Japan's Cultural Odyssey Cities and Shrines - 8 Days

Welcome to Japan! Upon completing the necessary customs procedures, you will be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is at your leisure for you to start discovering Tokyo at your own pace. In the afternoon, our team will provide you with essential details regarding the commencement of your tour. Enjoy settling in and soaking up the first impressions of this exciting city. 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.

On the second day, we delve into the captivating city of Tokyo with a comprehensive five-hour guided tour. The city's dynamic flair, where futuristic districts meet serene oases, is truly remarkable. Our exploration begins with a brief visit to Zojoji Temple, where you'll capture one of the quintessential views of Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds feature numerous Jizo statues, intricately carved stone figures thought to protect children, adorned in cheerful knit hats, bibs, and windmills.

We then make our way to the world-renowned Shibuya Crossing, celebrated as the busiest intersection globally, and proceed to the tranquil Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our journey continues by bus along the stylish Omotesando Avenue, providing a glimpse of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, where we'll pause to admire the celebrated Nijubashi Bridge.

As we travel on, we pass through Akihabara, the vibrant 'Electric Town,' famed for its anime and manga culture, and drive by the distinguished Kokugikan, Japan's iconic sumo wrestling arena. Our tour concludes in Asakusa, where we visit the historic Sensoji Temple and stroll down the lively Nakamise Street. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, after which we return to the hotel.

In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., we'll rendezvous with our guide in the hotel lobby. Together, we take the metro (tickets provided) to the bustling Shinjuku district, renowned for its exhilarating nightlife. Strolling through its vibrant streets, we head to a local restaurant for dinner, which is included. We then return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Following breakfast, we’ll make our way to the station for a bullet train journey to Hiroshima, covering approximately 800 kilometres in around four hours. Upon arriving, we will delve into the city's profound history, touched by the 1945 atomic bomb devastation. Our exploration includes a walk through the poignant Peace Memorial Park, a visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome, and an emotive experience at the Peace Memorial Museum, all serving as solemn reminders of resilience and hope.

Later, we’ll board a ferry to visit the renowned Itsukushima Shrine, often referred to as the place “where gods and men live together.” This stunning shrine, partly constructed over the sea, is dedicated to the guardian deity of the seas. You'll have time to wander the charming streets of the island's centre and enjoy lunch at your leisure. As the day winds down, we’ll return to Hiroshima, where a delightful dinner awaits. Please note that while the sequence of visits in Hiroshima may vary, all sites will be included as planned.

Today, we embark on a ferry journey to Shikoku Island, a delightful two-and-a-half-hour trip that highlights Japan's unique geography as an island nation. Upon reaching Matsuyama, we'll take a cable car to visit its imposing castle, a fine example of historic Japanese architecture. Following this, our exploration continues at the serene Ishiteji Temple, a picturesque site that draws numerous pilgrims. A traditional lunch awaits us at a local restaurant, providing a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. In the late afternoon, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the soothing experience at Dogo Onsen, a historic bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, known for its therapeutic hot springs.

Today, we journey to Kotohira, home to a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors. Perched on Mount Zosu, the shrine offers a rewarding experience for those ready to ascend its 785 steps. Our adventure continues in Takamatsu, where we explore Ritsurin Garden, renowned for its serene beauty, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, we'll travel to Naruto, famed for its impressive sea-spanning bridge. Here, you can marvel at its engineering feat and brave the glass floor to witness the swirling sea whirlpools 45 metres below. Our route will then unveil stunning views as we cross the awe-inspiring bridges connecting scattered islands over the sea. We conclude our day with an arrival in Kobe, where you'll settle in for the evening.

In Kobe, we visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which commemorates the catastrophic 1995 earthquake and celebrates the city’s impressive recovery. We then journey to Osaka before heading to the spiritual heart of Mount Koya, a pivotal centre for Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This revered pilgrimage site hosts 120 temples and monasteries. We explore the Okuno Mausoleum, a serene and sacred space with over 200,000 graves nestled in nature. Our journey continues to the Kongobuji Temple, initially established in 1593. Tonight, we stay in a Buddhist monastery, where monks will guide us through a Zen meditation session known as Ajikan. Dinner is included, offering a vegetarian meal. If you wish, there is the opportunity to attend an early morning religious ceremony at the temple. Please be aware that on some dates, the Earthquake Museum visit may be replaced by a Sake Museum tour or a trip up Kobe Tower. Staying at the monastery is a unique experience, with rooms offering traditional Japanese decor and shared bathrooms. Be mindful that the meditation practice may not be available on peak tourist dates. Due to limited capacity in the Mount Koya temples, accommodation may occasionally be arranged in nearby hotels, with dinner and breakfast included.

We'll begin our day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple before setting off for Kyoto, a city rich in history and culture. Once Japan's capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court, Kyoto is known for its preserved artistic heritage, having been spared the bombings during World War II. Notably, it is also the place where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997.

Our journey in Kyoto will take us to some of its most cherished sites. We'll start with the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its enchanting torii gate pathway. The tour continues with a visit to the historic Imperial Palace and the stunning Kinkaku-ji, or the "Golden Pavilion," surrounded by beautiful gardens.

You'll have free time to explore as you wish. Later, we will make our way to Gion, a traditional district known for its Geisha culture. Immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere during free time here.

Note: If you've already explored these sites in Kyoto, our guide will offer suggestions for additional places to visit in the city at your leisure.

After breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of the experiences we've shared.