OSAKA 45ºF - 48ºF

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we´ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of the tour.

OSAKA 45ºF - 48ºF - MOUNT KOYA

At 11:30 a.m., we’ll depart from the city and head 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. Here, we’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with more than 200,000 graves. We’ll also explore the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.

Tonight, we’ll stay in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). A vegetarian dinner will be included. If you wish, you can attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.

Notes:
-During winter, due to earlier nightfall, there won’t be enough time to visit the interior of Kongobuji Temple.
-Staying in the monastery is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
-We cannot guarantee meditation sessions during busy tourist periods.
-Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, we may arrange for groups to stay in nearby hotels instead (half board provided).

MOUNT KOYA - KYOTO 43ºF - 48ºF

We’ll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Early in the morning, we’ll depart for Kyoto, a city that served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably spared from bombings during World War II, Kyoto retains its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The city is also famous as the site where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997.

Our visit will take us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the magnificent Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, explore the historic Imperial Palace, and marvel at the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” with its stunning gardens.

You’ll have free time to explore before we visit Gion, a bustling traditional district renowned for its Geisha culture. Here, you’ll have additional free time to soak in the unique atmosphere.

Note: If you’ve already visited Kyoto as part of your tour, our guide will provide tips and recommendations to help you explore other parts of the city on your own.

KYOTO 43ºF - 48ºF - TOKYO 46ºF - 48ºF

After breakfast, we’ll provide a transfer to the station to take the bullet train to Tokyo. We’ll arrive in Tokyo after covering nearly 500 km in just over two hours. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure.

TOKYO 46ºF - 48ºF

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 46ºF - 48ºF - NIKKO 41ºF - 41ºF - SENDAI 48ºF - 48ºF

We’ll depart for Nikko, arriving at this fantastic city at 10:30 a.m. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine, renowned for the "Crying Dragon" room. Our tour will continue to the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in an impressive and serene location. Next, we’ll enjoy a stroll near the river at Kannanga Fuchi, where hundreds of Jizo statues silently watch over the path. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city center. Later, we’ll head to Sendai, a vibrant and modern city with over one million residents. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore its bustling center and enjoy dinner in this lively urban hub.

SENDAI 48ºF - 48ºF - MATSUSHIMA 46ºF - 46ºF - HIRAIZUMI 41ºF - 41ºF - MORIOKA 37ºF - 37ºF

We’ll depart for the marvelous city of Matsushima, located on the “Thousand Islands” Bay in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Japan. Upon arrival, we’ll visit a magnificent tea house overlooking the sea, where we’ll enjoy a cup of traditional tea as our guide shares fascinating insights about the city. Then, we’ll embark on a 50-minute cruise and enjoy some lunch on board. After, our tour will cintinue to Hiraizumi, where we’ll visit its historic temples, starting with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Takkoku no Iwaya, carved into the rock in 801. We’ll then explore the magnificent Buddhist temples of Chusonji and enjoy a peaceful moment in the gardens of Motsuji Temple, where passengers can participate in a Zen ceremony (admission included). conclude the day in Morioka, the charming capital of Iwate Province, where we’ll settle into our hotel and enjoy some free time to explore.

MORIOKA 37ºF - 37ºF - HIROSAKI 34ºF - 34ºF - AOMORI 39ºF - 39ºF - HAKODATE 34ºF - 34ºF

We’ll travel through a region of stunning landscapes to Hirosaki, where we’ll visit its iconic castle, set within a beautiful park that bursts into color each spring with more than 2,500 cherry trees in bloom.

We’ll then continue to Aomori, the provincial capital on Mutsu Bay. Here, we’ll visit the Nebuta Museum to learn about Japan’s vibrant festival traditions, reminiscent of carnival celebrations, featuring beautifully painted and illuminated floats. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

Afterward, we’ll board a ferry to cross to the island of Hokkaido, enjoying a scenic journey of just over three and a half hours. Upon arrival in Hakodate, we’ll explore its charming historic district, where we can admire the city’s cultural influences, including the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian churches.

HAKODATE 34ºF - 34ºF - ONUMA - NOBORIBETSU 32ºF - 32ºF - SAPPORO 30ºF - 30ºF

In the morning, we’ll visit the lively and bustling fish market, a fascinating glimpse into local culture. We’ll also go up Goryokaku Tower, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and appreciate the star-shaped design of Hakodate’s historic fortress. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the castle area before we continue to Onuma.

In this magnificent natural setting, dotted with countless small islands, you’ll have free time to take a boat ride or stroll along scenic walking trails. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll journey along the coastline to Noboribetsu, an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape. We’ll walk among the steam vents of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), admire the misty waters of Lake Oyunuma, and follow the trail along the hot spring river to a scenic spot where you can enjoy a relaxing foot bath.

Later, we’ll continue to Sapporo, arriving in the evening at this beautiful northern capital of Japan.

SAPPORO 30ºF - 30ºF

We’ll go on a city tour with stops at the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, the beautiful park-lined avenue dominated by the towering Sapporo TV Tower. We’ll also visit the stunning Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where we’ll take part in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer to express gratitude for our journey.

On the outskirts of Sapporo, we’ll visit the Hill of Buddha, a striking example of avant-garde architecture inaugurated in 2015. This lavender-covered hilltop is home to a massive Buddha statue, and within the complex, we’ll also see replicas of the famous Moai statues from Easter Island.

Our journey continues to Otaru, a charming town reminiscent of Europe, with lively shopping streets, a historic canal, and quaint museums. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

We’ll return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure.

SAPPORO 30ºF - 30ºF - TOYAKO ONSEN - MOUNT USU - TOMAKOMAI - SENDAI FERRY

We’ll visit Pirko Kotan, the Ainu village museum, where we’ll learn about the culture of the indigenous Ainu people, who inhabited this island long before the Japanese.

Traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of Hokkaido’s interior, we’ll pass serene lakes and majestic mountains before arriving in the spa town of Toyako. Nestled at the foot of an impressive volcano, this picturesque town sits on the shores of a beautiful lake formed within an ancient crater. You’ll have free time to stroll along the lakeshore and take in the stunning views.

Next, we’ll visit the Volcanology Museum to learn about the region’s past eruptions. We’ll then take a cable car up to the summit of Mount Usu, where you’ll have time to walk around the crater and admire the dramatic volcanic landscape. Lunch will be included.

Our journey continues to Tomakomai, where we’ll board a modern ferry for an overnight crossing. You’ll be accommodated in double cabins with private bathrooms. Dinner will be included, and we’ll spend the night on board as we sail across the Pacific Ocean.

TOMAKOMAI - SENDAI FERRY - SENDAI 48ºF - 48ºF - YAMA-DERA 37ºF - 37ºF - AIZUWAKAMATSU

We’ll arrive at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m. and head to Yamadera, a stunning temple complex founded over 1,000 years ago. Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by towering trees, this sacred site offers a truly magical atmosphere. Lunch will be included. We’ll have time to explore before continuing to Yonezawa, one of the main sake-producing regions. Here, we’ll visit the Sake Museum, which features a small distillery. Our journey will then take us through beautiful landscapes to Aizuwakamatsu, where we’ll stay overnight.

AIZUWAKAMATSU - OUCHI-JUKU - TOKYO 46ºF - 48ºF

In Aizuwakamatsu, we’ll visit the Samurai Mansion, a historic residence where we’ll learn about the legendary samurai warriors and their way of life. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll through the Castle Garden, where we might see children practicing martial arts in the dojo. Next, we’ll head to Iimoriyama, home to sculptures donated by Mussolini and a site that tells the story of the city´s young martyrs.

Our journey continues to Ouchi-Juku, a picturesque village known for its traditional thatched-roof houses. Here, we’ll have time for lunch before traveling to the impressive Oya Museum, located in former stone quarries. In the evening, we’ll return to Tokyo, arriving at the end of the day.
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.