Tokyo to Koya Sacred Passage

Welcome to Japan. After clearing customs, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure. In the afternoon, we will provide essential information about the start of your tour, ensuring you are well prepared for the days 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.

We begin the day with an extensive guided tour of Tokyo, lasting around five hours. This city’s dynamic spirit blends futuristic districts with areas of calm and reflection. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, where you can admire the Tokyo Tower framed against hundreds of Jizo statues—stone guardians of children adorned with knitted hats and bibs. Next, we visit Shibuya Crossing, reputedly the busiest pedestrian intersection worldwide. We then explore Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Continuing by bus, we drive along the stylish Omotesando Avenue and stroll through the scenic grounds of the Imperial Palace, including a stop at the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. Passing through Akihabara, known as “Electric City” for its manga and anime culture, we arrive at Tokyo Skytree. Admission is included to Japan’s tallest structure, where we enjoy sweeping views of the city. Our final daytime visit takes us to Asakusa to explore Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street. We then return to the hotel to refresh. In the early evening at 6:30 p.m., we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway—tickets provided—to Shinjuku. Here, we walk through this lively district before dining together at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we travel back to the hotel by subway accompanied by our guide. Please note the visit order may vary depending on admission times or weather conditions; alternative city viewpoints will be offered if access to Tokyo Skytree is unavailable.

We’ll set off early from Tokyo on the bullet train, reaching Kyoto in just over two hours as we cover nearly 500 kilometres. Kyoto, Japan’s former capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court, was notably spared from bombing during World War II, preserving its rich artistic heritage. It is also known as the site where the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the day, we’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the striking Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji Temple, famously known as the Golden Pavilion, set amidst beautiful gardens. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district celebrated for its geisha culture and lively atmosphere.

We’ll set off for Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, a remarkable Buddhist complex dating back to 752, which houses a colossal Buddha statue. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in Nara Park nearby. Lunch is included. Afterwards, we’ll explore Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a seminary, monasteries, and one of the oldest wooden pagodas in the world. This temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan and remains an important place of worship. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Later, we’ll visit Dotonbori, a lively district famed for its colourful nightlife. Accommodation will be in Osaka.

We’ll set off for Himeji and visit its impressive castle complex, with admission included. This site is a prime example of traditional Japanese castle architecture. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue to Okayama to explore Korakuen Garden, celebrated for its lakes, waterfalls and traditional teahouses. Crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the chance to see Okayama Castle, a sixteenth-century fortress rebuilt in 1966 after wartime destruction (note that entry to the castle interior is not included). Afterwards, you’ll have some free time to explore Okayama city, a lively provincial capital home to over 700,000 people. Please note that on certain dates accommodation may be in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, with the visit to Kurashiki possibly taking place on the same afternoon.

We’ll travel to Kurashiki, known for its well-preserved historic district. You’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely walk through its charming streets, where the atmosphere of traditional Japan remains intact. Later, we’ll continue to Hiroshima, a city profoundly shaped by the events of 1945. We’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum to reflect on the city’s history and resilience. Afterwards, we’ll take a ferry to Itsukushima Island, famed for its shrine dedicated to the guardian of the seas, partly built over the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine and the picturesque town centre, with lunch included. We’ll then return to our hotel in Hiroshima, where dinner will be provided. The sequence of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without changing the overall plan.

Today, we’ll take a ferry to Shikoku Island, enjoying a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour crossing that highlights Japan’s nature as an archipelago. On arrival in Matsuyama, we’ll ride the cable car up to visit Matsuyama Castle, an impressive hilltop fortress offering insight into Japan’s feudal past. Afterwards, we’ll explore Ishiteji Temple, a notable Buddhist pilgrimage site with a rich history. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we’ll visit Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest traditional bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, where admission is included for you to experience its historic hot springs.

We’ll travel to Kotohira to visit the Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, a significant pilgrimage site set on Mount Zosu. Access involves climbing 785 steps, offering a rewarding experience. Next, in Takamatsu, we’ll explore Ritsurin Garden, widely regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we’ll stop in Naruto to see the impressive sea-spanning bridge, where you can walk along its glass floor and look down at the powerful whirlpools 45 metres below. Our route will then take us over a series of stunning bridges linking islands across the sea before we arrive in Kobe for overnight accommodation.

In Kobe, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which commemorates the devastating 1995 earthquake and the city’s remarkable recovery. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Osaka before heading to sacred Mount Koya, the principal centre of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, home to around 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll explore the Okuno Mausoleum, a vast and tranquil cemetery containing over 200,000 graves, set within natural surroundings. Our visit will also include Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593. We will stay overnight in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan), and dinner will be served as a vegetarian meal. If you wish, you may attend the temple’s religious ceremony before breakfast the following day. Please note that on some 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 is a unique experience with simple, traditional tatami rooms and shared bathrooms. During peak periods, we may stay in nearby hotels with half board included.

We’ll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple before departing at first light for Kyoto. Upon arrival, you’ll have a full day at your leisure to explore this remarkable city. Our guide will offer suggestions to help you discover Kyoto’s most fascinating sights, allowing you to tailor the day to your own interests.

After breakfast, your journey concludes, leaving you with many wonderful memories to take home.