Journey Through Japan's Rich Heritage

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival in Tokyo and completion of the customs formalities, you'll be transported to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and explore the city at your leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll receive important information regarding the commencement 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.

On our second day in Tokyo, we embark on a captivating five-hour guided tour of this dynamic city where innovation meets tranquillity. Our first destination is the Zojoji Temple, offering a striking view of the Tokyo Tower. Here, you'll see an array of Jizo statues—stone figures adorned with vibrant knitted caps, bibs, and pinwheels—symbolising guardianship over children. Our next stop is the bustling Shibuya Crossing, famously known as one of the world's busiest intersections. Following this, we visit the serene Meiji Shrine, which honours Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Our journey continues with a drive through the stylish Omotesando Avenue, leading us to the stunning Imperial Palace and its majestic gardens, where we pause to admire the celebrated Nijubashi Bridge.As we drive through Akihabara, dubbed the "Electric Town," you'll experience the heart of Japanese manga and anime culture before we pass by the Kokugikan, Japan's renowned sumo wrestling arena. We culminate our tour in Asakusa, where we explore the historic Sensoji Temple and peruse the lively Nakamise Street. This morning’s explorations are complemented by lunch at a local restaurant before we return to our hotel.At 6:30 p.m., we reconvene at the hotel lobby to journey via metro (tickets provided) to the vibrant Shinjuku district. We delve into its bustling nightlife, enjoying a leisurely walk before dining at a local restaurant (dinner included). Our guide will accompany us back to the hotel afterwards by metro.

On the third day of our journey, we embark on an exhilarating ride aboard the bullet train to Kyoto, an incredible feat of engineering that will swiftly carry us the nearly 500 kilometres from Tokyo in just over two hours. As the former capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, Kyoto's preserved historical beauty offers a captivating glimpse into the nation's imperial past. Notably untouched by the bombings of World War II, the city showcases a rich array of artistic and cultural landmarks. Today, we will visit some of Kyoto's most iconic sites, such as the striking Fushimi Inari Shrine, the peaceful Imperial Palace, and the renowned Kinkakuji Temple, famously known as the Golden Pavilion, surrounded by splendid gardens. Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Gion, Kyoto's traditional district alive with the culture of geishas, and soak in its vibrant atmosphere. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Kyoto at your leisure, allowing you the opportunity to discover the city's unique charm at your own pace.

Today, we leave Kyoto and set our sights on Nara. Here, we'll visit the extraordinary Todaiji Temple, notable for its immense Buddha statue and rich history dating back to 752. While exploring, you'll encounter the friendly deer that freely roam the surrounding parklands, a symbol of the city's unique charm. Lunch is provided before we journey to the illustrious Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This spiritual complex, with its ancient pagoda, is among the oldest wooden structures worldwide and holds the honour of being Japan's earliest Buddhist temple. By evening, we arrive in Osaka, a bustling metropolis celebrated as Japan's second-largest city, where you'll find your accommodation. To wrap up the day, we'll venture into Dotonbori, a vibrant district renowned for its lively atmosphere and dazzling nightlife.

Today, we set off for Himeji, where you can explore the expansive grounds of its remarkable castle, a shining example of traditional Japanese architecture. Afterward, we'll have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing our journey to Okayama. Here, we'll visit Korakuen, celebrated as one of Japan's most stunning gardens, complete with serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and charming teahouses. You'll have the chance to cross a quaint pedestrian bridge to view Okayama Castle, a historic 16th-century stronghold, lovingly restored after suffering destruction during a World War II air raid. Following the visit, you can take some free time to explore this vibrant city, which boasts a lively atmosphere and a population of just over 700,000. Please note that, depending on the date, we might spend our night in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, with the possibility of visiting Kurashiki's attractions later in the day.

Today, we begin our adventure in Kurashiki, a city celebrated for its beautifully preserved historic centre. Here, you will have the opportunity to leisurely stroll through charming streets that echo the past. Our journey continues to Hiroshima, a city shaped by history following the devastating atomic bomb in 1945. In Hiroshima, we will explore the poignant Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum, each offering a powerful tribute to the city's resilience and hope.To conclude the day on a more serene note, we will take a ferry to an island renowned as the place "where men and gods live together." Our visit will include the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas, with its structure partially built over water. You will have time to explore the shrine, wander through the picturesque town centre, and enjoy lunch at your leisure.After returning to Hiroshima, dinner will be served back at our hotel. Please note, the order of activities in Hiroshima may be adjusted to enhance your experience without altering the essence of the itinerary.

Today, we will embark on a ferry journey to Shikoku Island, a relaxing two-and-a-half-hour trip that offers insights into the diverse geography of Japan, a nation composed of many islands. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, we will take a cable car ride to explore the striking Matsuyama Castle, a structure that dominates the city's skyline and is known for its commanding views and historical significance. Following this, our visit continues to Ishiteji, a marvellous Buddhist temple that serves as a significant pilgrimage site due to its spiritual importance and stunning architecture. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, immersing ourselves in the regional cuisine. Later in the afternoon, we will experience the traditional Japanese bathing culture with a visit to Dogo Onsen, an historic bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, where admission will be included.

Today, we will journey to Kotohira to visit a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors. This important pilgrimage site is set on Mount Zosu and requires climbing 785 steps to reach. Our adventure continues in Takamatsu, where we'll explore the exquisite Ritsurin Garden, famed as one of Japan’s most stunning landscapes. Lunch will be provided at a local eatery.In the afternoon, we will travel to Naruto to stop at an impressive sea-spanning bridge. Here, you can experience the architectural marvel and walk on a glass floor to view the powerful sea whirlpools 45 metres below. We will then enjoy a scenic drive across spectacular bridges connecting several islands over the sea. Our day concludes with our arrival in Kobe, where you’ll settle into your accommodation for the night.

After our visit to Kobe, where we will explore the Earthquake Memorial Museum commemorating the tragic earthquake of 1995 and the city's impressive recovery, we will head to Osaka before making our way to Mount Koya. This sacred site is the most significant centre of Shingon Buddhism in Japan and is home to 120 temples and monasteries. At Mount Koya, we will visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual resting place nestled within nature, surrounded by over 200,000 graves. We will also take in the sights of the Kongobuji Temple, originally constructed in 1593. We will spend the night within a Buddhist monastery, where a monk will lead us in a Zen meditation session known as Ajikan. Dinner will be provided, featuring a vegetarian meal, and you may also choose to join a religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast. Please note that on specific dates, the Earthquake Museum visit might be substituted with a tour of the Sake Museum or a visit to Kobe Tower. The monastery stay is an enriching experience, where accommodations are traditionally simple, featuring tatami mats and shared bathrooms. Furthermore, peak tourist periods might affect the availability of the meditation practice. Due to limited accommodation, some groups might stay in nearby hotels, with half board included.

As the first light touches Mount Koya, we begin our day with a traditional Japanese breakfast within the serene temple surroundings. We then embark on our journey to Kyoto, a city rich in history and cultural charm. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Take advantage of the guide's expert recommendations to make the most of your visit and immerse yourself in Kyoto's captivating sights, from its ancient temples to its vibrant local districts. Enjoy the freedom to discover this beautiful city at your own pace, with its blend of historic grandeur and modern attractions.

Today, we will journey from Kyoto to the quaint village of Tsumago, travelling through picturesque countryside landscapes that encapsulate the charm of rural Japan. Tsumago, renowned for its beautifully preserved wooden houses, is celebrated as one of Japan's most enchanting villages. You'll have some free time to wander through its charming streets and soak up the traditional atmosphere, with lunch also provided during our visit.Following our time in Tsumago, we'll make our way to Matsumoto, noted for its vibrant tourist appeal. Here, we will explore Matsumoto Castle, a stunning 16th-century fortress famously referred to as "The Crow" due to its striking black exterior. After visiting the castle, you're free to discover more of Matsumoto at your own pace, enjoying the lively city pulse. Our day will conclude with a journey to Nagano, where we will rest for the night, setting the stage for more adventures to come.

In Nagano, our day begins with a visit to the revered Zenko-ji Temple, known for housing the first Buddhist image brought to Japan. During our time here, you'll witness the Gomakuyo ceremony, a ritual believed to bestow blessings and good fortune. We then journey into the stunning Japanese Alps to explore the Jigokudani Monkey Park. As you enjoy your lunch amidst this serene landscape, take a leisurely walk through the natural surroundings of forests, rivers, and hot springs, where colonies of charming Japanese macaques make their home. Our adventure continues to greater heights as we climb to altitudes of 2,172 metres, surrounded by the breathtaking views of semi-active volcanoes. Next, we head to Kusatsu, a quaint spa town famed for its vibrant main square. Here, we will enjoy a relaxed stroll through the city park, known for its open-air onsen. Later, we travel to Ikaho, another picturesque spa town, where you'll wander its historic centre, renowned for its stair-stepped streets.Tonight's accommodation is a traditional ryokan, where you can unwind in the baths and savour a classic Japanese dinner. Please note that during autumn, the macaques' behaviour and fruit availability in the mountains might affect their presence, leading to potential park closure. Additionally, from November to April, adverse weather conditions might result in the cancellation of our visit to Kusatsu.

Today, we journey to the enchanting town of Nikko, where history and beauty converge. Our first stop is the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, known for its intricately carved structures and the renowned "Room with the Sound of a Dragon". We continue to the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a place of tranquillity and reverence, where the ornate structures inspire awe. A stroll along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss follows, where rows of Jizo statues quietly watch over the riverside, offering a moment of reflection. You'll have some free time to explore the charming town centre before we make our way back to Tokyo, expecting to arrive around 6:30 p.m.

Following breakfast, our journey draws to a close in Tokyo, bringing an end to this extraordinary adventure. We hope your time exploring the wonders of Japan has left you with cherished memories to look back on fondly. Safe travels on your onward journey home or to your next destination.