Journey Through Japan's Heart and Soul - 11 Days

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival and after completing customs procedures, you will be taken to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure, whether you choose to wander around the vibrant city or simply unwind at your accommodation. Later in the afternoon, you'll receive important details about the commencement of your tour, setting the stage for your exciting journey here in Tokyo. 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 our second day in Tokyo, we'll embark on a guided tour of this fascinating city, which lasts around five hours. Tokyo is a unique blend of vibrant urban energy and peaceful sanctuaries. We'll start our exploration with a visit to Zojoji Temple, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are home to numerous Jizo statues, charmingly dressed in bright knitwear, believed to protect children.

Our next stop is the renowned Shibuya Crossing, known globally as one of the busiest intersections. From here, we continue to the Meiji Shrine, which honours Emperor Meiji and his wife, set amidst a serene forested area. Travelling through Omotesando Avenue, we'll reach the Imperial Palace, pausing to admire the picturesque Nijubashi Bridge.

As we travel onwards, we'll experience the dynamic Akihabara district, famous for its manga and anime culture, and catch a glimpse of the Kokugikan, Japan's celebrated sumo wrestling arena. Our tour concludes in historic Asakusa, where we'll visit Sensoji Temple and stroll along Nakamise Street. A delightful lunch awaits us at a local restaurant.

In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., we'll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets are provided) to the lively district of Shinjuku. Here, we can wander through the bustling streets alive with vibrant nightlife before enjoying an included dinner at a local restaurant. Afterward, we'll return to the hotel by metro, guided by our tour leader.

After a satisfying breakfast, we�ll make our way to the station and board the renowned bullet train bound for Hiroshima. This iconic journey spans approximately four hours and covers 800 kilometres. Upon arrival, we�ll delve into Hiroshima's poignant history, irrevocably shaped by the events of 1945. Our exploration includes a thoughtful walk through the Peace Memorial Park, the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum, which offers a moving tribute to resilience and rebuilding in the wake of destruction.

After our time in Hiroshima, we�ll catch a ferry to an ethereal island, often referred to as a place where gods and humans coexist. On this island, the highlight is a visit to the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, famed for its breathtaking location partially over water. You'll have the opportunity to explore the shrine further, enjoy the island's charming centre, and take a break for lunch at your leisure. We�ll return to Hiroshima for the evening, where dinner awaits, allowing us to reflect on an unforgettable day. Note that the sequence of our visits may vary, but rest assured, we'll experience each highlight as intended.

Today, we will journey by ferry to Shikoku Island, a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour trip that offers insight into Japan�s geographical composition of numerous islands. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, we will ascend via cable car to explore its impressive castle. Following this, our exploration takes us to Ishiteji, a beautiful Buddhist temple and a significant pilgrimage site. Included in your day is lunch at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we have arranged a visit to Dogo Onsen, a 19th-century traditional Japanese bathhouse, where you can experience a quintessential aspect of Japanese culture.

Today, we journey to Kotohira, where we'll visit a revered Shinto shrine perched on Mount Zosu. This important pilgrimage site is dedicated to the God of sailors and encompasses a climb of 785 steps. Our travels continue to Takamatsu, where we'll wander through Ritsurin Garden, considered one of Japan's most exquisite landscapes. A delightful lunch awaits at a local eatery. Later, in Naruto, we'll marvel at the engineering of a magnificent bridge spanning the sea. You'll have the opportunity to walk on its glass floor, offering breathtaking views of the swirling sea whirlpools from 45 metres above. Our scenic route takes us over a series of stunning bridges linking various islands, before arriving in Kobe for our night's accommodation.

In Kobe, we�ll begin by exploring the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a poignant tribute to the 1995 disaster and the city�s remarkable resurgence. Our journey continues to Osaka before we head to the sacred Mount Koya, the foremost centre of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This revered pilgrimage site houses 120 temples and monasteries. Among the highlights, we'll visit the serene Okuno Mausoleum, a spiritual retreat set amidst nature with over 200,000 tombstones, and the Kongobuji Temple, originally constructed in 1593. Tonight, we will experience the unique opportunity of staying in a Buddhist monastery, where monks will guide us through a Zen meditation session (Ajikan). Dinner, featuring a traditional vegetarian meal, is included. Those interested may also attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.

Please note that on certain dates, the Earthquake Museum visit may be substituted with either a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip to the Kobe Tower. Staying overnight in the monastery is a treasured experience; however, the accommodations are simple, embracing a traditional Japanese style with tatami mats and shared bathrooms. During peak tourist times, the meditation session cannot be guaranteed, and due to limited capacity at Mount Koya�s temples, we may occasionally arrange for groups to stay in nearby hotels, with half board included.

We begin our day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple on Mount Koya. Early in the morning, we set off for Kyoto, a city steeped in history, having served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868 and the residence of the Imperial Court. Remarkably untouched by the bombings of World War II, Kyoto boasts an abundant artistic and cultural heritage. It is also known as the location where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997.

Our exploration of the city includes visits to several of Kyoto's most significant sites. We will take in the grandeur of the Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, noted for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. We will also explore the Imperial Palace, once the residence of the Emperor of Japan, and admire the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji, with its stunning garden setting.

You'll have some free time to discover more of Kyoto on your own before we rendezvous in Gion, a lively district celebrated for its Geisha culture. Here, you'll also enjoy free time to absorb the area's unique atmosphere and charm. For those who have previously explored Kyoto as part of their tour, our guide will provide tailored suggestions and recommendations to help you uncover other fascinating corners of the city.

Today, we will embark on a journey to Tsumago, where the picturesque countryside will captivate you along the route. Tsumago, renowned for its charming wooden houses, is often regarded as one of Japan's prettiest villages. You'll have free time to wander through this enchanting place, with lunch provided. We'll then continue to the vibrant city of Matsumoto, where we'll visit its remarkable 16th-century castle, popularly known as "The Crow." Following this, you'll have the opportunity to explore the bustling city at your leisure. Our day will conclude with a journey to Nagano, where we will settle in for the night.

In Nagano, we'll explore the revered Zenko-ji, a significant pilgrimage site known for housing Japan's first Buddhist image. Our visit includes the Gomakuyo ceremony, bringing you blessings and good fortune. Our journey then takes us to the stunning Japanese Alps, where we'll venture into the mountains to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and a tranquil walk through forests, rivers, and hot springs, where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe.

Next, we ascend to breathtaking heights, reaching altitudes of 2,172 metres, as we pass by semi-active volcanoes. We continue to Kusatsu, a delightful spa town with a vibrant main square. We'll take a leisurely stroll through the city park, which features an outdoor onsen. Our travels then lead us to Ikaho, another picturesque spa town famed for its historic centre and stepped streets.

This evening, we'll spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you'll unwind in the baths and indulge in an included traditional Japanese dinner. Please note that during autumn, the movement of monkeys can be unpredictable due to the availability of mountain fruits, which may result in park closures. Additionally, adverse weather conditions from November to April may affect visits to Kusatsu.

Today, we journey to the enchanting town of Nikko. Our first stop will be the remarkable Nikko-Toshogu Temple, renowned for its acoustically intriguing �room with the sound of a dragon�. As we continue our exploration, we'll visit the tranquil Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a site of serene beauty. Later, we�ll wander along the picturesque Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where countless Jizo statues stand vigil over the riverbanks. You�ll have some leisure time to delve into the town�s vibrant centre and discover its unique charm. Following our Nikko adventure, we�ll return to Tokyo, expecting to arrive around 6:30 p.m.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with a wealth of unforgettable memories from your time in Japan.