Neon Temples and Whispered Gardens

Welcome to Japan. After you complete customs formalities, we’ll transfer you to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we’ll provide you with full details about the start of your tour to help you prepare for the days 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.

We begin the day with an extensive guided tour of Tokyo, lasting around five hours. This dynamic city offers a unique blend of vibrant, modern districts and peaceful, historic sites. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, where you can admire hundreds of Jizo statues—stone figures that serve as guardians of children—each dressed in colourful knitted hats and bibs. From there, we visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing, renowned as the world’s busiest intersection, before heading to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We continue by bus along Omotesando Avenue, known for its elegant architecture, then explore the scenic grounds of the Imperial Palace, including a visit to the famous Nijubashi Bridge. Next, we drive through Akihabara, Tokyo’s “Electric City” and centre of manga and anime culture. Admission to Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure, is included, where we’ll take in panoramic views of the city. Our tour concludes in Asakusa with a visit to Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street, famed for its traditional shops and atmosphere. Afterwards, we return to the hotel for a short rest. At 6:30 p.m., we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to Shinjuku. We’ll explore this lively area on foot before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, after which we’ll return to the hotel by subway accompanied by our guide. Please note the order of visits may vary depending on Tokyo Skytree’s admission times, and in case of poor weather, an alternative city viewpoint will be offered.

We’ll begin the day with an early departure from Tokyo, travelling by bullet train to Kyoto. The journey covers nearly 500 kilometres and takes a little over two hours. Once in Kyoto, the former imperial capital from 794 to 1868, we’ll spend the day exploring its iconic landmarks. We’ll visit the striking Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, the Imperial Palace, and the Kinkakuji Temple—also known as the Golden Pavilion—set within beautiful gardens. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through Gion, Kyoto’s lively traditional district, renowned for its geishas and historic charm. The afternoon offers free time to explore at your own pace.

We’ll depart for Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, a remarkable Buddhist site dating back to 752, home to a giant Buddha statue. You’ll also have the opportunity to photograph and interact with the friendly deer roaming freely in the surrounding park. Lunch is included. Afterwards, we’ll visit Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a seminary, monasteries, and some of the oldest wooden structures in the world, including its central pagoda. This temple is Japan’s oldest Buddhist site and remains an important place of worship. Later, we’ll continue to Osaka, arriving in the evening. Accommodation will be in this dynamic, modern city — Japan’s second-largest urban area. In the evening, we’ll explore Dotonbori, a lively district known for its vibrant nightlife.

We’ll depart for Himeji to visit its vast castle complex, renowned for its exemplary Japanese castle architecture – admission is included. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue to Okayama to explore Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens, featuring lakes, waterfalls, and traditional teahouses. You’ll then have the chance to cross a pedestrian bridge over the river to see Okayama Castle, a 16th-century fortress rebuilt in 1966 after its destruction during World War II (please note that entry to the castle is not included). Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore this active provincial capital, home to just over 700,000 residents. Depending on the date, accommodation may be in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, and on some occasions, the visit to Kurashiki may take place later the same day.

We’ll begin the day in Kurashiki, known for its beautifully preserved historic district. You’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming streets, where traditional architecture and canals evoke a sense of Japan’s past. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Hiroshima, a city indelibly marked by the events of 1945. We’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum, where the powerful history and resilience of the city are thoughtfully presented. Following this, we’ll take a ferry to the tranquil island of Itsukushima, famed for its shrine dedicated to the guardian of the seas, built partly over the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, wander the picturesque town centre, and enjoy lunch at your leisure. We’ll return to our hotel in Hiroshima in the evening, where dinner will be included. Please note, the order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without affecting the overall itinerary.

We’ll catch a ferry to Shikoku Island, a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour crossing that highlights Japan’s island geography. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, we’ll take a cable car up to visit its impressive castle, offering insight into the region’s feudal history. Next, we’ll explore Ishiteji Temple, a notable Buddhist pilgrimage site known for its striking architecture. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest traditional bathhouses dating back to the 19th century, with admission included.

We’ll travel to Kotohira to visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, an important pilgrimage site located on Mount Zōzu. Access requires climbing 785 steps to reach the shrine at the summit. Next, we’ll head to Takamatsu to explore Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional gardens, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, in Naruto, we’ll stop at a striking sea-crossing bridge renowned for its engineering. Here, we’ll walk along a glass-floored section, giving a thrilling view of the powerful sea whirlpools 45 metres below. Our scenic journey continues over a series of impressive bridges linking islands across the sea, before we arrive in Kobe for our overnight stay.

In Kobe, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which honours the devastating 1995 earthquake and the city’s remarkable recovery. Afterwards, we continue to Osaka before heading to Mount Koya, Japan’s foremost centre of Shingon Buddhism. Here we’ll explore the Okuno Mausoleum, a vast cemetery set in tranquil natural surroundings with over 200,000 graves, and visit Kongobuji Temple, originally constructed in 1593. We’ll spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner, featuring a vegetarian meal, is included. You may also choose to attend the morning religious ceremony at the temple. Please note that on some dates, the Earthquake Museum visit may be replaced by the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower. Accommodation at the monastery offers a unique experience with simple, traditional Japanese-style rooms and shared bathrooms; on busy dates, nearby hotels with half board may be used.

We’ll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple before setting off early for Kyoto. Upon arrival, you’ll have the entire day at your leisure to discover this remarkable city. Our guide will offer personalised suggestions to help you explore Kyoto’s most captivating sights and make the most of your free time.

We leave Kyoto and travel through scenic countryside to Tsumago, a charming village famed for its traditional wooden houses and well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere. You’ll have free time to wander its streets and enjoy lunch, which is included. Later, we continue to Matsumoto, a lively city where we visit the striking 16th-century castle, known as ‘The Crow’ for its black exterior. After the castle visit, you’ll have some free time to explore Matsumoto at your own pace before we journey onwards to Nagano, where we will spend the night.

In Nagano, we’ll visit Zenko-ji Temple, a revered pilgrimage site housing Japan’s first Buddhist image. You’ll also witness the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual believed to bring good fortune. Then we’ll travel into the Japanese Alps to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where we’ll walk through forest trails alongside rivers and hot springs that are home to Japanese macaques bathing in the warm waters. Continuing through spectacular high-mountain scenery—including views of semi-active volcanoes—we’ll arrive in Kusatsu, a charming hot-spring town known for its bustling central square and open-air onsen in the city park. You’ll have some free time for lunch here. Our day concludes in Ikaho, another picturesque hot-spring town famed for its historic stone stairways. We’ll stay overnight in a traditional ryokan, where you’re encouraged to enjoy the hot-spring baths. A traditional Japanese dinner is included. Please note that the macaque viewing at Jigokudani can be affected by seasonal conditions, and visits to Kusatsu may be subject to weather closures from November to April.

We continue to Nikko, a remarkable town famous for the Nikko-Toshogu Temple, where we will visit the renowned "room with the sound of a dragon." We will also explore the tranquil and impressive Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum. Afterwards, we take a walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where rows of Jizo statues line the riverbank in quiet watchfulness. You will then have some free time to explore the town centre at your own pace before we travel back to Tokyo, arriving around 6:30 pm.

After breakfast, your tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey through Japan.