Japan's Vibrant Cities and Serene Landscapes

Upon your arrival in Japan, you will be warmly welcomed to Tokyo. After completing the necessary customs formalities, you'll embark on a shared shuttle bus transfer to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish, providing the perfect opportunity to settle in and explore the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, there will be an informative session detailing the start of your tour. It is important to note that this tour may have travellers joining or departing at different points along the journey, resulting in a dynamic group composition. However, rest assured that the group size will always remain within the set maximum limits. 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 contrasting city of Tokyo with an extensive five-hour guided tour. Tokyo brilliantly marries its lively, modern neighbourhoods with serene, traditional spaces. We begin with a visit to Zojoji Temple, where you'll capture one of Tokyo's most iconic vistas, featuring the towering Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are home to numerous Jizo statues, which are believed to watch over children and are often decorated with knit caps, bibs, and colourful windmills.Our next stop is the bustling Shibuya Crossing, known to be the busiest intersection globally, followed by a visit to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. From there, our journey takes us by bus down the elegant Omotesando Avenue. We’ll admire the Imperial Palace's picturesque gardens and pause at the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.As we continue, we pass through Akihabara, famously known as the “Electric Town,” a haven for fans of Japanese manga and anime culture. We’ll drive by the famous sumo wrestling arena, Kokugikan, before concluding our tour in Asakusa. Here, we will visit the historic Sensoji Temple and stroll along the bustling Nakamise Street. A delightful lunch at a local restaurant is included, and then we return to the hotel.At 6:30 p.m., we reconvene with our guide in the hotel lobby to take the metro, tickets included, to the vibrant Shinjuku district. This lively area is renowned for its nocturnal energy, and we will enjoy wandering its spirited streets before heading to a local restaurant for dinner, which is included. We will return to the hotel via metro, guided back by our trusted guide.

Our day begins with a departure to Nikko, arriving around 10:30 a.m. We will explore the extraordinary Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famous for its captivating "Crying Dragon" room. This will be followed by a visit to the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in a tranquil and stunning location. A gentle stroll near the river at Kannanga Fuchi awaits, where a line of Jizo statues gaze quietly over the path. Later, you'll have some free time to discover the city centre at your pace. As our day unfolds, we'll journey on to Sendai, a dynamic and modern city bustling with over a million residents. Here, you'll have the chance to delve into its lively centre and enjoy dinner in this vibrant urban landscape.

Today, we set off for the enchanting city of Matsushima, located on the stunning 'Thousand Islands' Bay. Often acclaimed as one of Japan’s most picturesque spots, the beauty of Matsushima is sure to captivate you. Upon arrival, we will visit a charming tea house offering splendid views of the sea, where you can savour a cup of traditional tea while our guide provides fascinating insights into the area.Next, we’ll embark on a 50-minute cruise, enjoying lunch on board as we absorb the natural beauty around us. Our journey continues to Hiraizumi, rich with historical significance. We will explore its timeless temples, starting with Takkoku no Iwaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into the rock in the 9th century. We will also visit the awe-inspiring Buddhist temples of Chusonji and take a serene moment in the gardens of Motsuji Temple, where you can participate in an included Zen ceremony.We will conclude our day in Morioka, the welcoming capital of Iwate Province. Here, you’ll have some free time to explore this charming city at your own pace before settling into our hotel for the evening.

Today, we embark on a journey through captivating landscapes to reach Hirosaki, where we will explore its iconic castle surrounded by a scenic park, vibrant with over 2,500 cherry trees each spring. Our adventures continue as we proceed to Aomori, the provincial capital on Mutsu Bay. Here, we visit the Nebuta Museum and delve into Japan's lively festival traditions, reminiscent of carnival celebrations with their beautifully painted and illuminated floats. Lunch will be provided at a local eatery.Afterward, we will board a ferry for a picturesque journey, spanning just over three and a half hours, to the island of Hokkaido. Upon our arrival in Hakodate, we will explore its charming historic district, where the presence of the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian churches reflects a rich blend of cultural influences.

In the morning, we’ll immerse ourselves in local culture at Hakodate's bustling fish market, followed by a visit to Goryokaku Tower. Here, we’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views and admire the unique star-shaped design of Hakodate's historic fortress. Afterwards, you’ll have some free time to explore the castle grounds before we make our way to Onuma. In this enchanting natural environment, sprinkled with numerous small islands, you can choose to embark on a boat ride or enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic trails. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Later, we'll journey along the picturesque coastline to Noboribetsu, an area renowned for its extraordinary volcanic landscape. We'll explore the steaming vents of Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley, marvel at the ethereal mist over Lake Oyunuma, and follow a trail along a hot spring river to a viewing point where you can enjoy a soothing foot bath. Our day concludes as we continue on to Sapporo, arriving in the evening at Hokkaido's charming capital.

On the seventh day of our journey, we explore Sapporo, starting with a city tour that includes the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen – a park-like avenue dominated by the striking Sapporo TV Tower. Our visit continues to the beautiful Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where we participate in a traditional Kito ceremony, a prayer of gratitude for our travels.Beyond the city, we visit the architectural marvel known as the Hill of Buddha, inaugurated in 2015. This serene lavender-clad hilltop houses a gigantic Buddha statue. Amongst these grounds, we also encounter replicas of the famous Moai statues from Easter Island.Our adventures then take us to the enchanting town of Otaru, reminiscent of European charm, complete with bustling shopping streets, a historic canal, and delightful museums. A local restaurant will host us for lunch, after which we return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m., leaving the rest of the afternoon free for you to explore the city at your own pace.

Today, we'll immerse ourselves in the captivating culture of Hokkaido, beginning with a visit to Pirko Kotan, an Ainu village museum. Here, we'll uncover the rich heritage of the Ainu, the island's indigenous people, long predating the arrival of the Japanese. Our travels will take us through Hokkaido's stunning interior landscapes, passing by tranquil lakes and majestic mountains, leading us to the scenic spa town of Toyako. Situated at the base of an imposing volcano, Toyako is a charming town set on the shores of a lake nestled within an ancient crater. You'll have free time to wander along the lakeside and soak up the breathtaking scenery. We'll then explore the Volcanology Museum to gain insights into the area's volcanic activity, before ascending via cable car to the top of Mount Usu. Here, you'll have time to explore around the crater and take in the dramatic views of the volcanic landscape. Lunch will be provided. Our day continues to Tomakomai, where we'll embark on a modern ferry for an overnight journey. You'll stay in double cabins with private bathrooms, and dinner will be served on board. We'll sail across the Pacific Ocean, concluding our adventurous day.

We dock at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m. and set off for the enchanting temple complex of Yamadera, a spiritual retreat founded over a millennium ago. Nestled amidst the mountains and embraced by soaring trees, this ancient site emanates a unique and captivating ambiance. After a leisurely exploration capped with a sumptuous lunch, we journey to Yonezawa, renowned for its sake production. Here, we'll explore the Sake Museum, which houses a petite distillery offering insights into this traditional Japanese craft. Our expedition then winds through picturesque landscapes as we head to Aizuwakamatsu, where we'll spend the night.

We’ll begin our day in Aizuwakamatsu, where we'll visit the Samurai Mansion. Here, you’ll delve into the fascinating world of the samurai, discovering the unique way of life and traditions of these legendary warriors. We’ll continue our exploration with a walk through the serene castle garden, offering a glimpse of the distant castle, renowned for its distinctive red roof tiles.Our journey then takes us to Iimoriyama, a site steeped in history and home to sculptures—some gifted by Mussolini—that recount the poignant story of the city's young martyrs. Next, we travel to Ouchi-juku, a charming village famed for its well-preserved thatched-roof houses, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst its picturesque scenery. Our adventure proceeds to the remarkable Oya Museum, uniquely situated within former stone quarries, offering an intriguing insight into the area's geological history.In the evening, we’ll return to Tokyo, with our arrival scheduled for the end of the day.

After breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of the vibrant experiences and cultural insights gained throughout your time in Japan. Safe travels onward!