Enchanting Japan Temples, Traditions, and Nature - 9 Days

Welcome to Japan! Upon arriving, you'll complete customs procedures before being transferred to your hotel by a shared shuttle bus. The afternoon is yours to begin exploring at your own pace, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo. Later, we'll provide you with details and information about the start of your exciting tour. Enjoy this first taste of Japanese culture and hospitality as you settle into your surroundings. 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.

This morning, we set out on a guided tour of Tokyo lasting around seven hours, discovering a city where forward-looking neighbourhoods sit alongside calm, peaceful corners. We begin with a short stop at Zojoji Temple for one of the finest views of Tokyo Tower. Its grounds hold hundreds of stone Jizo statues, regarded as protectors of children and dressed in knitted hats, bibs and pinwheels.From the bus, we see Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world, before visiting Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. We then head up Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure, with admission to the Tembo Deck at 350 metres for sweeping views over the city.Our tour finishes in Asakusa, where we explore Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street. On the way back to the hotel, we pass through Akihabara, the ‘Electric City’ at the heart of Japan’s manga and anime culture, and Ginza.Later, we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to Shinjuku. After a walk through this lively district, we have dinner at a local restaurant (included), then return to the hotel by subway with our guide.Please note: The departure time for the evening outing is confirmed during the morning’s city tour.Please note: The order of visits may vary depending on the Tokyo Skytree admission time. In bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited, and an alternative visit to another city viewpoint will be offered.

Today, we travel to the breathtaking Mount Fuji region, taking in the stunning scenery that surrounds our journey. Our first stop is the Arakurayama Sengen Park, renowned for its beautiful pagodas and offering some of the most picturesque views of Mount Fuji itself. From here, we proceed to Kawaguchiko, a delightful town encircled by mountains, vibrant blooms, and the serene Lake Kawaguchiko. Upon arriving, we will visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a peaceful spot nestled among towering trees, historically marking the start of pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. Take a moment here to appreciate the serenity of this enchanting place.Our tour includes a delightful boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, allowing us to fully absorb the area’s tranquil ambiance. We will then ascend to Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station, situated at 2,305 metres, along a scenic road offering panoramic views of lush forests and distant landscapes. Please note that in winter the road to the Fifth Station is often closed due to snow or weather conditions, in which case we will go as far as permitted.We then return to Kawaguchiko, where we have the pleasure of staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can unwind in the relaxing onsen baths. Dinner is included, offering a perfect conclusion to a day filled with exploration and cultural immersion. It’s worth noting that our ryokan offers both traditional Japanese tatami mat rooms and Western-style options, although occasionally a stay may be arranged in a nearby Western-style hotel instead.

On the morning of Day 4, we will take a scenic route around picturesque lakes to Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a quaint village that was devastated by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as an open-air museum. Here, traditional houses have been transformed into arts and crafts workshops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering you a glimpse into Japan's historical lifestyle. Our journey continues to the breathtaking Shiraito Falls, where water cascades elegantly over a 20-metre drop, making it one of Japan's most stunning natural spectacles. Afterwards, we will head to Nagoya for a visit to the Toyota Museum (admission included), a must for anyone interested in automotive innovation. Our day concludes with a journey to Kyoto, where we will spend the night.

Today, we dedicate our day to exploring Kyoto, a city with a rich history as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868, and famously spared from the devastation of World War II, preserving its exquisite cultural heritage. Notably, Kyoto hosted the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, emphasising global environmental efforts. Our itinerary includes visits to several of Kyoto’s most celebrated sites. We begin in Arashiyama, marveling at the stunning view from the Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Bridge over the Moon.” We continue to the Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a peaceful walk through its enchanting bamboo forest.Next, we visit the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of red torii gates. Our journey takes us to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and then to the striking Kinkakuji Temple, the “Golden Pavilion,” nestled amidst beautiful gardens. The order of the sites we visit may vary. After our comprehensive tour, you are free to wander through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district renowned for its lively atmosphere and geishas. This promises to be a day filled with unforgettable sights and a deep dive into the cultural heart of Japan.

Today, we will embark on a delightful journey to Tsumago, a charming village renowned for its traditional wooden houses and picturesque surroundings. Recognised as one of Japan's most beautiful spots, Tsumago allows you the freedom to explore its serene streets at your own pace, with the convenience of lunch included. We will then move on to Matsumoto, a bustling city famed for its impressive 16th-century castle, affectionately dubbed "The Crow" due to its distinctive black exterior. After visiting the castle, you will have the opportunity to wander around and experience the lively atmosphere of Matsumoto on your own. Our day concludes in Nagano, where we will settle in for the night, ready to uncover more of Japan’s wonders.

Today in Nagano, we begin by visiting the Zenko-ji Temple, an ancient and revered pilgrimage site in Japan. This temple is home to the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. During our visit, you’ll experience the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual believed to bestow blessings and prosperity.Next, we venture into the stunning Japanese Alps to explore the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, we enjoy a tranquil walk through the forest, where you’ll discover natural hot springs inhabited by the iconic Japanese macaques, known for their love of bathing.Our journey continues as we ascend to the high mountain scenery, reaching altitudes of 2,172 metres. Here, the landscape is dotted with semi-active volcanoes, offering breathtaking views. We then travel to Kusatsu, a charming spa town renowned for its vibrant main square and soothing onsens. We take a leisurely stroll through the town park, home to an open-air hot spring, and you then have free time for lunch.Our next stop is Ikaho, another charming spa town. You’ll have the opportunity to wander its historic centre, noted for its distinctive stone-stepped streets. Tonight, we stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, where you can relax in the baths and enjoy an authentic Japanese dinner.Please note that during the autumn months, the movements of the monkeys can be erratic due to the availability of fruit in the mountains, which may affect the opening of the park. Furthermore, our visit to Kusatsu might be canceled due to adverse weather conditions between November and April.

Our adventure continues as we make our way to Nikko, a town renowned for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. We'll start with a visit to the magnificent Nikko-Toshogu Temple, famed for its 'room with the sound of a dragon' – a fascinating auditory phenomenon that intrigues many. We will also take in the serene beauty of the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, an awe-inspiring site steeped in history. Following these visits, we’ll wander along the scenic Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where rows of Jizo statues, guardians of travellers and children, keep a silent vigil over the riverbanks. Afterwards, you'll have some free time to explore the charming town centre at your own pace. As we wrap up the day, we'll return to Tokyo, arriving back around 6:30 p.m.

As you enjoy your breakfast, we'll mark the end of our unforgettable journey. As you depart Tokyo, you'll take with you a collection of cherished memories from your time in Japan. Safe travels, and we hope to see you on another adventure soon.