Journey Through Japan's Cultural Heart - 9 Days

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival in Osaka, we've arranged a transfer to your hotel, where you'll have some leisure time to unwind. Later in the day, you'll receive all the information about the exciting journey 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 set off from Osaka and make our way to the revered Mount Koya, renowned as the heart of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This awe-inspiring pilgrimage destination is home to 120 temples and monasteries. During our visit, we explore the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual site and expansive cemetery surrounded by nature, hosting more than 200,000 graves. We also visit Kongobuji Temple, originally constructed in 1593. This evening, we will stay at a Buddhist monastery, where monks will guide us through a session of Zen meditation known as Ajikan. A vegetarian dinner will be included. You may choose to attend a temple ceremony before breakfast if you wish.

Note: During the winter months, as daylight fades earlier, there might not be enough time to see the interior of Kongobuji Temple. Staying within the monastery offers a profoundly enriching experience, though rooms are simple and in the traditional Japanese style, featuring tatami mats and shared bathrooms. Due to high tourist demand, meditation sessions cannot be guaranteed. As accommodation in Mount Koya's temples is limited, we sometimes arrange stays in nearby hotels, including half-board, for groups.

We begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple before setting off early for Kyoto, an iconic city that served as the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Unharmed by World War II bombings, Kyoto proudly retains a wealth of artistic and cultural treasures. Notably, it was here that the Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997.

Our tour will take us to some of Kyoto’s most celebrated sights. We’ll visit the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its striking red torii gates, explore the historical grandeur of the Imperial Palace, and admire the Kinkaku-ji, also known as the “Golden Pavilion”, which is set amidst beautiful gardens.

Following the guided tour, you'll have the chance to explore at your own pace before we reconvene in Gion, the vibrant district famed for its Geisha culture. Here, you'll relish some free time to wander through its traditional streets and take in the unique atmosphere. Should you have already toured Kyoto, our experienced guide will offer tips and ideas for further independent exploration in the city.

After breakfast, we'll set off on a scenic route along one of Japan's largest lakes, where our first stop is Shirahige Ginra, a quaint shrine situated by the water's edge. We will then travel to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery established in 1244, acknowledged as a significant Zen Buddhism centre in Japan. Here, you'll find captivating architecture and serene gardens that envelop the spiritual ambience, making it a vital training ground for monks practising Zazen meditation and adhering to a disciplined diet, with admission included in our visit. Our next destination is Katsuyama, where we will explore three noteworthy sites. Firstly, the Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan's most extensive dinosaur fossil site, offers you free time to enjoy lunch and explore the exhibits, which showcase over 40 dinosaur skeletons. Afterwards, we'll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen. Here, we'll also explore a splendid temple and a five-storey pagoda, from which we can ascend to enjoy panoramic vistas. Our day concludes as we arrive in Kanazawa by evening.

In Kanazawa, we'll dedicate the entire day to exploring this fascinating city. Our morning begins with a guided tour, taking in the impressive castle area, renowned for its formidable walls. We'll then wander through the historic Nagamachi neighbourhood, once home to samurai and their families. This area still retains its authentic charm, featuring ancient residences, earthen walls, and narrow alleys lined with water canals.

Our journey continues to Kenrokuen, regarded as one of Japan’s three most exquisite gardens, where entrance is included. After this delightful exploration, we'll conclude the formal tour at the bustling Omicho Market, a traditional marketplace offering an array of lunch options for you to enjoy. The afternoon is yours to discover more of Kanazawa at your leisure.

Today, we'll venture through the picturesque landscapes of the Gokayama and Shirakawa-go regions, renowned for their enchanting mountain scenery and traditional villages. These villages, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are celebrated for their unique "praying hands" houses, distinguished by their steeply sloped roofs designed to endure the region's heavy winter snowfalls. We will first visit Ainokura, a charming smaller village, before moving on to the larger, more visited Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, where you'll have some time to wander and enjoy lunch amidst the delightful local surroundings.

Continuing our journey, we'll head to Takayama to explore the Hida Folk Village Museum. This open-air museum, set in tranquil surroundings, features over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868), relocated to create an authentic historical experience. Within the museum, you'll have the chance to discover a variety of historical tools and utensils, offering a glimpse into everyday life from the past. After immersing yourself in the museum, the remainder of the day is yours to explore Takayama's old town—with its beautifully preserved wooden houses and charming traditional shops.

Today, after breakfast, we set off for the charming town of Hida Furukawa. You'll enjoy a leisurely walk through its picturesque old streets, where the vibrant cultural heritage is celebrated in the annual festival, recognised by UNESCO for its spectacular drum performances and intricately decorated floats. We’ll visit the local museum, which houses these festival artefacts, including floats, costumes, and drums, giving you a better understanding of this unique tradition.

Our journey continues across the stunning landscapes of the Japanese Alps, known for their snowy vistas, before arriving in Matsumoto. Here, we'll explore the iconic Matsumoto Castle, often referred to as the "Crow Castle" due to its striking black exterior. This remarkable fortification dates back to the 16th century and offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Afterward, you can enjoy some free time to have lunch and wander around the city's historical surroundings.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Tokyo, where we plan to arrive by late evening, ready to explore the vibrant capital city in the days to come.

Today, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant cityscape of Tokyo with an extensive guided tour, lasting approximately five hours. This mesmerising city is a harmonious blend of dynamic energy and tranquil serenity. Our journey begins with a brief visit to Zojoji Temple, offering a stunning view of the Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are dotted with countless Jizo statues, lovingly adorned with colourful knit caps, bibs, and windmills, believed to protect children.

Next, we head to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, famed as the world's busiest intersection, before visiting the tranquil Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our tour continues with a drive along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, showcasing the Imperial Palace's most picturesque parts and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.

As we travel through Tokyo, we pass the vibrant Akihabara district, known as the "Electric Town" for its connection to Japanese manga and anime culture. We also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s esteemed sumo wrestling arena. Our exploration culminates in Asakusa at the historic Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before we return to the hotel.

At 6:30 p.m., we regroup with our guide in the hotel lobby and set out by metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. This area is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and bustling streets. Our evening ends with dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a metro ride back to the hotel, all under the guidance of our tour leader.

Our journey draws to a close today, leaving you with remarkable memories of your time in Japan. As you prepare for departure, please confirm your flight schedule in advance if you need to arrange an extra night's stay. While the airport transfer is not part of our service today, our guide is available to suggest the most convenient public transport options for your onward travel.