Description
Day 1: Tokyo
Upon your arrival at Tokyo Airport, we'll transfer you to the hotel you'll stay at for the next two nights. In the afternoon, we'll embark on an adventure to the vibrant Shinjuku district, famous for its bustling train station, an array of shopping meccas, cutting-edge electronics stores, and a dazzling array of entertainment options.
After soaking in the vibrant energy of this district, we'll indulge in a wholesome dinner before making our way back to the hotel.
Day 2: Tokyo
On day 2, we'll immerse ourselves in the wonders of the Japanese capital. After we've had our breakfast, we'll embark on a 5-hour guided tour of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks. We'll explore the Zojoji Temple, the Imperial Palace, the Emperor's residence, and the Meiji Shrine, the Sensoji Temple, and witness the mesmerising Shibuya Crossing – the world's busiest pedestrian intersection. You'll be amazed by the sea of people crossing when the traffic lights turn red!
After the 5-hour tour, we'll grab some lunch and you'll have the rest of the evening free to explore Tokyo at your own pace!
Day 3: Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Kawaguchiko
We'll kick off the day by bidding farewell to Tokyo and heading to Arakurayama Sengen Park, where we'll revel in one of the most breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.
Next, we'll reach Kawaguchiko, a town nestled in the Five Lakes region of Mount Fuji. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a delightful boat ride across Lake Kawaguchiko. Following this serene experience, we'll hop on a bus to ascend Mount Fuji, where you'll be captivated by the panoramic vistas from Japan's highest peak.
To conclude our day, we'll return to Kawaguchiko to savour a delectable Japanese dinner, and then we'll head to the accommodation to rest.
Day 4: Kawaguchiko - Iyashinosato - Kyoto
On the fourth day, we'll make our way toward Iyashinosato, nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji. In this charming village, you can admire its traditional architecture. Following our visit, we'll go to the magnificent Shiraito Waterfall, where the cascading waters plummet an impressive 24 meters (79 feet)!
Our next destination will be the Toyota Museum, located in the Nagoya region. After exploring this exhibition dedicated to the renowned Japanese car brand, we'll continue our journey to Kyoto, where we'll spend the night. Get ready for a day brimming with cultural discoveries and natural wonders!
Day 5: Kyoto
Welcome to Kyoto! On this day, we'll explore the key landmarks of Japan's ancient capital. To fully immerse ourselves in its ambiance, we'll stroll amidst its temples, palaces, shrines, and traditional wooden houses, we'll pay a visit Nijō Castle,the Shinto sanctuary of Fushimi Inari-Taisha, the Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the Silver Pavilion.
Afterwards, we'll venture to the famous bamboo forest in Arashiyama, where you can marvel at bamboo stalks soaring over 20 meters (65 feet) high and snap photos alongside them. We'll also visit the Togetsukyo Bridge, where we'll get unbeatable panoramic views. In the evening, we'll take a leisurely walk through the Gion district, home to the world-famous geishas.
Day 6: Kyoto - Nara - Osaka
We'll bid farewell to Kyoto on the morning of the sixth day and journey to Nara. There, we'll explore its famous park, where you can observe deer grazing amidst the temples. Our visit will include the Buddhist temple of Tōdai-ji, nestled within the park, housing a colossal statue of the Buddha Vairocana.
After this visit, we'll recharge with a traditional lunch and continue our exploration with a visit to Hōryū-ji Temple, home to some of the oldest wooden structures in the world.
To cap off the day, we'll arrive in Osaka, and before heading to our rooms for some well-deserved rest, we'll take a stroll through the vibrant streets of Dotonbori. You'll fall in love with this neighbourhood of dazzling lights and street vendors!
Day 7: Osaka - Himeji - Okayama
On the seventh day, we'll kick off with a journey to Himeji, midway between Kyoto and Hiroshima.
Our exploration will begin at the awe-inspiring Himeji Castle, designated as a National Treasure of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you arrive, you'll begin to understand why it holds such an important place in Japanese culture.
After lunch, we'll head to the city of Okayama, where we'll visit the Korakuen Garden. It's considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the country! We'll also explore the Kibitsu-Jinja Shinto Sanctuary.
Day 8: Okayama - Kurashiki - Hiroshima - Miyajima
We'll depart from Okayama and set our course for Kurashiki, a historic city renowned for its canals. After exploring this charming town, we'll head to Hiroshima, where we'll gain a deeper insight into one of the most tragic episodes in Japan's history.
Our visit will include the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum. Following this, we'll take a ferry to Miyajima Island, where you'll be awestruck by its temple built over the water!
To conclude this day, we'll enjoy dinner and head to our hotel in Hiroshima for some well-earned rest.
Please note: The order of the tours in Hiroshima may vary. We'll visit the same points of interest, but we can't guarantee the order.
Day 9: Hiroshima - Matsuyama
We'll rise early to catch a ferry in Hiroshima bound for Shikoku Island. Our destination is its largest city, Matsuyama, where we'll take a cable car to reach the castle. Later, we'll visit the Ishiteji Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site.
After lunch, we'll head to Dogo Onsen, where you can indulge in a traditional Japanese bath.
Day 10: Matsuyama - Kotohira - Takamatsu - Naruto - Kobe
We'll bid farewell to Matsuyama and journey to the Kotohira Shrine, dedicated to sailors and navigators. Then, we'll head to Takamatsu and explore the exquisite Ritsurin Garden, considered one of Japan's most beautiful. After a delightful lunch, we'll marvel at the impressive Naruto Bridge over the sea.
In the late afternoon, we'll embark on the road to Kobe, traversing picturesque landscapes along the way. We'll spend the night at a hotel in Kobe.
Day 11: Kobe - Monte Koya
We'll make the most of our day in Kobe by visiting the Memorial Earthquake Museum, which commemorates the significant Hanshin-Awaji earthquake that occurred in 1995.
Following this visit, we'll head to the sacred mountain of Koya, a pilgrimage site adorned with hugely significant temples and monasteries. We'll stay at one of its Buddhist sanctuaries, where we'll participate in a Zen meditation ritual.
In the evening, we'll enjoy a delicious vegetarian dinner before heading to bed for the night in a traditional Japanese monastery. The bedrooms are basic, traditional style Japanese tatamis and shared bathrooms.
Day 12: Monte Koya - Kyoto
We'll rise early for a Japanese breakfast at the Buddhist temple on Mount Koya, and then we'll make our way back to Kyoto. You'll have the rest of the day to explore Kyoto at your own leisure, visiting anywhere you didn't get the chance to go to during our tour on the fifth day. We'll spend the night in Kyoto.
Day 13: Kyoto - Tsumago - Matsumoto - Nagano
We'll bid a final farewell to Kyoto and head to the village of Tsumago, a picturesque hamlet of wooden houses nestled in the Japanese Alps. We'll enjoy lunch in Tsumago and then make our way to Matsumoto. There, we'll take the opportunity to visit its majestic castle before departing for Nagano. We'll arrive in Nagano in the late afternoon.
Day 14: Nagano - Parque de los monos - Kusatsu - Ikaho Onsen
The penultimate day kicks off with a ceremony at Zenko-ji, a sacred pilgrimage site housing Japan's very first Buddhist image. Immerse in the Gomakuyo ceremony, designed to attract good fortune. Post-ritual, our journey takes us to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
After a revitalizing lunch, our expedition will take us to Kusatsu, a renowned hot spring town. Partake in the Yomomi show, unveiling the traditional art of cooling hot springs.
As the late afternoon unfolds, our tour will lead us to Ikaho, where a traditional dinner awaits, and then an overnight stay in a ryokan.
Please note: In autumn, depending on the abundance of fruit in the mountains, the movement of monkeys is unpredictable. The park may be closed if the macaques do not come down to the park. Apart from that, the visit to Kusatsu and the Yumoni show will be canceled from November to April for weather reasons.
Day 15: Ikaho - Nikko - Tokyo
We've reached the end of this incredible 15-day journey through Japan! We'll bid farewell to Ikaho and make our way to Nikko, the final destination on our itinerary. After rejuvenating ourselves and immersing in the tranquillity of its stunning temples, we'll return to Tokyo.
The tour will conclude at 6:30 pm with our arrival in the Japanese capital. We'll drop you off at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, located in the heart of Tokyo.
Accommodation
The tour includes 14 nights' accommodation with breakfast in the following hotels:
- Tokyo (2 nights) Hotel New Otani Inn Tokyo 3* or similar
- Kawaguchiko (1 night): Hotel Route Inn Court Yamagashi 3* or similar
- Kyoto (3 nights): Hotel Miyako Kyoto Hachijyo 4* or similar
- Osaka (1 night): Hotel Candeo Osaka Namba 4* or similar
- Okayama (1 night): Hotel Mitsui Garden Okayama 4* or similar
- Hiroshima (1 night): Hotel Confort Kure 3* or similar
- Matsuyama (1 night): Hotel Ana Crowne Plaza Matsuyama 4* or similar
- Kobe (1 night): Hotel Candeo Kobe Torroad 4* or similar
- Monte Koya (1 night): Hotel Saimonin 3* or similar
- Nagano (1 night): Hotel Jal City Nagano 3* or similar
- Ikaho (1 night): Hotel Moriaki Ryokan 4* or similar
Changes to the Itinerary
- Day 3: During the winter time the path up Mount Fuju is often closed due to snow or other weather conditions. On these dates, we'll go as far as we're possibly allowed. At the accommodation on the same day, some rooms are Japanese style with tatami mats and others are more Western style. Occasionally, the accommodation may also be at a Western-style hotel.
- Day 7: On some days, we may stay in Fukuyama City or Kurashiki. If this happens, the visit to the Kibitsu-Jinja Temple will be postponed. The visit to Kurashiki can be made on the same day during the afternoon.
- Please note that from April 2025, the itinerary will change from 15 days to 16 days, with more time devoted to Tokyo.
