Explore Japan's Spiritual and Cultural Treasures

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival in Osaka, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you can enjoy some free time to unwind and adjust. Later in the afternoon, we'll provide you with all the necessary information to smoothly start your tour. Please be aware that the group size may change as some travellers join or leave at various points of the journey, but our group will never exceed the maximum size. 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.

At 11:30 a.m., we depart from the vibrant city of Osaka, making our way to the sacred Mount Koya, a significant centre for Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This revered pilgrimage destination is home to 120 temples and monasteries, offering a unique glimpse into spiritual life. Our first stop is the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual setting surrounded by nature, featuring over 200,000 graves. We then explore the historic Kongobuji Temple, which dates back to 1593. As the day winds down, we'll stay in a Buddhist monastery for an enlightening experience. Here, monks will lead us in Ajikan, a traditional Zen meditation practice. A wholesome vegetarian dinner will be provided, and you may choose to attend a serene religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast. Please note that during winter months, the interior of Kongobuji Temple might not be accessible due to early nightfall. Staying in the monastery is an enriching experience, although the accommodation is simple, with shared bathrooms and traditional tatami mat rooms. During peak tourist times, meditation sessions may not be available. Should rooms in the monastery be unavailable, alternative accommodations in nearby hotels will be provided, including half board.

Starting with a traditional Japanese breakfast in the serene setting of our temple lodging, we set off early for Kyoto. As the ancient capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is a city steeped in history and culture. Remarkably unscathed by World War II bombings, it stands as a testament to Japan’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, and it is also where the renowned Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997.Our exploration of Kyoto takes us to its iconic sites – we'll be captivated by the Fushimi Inari Shrine's striking red torii gates, wander through the historical grounds of the Imperial Palace, and admire the exquisite Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, with its enchanting gardens.After, you’ll have some leisure time to discover Kyoto at your own pace. As the day draws to a close, we delve into the enchanting Gion district, famed for its geisha culture. Here, you'll have more time to absorb the unique atmosphere and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko making her way to an evening appointment.Should you have previously visited Kyoto, our guide is on hand to suggest alternative areas for you to explore independently.

After breakfast, we will embark on our journey along the shores of one of Japan's largest lakes. Our first stop will be the Shirahige Ginra, a quaint shrine situated by the lake's edge. We then travel to Eihei-ji, a centuries-old temple-monastery established in 1244, famed as a focal point of Zen Buddhism in Japan. The visit includes an exploration of its peaceful surroundings, impressive architecture, and serene gardens—a setting that serves as a crucial training ground for monks engaged in Zazen meditation and adherence to a disciplined daily regimen.In Katsuyama, we will visit the Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan's premiere dinosaur fossil site. Here, you'll have some free time to enjoy lunch and delve into the museum's engaging exhibits, which feature over 40 dinosaur skeletons. Following the museum visit, we'll explore the captivating Great Buddha of Echizen. Its grand temple and five-story pagoda offer not only historical and religious significance but also the opportunity for panoramic views from the pagoda's summit. Our day concludes with our arrival in Kanazawa by evening.

Today, we dedicate the entire day to exploring Kanazawa, a city of historical significance and resilience, having emerged unscathed from the destruction of World War II. Our morning begins with a guided tour through the city's highlights. We'll start in the castle area, known for its impressive fortifications, then venture into the Nagamachi district, a historical neighbourhood that once housed samurai families. Here, you'll observe traditional residences, intricate earthen walls, narrow alleys, and flowing water canals that together preserve the area's timeless ambience.As part of our tour, we will visit Kenrokuen Garden, celebrated as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, offering a delightful blend of landscape design and natural beauty. The morning concludes at Omicho Market, where the lively atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings present a perfect opportunity for lunch.The afternoon is yours to explore Kanazawa at your leisure. Take time to immerse yourself further in the city's unique charm, perhaps visiting additional landmarks or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through its vibrant streets.

Embark on a captivating journey today as we traverse picturesque mountain landscapes and explore the traditional villages of Gokayama and Shirakawago. These regions, honoured as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are celebrated for their distinct gassho-zukuri houses, whose steeply pitched roofs resemble the hands of monks in prayer – a design that expertly handles the region's heavy winter snowfalls. Our first stop is Ainokura, a quaint village where you'll have the chance to wander and immerse yourself in its charm. We then proceed to Ogimachi, the larger and more bustling village of Shirakawa-go, offering more opportunities for exploration and a leisurely lunch.Continuing our journey, we head to Takayama, where we visit the Hida Folk Village Museum. Nestled in a serene setting, this open-air museum comprises over thirty traditional Edo-period houses, each meticulously relocated and preserved. These buildings provide a fascinating glimpse into historical Japanese rural life, showcasing tools and daily utensils. You'll then have free time to meander through Takayama's old town, famed for its narrow lanes lined with wooden merchant houses and artisan shops.

After breakfast, we set off for Hida Furukawa, where we'll explore its delightful old town. This city is famed for its festival, celebrated for its grand drums and exquisitely adorned floats, which UNESCO has recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. We include admission to the museum showcasing these remarkable floats, costumes, and instruments. Our journey continues across the stunning Japanese Alps, a region renowned for its snow-covered landscapes for much of the year. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we'll visit the city's impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its striking black facade, a legacy of the 16th century. Following this, you are free to enjoy lunch and explore the town at your leisure. In the afternoon, we travel to Nagano for our overnight stay.

Today, we begin our exploration in Nagano with a visit to the revered Zenko-ji Temple, a significant pilgrimage site housing Japan's first Buddhist image. You'll participate in the Gomakuyo ceremony, seeking blessings and good fortune. Our journey then takes us into the stunning landscapes of the Japanese Alps, where we venture to the renowned Jigokudani Monkey Park. Enjoy lunch and a serene walk through this picturesque area, where you can witness Japanese macaques bathing in the natural hot springs.As we continue, we'll ascend to breathtaking high-altitude vistas, reaching elevations of 2,172 metres while passing semi-active volcanoes. Our next stop is Kusatsu, a quaint spa town with a vibrant main square. Here, we take a leisurely walk through the city park, home to an open-air onsen. The day's journey concludes in Ikaho, a charming spa town known for its historical centre and stair-step streets. We will spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can relax in the baths and enjoy a delightful Japanese dinner included in your stay.Please note that during the autumn season, the movement of the monkeys can be unpredictable due to the availability of mountain fruits, which may impact the park's accessibility. Similarly, the visit to Kusatsu is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions from November to April.

Today, we journey to Nikko, a captivating town renowned for its cultural and historical significance. Our visit begins at the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple, celebrated for its remarkable 'Dragon Hall,' where acoustics create the unique sound of a dragon's call. This temple serves as the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. We’ll also explore the serene Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a tranquil site that exudes a sense of peace and spirituality. Following that, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Kanmangafuchi Abyss, bordered by rows of stone Jizo statues that are said to protect travellers. You’ll have some free time to explore the charming town centre before we continue our journey to Sendai. Here, in this vibrant modern city, you can discover bustling streets and perhaps sample the local cuisine as you enjoy dinner in its lively centre.

Today, we set off for the enchanting city of Matsushima, nestled along the Pacific Ocean’s "Thousand Islands" Bay and widely recognised as one of Japan's most picturesque locations. Upon arrival, we'll visit a splendid tea house overlooking the sea, where we'll savour a traditional cup of tea as our guide shares insightful stories about this beautiful place. Afterwards, we'll embark on a scenic 50-minute cruise and enjoy lunch on board. Continuing our journey, we'll arrive in Hiraizumi to explore its historic temples. We begin with the Takkoku no Iwaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into rock in 801. We'll then visit the serene Buddhist temples of Chusonji and pause for reflection in the tranquil gardens of Motsuji Temple, where you can participate in a Zen ceremony – admission is included. As the day draws to a close, we'll head to Morioka, the charming capital of Iwate Province, where you’ll have some free time to explore at your leisure after we check into our hotel.

Today, we'll embark on a journey from Morioka to Hirosaki, through a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. Our first destination is Hirosaki, famous for its iconic castle set within a park that transforms into a floral wonderland each spring, with over 2,500 cherry trees in bloom.Our travels continue north to Aomori, the capital city nestled on Mutsu Bay. Here, we’ll visit the Nebuta Museum, where you'll discover the vibrant world of Japan's festival traditions. The museum showcases spectacularly painted floats that are illuminated during the Nebuta Festival, echoing the grandeur of carnival celebrations. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, allowing you to savour regional delights.In the afternoon, we'll board a ferry to Hokkaido, embarking on a picturesque journey lasting just over three and a half hours. As we arrive in Hakodate, we'll explore its charming historic district, offering a glimpse of the city’s diverse cultural influences, including visits to the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian landmark churches.

Today, we’ll start with a visit to Hakodate's vibrant fish market, a lively showcase of local life and fresh seafood. We'll then ascend Goryokaku Tower to take in the exceptional panoramic views and appreciate the unique star-shaped design of the historic Goryokaku Fortress. After some free time to explore the castle area, we head to the scenic beauty of Onuma. Here, amidst an enchanting landscape dotted with numerous small islands, you can choose to either enjoy a boat trip or follow one of the picturesque walking trails. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, our journey continues along the coastline to Noboribetsu, renowned for its dramatic volcanic scenery. We’ll take a walk through Jigokudani, or 'Hell Valley,' known for its steam vents, and admire the mysterious waters of Lake Oyunuma. Following a trail along a hot spring river, we’ll arrive at a scenic spot offering a relaxing foot bath. We conclude the day by travelling to Sapporo, where we’ll arrive in the evening to enjoy the ambience of Hokkaido's vibrant capital.

In Sapporo, we'll embark on a city tour starting with the iconic Clock Tower and the beautiful Odori Koen, a park-lined avenue with the Sapporo TV Tower as its centrepiece. Our exploration continues at the exquisite Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where we'll participate in a Kito, a traditional prayer ceremony expressing gratitude for our journey. Just outside the city, we'll visit the Hill of Buddha, a striking architectural marvel inaugurated in 2015. This unique site, enveloped in a lavender field, houses a massive Buddha statue and offers replicas of the Easter Island Moai statues. Our adventure takes us to the charming town of Otaru, with its European flair, vibrant shopping streets, historic canal, and quaint museums. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. We'll return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m., where you'll have the remainder of the afternoon free to explore at your own leisure.

Embark on an exploration of Hokkaido's captivating landscapes as we delve into the culture and history of this enchanting region. Our day begins with a visit to Pirka Kotan, an insightful museum dedicated to the indigenous Ainu people, offering a glimpse into their rich traditions. We then traverse the breathtaking interior of Hokkaido, passing serene lakes and towering mountains, to reach the tranquil spa town of Toyako. Nestled at the base of an impressive volcano, Toyako offers picturesque views across a stunning crater lake – take the opportunity to stroll along its shores and absorb the natural beauty.Next, we'll explore the region's volcanic heritage at the Volcanology Museum before ascending to the top of Mount Usu via cable car. Here, you'll have time to wander around the crater, taking in the dramatic volcanic landscape from the summit. A delicious lunch is included as part of your day’s experiences.In the afternoon, our journey takes us to Tomakomai, where we’ll board a comfortable ferry for an overnight voyage. You'll enjoy your night on board in a private double cabin with en-suite facilities. Dinner will be served as we sail across the Pacific Ocean, providing a unique end to an adventurous day in Japan.

After disembarking at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m., we'll travel to the enchanting temple complex of Yamadera, established over a millennium ago. Set amidst the mountains and encircled by towering trees, the site exudes a truly magical atmosphere. Following our exploration, lunch is included. Later, we'll venture to Yonezawa, a renowned region for sake production, where we'll explore the Sake Museum and its small distillery. As the day continues, our journey will meander through picturesque landscapes leading to Aizuwakamatsu, where we will settle for the night.

Today, our journey begins in Aizuwakamatsu, where we will explore the historic Samurai Mansion. This celebrated residence offers a glimpse into the lives of the revered samurai warriors. We will also enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque castle garden, from which you'll glimpse the majestic castle adorned with striking red roof tiles in the distance.Next, we travel to Iimoriyama, a poignant site that commemorates the city's young martyrs. Take time to reflect on the sculptures, some of which were donated by Mussolini, adding a unique historical layer to this meaningful site.Our adventure continues to Ouchi-juku, a charming village distinguished by its traditional thatched-roof houses. Here, you have the opportunity to savour lunch in this beautifully preserved setting.Later, we will visit the impressive Oya Museum, ingeniously set within former stone quarries. As the day draws to an end, we will make our way to Tokyo, where we will arrive by evening, wrapping up another enriching day of discovery.

Today, we embark on an extensive guided exploration of Tokyo, a city where vibrant modernity beautifully coexists with tranquil traditional spaces. Our five-hour tour begins with a visit to Zojoji Temple, offering a chance to capture one of Tokyo’s most iconic views with the towering Tokyo Tower in the background. The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, which are intricately carved and often accompanied by colourful knit caps, bibs, and windmills.Next, we head to the renowned Shibuya Crossing, often celebrated as the busiest intersection globally, followed by a visit to the serene Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. As we continue by bus, we’ll travel along the elegant Omotesando Avenue and view the picturesque segments of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, including a stop at the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.Our journey takes us through the lively Akihabara district, known as the "Electric Town" for its rich manga and anime culture. We’ll drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s famous sumo wrestling arena, before concluding our tour in Asakusa with a visit to the historic Sensoji Temple and the vibrant Nakamise Street. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant, after which we'll return to the hotel.In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., we'll gather in the hotel lobby to meet our guide for a metro journey (tickets included) to the bustling Shinjuku district. Here, we’ll take a stroll through lively streets known for their vibrant nightlife and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, which is included in the tour. We’ll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Following breakfast, the tour concludes, leaving you with a treasure trove of wonderful memories to carry home with you.