Wonders of Japan ending in Tokyo

Welcome to Japan. After clearing customs, we will transfer you to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will provide you with all the details for 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.

We begin the day with a comprehensive guided tour of Tokyo, lasting around five hours. Experience the city’s unique blend of vibrant energy and tranquil spaces as we visit key sites. We’ll pause briefly at Zojoji Temple, where you can photograph the iconic Tokyo Tower framed alongside numerous Jizo statues—stone guardians of children adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels. Next, we visit the famous Shibuya Crossing, reputed to be the world’s busiest intersection, before heading to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our tour continues by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue and around the scenic Imperial Palace grounds, including a stop at the renowned Nijubashi Bridge. We’ll drive through Akihabara, known as "Electric City" and a hub for manga and anime culture. Admission is included to Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure, where we enjoy outstanding panoramic city views. Finally, we explore Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street before returning to the hotel. In the evening at 6:30 p.m., we’ll meet in the hotel lobby to take the subway (tickets included) to Shinjuku. We’ll stroll through this lively district followed by dinner at a local restaurant (included). Afterwards, we return to the hotel by subway accompanied by our guide. Please note that the order of visits may vary depending on Tokyo Skytree’s admission times. In case of poor weather or other restrictions, we will offer an alternative iconic viewpoint.

We leave Tokyo and travel towards the Mount Fuji region, taking in the scenic landscapes along the way. Our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park, renowned for its striking pagoda and some of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. We then continue to Kawaguchiko, a picturesque town nestled by a serene lake and surrounded by mountains and flowering gardens. Upon arrival, we visit Fuji Sengen Shrine, traditionally the starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji, where we take a moment to offer thanks for the chance to experience this spiritually significant site. Afterwards, we enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko before driving up to Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station at 2,305 metres, passing through beautiful forests and landscapes on the way. Please note that in winter, access to the Fifth Station may be restricted due to snow, and we will go as far as permitted. We return to Kawaguchiko for an overnight stay at a traditional ryokan, where you can unwind in the onsen (public hot spring bath). Dinner is included. Accommodation may be in either Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats or Western-style rooms, occasionally in a Western hotel instead.

This morning, we follow a scenic route around the lakes to visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a quaint village restored after a 1966 typhoon. The traditional thatched-roof houses now serve as workshops, shops, restaurants and cultural displays, offering a window into Japan’s rural past. Next, we visit the stunning Shiraito Falls, where water cascades gently over 20 metres, creating one of Japan’s most beautiful natural scenes. Later, we continue to Nagoya to explore the Toyota Museum, with admission included. This museum showcases the history and innovation behind one of Japan’s most famous automotive brands. Finally, we travel onward to Kyoto for our overnight stay.

We’ll spend the day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s former capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was largely untouched during World War II, preserving much of its artistic and cultural heritage. Notably, the city hosted the signing of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, an important international agreement on climate change. Our tour begins in Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, also known as the "Bridge over the Moon," offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We’ll then visit Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a peaceful walk through its bamboo forest. Next, we’ll explore the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine with its famous torii gates, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji Temple—the “Golden Pavilion”—set within beautiful gardens. The order of visits may vary. After the tour, you’ll have free time to wander through Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district known for its lively atmosphere and geisha culture.

We depart for Nara to visit Todaiji, a remarkable Buddhist temple dating back to 752 and home to a giant Buddha statue. Here, you can take photos and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch is included. Afterwards, we’ll visit Horyu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, encompassing a seminary, monasteries, and temples. In the evening, we travel to Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, known for its modern vibrancy. We’ll take a walk through Dotonbori, a lively, colourful district famed for its bustling nightlife, before settling in for the night.

We’ll depart Osaka for Himeji to visit its extensive castle complex, a prime example of traditional Japanese fortress architecture. Admission is included. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue to Okayama and explore Korakuen Garden, renowned for its beautifully landscaped lakes, waterfalls, and tea houses. Crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the chance to see Okayama Castle’s exterior—a sixteenth-century structure rebuilt in 1966 after wartime destruction (note that entry inside the castle is not included). Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore Okayama city at your own pace, a lively provincial capital with just over 700,000 residents. On some dates, accommodation may be in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, and the visit to Kurashiki may occur in the afternoon of the same day.

We set off for Kurashiki, a city celebrated for its beautifully preserved historic district. You'll have time to enjoy a relaxed stroll through its charming streets, where the atmosphere of Japan’s past remains vivid. Afterwards, we travel to Hiroshima, a city marked by the events of 1945. We visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the moving Peace Memorial Museum, where the city’s history and resilience are thoughtfully commemorated. To conclude the day with calm reflection, we take a ferry to Itsukushima Island, known as the place “where men and gods live together.” Here, we visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, partly built over the water and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, wander through the picturesque town centre, and enjoy lunch locally. We then return to our hotel in Hiroshima for the evening, where dinner is included. Please note the order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without changing the overall itinerary.

Today, we take a ferry to Shikoku Island, enjoying a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour crossing that highlights Japan’s remarkable island geography. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, we ride the cable car up to Matsuyama Castle, an impressive historic fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. We then visit Ishiteji Temple, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual importance. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, where you can experience an authentic Japanese hot spring.

We travel to Kotohira to visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of sailors, an important pilgrimage site located on Mount Zosu. Reaching the shrine requires climbing 785 steps, offering a rewarding experience. Next, in Takamatsu, we explore Ritsurin Garden, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we continue to Naruto to see an impressive sea-spanning bridge. Here, we walk along a glass floor section, suspended 45 metres above the water, to view the powerful whirlpools below. Our route then takes us across a series of stunning bridges connecting islands in the sea, before we arrive in Kobe for our overnight stay.

In Kobe, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, dedicated to remembering the devastating 1995 earthquake and the city’s impressive recovery. Following this, we travel to Osaka before continuing to Mount Koya, the principal centre of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Here, we’ll explore the Okuno Mausoleum, an extensive cemetery set in natural surroundings with over 200,000 graves, and the Kongobuji Temple, originally constructed in 1593. We’ll spend the night at a Buddhist monastery where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation session (Ajikan). Dinner will be included, featuring a vegetarian meal. If you wish, you may also attend a religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast. Please note that on certain dates, the Earthquake Museum visit may be replaced by a trip to the Sake Museum or a visit to Kobe Tower. Accommodation at the monastery offers a unique experience with traditional Japanese rooms, shared bathrooms, and simple facilities. During busy periods, we may stay in nearby hotels with half board included, and meditation sessions cannot always be guaranteed.

We begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. At first light, we depart Mount Koya and travel to Kyoto. You will then have a full day at your leisure to explore this remarkable city. Our guide will offer suggestions to help you discover Kyoto’s most captivating sights and experiences, ensuring you make the most of your free time.

We depart Kyoto and travel through the picturesque countryside to Tsumago, a well-preserved village famed for its traditional wooden houses and historic charm. You’ll have some free time here to explore at your own pace, with lunch included. Afterwards, we continue to Matsumoto, a lively city known for its striking 16th-century castle, often called ‘The Crow’ due to its black exterior. We’ll visit the castle before you have free time to discover the city’s attractions independently. Later, we make our way to Nagano for our overnight stay.

In Nagano, we’ll visit Zenko-ji Temple, a significant pilgrimage site that houses Japan’s first Buddhist image. You will also take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual intended to bring good fortune. Afterwards, we’ll journey into the stunning Japanese Alps, travelling through impressive mountain scenery to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, we’ll explore forest trails, rivers, and hot springs where Japanese macaques bathe in warm waters. Our route continues through high-mountain landscapes reaching 2,172 metres (7,126 feet), passing semi-active volcanoes before arriving at Kusatsu, a charming hot-spring town known for its vibrant central square. We’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through the city park, featuring open-air onsens, and you’ll have free time for lunch. Next, we travel to Ikaho, another picturesque hot-spring town famed for its traditional stone stairways in the old town. We’ll stay overnight in a Ryokan, where you’re encouraged to relax in the hot-spring baths. Dinner will be a traditional Japanese meal. Please note, during autumn the monkeys’ movement can be unpredictable, and from November to April visits to Kusatsu or the monkey park may be affected by weather conditions.

We continue to Nikko, a remarkable town renowned for the Nikko-Toshogu Temple, where we visit the famed ‘room with the sound of a dragon.’ We’ll also explore the tranquil Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, an impressive and peaceful site. Afterwards, we take a walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, lined with hundreds of Jizo statues watching silently over the riverbanks. You’ll have some free time to explore the town centre before we return to Tokyo, arriving around 6:30pm. The tour concludes upon arrival in Tokyo—please check your flight details if you require an additional night. Although the transfer to the airport is not included, your guide will advise on the best public transport options to suit your onward journey.