Discover Japan's Timeless Landmarks and Traditions

Welcome to Japan! Once you've completed the necessary customs procedures, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Take this opportunity to relax or start exploring the vibrant surroundings. In the afternoon, we will provide you with essential details regarding the commencement of your tour, setting the stage for the exciting 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. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day, we'll dive into the vibrant and fascinating cityscape of Tokyo with a comprehensive guided tour lasting around five hours. Tokyo is an extraordinary blend of bustling modernity and serene tradition. Our adventure begins with a brief pause at Zojoji Temple, where you'll capture the iconic view of Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are graced with hundreds of Jizo statues, intricately carved figures dressed in colourful knit caps and bibs, believed to protect children.Next, the journey takes us to Shibuya Crossing, renowned globally as one of the busiest intersections, followed by a visit to the Meiji Shrine, a tranquil spot dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We'll then traverse the refined Omotesando Avenue by bus, leading us to the enchanting Imperial Palace gardens and the awe-inspiring Nijubashi Bridge.As we continue our exploration, we'll pass through Akihabara, often referred to as the "Electric Town," a hub for manga and anime enthusiasts, and glide by the Kokugikan, Japan's famed sumo wrestling arena. The morning culminates in Asakusa with visits to the revered Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street. A delightful lunch is included at a local restaurant before we head back to the hotel for a brief rest.In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., we'll regroup in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets provided) to the vibrant district of Shinjuku. Here, we'll delight in a leisurely walk amidst its lively streets known for a lively nightlife scene before sitting down to dinner at a local restaurant, also included. We'll return to the hotel by metro with our guide overseeing our journey.

Today, we'll embark on an early morning departure from Tokyo aboard the high-speed bullet train, whisking us to the historic city of Kyoto in just over two hours. Covering nearly 500 kilometres, this journey will take us to the heart of the former capital of Japan, which served as the seat of the Imperial Court from 794 to 1868. Notably, Kyoto was untouched by the bombings of World War II, preserving its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The city is also known for hosting the landmark Kyoto Protocol in 1997.Our day will be spent exploring Kyoto's most iconic sites. We'll marvel at the vibrant and spiritual Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousand red torii gates, before visiting the Imperial Palace, once home to Japan's emperors. The stunning Kinkakuji Temple, often referred to as the "Golden Pavilion" due to its dazzling exterior, awaits, surrounded by its tranquil gardens.Following these visits, you will have the opportunity to wander through Gion, Kyoto's vibrant traditional district. Famous for its geishas and lively atmosphere, Gion offers a glimpse into the city's rich cultural tapestry. The remainder of the day is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace or relax and soak in the unique atmosphere of this historic city.

After enjoying breakfast, we set off on an exciting journey skirting one of Japan's largest lakes. Our first destination is the quaint Shirahige Ginra, a small yet enchanting shrine nestled by the lakeside. Following this, we'll make our way to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery established in 1244 that serves as a vital centre for Zen Buddhism in Japan. Known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and serene spiritual atmosphere, Eihei-ji is a hub for monks practising Zazen meditation and adhering to a strict dietary routine.Our adventure continues to Katsuyama, where we explore three major attractions. First, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan's largest dinosaur fossil site. Here you can spend some free time having lunch and delving into the museum’s impressive displays, featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons. We’ll then visit the magnificent Great Buddha of Echizen and its impressive temple complex, complete with a five-storey pagoda. You can climb the pagoda for spectacular panoramic views. By evening, we will arrive in Kanazawa, ready for the next leg of our journey.

Today we fully immerse ourselves in the captivating city of Kanazawa. We'll start with a morning guided tour that showcases the city's fascinating history, where Kanazawa once stood as a rival to both Kyoto and Tokyo. Remarkably, the city escaped devastation during World War II air raids, preserving its rich heritage. Our visit will take us to the castle area, known for its impressive fortifications, before we wander through the historic Nagamachi district. This former samurai neighbourhood beautifully retains its historical charm, featuring traditional residences, earthen walls, and narrow alleys alongside gentle water canals.We'll also visit Kenrokuen, celebrated as one of Japan's three most exquisite gardens, allowing us to admire its serene beauty. Our guided exploration concludes at Omicho, a bustling traditional market filled with enticing lunch options to savour at your leisure. The afternoon is yours to continue discovering Kanazawa's attractions or relax and take in the city's unique atmosphere.

Today, we’ll travel through stunning mountain landscapes and lush forests to explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These areas are renowned for their traditional villages and have earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status due to their distinctive houses. The steeply sloped roofs of these homes, often referred to as "praying hands," are ingeniously designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls. Our first stop will be in Ainokura, a quaint village where you can take in the serene surroundings. We’ll then proceed to the larger, well-known village of Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, where you'll have time to wander and enjoy lunch. Following this, we’ll head to Takayama to visit the Hida Folk Village Museum, set in a picturesque and tranquil locale. This open-air museum features an impressive collection of over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period, which were relocated to form this fascinating assembly in 1971. Each house showcases the tools and utensils that were part of daily life in bygone days. Later, you'll have some free time to explore Takayama's old town, celebrated for its well-preserved wooden buildings and traditional shops.

Following breakfast, we head to Hida Furukawa for a leisurely walk through its picturesque old town. This city boasts a UNESCO-listed Intangible Cultural Heritage, famed for its grand drums and exquisitely decorated floats. We include a visit to the museum, where you can explore these festival floats, costumes, and drums. Our travels then take us across the breathtaking Japanese Alps, celebrated for their snow-draped vistas lasting much of the year. Upon reaching Matsumoto, we'll explore the striking Matsumoto Castle, often referred to as the "Crow Castle" for its distinctive black exterior, dating back to the 16th century. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to savour lunch and discover the charms of the town at your own pace. In the afternoon, we continue on to Tokyo, arriving by the close of the day.

As we savour breakfast on our final day, our tour comes to a close, allowing you to reminisce about the unforgettable experiences and lasting memories you've collected throughout your journey.