Journey Through Japan's Timeless Treasures

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo, complete the customs procedures before being transferred to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, you'll receive further 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.

In the morning, we will embark on an enriching five-hour guided tour of Tokyo, capturing the essence of this captivating city. Tokyo's vibrant energy and modern districts harmoniously exist alongside peaceful sanctuaries. Our journey commences with a short visit to Zojoji Temple, providing a chance to view the Tokyo Tower from a classic perspective. The temple grounds are home to hundreds of Jizo statues, intricately carved stone figures considered guardians of children, adorned in colourful knit caps, bibs, and pinwheels. Next, we will make our way to the renowned Shibuya Crossing, noted as the world's busiest intersection. From there, we will visit the Meiji Shrine, a place of reverence dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our exploration continues along the elegant Omotesando Avenue as we head towards the scenic gardens of the Imperial Palace, where we will pause to appreciate the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.Our route takes us through Akihabara, Tokyo's bustling "Electric Town" and a mecca for manga and anime enthusiasts. We will also glimpse the Kokugikan, Japan’s celebrated sumo wrestling arena. The tour concludes in Asakusa, where we will explore the historic Sensoji Temple and the lively Nakamise Street. Lunch at a local restaurant is included, after which we will return to the hotel.At 6:30 p.m., we will rendezvous with our guide in the hotel lobby and head to the vibrant Shinjuku district, using metro tickets included in your itinerary. Enjoy a leisurely walk through its bustling streets, famed for their dynamic nightlife, en route to a local restaurant for dinner, which is included. Afterward, we will return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

On our third day, we embark on an early morning bullet train journey to Kyoto, covering nearly 500 kilometres in just over two hours. This striking city, once Japan's capital from 794 to 1868, offers a captivating blend of historical significance and cultural richness. Remarkably, Kyoto was largely untouched during World War II, preserving its artistic heritage. Notably, it is where the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at combating climate change, was signed in 1997.Our exploration will take us to several of Kyoto's most celebrated landmarks. We will visit the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates, and the serene Imperial Palace. A highlight will be the Kinkakuji Temple, or the Golden Pavilion, renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.After our guided visits, you will have time to wander through Gion, Kyoto's traditional district, famed for its geishas and lively atmosphere. Take the opportunity to explore and soak in the unique ambience during your free time.

On the fourth day of our tour, we begin with a hearty breakfast before setting off along the shores of one of Japan's largest lakes. Our first destination is the serene Shirahige Ginra, a quaint lakeside shrine. From here, we continue to the tranquil Eihei-ji, a historic temple founded in 1244 that serves as a prominent centre for Zen Buddhism in Japan. This fascinating site, with its stunning gardens and spiritual aura, offers a glimpse into the monastic life of Zazen meditation practitioners.Our journey then leads us to Katsuyama, where three significant attractions await. We delve into the world of ancient giants at the Dinosaur Museum, situated on Japan's largest dinosaur fossil site, where you have the opportunity to explore fascinating exhibits featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons at your own pace and enjoy some free time for lunch.Following this, we marvel at the Great Buddha of Echizen, accompanied by its majestic temple and a towering five-story pagoda, offering sweeping panoramic views from above. By evening, we’ll make our way to Kanazawa, where our day concludes with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the adventures ahead.

We'll dedicate the entire day to exploring Kanazawa, starting with a guided city tour in the morning. Known for its historical significance, Kanazawa was once a prominent rival to Kyoto and Tokyo and, like Kyoto, escaped significant damage during World War II air raids. We'll visit the castle district, which features impressive walls, before taking a leisurely stroll through Nagamachi, the historic neighbourhood once home to samurai and their families. This area remains pristine, with its traditional residences, earthen walls, quaint entry gates, narrow passages, and water canals. Our tour also includes a visit to Kenrokuen, regarded as one of Japan's three most exquisite gardens. We'll conclude our guided tour at Omicho, a bustling traditional market where you'll find various lunch options. The afternoon is free for you to continue discovering Kanazawa at your own pace.

Today, we journey through the stunning mountain scenery of Gokayama and Shirakawago, exploring the charm of these traditional villages, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Their distinct houses, featuring steeply sloped roofs reminiscent of praying hands, are ingeniously designed to endure the heavy snowfall of winter. Our first stop is Ainokura, a quaint village perfect for a leisurely stroll and a bite to eat. Next, we visit Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, a larger village popular for its picturesque setting. After experiencing the serene beauty of these locations, we head to Takayama to visit the Hida Folk Village Museum, nestled in tranquil surroundings. This open-air museum comprises over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period, relocated here to preserve their historical significance. You can explore these fascinating spaces and discover the traditional tools and utensils used in everyday life. Our day concludes with free time to wander through Takayama's old town, known for its well-preserved wooden houses and charming shops.

Following breakfast, we'll venture to Hida Furukawa, where we'll take a leisurely walk through its picturesque old town. The town boasts an annual festival, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrated for its enormous drums and intricately adorned floats. We'll include a visit to the museum dedicated to showcasing these festival floats, costumes, and drums. Our journey continues through the captivating landscapes of the Japanese Alps, famous for their snow-laden vistas throughout much of the year. Upon reaching Matsumoto, we'll explore its magnificent castle, fondly referred to as the "Crow Castle" due to its striking black façade, dating back to the 16th century. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to savour lunch and discover the town at your own pace. We will conclude the day with a drive to Nagano, where we will settle in for the night.

Today, we embark on a journey through Nagano to Zenko-ji, a revered pilgrimage site housing Japan's first Buddhist image. You'll participate in the Gomakuyo ceremony, believed to bring blessings and good fortune. Our travels continue into the stunning Japanese Alps as we head to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. After enjoying lunch, you can take a peaceful stroll through the forests and rivers, where you’ll find colonies of Japanese macaques bathing in the hot springs.The adventure then takes us up to the lofty altitudes of 2,172 metres, passing semi-active volcanoes along the way. We will arrive in Kusatsu, a charming spa town with a vibrant main square. Here, you can take a gentle walk through the city park, which features an open-air onsen. Our day concludes in the picturesque spa town of Ikaho, known for its historic centre and iconic stair-stepped streets. Tonight, your stay will be at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you'll enjoy the baths and relish a traditional Japanese dinner.Please note, in the autumn months, the movement of the monkeys may vary due to the availability of mountain fruits, and the park might be inaccessible. Moreover, visits to Kusatsu could be subject to weather conditions between November and April.

Today, we continue our adventure to Nikko, a town renowned for its cultural treasures and stunning natural beauty. Our first stop is the remarkable Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famed for its intricate carvings and the intriguing "Room with the Sound of a Dragon." Here, you can marvel at the craftsmanship that exemplifies Japan's Edo Period. We'll also visit the Taiyuin Mausoleum, a peaceful and inspiring place surrounded by the lush forests of Nikko, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection.As we explore further, we'll wander along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where rows of Jizo statues, guardians of travellers and children, line the path beside the river. Take a moment to appreciate their steadfast presence in this tranquil setting.You'll have some leisure time in Nikko's town centre, providing an opportunity to discover local delights at your own pace. Later, we'll journey back to Tokyo, with an expected arrival around 6:30 p.m., allowing you to enjoy a relaxed evening in the bustling city.

Following breakfast, we will conclude our journey, leaving you with delightful memories of your time in Japan.