Epic Japanese Journey Through Time

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo and completing the necessary customs procedures, you will be transferred to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore or relax as you wish. In the afternoon, we will provide you with all the details you need 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. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

The day begins with an invigorating guided tour of Tokyo, lasting approximately five hours. Our exploration starts at the stately Zojoji Temple, where you can take in the breathtaking sight of the Tokyo Tower framed perfectly behind the temple—a moment that beautifully captures the blend of modern and traditional Japan. Here, you'll find the temple grounds peppered with vibrant Jizo statues, each adorned with colourful knit caps and bibs, representing guardianship over children.Next, we dive into the city's lively rhythm at Shibuya Crossing, celebrated as the world's busiest intersection. From there, we visit the revered Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, offering a serene contrast to the bustling city. Our journey continues by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue before arriving at the Imperial Palace to witness its picturesque gardens and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.We then venture through Akihabara, famously known as "Electric Town," a vibrant district teeming with elements of Japanese manga and anime culture. As we traverse the city, we'll pass the renowned sumo wrestling arena, the Kokugikan, before concluding our tour in Asakusa with a visit to the historic Sensoji Temple and the lively Nakamise Street, brimming with traditional shops. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.In the evening, we'll reconvene with our guide in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. and take the metro to the energetic Shinjuku district. Amid its vibrant nightlife, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through bustling streets before savouring dinner at a local eatery. Afterward, our guide will accompany us back to the hotel via metro, wrapping up an exciting day of discovery in Tokyo.

On Day 3, we’ll embark on a scenic journey to the breathtaking Mount Fuji area, passing through captivating landscapes en route. Our first stop will be Arakurayama Sengen Park, where beautiful pagodas frame iconic views of Mount Fuji. Afterwards, we’ll proceed to Kawaguchiko, a delightful town encircled by mountains and vibrant flora, nestled by its tranquil namesake lake. Here, we’ll visit Fuji Sengen Shrine, a serene site set amid towering trees that marks the traditional start of pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. Our day also includes a leisurely boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, offering a chance to soak in the peaceful beauty of the surroundings. We’ll then ascend to the fifth station on Mount Fuji via a picturesque road, reaching an altitude of 2,305 metres, with stunning forested vistas along the way. Please note, during winter the ascent may be limited due to snow or adverse weather conditions, but we will go as far as conditions permit. We’ll return to Kawaguchiko where you can enjoy a relaxed stroll beside the lake. Tonight, we’ll have the unique experience of staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can unwind in the onsen (public bath). Dinner will be provided. Rooms at the ryokan may feature traditional tatami mats or be Western-style, and occasionally accommodation might be arranged in a Western-style hotel.

In the morning, we'll take a scenic drive around picturesque lakes to reach Iyashi no Sato Nenba. This charming village, devastated by a typhoon in 1966, has been thoughtfully restored as an open-air museum. Here, you'll explore traditional houses that have been transformed into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a unique peek into Japan's past.We'll then set off to admire the magnificent Shiraito Falls, a stunning natural wonder where water gracefully cascades down a 20-metre height, creating a mesmerising spectacle. After soaking in the beauty of the falls, we'll continue to Nagoya to visit the Toyota Museum. Admission is included, and car enthusiasts or anyone intrigued by automotive innovation will find this a fascinating stop.As the day draws to a close, we'll proceed to Kyoto, where we'll spend the night, resting up for tomorrow's adventures in this historic city.

We'll dive into Kyoto's rich history and culture today, as we spend the day exploring this former capital of Japan, which served as the heart of the Imperial Court from 794 to 1868. Remarkably, Kyoto's artistic heritage has remained largely intact, as it was spared from the devastation of bombing during World War II. Kyoto is also renowned as the birthplace of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement on climate change.Our exploration begins in Arashiyama, where we will take in the scenic beauty of the Togetsukyo Bridge, or "Bridge over the Moon," which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. We'll then visit the Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's five great Zen temples, followed by a tranquil walk through the enchanting bamboo forest.Our journey continues with visits to the famed Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates; the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, often referred to as the "Golden Pavilion" for its stunning gold-leaf exterior, set amidst beautifully manicured gardens. Please note that the order of our visits may vary throughout the day.After the tour, you'll have the opportunity to wander through Gion, Kyoto's colourful traditional district, famed for its vibrant atmosphere and geisha culture. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before reconvening at the end of the day.

We begin our day with breakfast before setting off along the shore of one of Japan's largest lakes. Our first destination is the serene Shirahige Ginra Shrine, nestled by the water's edge. Next, we journey to Eihei-ji, a historic temple-monastery founded in 1244, which serves as a significant centre for Zen Buddhism in Japan. Here, amid tranquil gardens and remarkable architecture, monks dedicate themselves to the practice of Zazen meditation and maintain a disciplined daily regimen.Continuing to Katsuyama, we explore three fascinating sites. Firstly, the Dinosaur Museum, situated at Japan’s largest dinosaur fossil site, provides ample free time for lunch and a chance to marvel at its countless exhibits, which include over 40 dinosaur skeletons. We then visit the imposing Great Buddha of Echizen and its temple, complete with a climbable five-story pagoda offering panoramic views. By evening, we arrive in the city of Kanazawa, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's discoveries.

Our day in Kanazawa will be filled with exploration and discovery, beginning with a guided tour in the morning. As a city that once rivalled Kyoto and Tokyo, Kanazawa is rich in history and culture, having remained unscathed during World War II air raids. We'll start with a visit to the castle area, renowned for its impressive walls, before strolling through the historic Nagamachi neighbourhood. This area vividly preserves the atmosphere of the samurai era, with its ancient residences, earthen walls, and traditional water canals. We'll also include a visit to Kenrokuen, regarded as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, offering a serene and picturesque escape. Our morning will conclude at Omicho Market, a lively traditional market where you'll find a variety of lunch options. The afternoon is yours to further explore Kanazawa. You might want to delve deeper into its cultural offerings, visit art museums, or simply wander through its charming streets.

We'll embark on a captivating journey through the Gokayama and Shirakawa regions, where we'll be surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and dense forests. These areas are renowned for their UNESCO World Heritage-listed traditional villages, recognised for the unique architectural style of their "praying hands" houses. With their steep, sloped roofs, these structures are ingeniously designed to endure heavy snowfalls typical of the region. Our first stop is the quaint village of Ainokura, followed by a visit to Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, a larger settlement that attracts visitors with its picturesque charm. There will be ample time to meander through the villages and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Our travels will continue to Takayama, where we will explore the Hida Folk Village Museum. This serene open-air museum houses over 30 relocated traditional Edo-period buildings that authentically portray past rural Japanese life. Each building showcases the tools and daily necessities used in bygone eras. Afterwards, you'll have time to explore Takayama's old town, famed for its delightful wooden structures and inviting traditional shops.

Following breakfast, we will set off for Hida Furukawa, a quaint town known for its traditional charm. As we wander through the picturesque old town, you will discover the rich heritage of the city's UNESCO-listed festival, celebrated for its grand drums and exquisitely adorned floats. Admission to the museum which displays these festival costumes, floats, and drums is included. Our journey will then take us across the magnificent Japanese Alps—a region renowned for its snow-covered peaks that remain glistening for most of the year. Upon reaching Matsumoto, we will explore its famed 'Crow Castle,' a majestic structure dating back to the 16th century, named for its striking black exterior. Following this visit, you will have time at your leisure to enjoy lunch and soak in the town's unique atmosphere. In the afternoon, our journey will continue to Nagano, where we will stay overnight.

Today in Nagano, we'll visit Zenko-ji, a revered Buddhist temple that houses the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. We'll take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a symbolic act believed to bring blessings and good fortune. Next, we'll journey into the Japanese Alps to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you'll experience a serene walk through forests and hot springs, and enjoy watching Japanese macaques in their natural habitat. After lunch amidst this stunning alpine scenery, we’ll continue our ascent to majestic views at 2,172 metres, taking in the sight of semi-active volcanoes. Our travels lead us to Kusatsu, a lively spa town well-known for its onsen, where we'll meander through the city park. We'll then head to Ikaho, another quaint spa town renowned for its tiered stone streets. Tonight, we're staying at a traditional ryokan, where you can unwind in the bath and enjoy an authentic Japanese dinner that's included. Please note that during autumn, the park's opening is subject to the monkeys' movements, and the visit to Kusatsu might be cancelled due to winter weather from November to April.

Today, we'll venture into the captivating town of Nikko, where we will explore the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Shrine, renowned for its remarkable architecture and the fascinating "Room with the Sound of a Dragon." Our visit will also take us to the serene Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a tranquil haven exuding peace and harmony. Afterward, we'll enjoy a leisurely walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where rows of quietly observing Jizo statues line the path by the river. You'll have some free time to further explore Nikko's enchanting town centre at your own pace before we continue our journey to Sendai. Known as a vibrant and modern city with a population surpassing a million, Sendai offers bustling streets and a lively city centre, perfect for discovering local flavours and enjoying dinner.

We set off for the picturesque city of Matsushima, nestled on the “Thousand Islands” Bay in the Pacific Ocean, renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Upon arrival, we'll visit a charming tea house offering splendid views of the sea, where we’ll savour a cup of traditional tea while our guide shares insightful information about the city. Following this, we'll embark on a 50-minute cruise, allowing us to enjoy lunch aboard whilst taking in the serene waterscapes.Our tour then continues to Hiraizumi, a place steeped in history and culture. Here, we'll explore its famed temples, beginning with the Takkoku no Iwaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spectacularly carved into rock in 801. We’ll also wander through the splendid Buddhist temples of Chusonji and find tranquility in the gardens of Motsuji Temple. Included in this visit is the opportunity to participate in a Zen ceremony, offering a moment of calm amidst our journey. The day concludes in the charming capital of Iwate Province, Morioka, where we’ll check into our hotel and have some free time to discover the city at our own pace.

Today, we journey through a picturesque region to the city of Hirosaki. Here, we will visit the iconic Hirosaki Castle, set in a park renowned for its vibrant display of over 2,500 cherry trees each spring—a sight not to be missed. Continuing onward, we arrive in Aomori, the capital of Mutsu Bay. Our exploration includes the Nebuta Museum, where you will learn about the city's dynamic festival tradition, famous for its colourful, illuminated floats reminiscent of carnival celebrations. A delightful lunch will be served at a local restaurant, providing a taste of regional cuisine. Following our visit, we embark on a scenic ferry crossing to the island of Hokkaido, a journey lasting just over three and a half hours. Our destination is Hakodate, where we will explore its charming historic district. Enjoy the unique cultural influences here, exemplified by the Russian Orthodox Church and other impressive churches.

In the morning, we'll immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere of Hakodate's bustling fish market, offering an authentic glimpse into local life. Our next stop is Goryokaku Tower, where panoramic views reveal the impressive star-shaped design of Hakodate's historic fortress. You'll have some free time to explore the surroundings of the castle area before we continue our journey to Onuma. Here, in this breathtaking natural haven interspersed with hundreds of small islands, you'll have the chance to enjoy a leisurely boat ride or stroll along the picturesque trails. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, our travels along the coastline will bring us to Noboribetsu, renowned for its striking volcanic landscapes. We'll wander through the steaming vents of Jigokudani, or 'Hell Valley', marvel at the mist-covered Lake Oyunuma, and follow the trail along a hot spring river to a stunning spot where you can soak your feet in the relaxing bath. Our day concludes with a journey to Sapporo, arriving in the evening in this vibrant northern capital of Japan, where we'll prepare for our next adventure.

On Day 15, we'll embark on a city tour of Sapporo, starting with a visit to the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, a beautiful park-lined avenue featuring the towering Sapporo TV Tower. We'll then explore the stunning Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where you'll participate in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer to express gratitude for our journey. On the outskirts of Sapporo, we'll visit the Hill of Buddha, a remarkable piece of avant-garde architecture that was inaugurated in 2015. Home to a massive Buddha statue, this lavender-covered hill also features replicas of the famous Moai statues from Easter Island. Our adventure continues to Otaru, a town with a European flair, renowned for its lively shopping streets, historic canal, and quaint museums. Lunch at a local restaurant is included. We'll return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m., with the remainder of the afternoon free for you to explore the city at your leisure.

We will explore the Pirkot Kotan Ainu Village Museum, delving into the rich culture of the indigenous Ainu people who lived on this island long before the Japanese arrived. As we traverse the enchanting landscapes of Hokkaido's interior, we'll witness serene lakes and majestic mountains, eventually reaching Toyako, a charming spa town nestled at the base of an impressive volcano. The town rests on the shores of a stunning lake formed in an ancient crater, providing you with ample free time to enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeshore, soaking in the breathtaking views around you.Our adventure continues with a visit to the Volcanology Museum to gain insights into the region's volcanic history. We will then take a cable car to the summit of Mount Usu, where you can explore the crater rim and marvel at the dramatic volcanic scenery. Lunch will be provided during our excursion.We proceed to Tomakomai, and there we'll board a modern ferry for an overnight voyage across the Pacific Ocean. Accommodation will be in double cabins, each equipped with a private bathroom. Dinner will be served on board, allowing you to relax and unwind as we sail through the night.

As we disembark at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m., our journey continues to the enchanting temple complex of Yamadera, established over a millennium ago. Nestled amidst the mountains and surrounded by towering trees, this ancient site exudes a truly magical atmosphere. We'll pause for a lunch included in today’s itinerary before having some time to explore this serene area. Our travels then lead us to Yonezawa, a region renowned for its sake production, where we will explore the Sake Museum and its small distillery. As the day progresses, we’ll be treated to a journey through stunning landscapes until we reach Aizuwakamatsu. Here, we’ll spend the night, resting amidst this historic city's unique charm.

In Aizuwakamatsu, we will begin our day by visiting the Samurai Mansion, a historic residence that offers insights into the lives of the legendary samurai warriors. Here, you'll learn about their fascinating history and way of life. We'll then enjoy a leisurely walk through the castle garden, where you'll catch a distant view of the majestic castle, its distinctive red roof tiles providing a striking contrast against the skyline.Our journey proceeds to Iimoriyama, a site enriched with poignant history and sculptures donated by Mussolini, which commemorate the city's youthful martyrs. From here, we'll continue to Ouchi-juku, a charming village celebrated for its traditional, thatched-roof houses. You'll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch amidst this picturesque setting.Afterward, we'll visit the impressive Oya Museum, situated within former stone quarries, offering a unique glimpse into the area's geological past. In the evening, we will return to Tokyo, arriving at the end of the day, where you can reflect on the day's experiences and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Following a hearty breakfast, our remarkable journey concludes today in Tokyo, leaving you with a trove of unforgettable memories from this extraordinary adventure.