Cultural Wonders of Japan Expedition - 11 Days

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival in Osaka, we'll ensure your seamless transfer to the hotel, giving you some free time to unwind after your journey. In the afternoon, we will provide you with all the essential information regarding the start of your tour. This is your opportunity to relax and prepare for the exciting exploration ahead. 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.

At 11:30 a.m., we will bid farewell to the vibrant city of Osaka and set off for Mount Koya, the revered heart of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This sacred pilgrimage destination is nestled in a serene setting and boasts 120 temples and monasteries. Our first stop will be the Okuno Mausoleum, a profound and expansive cemetery enveloped by nature and home to over 200,000 graves. We'll then visit the historic Kongobuji Temple, originally constructed in 1593, offering insights into the spiritual legacy of the area. Our unique overnight stay will be in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will introduce us to Zen meditation practice, known as Ajikan. A vegetarian dinner will be served this evening. If you're interested, you may also join a morning religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.

Please be aware that during winter months, the interior visit to Kongobuji Temple may be curtailed due to earlier nightfall. Our accommodation here is a treasured experience, albeit simple, as rooms are traditionally Japanese with tatami mats and shared facilities. During peak tourist seasons, meditation sessions may not be guaranteed. Due to limited availability in the Mount Koya temples, alternative lodging arrangements at nearby hotels may be provided on occasion, with half-board included.

Following a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, we set off at dawn towards Kyoto. Once in Kyoto, the day is yours to explore this remarkable city at your leisure. Our knowledgeable guide will be available to offer suggestions on the city's most captivating attractions, ensuring you make the most of your visit. Kyoto, renowned for its ancient temples, stunning gardens, and rich cultural heritage, promises an unforgettable experience.

After breakfast, we'll set off along the stunning shores of one of Japan's largest lakes, where our first visit will be Shirahige Ginra, a serene shrine nestled by the water. We'll then venture to Eihei-ji, a significant temple-monastery established in 1244 that serves as a central enclave for Zen Buddhism in Japan � your entry is on us. The tranquil ambiance, exquisite architecture, and lush gardens provide a perfect backdrop for the monks' Zazen meditation practice and rigorous daily routines.

Our next destination is Katsuyama, home to Japan's largest dinosaur fossil site. Here, you can explore the fascinating Dinosaur Museum, featuring educational exhibits and over 40 complete dinosaur skeletons � you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and peruse at your leisure. We'll then make our way to the awe-inspiring Great Buddha of Echizen and its surrounding temple complex, including an impressive five-story pagoda that you may climb to savour sweeping views of the area.

We conclude our adventures for the day by arriving in Kanazawa by evening, ready for more exciting exploration tomorrow.

Day five in Kanazawa offers a full day packed with exploration and cultural appreciation. We begin the morning with a guided tour of Kanazawa, a city steeped in history and beauty. Despite the devastation faced by many Japanese cities during World War II, Kanazawa remained untouched, and its historical sites have been beautifully preserved. Our first visit takes us to the castle area, where you'll be impressed by the formidable walls that tell stories of the past. Next, we wander through the Nagamachi neighbourhood, a slice of history where samurai and their families once lived. Here, the historical ambience remains intact, with original residences, earthen walls, and narrow alleys interlaced with tranquil water canals.

Our journey continues with admission to Kenrokuen, recognised as one of Japan's three most splendid gardens. It's a serene space harmoniously blending traditional Japanese garden elements�an unmissable experience.

At the conclusion of the tour, we make our way to the lively Omicho Market, buzzing with energy and offering an array of choices for a delightful lunch. Here, you'll have the opportunity to savour local delicacies. The afternoon is yours to explore Kanazawa at leisure, allowing you to soak in the city's charm at your own pace.

Today, we embark on a journey through the stunning mountain landscapes of the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. Known for their UNESCO World Heritage status, these areas boast traditional villages featuring distinctive houses with steeply sloped roofs, often likened to 'praying hands' � designed to endure heavy snowfall. Our exploration begins with a visit to Ainokura, a quaint and charming village, followed by a stop in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, a larger and busier settlement. You'll have free time here to wander and enjoy lunch amidst the backdrop of beautiful scenery.

Our adventure continues to Takayama, where we will visit the Hida Folk Village Museum. Nestled tranquilly, this open-air museum showcases over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603�1868), relocated from various locations to form this unique display in 1971. Inside, you'll find a variety of tools and utensils used in everyday life of the past. Following this, you'll have time to explore Takayama's charming old town, characterised by its wooden buildings and traditional shops.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off for the charming town of Hida Furukawa, renowned for its traditional old town and vibrant annual festival, which UNESCO recognises as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Famous for its large drums and ornate floats, the festival is a captivating spectacle. We will visit the local museum to admire these floats, along with costumes and drums that highlight the town's rich cultural traditions. As we journey through the Japanese Alps, you will be treated to magnificent views of snow-capped peaks that linger well into the year. Upon arriving in Matsumoto, we explore its notable 16th-century castle, popularly known as "Crow Castle" because of its distinctive black exterior. Following our tour, you will have leisure time to enjoy lunch and perhaps wander the quaint streets of the town. In the afternoon, we continue to Nagano, where you will settle in for the night.

In Nagano, we will visit Zenko-ji, a revered pilgrimage site and the home of the first Buddhist image brought to Japan. You will experience the Gomakuyo ceremony, which brings blessings and good fortune. Our journey continues as we travel into the stunning Japanese Alps to the foothills of the Jigokudani Monkey Park. After enjoying lunch, you�ll take a serene walk through the forests, rivers, and hot springs, where colonies of Japanese macaques, known for their charming antics, live and bathe.

We will then traverse breathtaking mountain scenery, reaching altitudes of 2,172 metres and encountering semi-active volcanoes. Our day will lead us to Kusatsu, a delightful spa town with a lively main square. We�ll wander through the town�s park, which boasts an inviting open-air onsen. Afterwards, we proceed to Ikaho, another picturesque spa town, exploring its historic centre famed for quaint, stair-stepped streets. This evening, we will stay at a ryokan, an authentic Japanese-style hotel, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy traditional baths and a Japanese dinner, which is included. Please note: During the autumn months, the monkeys� movements can be unpredictable, influenced by the availability of mountain fruit. Should the macaques not descend, the park may close. Additionally, the visit to Kusatsu is subject to weather conditions between November and April.

Today, we journey to the enchanting town of Nikko, where we'll explore the captivating Nikko-Toshogu Temple, famous for its "room with the sound of a dragon." This remarkable structure is a testament to traditional Japanese craftsmanship. We then visit the tranquil Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, where serenity and history combine beautifully. Our adventure continues with a peaceful walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where hundreds of Jizo statues silently guard the riverside. You'll have some free time to wander through the charming town centre, offering a perfect opportunity for a leisurely lunch or souvenir shopping. We then make our way back to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where we'll arrive at approximately 6:30 p.m., rounding off another day of cultural exploration.

In the morning, we'll embark on an engaging, guided exploration of Tokyo, a city that masterfully blends dynamic energy with serene spaces. Our five-hour tour will reveal Tokyo's diverse neighbourhoods, each offering intriguing contrasts. We start with a visit to Zojoji Temple, where you can take in one of the city's quintessential sights�the Tokyo Tower, set against the backdrop of hundreds of Jizo statues adorned with colourful knit caps and bibs, symbolic protectors of children.

Next, we head to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, often dubbed the world's busiest intersection, before visiting the stately Meiji Shrine, honouring Emperor Meiji and his consort. We'll continue our journey past the elegant Omotesando Avenue and catch a glimpse of the picturesque grounds of the Imperial Palace, crowned by the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.

Our path will take us through Akihabara, affectionately known as "Electric Town"�a lively centre of Japanese manga and anime culture. We'll also pass the Kokugikan, Japan's celebrated sumo wrestling arena, before finishing the tour in Asakusa. Here, we'll visit the historic Sensoji Temple and wander down the famous Nakamise Street, home to a variety of traditional shops. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, after which we'll return to the hotel.

In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., we reconvene with our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the vibrant Shinjuku district. This area is famous for its lively, dynamic nightlife. As we meander through the bustling streets, we'll head to a local restaurant for an included dinner. Afterwards, we'll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

As our adventure concludes, take a moment to cherish the remarkable memories you've made during this journey. Please ensure you confirm your flight schedule, as an extra night�s stay may be necessary. Although our package doesn't include a transfer to the airport, our guide will be on hand to offer helpful advice about the most convenient public transport options to ensure a smooth journey to your departure point.