Explore Japan's Enchanting Natural and Cultural Wonders

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival in Tokyo, you'll be transferred to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus after completing customs formalities. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. In the afternoon, further details regarding the start of your tour will be provided. 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.

Today, we embark on an enthralling five-hour guided exploration of Tokyo, a city where vibrant modernity beautifully intersects with serene tradition. Our adventure begins at the Zojoji Temple—an ideal spot to view the iconic Tokyo Tower. As we traverse the temple grounds, adorned with Jizo statues draped in colourful caps and bibs, we embrace this cultural sanctuary.We then move to Shibuya Crossing, hailed as the busiest intersection globally, followed by a visit to the tranquil Meiji Shrine, honouring Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Our journey continues with a scenic drive along Omotesando Avenue. Here, we catch sight of the elegant Imperial Palace gardens and the stately Nijubashi Bridge.As our tour proceeds, we pass through Akihabara, renowned as the vibrant heart of Japanese manga and anime culture, and drive by the Kokugikan, Japan's esteemed sumo wrestling venue. The morning culminates in Asakusa with a visit to the historic Sensoji Temple and vibrant Nakamise Street. Lunch awaits at a local restaurant before we return to the hotel. At 6:30 p.m., we reconvene with our guide to navigate the metro to the bustling Shinjuku district. As we stroll through its dynamic streets, celebrated for their nightlife, we make our way to a local restaurant for dinner, enveloped by the lively atmosphere. Post-dinner, we head back to our hotel, guided by the reassuring expertise of our guide.

Embark on a day-long journey from Tokyo to the breathtaking Mount Fuji region, where our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park. Here, you can admire the stunning pagodas and capture the quintessential view of Mount Fuji. We will then proceed to Kawaguchiko, a picturesque town nestled among mountains, vibrant flowers, and the serene Lake Kawaguchiko. Our visit includes the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a tranquil site amidst towering trees, traditionally serving as the starting point for Mount Fuji pilgrimages.Later, you can enjoy a delightful boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, soaking in the tranquillity of the surrounding natural beauty. We then make our ascent up Mount Fuji via a scenic road to the Fifth Station, located at 2,305 metres, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and landscapes. It's important to note that, during winter, the ascent may be restricted due to snow or adverse weather, allowing us to proceed only as far as conditions permit.We'll then return to Kawaguchiko for a leisurely stroll along the lake's serene shores. Tonight, experience the authentic charm of staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where relaxation awaits in the onsen (public bath). Dinner will be served here, providing a taste of local cuisine. For your comfort, please note that while some rooms feature traditional Japanese-style tatami mats, others offer Western-style accommodation. In rare cases, you may be accommodated in a Western-style hotel.

Our day begins with a picturesque drive around the serene lakes of the region, heading towards Iyashi no Sato Nenba. Once devastated by a typhoon in 1966, this village has been meticulously restored as an open-air museum. Here, you will find traditional houses now serving as charming arts and crafts shops, delightful restaurants, and cultural exhibits that offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s historical lifestyle.Next, we will make our way to the awe-inspiring Shiraito Falls, known for its cascading waters that drop from a height of 20 metres, creating one of Japan’s most beautiful natural spectacles. From there, our journey continues to Nagoya, where car enthusiasts will particularly enjoy a visit to the Toyota Museum. Admission here is included, offering you the chance to explore the innovative world of automotive technology and history.Finally, we’ll travel onwards to Kyoto, where you’ll settle in for the night, ready to explore more of Japan’s rich cultural heritage in the day to come.

Today, we'll immerse ourselves in the enchanting city of Kyoto, a historic and cultural gem that served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868 and was home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably untouched by the bombings of World War II, Kyoto has preserved its rich artistic heritage, making it a treasure trove of history and tradition. Additionally, it was the site where the notable Kyoto Protocol—aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions—was signed in 1997.Our exploration begins in the picturesque district of Arashiyama, where we'll admire the serene beauty of the Togetsukyo Bridge, known as the "Bridge Over the Moon," offering a captivating view of the surrounding landscapes. We'll then visit the renowned Tenryuji Temple, regarded as one of Kyoto's "five great Zen temples" and a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we'll enjoy a peaceful walk through the mystical bamboo forest that adds to the temple's tranquility.The tour continues with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant torii gates. We'll also explore the majestic Imperial Palace and the stunning Kinkakuji Temple, often referred to as the "Golden Pavilion," surrounded by exquisite gardens. Please note, the order of the visits may vary.After our guided visits, you'll have the opportunity to explore Gion, Kyoto's lively traditional district, known for its bustling streets and the captivating presence of geishas. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic area.

After breakfast, we'll set off to explore Japan’s natural and cultural treasures. Our journey begins with a visit to Shirahige Ginra, a small shrine serenely seated by one of Japan's largest lakes. Next, we’ll head to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery established in 1244, which stands as a pivotal centre for Zen Buddhism in Japan. This site, with its impressive architecture and tranquil gardens, is an active training monastery where monks engage in Zazen meditation and follow a disciplined daily routine.Continuing to Katsuyama, we'll explore the Dinosaur Museum, located at the country's premier dinosaur fossil site. Here, you'll have free time to marvel at over 40 dinosaur skeletons and enjoy a bite to eat among its informative exhibits. After lunch, we’ll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen, along with its accompanying temple and five-story pagoda. You can climb the pagoda for sweeping views of the area. Our day concludes in Kanazawa, where we will arrive in the evening.

We will spend our day in the historic city of Kanazawa. Our morning begins with a guided tour, starting at the castle area, where you'll admire the impressive stone walls that once protected the city. Next, we'll wander through the atmospheric Nagamachi neighbourhood, a district once home to samurai and their families. As we stroll along its narrow alleys and past traditional houses and water canals, you will get a sense of Kanazawa's storied past. We will also gain entry to Kenrokuen, acclaimed as one of Japan's top three gardens, offering stunning visuals throughout its expansive grounds. Our guided portion concludes at Omicho, a bustling traditional market, ideal for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore further at your own pace.

Today, we'll venture through breathtaking mountain scenery and charming villages in the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions, both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These villages feature distinctive houses with steeply sloped roofs, resembling hands clasped in prayer, designed to withstand the dense snowfall of winter. Our first stop is Ainokura, an enchanting small village, followed by a visit to Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, which is larger and more renowned. There will be ample time to wander and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Later, we'll proceed to Takayama to explore the Hida Folk Village Museum, set in a tranquil environment. This open-air museum displays over 30 historical houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868), showcasing tools and utensils from daily life of bygone days. You'll then have free time to explore Takayama's old town, with its traditional wooden architecture and local shops.

Following breakfast, we will set off for Hida Furukawa, where we will leisurely explore the quaint streets of its old town. This charming city is famed for its festival, celebrated for its grand drums and intricately adorned floats, and is recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Our visit includes entry to the museum, which displays the festival's elaborate floats, costumes, and drums. From there, we'll traverse the stunning landscapes of the Japanese Alps, known for being blanketed in snow for much of the year. Upon reaching Matsumoto, we'll visit its striking 'Crow Castle', a splendid example of 16th-century architecture marked by its distinctive black exterior. You will have some free time to enjoy lunch and explore the delightful town. Later in the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Nagano, where we will stay overnight.

In Nagano, we'll begin our day with a visit to Zenko-ji, an esteemed pilgrimage site renowned for enshrining the oldest Buddhist image in Japan. As part of our experience, the Gomakuyo ceremony included in your itinerary is believed to bestow blessings and fortune upon attendees. Our journey continues into the magnificent Japanese Alps, where we'll head to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, you'll have the opportunity to see Japanese macaques, known for their unique habit of bathing in the region's natural hot springs. We'll enjoy a pleasant walk through the park's forested paths, accompanied by cooling rivers, and you'll have time to savour lunch in this serene environment.After our time with the macaques, we'll ascend to behold the stunning scenery of the high mountains, reaching altitudes of 2,172 metres, and pass by semi-active volcanoes, offering extraordinary views. From there, we will head to Kusatsu, a delightful spa town notable for its charming main square. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in its park, which features an open-air onsen. We will then continue to Ikaho, another picturesque spa town famous for streets lined with steps, where we will explore the historic centre. Our day concludes with an overnight stay in a ryokan—a traditional Japanese inn—where you'll be treated to its calming baths and a traditional Japanese dinner is included. Please note that in autumn, the monkeys' movements can be unpredictable, and the park may close if they do not descend. Furthermore, weather conditions from November to April may lead to the cancellation of the Kusatsu visit.

Today we travel to the charming town of Nikko, known for its rich historical sites and tranquil atmosphere. Our exploration begins at the Nikko-Toshogu Temple, famed for the mesmerising "Room of the Dragon," where whispers echo as if from another realm. We then visit the serene Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, where architectural beauty and historical significance create a peaceful retreat. Following this, we'll take a leisurely walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, lined with silent rows of Jizo statues gazing over the riverbanks. You'll have some free time to explore Nikko's town centre, soaking in the local culture and ambience. Later in the day, we make our way back to Tokyo, with our expected arrival around 6.30 p.m., where you'll have time to unwind and reflect on the day's discoveries.

Following breakfast, our memorable journey concludes, allowing you to reflect on the delightful experiences and lasting memories of your time in Japan.