Captivating Journey Through Japan's Wonders

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival in Tokyo, you'll be greeted and escorted to your hotel by a shared shuttle bus. After settling in, the rest of your day is yours to explore and relax at your own pace. In the afternoon, we'll provide you with all the essential details for the start of your exciting tour. Enjoy the opportunity to unwind and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo as you embark on your Japanese adventure. 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 the second day of our adventure, we immerse ourselves in the dynamic and diverse city of Tokyo with an extensive five-hour guided tour. Tokyo masterfully blends its vibrant, modern atmosphere with areas of calm and serenity. Our exploration begins at the Zojoji Temple, where you can capture the classic view of Tokyo Tower beyond the temple and see the beautifully adorned Jizo statues, which serve as guardians of children.Next, we make our way to Shibuya Crossing, renowned worldwide as the busiest intersection, before visiting the sacred Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Our tour continues along Omotesando Avenue, leading us to the picturesque surrounds of the Imperial Palace, where we'll admire the beautiful Nijubashi Bridge.As we journey through the city, we'll take in the vibrant sights of Akihabara, famously known as "Electric Town," a hub of manga and anime culture, and drive past the prominent sumo wrestling arena, the Kokugikan.Our morning concludes at Asakusa, where we will visit the Sensoji Temple and stroll through vibrant Nakamise Street. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, followed by a return to the hotel. At 6:30 p.m., we reconvene in the hotel lobby to embark on an evening excursion to the bustling Shinjuku district via metro. Here, you can soak in the lively nightlife before we dine together at a local restaurant. Our guide will accompany us back to the hotel by metro, rounding off a day rich with exploration and cultural encounters.

Today, we travel from Tokyo to the scenic region of Mount Fuji, immersing ourselves in the captivating landscapes of this iconic area. Our adventure begins at Arakurayama Sengen Park, renowned for its picturesque pagodas and spectacular views of Mount Fuji. We then make our way to Kawaguchiko, a charming town encircled by majestic mountains, vibrant blooms, and the serene Lake Kawaguchiko. Here, we visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, where towering trees create a tranquil setting at the traditional starting point for Mount Fuji pilgrimages.Following our time at the shrine, we'll embark on a delightful boat ride across Lake Kawaguchiko, offering you a chance to appreciate the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. The highlight of our day includes an ascent up Mount Fuji via a scenic road, reaching the Fifth Station at an altitude of 2,305 metres. Here, you can marvel at the impressive vistas and lush forests. Please note that during winter, access to the ascent may be restricted due to weather conditions; we will proceed as far as safely possible.After descending, we'll return to Kawaguchiko, where you'll have free time to take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside. This evening, we'll experience the warmth of traditional Japanese hospitality with an overnight stay in a ryokan – a traditional inn. Relax in the onsen, or public bath, and enjoy a delightful dinner. Please be aware that the ryokan offers a mix of traditional tatami-style and Western-style rooms. In certain circumstances, we may stay in a Western-style hotel instead.

Our day begins as we take a scenic drive through the picturesque mountain roads, surrounded by serene lakes, to reach Iyashi no Sato Nenba. This quaint village, rebuilt after a devastating typhoon in 1966, now serves as an open-air museum. Here, traditional thatched houses have been transformed into arts and crafts shops, cosy restaurants, and cultural exhibits, providing a fascinating insight into Japan’s rich heritage. Following this, we’ll continue to the stunning Shiraito Falls. This breathtaking natural wonder features water cascading from a height of 20 metres, creating a mesmerising sight.Our journey then takes us to Nagoya, where we will visit the renowned Toyota Museum. This is an unmissable stop for car enthusiasts or anyone intrigued by Japan’s automotive innovation. Entrance is included in your visit. Finally, we will head to Kyoto, where we'll spend the night, allowing you to unwind from an exciting day of discovery.

Today, we immerse ourselves in the timeless beauty of Kyoto, a city that served as Japan’s capital for more than a millennium. Remarkably untouched by World War II bombings, Kyoto preserves a wealth of artistic treasures. Our day begins in Arashiyama, where we admire the panoramic views from the moon bridge, Togetsukyo, before exploring the revered Tenryuji Temple – one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples and a recognised World Heritage Site. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the temple's mystical bamboo grove before continuing to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates. Our tour also includes the Imperial Palace and the stunning Kinkakuji Temple, or the "Golden Pavilion," set amidst serene gardens. The sequence of visits might vary. After our exploration, you have the opportunity to stroll through the historic Gion district, known for its traditional teahouses and the captivating presence of geishas.

Today we depart for Tsumago, relishing the quaint countryside views along our route. Known for its charming wooden houses, Tsumago is often regarded as one of the most picturesque spots in Japan. Here, you'll have some free time to wander and explore before we gather for an included lunch. Our journey then continues to Matsumoto, a vibrant tourist hub, where we'll visit its renowned 16th-century stronghold, affectionately dubbed "The Crow" due to its striking black exterior. Afterwards, you're free to discover the city's energetic atmosphere at your own pace. Later, we'll travel to Nagano, where we will spend the night.

In Nagano, we begin our day with a visit to the revered Zenko-ji Temple, renowned as one of Japan's most significant pilgrimage sites and home to the nation's first Buddhist image. While there, you'll partake in the Gomakuyo ceremony, believed to bring blessings and good fortune. Our journey then leads us to the stunning Japanese Alps, where we'll venture into the mountains to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, you can enjoy lunch and take a peaceful walk through enchanting forests and along rivers, observing the Japanese macaques as they entertain themselves in their natural hot springs habitat.After exploring the park, we'll ascend into a breathtaking high-altitude landscape, passing semi-active volcanoes as we travel to Kusatsu, a delightful spa town known for its lively main square. In Kusatsu, we'll enjoy a leisurely walk through the city park, featuring an open-air onsen. Later, we'll continue to Ikaho, another charming spa town famed for its historic centre and stair-stepped streets. Tonight, you'll experience the hospitality of a ryokan—a traditional Japanese inn—where you can relax in their baths and savour a traditional Japanese dinner, which is included in your stay. Please note that during autumn, the movement of monkeys at the park can vary depending on the availability of mountain fruit. Should the monkeys not descend from the mountains, the park might be closed. Additionally, due to weather conditions from November to April, the visit to Kusatsu may be subject to cancellation.

Today, we embark on our adventure to Nikko, a town rich in history and natural beauty. We'll begin by visiting the impressive Tosho-gu Shrine, renowned for its dragon-themed room, boasting acoustics that create a unique auditory experience. Our exploration continues at the peaceful Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, where tranquillity envelops this sacred site. We’ll then take a leisurely walk through the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where a line of Jizo statues silently oversees the flowing river nearby. After these enriching visits, you'll have some free time to wander around the town centre, soaking in its charming atmosphere before we set off to Sendai. This dynamic city, home to more than a million residents, offers a vibrant blend of culture and modern amenities. You'll have the chance to explore its bustling streets and perhaps sample some local cuisine for dinner in its lively city centre.

Leaving Sendai behind, we head to the enchanting town of Matsushima, nestled on the picturesque "Thousand Islands" Bay along the Pacific Ocean. Frequently lauded as one of Japan's most stunning locations, Matsushima promises a feast for the senses. Upon arrival, we'll savour a cup of traditional tea in a magnificent tea house with panoramic sea views, where our guide will enrich your experience with intriguing insights about the city. Afterwards, we embark on a serene 50-minute cruise, complete with lunch on board, allowing you to absorb the bay's scenic beauty.Our adventure continues to Hiraizumi, where we delve into its rich history and visit the UNESCO-listed Takkoku no Iwaya, a temple impressively carved into the rock face in the year 801. We then explore the Buddhist splendour of Chusonji and take a tranquil stroll through the gardens of Motsuji Temple. Here, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a Zen ceremony with admission included. We conclude our day in the charming city of Morioka, capital of the Iwate Province, where you'll have some free time to enjoy and explore before settling into our hotel for the night.

We'll set off through picturesque landscapes towards Hirosaki, renowned for its iconic castle set amidst a stunning park. The gardens are a sight to behold in spring, with over 2,500 cherry trees in full bloom. After taking in the beauty of this historic location, we'll proceed to Aomori, the provincial capital on the edge of Mutsu Bay. Here, we'll visit the Nebuta Museum to delve into Japan's vibrant festival traditions, which include spectacularly decorated and illuminated floats reminiscent of carnival festivities. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Later, we'll embark on a scenic ferry crossing to the island of Hokkaido, a journey of just over three and a half hours. Upon reaching Hakodate, we'll explore its charming historic district, observing the city's diverse cultural influences, including the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian sites.

This morning, we will delve into Hakodate's vibrant atmosphere, starting with a visit to the bustling fish market, offering a fascinating insight into local culture. Following this, we’ll ascend Goryokaku Tower for breathtaking panoramic views and an appreciation of the star-shaped design of Hakodate’s historic fortress. You’ll have time to explore the castle area at your leisure before we continue to Onuma. In this stunning natural haven, characterized by numerous small islands, you may opt for a boat ride or a scenic walk along the picturesque trails. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before our journey takes us along the dramatic coastline to Noboribetsu. This region’s extraordinary volcanic landscape is nothing short of spectacular – we will walk among the steaming vents of Jigokudani (also known as Hell Valley) and admire the mist-shrouded waters of Lake Oyunuma. You can follow the trail along the hot spring river to a scenic spot for a relaxing foot bath. Later in the day, we’ll make our way to Sapporo, arriving in the evening to this enchanting northern capital of Japan.

On the twelfth day of our journey, we'll delve into the vibrant city of Sapporo. Our exploration begins with a visit to the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, a picturesque park-lined avenue overlooked by the impressive Sapporo TV Tower. We'll then proceed to the serene Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where we will participate in a traditional Kito prayer ceremony, expressing gratitude for our travels.Venturing to the outskirts of Sapporo, we will discover the architectural marvel of the Hill of Buddha. Inaugurated in 2015, this site features an imposing Buddha statue nestled beneath a hill draped in lavender. The complex also includes replicas of the renowned Easter Island Moai statues, adding a touch of wonder to our visit.Our journey continues to the charming town of Otaru, known for its European flair. Here, you can explore lively shopping streets, a picturesque historic canal, and delightful museums. We'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Sapporo by 3:30 p.m. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to continue exploring the city at your own pace.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey.