TOKYO 41ºF - 46ºF

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 41ºF - 46ºF

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.

TOKYO 41ºF - 46ºF - KYOTO 39ºF - 41ºF

We’ll travel by bullet train to Kyoto, departing early in the morning. In just over two hours, we’ll cover nearly 500 km separating Tokyo and Kyoto.

We’ll have the entire day to explore Kyoto, the former capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to preserve its rich artistic heritage. Kyoto is also renowned as the site where the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was signed in 1997.

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.

Afterward, enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, celebrated for its geishas and lively atmosphere. Free time will follow.

KYOTO 39ºF - 41ºF - NARA 43ºF - 43ºF - OSAKA 39ºF - 41ºF

We leave for NARA and 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. Lunch included. After the visit, we will see HORYUJI Buddhist temple, a World Heritage Site that includes a 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.

We continue to OSAKA, where we arrive in the evening. Accommodation in this modern city (Japan’s second city). We will visit Dotonbori, a colourful district filled with nightlife.

OSAKA 39ºF - 41ºF - HIMEJI 41ºF - 41ºF - KORAKUEN GARDENS - OKAYAMA 37ºF - 43ºF

We’ll depart for Himeji, where admission to its immense complex, showcasing the architecture of Japanese castles, will be included. After lunch at a local restaurant (included), we’ll continue to Okayama, where we’ll visit Korakuen, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, with its 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.

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 37ºF - 43ºF - KURASHIKI 37ºF - 43ºF - ITSUKUSHIMA - HIROSHIMA 43ºF - 43ºF

We leave for KURASHIKI, a city with a very well preserved historical centre. Time for a stroll in this charming place with its atmosphere from the past. We continue on our way to HIROSHIMA, a city sadly known for the atomic bomb that fell on it in 1945 and which levelled the city. We will stroll around the Peace Memorial, the Dome of the bomb and we will visit the impressive Museum of Peace. After the war we will seek peace by embarking on a ferry to the island “where men and gods live together”, with the sanctuary of ITSUKUSHIMA dedicated to the guardian of the seas, built partially over the sea. Time to visit the temple, to stroll around its pretty centre and have lunch. Return to our hotel in Hiroshima. Dinner included.

Note: The order of the visits in Hiroshima may vary without affecting their content.

HIROSHIMA 43ºF - 43ºF - MATSUYAMA 50ºF - 50ºF

Today we will take a ferry to Shikoku Island, on a pleasant crossing that lasts two hours and a half and see the many islands that make up Japan. In MATSUYAMA we will take the cable car up to its impressive castle. Afterwards, we will visit ISHITEJI, a beautiful Buddhist temple and a place of pilgrimage. Lunch included. In the late afternoon, we will visit DOGO ONSEN (admission included), a traditional Japanese bath facility built in the 19th century.

MATSUYAMA 50ºF - 50ºF - KOTOHIRA 41ºF - 41ºF - TAKAMATSU 43ºF - 43ºF - NARUTO 41ºF - 41ºF - KOBE 39ºF - 45ºF

We depart for KOTOHIRA, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors and a place of pilgrimage. The shrine stands on Mount Zosu and is reached by climbing 785 steps. Afterwards in TAKAMATSU we will visit RITSURIN, one of the prettiest gardens in Japan. Lunch included. Then, in NARUTO, we cross an impressive bridge over the sea, stopping on the way to admire the construction and walk on its glass floor with the sea 45 metres below us. Our road is surrounded by beautiful scenery and then crosses long bridges between islands over the sea. Arrival in KOBE, accommodation.

KOBE 39ºF - 45ºF - OSAKA 39ºF - 41ºF - MOUNT KOYA

In Kobe, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which serves to honor the memory of the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and its remarkable reconstruction.

We’ll then continue to Osaka, before heading to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. 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, originally built in 1593.

We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will lead us in a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can also 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 39ºF - 41ºF

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 39ºF - 41ºF - TSUMAGO - MATSUMOTO 30ºF - 30ºF - NAGANO 32ºF - 32ºF

We set out for TSUMAGO, passing attractive country scenery on our way. This small village with its wooden houses is one of the prettiest places in Japan. Free time to explore and lunch included. Then we continue to MATSUMOTO, a tourist city, where we will visit the impressive 16th century castle, known as the “Crow Castle”. Free time to explore this bustling tourist city. We continue to NAGANO, accommodation.

NAGANO 32ºF - 32ºF - MONKEY PARK - KASATSU 39ºF - 39ºF - IKAHO

In NAGANO we will see the Zenko-ji, a place of pilgrimage with the first Buddhist image in Japan. Our travellers will be included the Gomakuyo ceremony to bring luck. After this, we will travel to the beautiful Japanese Alps and in the mountains we will go to the JIGOKUDANI Monkey Park, where we will include lunch and stroll amidst its forests with its rivers and spa waters where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe. After this, very beautiful high mountain scenery (we go up to 2,172 metres), passing semi-active volcanoes. KUSATSU, an attractive spa town, its main square full of life. We follow this with a walk in the city park which has the open air Onsen. Then on to IKAHO, 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.

IKAHO - NIKKO 32ºF - 32ºF - TOKYO 41ºF - 46ºF

We continue on our way to NIKKO, and in this fantastic town we will visit the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple with its room with the sound of a dragon. We will also see the Taiyuinbyo mausoleum, an impressive place full of peace. After this a stroll by the river in Kanmangafuchi, Hundreds of Jizos watch us! We will have free time in the centre before leaving for TOKYO once more.- Arrival in Tokyo at around 18.30 in the evening.-

TOKYO 41ºF - 46ºF - KAMAKURA 50ºF - 50ºF - ODAWARA 46ºF - 46ºF - GORA 36ºF - 36ºF

We’ll depart Tokyo for Kamakura, a serene “oasis of peace” that served as Japan’s capital for two centuries. This charming city is home to numerous sanctuaries, temples, and gardens.

At the Hokoku-ji Zen Temple, we’ll take a peaceful walk through its enchanting bamboo forest (admission included) where you can enjoy a traditional green tea. We’ll also visit Sugimoto-dera, the city’s oldest temple, founded in 734. There will be time to explore the delightful city center before heading to the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu) (admission included).

Our journey will continue along a scenic route by the Pacific Ocean to Enoshima, a picturesque island connected to the mainland by a bridge. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll.

We’ll then proceed to Odawara, where we’ll visit the impressive Odawara Castle, a medieval fortress from the Edo era, restored in the 20th century (admission included).

Overnight stay in Odawara.

GORA 36ºF - 36ºF - MOUNT FUJI - KAWAGUCHIKO - TOKYO 41ºF - 46ºF

Today’s journey promises breathtaking scenery as we travel to the stunning Hakone region, known for its lakes and mountains near the iconic Mount Fuji.

We’ll begin the day by ascending Owakudani, the “Valley of Hell,” famous for its steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and sulphurous gases (access may be restricted due to volcanic activity or toxic gases; if so, we will visit the Arakurayama Sengen Park instead).

Next, we’ll visit Oshino Hakkai, a charming village with eight ponds and picturesque views of Mount Fuji. From there, we’ll continue to Kawaguchiko, a storybook town of quaint houses, flowers, mountains, set beside a beautiful lake. Here, you’ll enjoy a delightful boat ride to take in the area’s beauty.

Later, we’ll ascend Mount Fuji via the scenic road leading to the Fifth Station at 2,305 meters above sea level.

We’ll return to Tokyo at the end of the day.

Note: During winter, the road to Mount Fuji is often closed due to snow or weather conditions. If this occurs, we will ascend as far as permitted.
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.