsurin Garden, regarded as one of Japan’s finest. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, we stop in Naruto to visit the bridge that spans the sea – we explore its construction and follow the glass-floored walkway 45 metres above the water to view the powerful whirlpools below. We then drive a scenic route across island‑linking bridges and arrive in Kobe for the night.

In Kobe, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which honours the 1995 earthquake and the city’s remarkable reconstruction. We then continue to Osaka before heading to sacred Mount Koya – the principal centre of Shingon Buddhism with around 120 temples and monasteries.On arrival, we’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual site and vast cemetery set in nature with more than 200,000 graves. We’ll also visit Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.We’ll spend the night in a Buddhist monastery. Rooms are simple in traditional Japanese style with tatami mats and shared bathrooms. Monks will lead a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan), and dinner is included – a vegetarian meal. If you wish, you can attend the temple’s religious ceremony before breakfast.Please note that on certain dates the Earthquake Memorial Museum visit may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower. The meditation practice cannot be guaranteed during peak tourist periods. As temple accommodation on Mount Koya is limited, some groups may stay in nearby hotels with half board included.

We begin with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, then depart at first light for Kyoto. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace – our guide will share recommendations and practical tips to help you make the most of your time and reach the city’s most captivating sights.

We’ll depart Kyoto for Tsumago, travelling through scenic countryside. This small village of traditional wooden houses is regarded as one of the prettiest places in Japan. You’ll have free time to explore, and lunch is included. We’ll then continue to Matsumoto, a lively city, to visit its impressive 16th–century castle, nicknamed The Crow. After the visit, you’ll have free time to discover the city at your own pace. We’ll finish the day in Nagano for an overnight stay.

In Nagano, we visit Zenko-ji Temple, a renowned pilgrimage site that houses Japan’s first Buddhist image, and we take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual intended to invite good fortune. Afterwards, we travel into the Japanese Alps to Jigokudani Monkey Park, walking along forest paths by rivers and hot springs where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe. We continue through beautiful high mountain landscapes – reaching 2,172 metres (7,126 feet) – and pass semi active volcanoes en route. Our next stop is Kusatsu, a hot-spring town with a lively central square; we take a gentle stroll through the town park with its open air onsen, then you have free time for lunch. We continue to Ikaho, another hot-spring town, where we wander the old centre and its traditional stone stairways. We stay overnight in a ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn – and include a traditional Japanese dinner; you can also enjoy the onsen baths at the ryokan.Note: In autumn, the monkeys’ movements can be unpredictable depending on food availability; if they do not come down, the park may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may also be cancelled due to weather conditions from November to April.

We continue to Nikko to visit the impressive Nikko–Toshogu Temple – renowned for its room where the dragon’s call echoes – and the serene Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum. We then take a riverside walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, watched over by rows of Jizo statues. You’ll have free time to explore the town centre before we return to Tokyo, arriving at around 6.30 pm.

We leave Tokyo for Kamakura, once Japan’s capital for two centuries and renowned for its temples and gardens. At Hokoku-ji Zen Temple we wander through the bamboo grove – admission and a cup of green tea included – then visit Sugimoto-dera, founded in 734 and considered the city’s oldest temple. You’ll have free time in the pleasant town centre before we continue to the Great Buddha – admission included.We follow the Pacific coast to Enoshima, a small island linked to the mainland by bridge. You’ll have free time for lunch and a seaside walk. Later we continue to Odawara for included entry to its castle – an impressive fortress from the Edo period, restored in the 20th century – before settling in for the night.

From Odawara we travel into the Hakone region – a landscape of lakes and mountains near Mount Fuji. We begin with an ascent to Owakudani, the Valley of Hell, a volcanic crater with steam vents, bubbling pools and sulphur gases. Please note that access may close due to volcanic activity or gas levels – if so, we visit Arakurayama Sengen Park instead.We continue to Oshino Hakkai, a small village with eight ponds and fine views of Mount Fuji, then on to Kawaguchiko, an idyllic town of small houses, flowers and mountains beside its lake, where we include a scenic boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko.Later, we drive up Mount Fuji along the road to the Fifth Station at 2,305 metres – surrounded by forests and sweeping views. In winter, this road is often closed by snow or weather – we will go as far as conditions allow.We return to Tokyo at the end of the day. Your journey ends here – please check your flight time in case you need an extra night. Departure transfer to the airport is not included, and our guide will advise on the best public transport for your onward journey.