Japan's Spiritual and Cultural Odyssey

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival in Osaka, we’ll arrange a transfer to your hotel, providing you with some free time to unwind and acclimate. As the afternoon unfolds, you'll receive all the essential information regarding the commencement of our tour. This initial day sets a relaxed pace to help you ease into the vibrancy of Japanese culture. Feel free to explore the surroundings at your leisure and soak in the essence of Osaka. 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 depart Osaka at 11:30 a.m., making our way to the revered Mount Koya, Japan's foremost centre of Shingon Buddhism. This sacred pilgrimage site is home to over 120 temples and monasteries. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a spiritual sanctuary cradled in nature, where more than 200,000 graves find their place. Our exploration continues to the Kongobuji Temple, established in 1593.Tonight offers a unique experience as we stay in a Buddhist monastery. Here, the monks will lead us in a Zen meditation practice known as Ajikan. Enjoy a vegetarian dinner, courtesy of your hosts. If you wish, there's an opportunity to witness a religious ceremony at the temple early the next morning before breakfast.Please note that during winter months, earlier nightfall may prevent us from visiting the interior of Kongobuji Temple. The monastery stay is particularly enriching—rooms are simple and traditional with tatami mats, and bathrooms are shared. During peak tourist times, meditation sessions might not be available. Accommodation in Mount Koya’s temples is limited; in some cases, groups may be lodged in nearby hotels with half board included.

After enjoying a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, we set off early for Kyoto, a city that gracefully served as Japan’s capital for over a millennium, from 794 to 1868, and remained largely untouched during World War II. Known for its profound historical and cultural significance, Kyoto was also the location for the signing of the groundbreaking Kyoto Protocol in 1997. Our exploration of Kyoto will include visits to some of the city's most celebrated sites. We’ll be captivated by the splendour of Fushimi Inari, a renowned Shinto shrine, and the regal setting of the Imperial Palace. We’ll also admire the exquisite Kinkaku-ji Temple, often referred to as the "Golden Pavilion" because of its beautiful gilded exterior and serene gardens. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace before we visit Gion, a vibrant district famed for its traditional Geisha culture. Here, you’ll have more leisure time to soak up the unique atmosphere. If Kyoto is familiar to you from previous travels, our guide will be happy to suggest alternative places to discover in the city.

After breakfast, we'll arrange a transfer to the station where we'll embark on a thrilling bullet train journey to Tokyo, covering nearly 500 kilometres in just over two hours. Upon arrival, you're free to explore Tokyo at your leisure, immersing yourself in the vibrant energy and myriad attractions this iconic city has to offer. Whether you're drawn to its cutting-edge architecture, bustling streets, or serene parks, Tokyo never fails to captivate visitors.

Today, immerse yourself in Tokyo's captivating blend of modernity and tradition during an extensive guided tour of this extraordinary city. We will spend approximately five hours exploring Tokyo's energetic atmosphere, where contemporary districts exist beautifully alongside tranquil sanctuaries. Our exploration starts with a visit to Zojoji Temple, offering a striking view of the iconic Tokyo Tower amidst its serene grounds filled with vivid Jizo statues. These delicately carved stone figures, adorned with colourful knit caps and bibs, are believed to protect children.We then proceed to Shibuya Crossing, famed as the world's busiest intersection, before visiting Meiji Shrine, a serene complex dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Continuing by bus along the fashionable Omotesando Avenue, we will admire the picturesque elements of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, stopping to appreciate the historic Nijubashi Bridge.Our journey takes us through the lively Akihabara district, known as 'Electric Town,' a hub of Japanese manga and anime culture, and we will drive past the Kokugikan, Japan's renowned sumo wrestling arena. Concluding the day in Asakusa, you will visit the historic Sensoji Temple and stroll along the bustling Nakamise Street. Lunch is included at a local restaurant before we return to the hotel.In the evening, meet our guide in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. to embark on a metro journey to the vibrant Shinjuku district, with metro tickets provided. Wander its bustling streets famed for lively nightlife as we head to dinner in a local restaurant, included in your tour. Accompanied by our guide, we will return to the hotel via metro later in the evening.

We set off on day six towards Nikko, arriving at this fascinating city by 10:30 a.m. Here, we'll explore the remarkable Nikko Toshogu Shrine, notable for its mesmerising "Crying Dragon" room. Our tour continues at the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a serene and impressive site steeped in history. We then enjoy a leisurely walk along the river at Kannanga Fuchi, where hundreds of Jizo statues watch over the path in silent repose. Following this, you'll have free time to wander around the city centre at your own pace. Later, we proceed to Sendai, a lively, modern city with a population exceeding one million. Here, you'll have the chance to explore its bustling centre and perhaps enjoy dinner amidst the dynamic urban atmosphere.

Today, we leave for the charming city of Matsushima, famous for its scenic "Thousand Islands" Bay nestled in the Pacific Ocean. Widely regarded as one of Japan's most picturesque locations, Matsushima offers a unique glimpse into the country's stunning natural beauty. Upon arrival, we'll visit a splendid tea house with a view of the sea, where we'll enjoy a traditional cup of tea while our guide shares insights into the area's rich history and culture. Following this, we embark on a 50-minute cruise around the bay, a perfect opportunity to savour a meal on board while taking in the beautiful vistas. Our journey continues to Hiraizumi, renowned for its historic temples. We begin by exploring Takkoku no Iwaya, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into rock in 801. We will also visit the celebrated Buddhist temples of Chusonji and find a moment of tranquillity in the gardens of Motsuji Temple. Here, there is an opportunity for you to participate in a Zen ceremony, with admission included as part of our tour. Our day concludes in the charming city of Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture, where we'll check into our hotel. You'll have some free time to explore this delightful city at your own pace.

Today, we journey through breathtaking landscapes toward Hirosaki, where we'll explore the iconic Hirosaki Castle. Nestled in a stunning park, the castle is a sight to behold, especially during spring when more than 2,500 cherry trees burst into bloom. Our travels will then take us to Aomori, the capital of the Mutsu Bay region. Here, we will delve into Japan's vibrant festival traditions with a visit to the Nebuta Museum, showcasing beautifully painted and illuminated floats reminiscent of carnival celebrations. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before boarding a ferry for a picturesque crossing to Hokkaido. The journey, which lasts just over three and a half hours, promises delightful views. Upon reaching Hakodate, we'll explore its charming historic district, where you can admire cultural influences including the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian churches.

In the morning, we start our exploration of Hakodate with a visit to its vibrant and bustling fish market, offering a fascinating insight into local culture. Afterwards, we ascend Goryokaku Tower to enjoy breathtaking views and admire the star-shaped design of the historic Goryokaku Fortress. Once you've taken in the sights, you'll have free time to explore the castle area at your own pace. Our journey continues to Onuma, where, amid a stunning natural setting sprinkled with numerous small islands, you're invited to take a relaxing boat ride or enjoy the scenic walking trails. We'll pause for lunch at a local restaurant, providing a delightful taste of the region's cuisine.In the afternoon, we travel along the picturesque coastline to Noboribetsu, renowned for its awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes. Here, we'll explore the steaming vents of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), admire the misty waters of Lake Oyunuma, and follow a trail along a hot spring river to a serene spot where you can unwind with a foot bath. We'll conclude our day's adventure with a journey to Sapporo, arriving in the evening in this vibrant northern capital of Japan.

Today, we embark on a captivating exploration of Sapporo. Our city tour features stops at the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, a scenic park-lined avenue boasting the towering Sapporo TV Tower. We'll also visit the impressive Hokkaido Jingu Shinto Shrine, where we participate in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer to express our gratitude for the journey. Venturing to the outskirts, we explore the Hill of Buddha, an avant-garde architectural marvel blanketed with lavender, which shelters a colossal Buddha statue. The site also includes replicas of the renowned Moai statues from Easter Island.Continuing on, we travel to Otaru, a quaint town with a distinct European ambiance. Here, you'll find lively shopping streets, an historic canal, and charming museums. Lunch is included at a local restaurant before we return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to discover the city at your own pace.

Today, we embark on a cultural journey to Pirko Kotan, the Ainu village museum, where we delve into the fascinating heritage of the indigenous Ainu people, the island's earliest inhabitants. Traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Hokkaido's interior, we encounter serene lakes and majestic mountain vistas before arriving in the charming spa town of Toyako. Nestled at the base of a striking volcano, Toyako offers picturesque views across a lake nestled within an ancient crater. You'll have free time to wander along the lakeshore, taking in the views.Our next stop is the Volcanology Museum, where we’ll gain insight into the region’s volcanic activity. We then take a cable car to the summit of Mount Usu, offering you the opportunity to explore the crater area and marvel at the dramatic volcanic scenery. Lunch is included during this part of our journey.We proceed to Tomakomai, where we'll board a modern ferry for an overnight voyage. You'll stay in comfortable double cabins with private bathrooms. Dinner is included on board, and we spend the night sailing across the Pacific Ocean, adding a unique touch to our adventure.

From the moment we arrive at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m., we embark on a journey to Yamadera, a breathtaking temple complex nestled in the mountains and surrounded by towering trees. With over a thousand years of history, this sacred site radiates a truly magical atmosphere that transports you back in time. Lunch will be provided as we soak in the serene surroundings and explore this enchanting location.Afterward, our travels take us to Yonezawa, renowned as one of Japan’s main sake-producing regions. Here, we visit the Sake Museum, where you'll delve into the rich tradition of sake brewing and witness a small distillery in action. As we continue through stunning landscapes, we'll arrive in Aizuwakamatsu, where we will spend the night, ready to discover more of Japan’s cultural treasures the following day.

In Aizuwakamatsu, we’ll explore the Samurai Mansion, a historic home that offers insights into the lives and traditions of Japan's famed samurai warriors. We’ll then take a leisurely walk through the castle garden, with a view of the distant castle, notable for its distinctive red roof tiles. Our exploration continues to Iimoriyama, a location with sculptures donated by Mussolini, commemorating the city's young martyrs. Our next destination is Ouchi-juku, a charming village celebrated for its traditional thatched-roof houses, evoking a bygone era. Here, we’ll have time to savour lunch in this picturesque setting. We’ll move on to visit the impressive Oya Museum, intriguingly set in former stone quarries, offering both historical and visual splendour.By evening, we’ll head back to Tokyo, marking the end of our remarkable journey. As this is our final day, it's important to confirm your flight details if an additional night’s stay is necessary. Though the departure transfer to the airport isn’t included, our guide will suggest convenient public transport options as you conclude your memorable adventure.