Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, a guide (usually Spanish-speaking, though occasionally English-speaking) will be waiting for you. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll receive details about the start of your tour.

Tokyo

In the morning, we’ll enjoy an extensive guided tour of this truly mesmerizing city, lasting approximately five hours. Tokyo’s vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist beautifully with its tranquil, serene spaces.

We’ll begin with a brief stop at Zojoji Temple, where you’ll capture one of the most iconic views of the Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, intricately carved stone figures believed to be protectors of children, dressed in colorful knit caps, bibs, and windmills.

Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, often hailed as the busiest intersection in the world, followed by a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.

Our journey will continue by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue. We’ll then see the most picturesque parts of the Imperial Palace and its gardens and stop to admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.

As we proceed, we’ll pass through the vibrant Akihabara district, also known as the “Electric Town,” a hub for Japanese manga and anime culture. We’ll also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s renowned sumo wrestling arena.

We’ll conclude our tour in Asakusa, visiting the historic Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street.

Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel.

At 6:30 p.m., we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. Here, we’ll enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for dinner (included). Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Important Note: For groups with fewer than five passengers, the city tour will be conducted using a “Hop-On Hop-Off” tourist bus. These buses follow routes covering Tokyo’s most iconic attractions, allowing you to disembark, explore points of interest, and reboard the next bus at your convenience.

Tokyo - Kyoto

Total distance covered by bullet train: 430 km.

07:00 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. We’ll transfer to Tokyo Station to board a high-speed bullet train. The journey will take approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.

Note: You’ll be accompanied to the station, but during the train journey, a guide will not travel with you if the group for this section of the trip has fewer than 15 people. Upon your arrival at Kyoto Station, our guide will be waiting to continue the tour.

10:30 a.m. - Kyoto. We’ll meet our main guide and begin exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and hosted the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to preserve its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Kyoto is also known as the site where the 1997 Kyoto Protocol was signed, a treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Our visit will include the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by magnificent gardens.

07:00 p.m. - After the tour, enjoy free time to explore Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district, known for its vibrant atmosphere and Geishas.

Kyoto - Nara - Osaka.

Total distance: 125km

08.00hrs- Kyoto. Departure.
09.00hrs- NARA, we visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple built in 752, which has a giant Buddha and where passengers can take photos and touch and feed the deer that wander through the park.

10.30hrs.- Todaiji Temple departure.
11.15hrs- HORYUJI Buddhist temple, a World Heritage Site. Time to discover its seminary, monasteries and temples. Its main pagoda temple is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world and is the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan and an important place of worship.

12.45hrs- Horyuji Departure. Lunch included in a local restaurant. We continue to OSAKA. 14.30hrs.- OSAKA, Arrival. Accommodation in this modern city (Japan’s second city) and free time. In the evening we will visit Dotonbori, a colourful district filled with nightlife.

Osaka – Himeji Castle – Okayama Korakuen Garden – Okayama

Total distance covered: 190 km.

Scenery: Densely populated areas, major highways, with occasional sea views.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Osaka. We’ll head towards Osaka Bay.
09:45 a.m. – Himeji. Admission to the stunning Himeji Castle is included, a masterpiece of traditional Japanese castle architecture. After exploring the castle, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Note: If there are long queues at the castle, we recommend enjoying the beautiful surrounding gardens instead.

01:00 p.m. – Departure from Himeji.
02:30 p.m. – Okayama. We’ll visit Korakuen Garden, renowned as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, featuring lakes, waterfalls, and traditional teahouses. By crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Okayama Castle, a sixteenth-century Japanese fortification rebuilt in 1966 after being destroyed in a World War II bombing (visit inside the castle not included). Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city, an active provincial capital with just over 700,000 inhabitants.

05:30 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel for accommodation.

Note: On some dates, we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki. The visit to Kurashiki may take place on the same day in the afternoon.

Okayama - Kurashiki - Hiroshima- Itsukushima - Hiroshima.

Distance travelled: 220 Km Scenery: Pleasant scenery. Boat trip to Miyajima.

8.00 hrs.- Okayama –Departure-.
8.30 hrs.- KURASHIKI, a city with a very well-preserved historic centre. Time to explore this city with its old-world charm.

10.00 hrs.- Kursahiki –Departure-.
12.30 hrs.- HIROSHIMA, arrival to the city that is sadly famous as the site where the atomic bomb fell in 1945, destroying the whole city. We will visit the peace memorial, the dome and the impressive Peace Memorial Museum. Time for lunch after the visits. Then, we continue to the outskirts of the city and take a small ferry on a 15-minute crossing to Miyajima, the island where “man lives alongside the Gods”. Visit to ITSUKUSHIMA shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and partially built on the sea. Time to explore the temple and stroll through the pretty centre.

Note: The order of the visits in Hiroshima can change, being able to go first to Miyajima and later to Hiroshima.

19.00 hrs—Miyajima –Departure-. We take the boat and then continue to Hiroshima. Dinner included.

Hiroshima - Matsuyama.

Distance travelled: Journey by boat. Crossing of about 50 km.
Scenery: Interesting scenery on board, passing close to many different islands.
Note: We recommend staying on deck to enjoy the crossing, but bring warm clothing.

Today we will take a boat to the island of Shikoku. The crossing is extremely pleasant and takes two and a half hours, and discover that Japan is formed by many small islands. If there are no changes in the ferry times, it will leave at 09.20hrs (we leave the hotel at 08.00 hrs).

12.00hrs. – MATSUYAMA. Arrival. We will take the cable car and ascend to its impressive castle. Then we will visit ISHITE JI, a beautiful Buddhist temple and place of pilgrimage. Lunch included.

In the late afternoon we will visit DOGO ONSEN (admission included), a traditional Japanese bath built in the 19th century.

Note: we highly recommend you to live the Onsen experience in Japan. There are rules that will be explained to you; The baths are separated by sex and a thorough cleaning must be carried out before entering the hot water naked. In Japanese Onsen they can prohibit the entry of people with tattoos.

Matsuyama - Kotohira - Takamatsu - Naruto - Kobe.

Distance travelled: 345 km
Scenery: Pleasant mountain scenery in some places. We walk along huge suspension bridges over the sea. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the journey.

7.30 hrs- Matsuyama.- Departure-.
10.00 hrs.- KOTOHIRA, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of fishermen and a place of pilgrimage built on Mount Zozu. To access it, it is necessary to climb 785 steps. Those who do not want to climb the mountain can enjoy sightseeing and visit the small Sake Museum (the traditional Japanese liqueur).

12.00hrs.- Kotohira –Departure-.
13.00 hrs.- TAKAMATSU. Visit to RITSURIN, one of the prettiest gardens in Japan. Lunch included in a local restaurant.

15.00 hrs.- Takamatsu –Departure-.
16.15 hrs.- NARUTO, an impressive bridge that crosses the sea. We will stop to learn how it was built and walk along its glass floor with the impressive waves below us (depending on the times and tides) at a height of 45 metres.

17.15hrs.- Naruto –Departure-. Pretty scenery as we cross huge suspension bridges.
19.00hrs.- KOBE.- Arrival. Modern city by the sea, you can walk through its active center.

Kobe - Osaka - Mount Koya

Total distance covered: 140 km.

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a site dedicated to remembering the tragic earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and showcasing its remarkable reconstruction.

10:30 a.m. - Departure from Kobe and continuation toward Osaka.
11:15 a.m. – Osaka, Japan´s second-largest city. We’ll make a brief technical stop in Osaka only if required for the start or end of a tour for any passenger.

12:00 p.m. - Departure from the city toward the sacred mountain of Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. We’ll stop for lunch along the way. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature, with over 200,000 graves. We’ll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, built in 1593.

We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery. The monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.

Notes:
-On certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower.
-Staying at the monastery is considered a highly valuable experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
-We cannot guarantee the meditation practice during peak tourist dates. Since accommodation capacity in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, in some cases, we may accommodate groups in nearby hotels (with half board included).

Mount Koya - Kyoto.-

Japanese breakfast at the shrine. We will depart for KYOTO at first light where we will enjoy a full free day. Our guide will inform you so you can make the best of your alone time and visit the most interesting places in this gorgeous city.

Kyoto - Tsumago - Matsumoto.-Nagano

Total distance: 320 km.

08.00 hrs- We leave Kyoto to set out for Tsumago, passing attractive country scenery on our way.
11.15 hrs- TSUMAGO. This small village with its wooden houses is one of the prettiest places in Japan. Free time to explore and lunch included in a local restaurant.

13.30 hrs- Tsumago departure.
14.45 hrs- MATSUMOTO, arrival to this tourist city, where we will visit the impressive 16th century castle, known as the “Crow Castle”. Free time to explore this bustling tourist city.

18.00hrs.- Matsumoto.- Departure.
19.15hrs.- NAGANO, arrival.

Note: In some tours, we will not sojourn in Nagano but in the town of Matsumoto.

Nagano - Monkey Park - Kusatsu - Ikaho Onsen.

Total distance: 160 km
Scenery: Today our journey takes us through the beautiful Japanese Alps.
Note: Wear comfortable shoes to walk around the Monkey Park

Early in the morning, in NAGANO, we will visit Zenkoji temple, a pilgrimage site where the first Buddhist image of Japan is located. Passengers will have the opportunity to take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony that brings good luck.

10.30hrs- Nagano departure. We continue through the high mountains.
11.30hrs- Monkey Park, with lunch included and wander through its forests with their rivers and thermal fountains where colonies of Japanese monkeys live and bathe.

13.45hrs- We leave the park, our journey takes us through beautiful mountain scenery (reaching an altitude of 2,172 metres) with semi-active volcanoes.
15.00hrs- KUSATSU is an attractive spa city with a lively main square. Then we can stroll through the city park with its outdoor Onsen.

17.45 hrs- Departure from Kustasu.
19.15hrs- IKAHO, arrival to a picturesque spa town where we will stroll in its ancient centre with its staircase streets. We will stay at a RYOKAN, a Japanese style hotel where we will continue to enjoy its baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included. .

NB: In the autumn, depending on the amount of fruit in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys is unpredictable. If the macaques do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may be cancelled due to the weather from November to April.


NB: On certain dates, due to local festivities, accommodation may be provided in nearby towns such as TAKASAKI or MAEBASHI in a western-style hotel/dinner without onsen.

Ikaho - Nikko - Tokyo.

Total distance: 310km

07.45hrs- Ikaho Onsen. Saída.
10.00hrs- NIKKO, a fantastic town where we will visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the hall of the crying dragon. We will also visit the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in an impressive, peaceful site, followed by a walk near the river, in Kanmangafuchi, under the watchful eye of hundreds of Jizo statues!
Free time for lunch and visit the city centre.-

15.30hrs- Departure to Tokyo.
18.30hrs- TOKYO.- arrival.

Tokyo - Kamakura - Enoshima - Odawara

Total distance covered: 120 km.

Scenery: Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Tokyo.
09:00 a.m. – Kamakura. Known as an "oasis of peace," Kamakura served as Japan’s capital for two centuries and is home to a wealth of shrines, temples, and gardens. We’ll visit the Zen temple of Hokoku-ji, where you can stroll through its serene bamboo forest and enjoy a cup of green tea (admission included). Next, we’ll explore Sugimoto-dera, Kamakura’s oldest temple, founded in 734.

11:00 a.m. – Departure from Sugimoto-dera.
11:20 a.m. – Komachi Street. You’ll have free time to explore this charming, bustling area in the heart of Kamakura.

11:50 a.m. – Departure from Komachi Street.
12:15 p.m. – Kotoku-in. We’ll visit the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a stunning 13th-century bronze statue and the second-tallest Buddha in Japan (admission included).

01:00 p.m. – Departure from Kamakura.
01:35 p.m. – Enoshima. Enjoy free time for lunch and a stroll on this picturesque island, linked to the mainland by a scenic bridge. The route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

02:35 p.m. – Departure from Enoshima.
03:40 p.m. – Odawara. We’ll include admission to the renowned Odawara Castle, a majestic medieval fortress restored in the 20th century and originally from the Edo period (admission included). Inside, you can visit the historical museum and climb to the top floor for panoramic views of Odawara City.

05:00 p.m. – Arrival in Odawara for accommodation.

Odawara - Owakudani - Oshino Hakkai - Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji - Tokyo

Total distance covered: 195 km.

Scenery: Stunning mountain views and spectacular landscapes during the climb to Mount Fuji.

Notes:
-Bring warm clothing as temperatures can be low on Mount Fuji.
-In winter, the route to Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station is often closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. On such dates, the journey will proceed as far as the weather permits.

08:15 a.m. – Departure from Odawara. We’ll begin our journey toward the scenic Hakone region, famous for its serene lakes and mountains near Mount Fuji.
09:00 a.m. – Owakudani, also known as the "Valley of Hell." This geothermal wonder is characterized by bubbling mud vents and sulfuric steam. Our route to explore the area’s geothermal activity will start from the entrance parking lot. Visitors can also try the unique black eggs boiled in the volcanic hot springs, a local delicacy.

Note: Access to Owakudani may be restricted due to high volcanic activity or toxic gases. In such cases, we will visit Arakurayama Sengen Park as an alternative.

09:50 a.m. – Departure from Owakudani.
11:00 a.m. – Oshino Hakkai. This charming village is known for its eight ponds and picturesque views of Mount Fuji in the background.

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Oshino Hakkai.
12:30 p.m. – Kawaguchiko. This idyllic town is surrounded by flowers, mountains, and the beautiful Lake Kawaguchiko. We’ll include a delightful boat ride on the lake. Afterward, we’ll ascend Mount Fuji via the scenic road leading to the Fifth Station, reaching an altitude of 2,305 meters. This journey offers breathtaking forest and mountain views.

Note: In winter, the ascent may be restricted due to weather conditions, and we’ll proceed only as far as permitted.

03:45 p.m. – Departure from Kawaguchiko.
06:30–06:45 p.m. –Tokyo. The day will end here. Please check your flight departure time to determine if you’ll require an extra night in Tokyo. Airport transfers are not included, but our guide will assist you with public transport recommendations for your departure.

 

Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories. Please check your flight time in case you require an additional night. While the departure transfer to the airport is not included, our guide will provide recommendations for the best public transportation options to suit your journey.