Japan's Ultimate Cultural Odyssey Adventure

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo, you'll swiftly move through customs before being transferred to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus, allowing you to settle in without hassle. The remainder of the day is yours to embrace at your own pace. Maybe take a stroll through the local neighbourhood or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. In the afternoon, you'll receive comprehensive details about the start of our exciting tour, setting the stage for the adventures 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. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On your second day in Tokyo, we have an exciting guided tour planned that will immerse you in the city's captivating blend of tradition and modernity over the course of approximately five hours. Our day begins with a visit to Zojoji Temple, where you can capture that iconic view of the nearby Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds feature hundreds of Jizo statues, which are charmingly adorned with vibrant knit caps, bibs, and windmills, symbolising protection for children.Next, we venture to the famous Shibuya Crossing — often celebrated as one of the busiest intersections globally. This will be followed by a visit to the serene Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Continuing our journey via bus, we'll tour the elegant Omotesando Avenue, taking in views of the Imperial Palace gardens and the picturesque Nijubashi Bridge.Our tour then takes us through Akihabara—known as "Electric Town"—a hub for Japanese pop culture, manga, and anime. We’ll pass by the Kokugikan, Japan’s prominent sumo wrestling arena. We will wrap up our bustling day in Asakusa, where we’ll explore the historic Sensoji Temple and meander along the bustling Nakamise Street. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.After a return to the hotel for a brief rest, the day will continue at 6:30 p.m. when we meet in the hotel lobby. Accompanied by our guide, we’ll hop on the metro (tickets included) to the vibrant Shinjuku district, famous for its dynamic nightlife. We'll take a leisurely walk through the exciting streets before settling into a local restaurant for a delightful dinner, which is included. Afterwards, our guide will accompany us on the metro back to the hotel to conclude a day filled with unforgettable experiences.

Following breakfast, we will proceed to the station to catch the bullet train to Hiroshima, a journey covering approximately 800 kilometres and taking around four hours. Upon arrival, we will explore a city profoundly impacted by the atomic bomb in 1945. Our visit includes a thoughtful walk through the Peace Memorial Park and a look at the Atomic Bomb Dome, followed by the Peace Memorial Museum. This poignant collection serves as a tribute to the resilience and hope that emerged from the devastation.Later, we will take a ferry to an island known for its scenic and spiritual harmony, where you will visit the renowned Itsukushima Shrine. Partly built over the sea, this shrine is dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You will have time to explore the shrine, meander through the charming town centre, and enjoy some lunch at your leisure.In the evening, we will return to Hiroshima where dinner is included. Note that while the order of visits may be subject to change, rest assured that each planned experience will be enjoyed.

We begin our day with a scenic ferry ride to Shikoku Island, a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour journey that showcases Japan's unique geography as an archipelago. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, we ascend by cable car to explore its formidable castle, an enduring example of Japan's historic fortifications. We then visit Ishiteji, a stunning Buddhist temple and cherished pilgrimage site with roots deep in Japan's religious traditions. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you can unwind with a visit to Dogo Onsen, a traditional bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, offering a quintessential Japanese bathing experience steeped in culture.

Today we leave Matsuyama and head towards Kotohira to visit the sacred Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors. Situated on Mount Zosu, the shrine is a significant pilgrimage site, and reaching it involves climbing 785 steps. Our journey continues to Takamatsu, where we visit Ritsurin Garden, acclaimed as one of Japan's most beautiful landscapes. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to Naruto to explore an awe-inspiring bridge, famous for its stunning construction. As we walk along the bridge's glass floor, 45 meters above the sea, you'll have the unique opportunity to observe the area's formidable whirlpools. Our scenic drive then takes us across a series of magnificent bridges linking the islands before we reach Kobe, where we will be staying for the night.

Our day begins in Kobe, where we delve into the city’s poignant history at the Earthquake Memorial Museum, commemorating the devastation of the 1995 earthquake and the inspiring recovery that followed. From there, we journey to Osaka before continuing to the revered Mount Koya, the heart of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This sacred mountain is home to 120 temples and monasteries, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection. We explore the Okuno Mausoleum, a profoundly spiritual site set amidst nature, featuring over 200,000 graves. Our visit also includes the Kongobuji Temple, originally constructed in 1593 and steeped in history. For the night, we will experience the tranquil ambiance of a Buddhist monastery. Here, monks guide us through a Zen meditation practice known as Ajikan. Dinner is included and comprises a traditional vegetarian meal. You also have the option of participating in a temple ceremony before breakfast. Please note, on certain occasions, the museum visit may be substituted with a tour of either the Sake Museum or a climb up Kobe Tower. The monastery stay is a valuable experience, though facilities are modest with shared bathrooms and traditional tatami mat rooms. During particularly busy periods, the meditation session might be unavailable, and, on rare occasions, we may need to lodge in nearby hotels due to limited accommodation at the temples.

Today begins with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, followed by an early departure to Kyoto. Known as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868, Kyoto was spared from WWII bombings and, as a result, retains an extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed here in 1997. We’ll explore some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, including the stunning Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, with its famous red torii gates, the historic Imperial Palace, and the splendid Kinkaku-ji Temple, often referred to as the Golden Pavilion, set amidst beautiful gardens. You will have some leisure time to discover more wonders of the city on your own.Later, we’ll visit Gion, a vibrant district known for its Geisha culture, where you will have additional time to immerse yourself in the district’s unique atmosphere. If you have visited Kyoto previously during the tour, our guide will offer helpful tips to assist you in exploring other areas of interest within the city.

Today, we journey to Tsumago, travelling through the delightful countryside, known for its scenic beauty. Renowned for its traditional wooden houses, Tsumago is often regarded as one of Japan’s most charming villages. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore at your leisure, and lunch is included. Our next destination is Matsumoto, a vibrant city that draws many visitors, where we’ll visit the impressive 16th-century castle, famously called "The Crow" due to its striking black exterior. Afterward, you are free to wander the bustling streets of Matsumoto at your own pace. We conclude our day in Nagano, where we will spend the night.

In Nagano, our day begins with a visit to the revered Zenko-ji Temple, a significant pilgrimage site that houses Japan's first brought Buddhist image. You'll partake in the Gomakuyo ceremony, which is believed to bestow blessings and good fortune. We then venture into the scenic Japanese Alps to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch before walking through the serene forests and hot springs that are home to colonies of Japanese macaques.Our journey ascends to breathtaking mountain vistas, reaching altitudes of 2,172 metres, where you'll pass by semi-active volcanoes. We continue to the charming spa town of Kusatsu, known for its vibrant main square and inviting open-air onsens, where we'll take a pleasant stroll through its picturesque city park. Our route then leads us to Ikaho, another delightful spa town, renowned for its historic centre with quaint stair-stepped streets. Tonight, you'll experience authentic Japanese hospitality at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn, where you can unwind in the baths and enjoy an included traditional Japanese dinner.Please note, during autumn, the movement of monkeys can be unpredictable depending on the availability of mountain fruits, which may affect park operations. Additionally, from November to April, the visit to Kusatsu may be subject to weather conditions.

Today, we continue our adventure in Nikko, a town renowned for its cultural and historical significance. Here, we'll explore the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple, known for its intriguing 'Room of the Crying Dragon'. Our journey will also take us to the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a serene and peaceful site that reflects the area's spiritual heritage. Afterward, we’ll take a pleasant walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where rows of Jizo statues silently stand guard over the river.You'll then have some free time to wander the charming town centre at your leisure. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Sendai, a vibrant city with a population exceeding one million. Once in Sendai, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its bustling streets and savour dinner in the lively city centre, soaking in the local atmosphere.

Today, we venture to the enchanting city of Matsushima, renowned for its picturesque "Thousand Islands" Bay on the Pacific Ocean, considered among Japan's most beautiful sights. Upon our arrival, we'll experience the tranquillity of a traditional tea house overlooking the sea, where we'll savour a cup of authentic tea while our guide reveals captivating insights about this exquisite location. Following this, we embark on a scenic 50-minute cruise, enjoying a delightful lunch on board as we take in the stunning island views.Our exploration continues to Hiraizumi, a town steeped in history with its collection of ancient temples. We begin with a visit to the Takkoku no Iwaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 801, carved directly into rock. The journey then leads us to the majestic Buddhist temples of Chusonji, where we'll have a moment of peace in the serene gardens of Motsuji Temple. Here, travellers can immerse themselves in a Zen ceremony, with the entrance fee included in the tour. Concluding our day, we'll head to Morioka, the capital of Iwate Province, where you'll have some free time to explore this charming city before we settle into our hotel for the evening.

Today's journey leads us through scenic landscapes to Hirosaki, where we will explore the city's iconic castle. Nestled within a picturesque park, this historic site is renowned for its stunning display of over 2,500 cherry trees, which bloom vibrantly each spring. We continue to Aomori, the provincial capital on the tranquil shores of Mutsu Bay. Here, we'll delve into Japan's lively festival traditions at the Nebuta Museum, famous for its elaborately painted and illuminated floats resembling carnival celebrations. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, offering a taste of regional cuisine.In the afternoon, a ferry ride takes us across to Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's main islands. This scenic journey, lasting just over three and a half hours, culminates in our arrival at Hakodate. Here, we will wander through the charming historic district, where a blend of cultural influences is evident in sites such as the Russian Orthodox Church and various other Christian churches. This evening promises a delightful exploration of a city that beautifully marries historic charm with cultural richness.

Our day in Hakodate begins with a visit to the bustling fish market, where the lively atmosphere offers a genuine taste of local culture. We’ll ascend the Goryokaku Tower to take in stunning panoramic views and admire the star-shaped design of Hakodate's historic fortress. Afterwards, you'll have some leisure time to explore the castle area at your own pace. We then proceed to the picturesque region of Onuma, famed for its natural beauty and numerous small islands. Here, you have the option to take a delightful boat ride or enjoy scenic walking trails, before we gather for an included lunch at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, we continue our journey along the beautiful coastline to Noboribetsu, an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape. We'll explore Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, with its steaming vents, and visit the misty waters of Lake Oyunuma. You can take a relaxing walk along the hot spring river to a scenic spot where a soothing foot bath awaits. Our day concludes as we head to Sapporo, arriving in the evening in this vibrant northern capital of Japan.

Today, we will explore Sapporo with a city tour that includes visits to the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, a picturesque park-lined avenue watched over by the Sapporo TV Tower. We'll immerse ourselves in the calm surroundings at the Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where we'll participate in a traditional Kito ceremony to express our gratitude for the journey.Next, we will venture outside the city to the Hill of Buddha, a marvel of modern architecture unveiled in 2015. This lavender-clad hill shelters a towering Buddha statue, and the site also features replicas of the renowned Moai statues from Easter Island.In the charming town of Otaru, which exudes a European nostalgia, you'll find lively shopping streets, a historic canal, and quaint museums to explore. We'll enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover more of the city or unwind at your leisure.

Commencing our day in Sapporo, we'll explore the fascinating Pirko Kotan museum, dedicated to the indigenous Ainu people, the original inhabitants of this island. As we travel through Hokkaido's stunning interior, we'll encounter tranquil lakes and towering mountains, reaching the spa town of Toyako. Nestled at the base of a striking volcano, this charming town rests on the shores of a lake formed within an ancient crater. You’ll have some free time here to wander along the lakeside and relish the breathtaking scenery.Our journey continues with a visit to the Volcanology Museum, offering insights into the area's volcanic activity. A cable car will then transport us to the top of Mount Usu, providing an opportunity to explore the crater and enjoy the dramatic volcanic vistas. Lunch is included during the day, offering a taste of local cuisine.Later, we'll proceed to Tomakomai to board a modern ferry for an overnight voyage. Accommodation will be in double cabins, complete with private bathrooms. Dinner is included as we enjoy a night sail across the Pacific Ocean. This marks a perfect blend of leisure and learning as you uncover the natural and cultural wonders of this unique region.

We’ll disembark at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m. and make our way to Yamadera, a remarkable temple complex dating back over a millennium. Set amidst the majestic mountains and enveloped by towering trees, this sacred site offers a uniquely enchanting experience. Lunch will be provided here, allowing us time to explore and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Following our visit, we'll head to Yonezawa, renowned as one of Japan’s key sake-producing regions. Here, we’ll explore the Sake Museum, which features a quaint distillery, offering insight into the traditional brewing process. Our journey will continue through stunning landscapes before we arrive in Aizuwakamatsu, where we'll spend the night.

In Aizuwakamatsu, we begin the day by visiting the Samurai Mansion, a historic residence where you'll delve into the world of the legendary samurai warriors and their way of life. We then take a leisurely stroll through the castle garden, offering a view of the castle with its distinctive red roof tiles. Our journey continues to Iimoriyama, a site enriched with sculptures gifted by Mussolini, and an area that poignantly narrates the tale of the city's young martyrs.From here, we move on to Ouchi-juku, a charming village celebrated for its traditional thatched-roof houses. You'll have time to enjoy lunch in this picturesque setting. Afterward, we visit the impressive Oya Museum, uniquely situated in former stone quarries, providing a fascinating insight into the area's history.As evening approaches, we return to Tokyo, concluding our day and this memorable journey. Be sure to review your flight timing, as you may need an extra night's stay. Although a departure transfer to the airport is not included, your guide will share the most suitable public transport options for your onward journey.