Japanese Odyssey Temples, Traditions, and Tokyo - 8 Days

Welcome to Japan. After you’ve completed customs formalities, we’ll transfer you to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we’ll provide details about the start of your tour. 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 – around seven hours – revealing its vibrant contrasts of energy and calm. We make a short stop at Zojoji Temple for a superb view of Tokyo Tower, and you’ll notice rows of Jizo statues – stone guardians of children – dressed with knitted hats, bibs and pinwheels. We then continue to the famous Shibuya Crossing, seen from the bus, before visiting Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Next is Tokyo Skytree, with admission included to the Tembo Deck at 350 metres for sweeping city views. We finish in Asakusa to explore Sensoji Temple and stroll along Nakamise Street. The return to the hotel takes us past Akihabara – the Electric City known for manga and anime – and the Ginza district.

At 6:30 p.m. we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway – tickets included – to Shinjuku for a short walk through this lively district, followed by dinner at a local restaurant – included. We return to the hotel by subway with our guide.

Note: The order of visits may vary depending on the Skytree admission time. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited – in that situation an alternative iconic city viewpoint will be offered.

Early this morning we board the bullet train to Kyoto – a swift journey of just over two hours covering nearly 500 km. We spend the day exploring Japan’s former capital (794–1868), home to the Imperial Court and the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during the Second World War, which helped preserve its artistic heritage. It also gave its name to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. We visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji – the Golden Pavilion – set within its gardens. Afterwards, you can stroll through Gion, the city’s traditional district known for its geisha culture, then enjoy free time to continue exploring.

We leave Kyoto for Tsumago, travelling through scenic countryside en route. This small village is known for its traditional wooden houses and is considered one of the prettiest places in Japan. You’ll have free time to explore, and lunch is included.

We then continue to Matsumoto, a lively city where we visit its castle from the 16th century – famously nicknamed The Crow. Afterwards, you’ll have time to discover the city at your own pace. We end the day in Nagano, where we spend the night.

We begin in Nagano with a visit to Zenko-ji, a renowned pilgrimage temple that houses Japan’s first Buddhist image. We also take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony – a traditional ritual intended to attract good fortune.

We then head into the Japanese Alps to Jigokudani Monkey Park and walk along forested trails beside rivers and hot springs where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe. The route continues across striking high mountain scenery – reaching 2,172 metres (7,126 feet) – passing semi active volcanoes on the way to Kusatsu, a classic hot spring town with a lively central square. We take a gentle stroll in the city park, which features open air onsen, and you have free time for lunch.

Our day ends in Ikaho, another picturesque hot spring town. We wander its old centre, famed for traditional stone stairways, and stay overnight in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. A traditional Japanese dinner is included, and you can enjoy the hot spring baths.

Note: In autumn, if food is scarce in the mountains, the monkeys may not descend and the park may close. The visit to Kusatsu may be cancelled due to weather from November to April.

From Ikaho we continue to Nikko for a day of remarkable heritage. We visit the Nikko Toshogu complex, including its celebrated room known for the sound of a dragon, and explore the tranquil Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum. We then stroll along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where rows of Jizo statues line the riverbank. You’ll have free time to wander the town centre before we return to Tokyo, arriving at around 6:30 p.m.

We leave Tokyo for Kamakura, a former capital for two centuries known for its shrines, temples and gardens. At Hokoku-ji Zen Temple we stroll through its peaceful bamboo grove and enjoy a cup of green tea – admission included. We then visit Sugimoto-dera, founded in 734 and considered the city’s oldest temple, before some free time in the charming city centre. Later, we visit the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) – admission included.

We continue along the Pacific coast to Enoshima, a small island linked to the mainland by a bridge – you’ll have free time for lunch and a walk. We then travel on to Odawara for an included visit to its castle – a restored Edo-period fortress regarded as one of Japan’s most important. Overnight stay.

We leave Odawara for the Hakone region of lakes and mountains near Mount Fuji. We begin by ascending to Owakudani – the Valley of Hell – a volcanic crater with steaming vents, bubbling mud and sulphurous gases. If access is closed due to activity, we’ll visit Arakurayama Sengen Park instead. We then continue to Oshino Hakkai, a small, picturesque village with eight ponds and clear views of Mount Fuji. From here we head to Kawaguchiko, a lakeside town, where we enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko. Later, we drive up Mount Fuji on the road to the Fifth Station at 2,305 metres – 7,562 feet – passing through forest with broad views. In winter the road is often closed by snow or weather – in that case we’ll go as far as permitted. We return to Tokyo at the end of the day.

Our journey ends here. Please check your flight time in case you require an additional night. Departure transfer to the airport is not included – our guide will recommend the best public transport options for your onward journey.