Japan's Enchanting Journey Temples and Traditions

Welcome to Japan! Once you've completed all necessary customs procedures, you'll be whisked away to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to explore or relax as you wish. In the afternoon, you'll receive important details about the start of our tour, ensuring you're fully prepared for the adventures ahead. Please remember that the composition of our group may change at various points during the tour as travellers join or depart along the route. However, we assure you that we will never exceed the maximum group size. 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.

We begin Day 2 with an invigorating five-hour guided tour of Tokyo, a city where futuristic districts beautifully contrast with peaceful retreats. We start at Zojoji Temple, offering a quintessential view of Tokyo Tower. Here, the grounds are dotted with numerous Jizo statues, lovingly adorned as protectors of children. Moving on, we visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing, renowned as one of the busiest intersections globally, followed by the serene Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort.Continuing our journey, we take a scenic drive along Omotesando Avenue, admiring the elegance of the area. Our exploration includes a glimpse of the majestic Imperial Palace with its beautiful gardens and the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We pass through Akihabara, the so-called "Electric Town," a vibrant hub for manga and anime enthusiasts, before viewing Kokugikan, Japan's prominent sumo wrestling arena.Our morning ends in Asakusa, where we visit the historic Sensoji Temple and stroll down Nakamise Street. Lunch is arranged at a local restaurant, after which we return to our hotel for a brief rest. In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., we regroup in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets provided) to the dynamic Shinjuku district. Here, we wander through its lively streets, known for their energetic nightlife, before heading to a local restaurant for an included dinner. We return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide, concluding an exciting day in Tokyo.

On the morning of Day 3, we'll embark on a thrilling journey by bullet train, whisking us from the dynamic cityscape of Tokyo to the historic charm of Kyoto. Covering nearly 500 kilometres in a little over two hours, you'll witness the seamless blend of modern technology and Japan's breathtaking scenery. As the former imperial capital, Kyoto boasts a cultural tapestry that remains largely intact, spared from the ravages of World War II, allowing the city to preserve its exquisite artistic heritage.We'll spend the day uncovering Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. First, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its stunning network of torii gates. Then, we’ll admire the grandeur of the Imperial Palace before heading to the magnificent Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, set in a beautifully landscaped garden. As you wander through these historical locations, imagine Kyoto's significant role, not only as a national capital but also as the birthplace of the Kyoto Protocol, a pivotal agreement in the global fight against climate change.We’ll wrap up our explorations with a stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s bustling traditional district, famed for its geisha culture and vibrant atmosphere. Following the guided activities, you'll have free time to meander through the enchanting streets at your leisure, perhaps discovering a quiet tea house or a bustling market.

We'll begin our day with a hearty breakfast before setting off alongside one of Japan's largest lakes. Our first stop is the charming Shirahige Ginra Shrine, situated by the lakeside. Next, we proceed to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery established in 1244 that serves as a pivotal centre of Zen Buddhism in Japan. The temple is renowned for its serene surroundings, exquisite architecture, and lush gardens, fostering a spiritual atmosphere ideal for Zazen meditation. There, monks adhere to a strict daily regime.In Katsuyama, our exploration continues with a visit to the Dinosaur Museum, the largest site for dinosaur fossils in Japan. You'll have some free time here to enjoy lunch and peruse educational exhibits featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons. Subsequently, we'll explore the Great Buddha of Echizen, nestled in a grand temple complex that includes a five-story pagoda, offering panoramic views from the top. We aim to arrive in Kanazawa by evening, concluding another day of enriching experiences.

We spend a captivating day in Kanazawa, starting with a guided city tour in the morning. Known as a historical rival to Kyoto and Tokyo, Kanazawa was notably untouched by wartime bombings, preserving its rich heritage. We explore the castle area, marvelling at its strong walls, and wander through the Nagamachi neighbourhood, which still exudes the era's atmosphere with its well-preserved samurai residences, earthen walls, and narrow alleyways. You'll catch a glimpse of the past as you navigate these historically significant streets. Our tour includes admission to Kenrokuen, acclaimed as one of Japan's top three gardens, showcasing exquisite landscape design. We conclude the guided tour at Omicho Market, a bustling spot packed with varied lunch options. The afternoon is free for you to further explore Kanazawa at your own pace.

On day six, we'll traverse the scenic mountain landscapes and lush forests of the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions, renowned for their picturesque traditional villages. Recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these villages feature unique houses with steeply pitched roofs resembling praying hands, designed to endure substantial winter snowfall. Our first stop is the quaint village of Ainokura, followed by Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, a larger and more frequented settlement. You'll have ample time to wander around these charming locales and enjoy lunch amidst their serene beauty. Our journey then continues to Takayama, where we'll explore the Hida Folk Village Museum. This open-air museum, set in a tranquil environment, comprises over 30 relocated traditional homes from the Edo Period (1603-1868), showcasing various tools and artefacts used in daily life. Afterwards, you'll have free time to meander through Takayama's old town, with its historic wooden houses and traditional shops, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Today, after breakfast, we'll set off for Hida Furukawa, where we'll wander through its delightful old town. The town is renowned for its festival, which has been honoured by UNESCO for its cultural significance, particularly its grand drums and ornate floats. Our visit will include entry to the museum, which displays the festival's floats, costumes, and drums. We then embark on a scenic journey across the Japanese Alps, famed for their snow-cloaked peaks for much of the year. On arrival in Matsumoto, we'll explore its impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its striking black hues, dating back to the 16th century. You'll have the afternoon free for lunch and a chance to explore this charming town at your own pace. Later, we'll head to Nagano for our overnight stay.

In Nagano, we'll begin our day with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple, a significant pilgrimage destination housing the first Buddhist image brought to Japan. We will participate in the Gomakuyo ceremony, which is believed to bring blessings and good fortune. From there, we travel into the picturesque Japanese Alps to explore the renowned Jigokudani Monkey Park. You'll have the opportunity to relish lunch and take a gentle walk through serene forests and alongside rivers, witnessing the Japanese macaques as they bathe in the natural hot springs.Our journey continues through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, reaching altitudes of 2,172 metres, passing near semi-active volcanoes. We will then make our way to Kusatsu, a delightful spa town known for its lively main square. Here, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the town park, which features an open-air onsen. Afterward, we'll travel to Ikaho, another charming spa destination, walking its historic streets lined with steps. Tonight, we will stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, offering the chance to relax in its baths and enjoy an included Japanese dinner.Please note that during the autumn months, the monkey behaviour might change due to the availability of mountain fruits, potentially affecting park visitations. Additionally, our visit to Kusatsu may be subject to weather-related cancellations from November to April.

We continue our adventure to Nikko, where we visit the renowned Nikko-Toshogu Shrine, famous for its unique acoustics, particularly in the "room with the sound of a dragon." Our exploration then leads us to the tranquil Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a serene sanctuary exuding a sense of peace. The journey continues with a leisurely walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where a line of Jizo statues gazes silently over the flowing river, offering a moment of reflection.Once we've soaked in the sights, you'll have some free time to wander through the heart of this captivating town. We then travel onwards to Sendai, one of Japan's most vibrant cities, boasting a lively urban atmosphere and a population that exceeds one million. In Sendai, your evening is free to explore the dynamic city streets and savour a meal amidst its bustling nightlife.

Today, we'll begin our excursion by travelling to Matsushima, a city renowned for its stunning location on the "Thousand Islands" Bay. Widely considered one of Japan's most beautiful spots, this area is known for its picturesque views. In Matsushima, we will visit a traditional tea house with breathtaking sea views, where we'll sit back with a cup of traditional tea, while our guide shares some insightful history about the city. Our exploration continues with a delightful 50-minute cruise around the bay, accompanied by lunch on board.From Matsushima, we continue our adventure to Hiraizumi, a place rich in history. Our first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Takkoku no Iwaya, a stunning temple intricately carved into the rock face in 801 AD. We'll then explore the Chusonji Temple, a site of profound Buddhist significance. The day's activities will also include a serene walk through the scenic gardens of Motsuji Temple, where you have the option to partake in a Zen ceremony, which is included in your tour. As the day winds down, we'll make our way to Morioka, the charming capital of Iwate Prefecture. Here, we will check into our hotel for the evening, and you will have some free time to wander around and soak in the local atmosphere.

Leaving Morioka in the morning, we travel through picturesque landscapes to reach Hirosaki. There, we'll explore its well-preserved castle, nestled within a park renowned for its stunning display of over 2,500 cherry trees during spring. Following our visit, we'll continue on to Aomori, the capital city on Mutsu Bay. Here, we'll delve into the vibrant local culture at the Nebuta Museum, showcasing the region's exciting festival traditions, which feature brilliantly painted and illuminated floats reminiscent of carnival celebrations. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant before we embark on a scenic ferry journey of just over three and a half hours to the island of Hokkaido. Upon reaching Hakodate, we will explore the charming historic district, revealing the city’s multicultural influences with highlights such as the Russian Orthodox Church and various Christian churches.

We will start our day in Hakodate with a visit to its vibrant fish market, offering a fascinating glimpse into local life. Following this, we will ascend Goryokaku Tower to relish breathtaking panoramic views and admire the unique star-shaped design of Hakodate's historic fortress. You'll then have some free time to explore the castle area before we make our way to Onuma.At Onuma, a stunning natural setting peppered with numerous small islands, you’ll have the freedom to embark on a scenic boat ride or wander along picturesque trails. We will include lunch at a local eatery. In the afternoon, our journey continues along the coast to Noboribetsu, renowned for its dramatic volcanic terrain. Here, we will traverse the steamy vents of Jigokudani, take in the sight of the mist-shrouded Lake Oyunuma, and follow a trail alongside a hot spring river to a serene spot for a refreshing foot bath.Later, we’ll travel onward to Sapporo, where we will arrive in the evening at this charming northern capital of Japan.

Today in Sapporo, we embark on an exciting city tour, including visits to the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, a picturesque, park-lined avenue crowned by the towering Sapporo TV Tower. Our exploration continues at the stunning Hokkaido Jingu Shinto Shrine, where we participate in a traditional Kito ritual, offering prayers of gratitude for our journey. Venturing to Sapporo's outskirts, we'll discover the Hill of Buddha, an artistic marvel of contemporary architecture that opened in 2015. This lavender-covered mound houses an impressive Buddha statue and features replicas of the famous Moai statues from Easter Island, adding to its unique charm.Next, we head to Otaru, a delightful town with a European flair, where vibrant shopping streets, a scenic canal, and quaint museums await. Lunch will be provided at a local eatery, offering a taste of local cuisine. We'll return to Sapporo by 3:30 p.m., leaving the rest of the afternoon free for you to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Whether you choose to indulge in local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, or simply wander the lively streets, Sapporo offers endless possibilities for discovery.

We'll begin our day by exploring the Pirko Kotan, immersing ourselves in the rich culture of the Ainu people, the island's indigenous inhabitants. As we journey across Hokkaido's stunning interior landscapes, you'll be captivated by the serene lakes and majestic mountains. Our next stop is the charming spa town of Toyako, nestled at the base of an impressive volcano. Here, you'll have free time to stroll along the picturesque lakeshore, taking in the breathtaking views.We'll then visit the Volcanology Museum to learn about the area's volcanic activity before taking a cable car up Mount Usu. From the summit, you'll have time to explore the crater and admire the dramatic scenery. We’ll enjoy lunch and then head to Tomakomai, where we’ll embark on a modern ferry for our overnight crossing. You'll be accommodated in comfortable double cabins with private bathrooms. Dinner will be provided as we set sail across the Pacific Ocean, spending the night onboard.

After arriving at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m., we'll set off for Yamadera, a captivating temple complex nestled in the mountains. Founded over a millennium ago, it is surrounded by towering trees that infuse the site with an enchanting atmosphere. We'll enjoy an included lunch and have time to explore this sacred haven. Our journey then continues to Yonezawa, renowned as a key sake-producing region. Here, we'll visit the Sake Museum, featuring a small distillery that offers insights into this traditional craft. As we journey through the picturesque landscapes, we'll finally arrive in Aizuwakamatsu, where we'll spend the night.

Today, we begin our day in Aizuwakamatsu with a visit to the Samurai Mansion, where you'll delve into the fascinating history of the legendary samurai warriors and their lifestyle. Following this, we'll take a gentle stroll through the castle garden, offering a distant view of the castle distinguished by its striking red roof tiles. Our exploration continues to Iimoriyama, a compelling site noted for its sculptures gifted by Mussolini and its poignant story of the city's youthful martyrs.Next, we journey to the charming village of Ouchi-juku, renowned for its traditional thatched-roof houses. You'll have time to wander, enjoy the surroundings, and find a spot for lunch. We then proceed to the remarkable Oya Museum, set in former stone quarries, providing a unique backdrop for your visit. In the evening, we return to Tokyo, concluding the day's adventures as we arrive back in the bustling capital.

As your journey draws to a close, savour one final breakfast in Tokyo. With a tapestry of memorable experiences collected over the course of your travels, you'll take these treasured recollections with you as you depart. Safe travels and we hope these wonderful memories of Japan stay with you for a lifetime.