Mystical Japan - 7 Days

Welcome to Japan. After clearing customs, you will be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will provide you with all the necessary information 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.

We begin the day with a comprehensive guided tour of Tokyo, lasting approximately five hours. This city uniquely blends vibrant, modern districts with areas of calm and tradition. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, where you can admire a striking view of Tokyo Tower and see hundreds of Jizo statues—stone deities adorned with hats and bibs, believed to protect children. Next, we visit Shibuya Crossing, known as one of the world’s busiest intersections, before heading to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Travelling by bus along Omotesando Avenue, we explore the scenic surroundings of the Imperial Palace, including a visit to the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. We then drive through Akihabara, Tokyo’s "Electric City," famed for its manga and anime culture. Our tour continues with admission to Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure, offering unrivalled panoramic views of the city. We conclude this extensive city tour in Asakusa, exploring Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street before returning to the hotel. In the evening, we meet in the hotel lobby and take the subway to Shinjuku, where we enjoy a guided walk through this bustling district and dine at a local restaurant. We then return to the hotel by subway. Please note that the sequence of visits may change depending on Tokyo Skytree admission times, and in the event of bad weather or restrictions, an alternative viewpoint will be offered.

We depart Tokyo and travel towards the Mount Fuji region, taking in the scenic landscapes en route. Our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park, celebrated for its iconic pagoda and spectacular views of Mount Fuji. We then continue to Kawaguchiko, a picturesque town nestled by the lake and surrounded by mountains. Here, we visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, historically the starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji, where we take a moment to appreciate the serene surroundings. Afterwards, we enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko before driving towards Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station. The journey ascends through stunning forests and vistas to an altitude of 2,305 metres (7,562 feet). Please note that in winter, access to the Fifth Station may be restricted due to snow or weather conditions; in such cases, we will go as far as permitted. We return to Kawaguchiko for an overnight stay at a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can unwind in the Onsen, a public hot spring bath. Dinner is included. Rooms may be Japanese-style with tatami mats or Western-style; occasionally, accommodation may be at a Western-style hotel.

We begin the day by following a scenic route around the region’s picturesque lakes to reach Iyashi no Sato Nenba. This charming village was devastated by a typhoon in 1966 and has since been restored as an open-air museum. Its traditional thatched-roof houses now house arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering an insightful glimpse into Japan’s rural past. Next, we visit the stunning Shiraito Falls, known for its 20-metre-wide cascading waters and natural beauty. From there, we continue to Nagoya to explore the Toyota Museum (admission included), which showcases the history and innovation of this iconic automotive brand. After the visit, we travel onwards to Kyoto for our overnight stay.

We’ll spend the day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital from 794 to 1868 and a city notable for preserving its artistic heritage, having been spared from bombing during World War II. Our tour begins in Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge—known as the “Bridge over the Moon”—offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery. We’ll visit Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before taking a peaceful walk through its iconic bamboo forest. Next, we’ll explore key landmarks including Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji Temple, also called the “Golden Pavilion,” set within impressive gardens. The order of visits may vary. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to wander through Gion, the city’s traditional entertainment district, famed for its lively atmosphere and geisha culture.

We’ll leave Kyoto for Nara, where we’ll visit Todaiji Temple, an impressive Buddhist monument dating back to 752, housing a giant Buddha statue. You’ll have the opportunity to take photos and interact with the friendly deer roaming freely in Nara Park. Lunch is included. Afterward, we’ll explore Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a seminary, monasteries, and temples, including one of the oldest wooden pagodas in the world—Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple and an important place of worship. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city known for its dynamic urban atmosphere. Accommodation will be here, and later you can enjoy a visit to Dotonbori, a vibrant district famous for its lively nightlife.

After breakfast, your tour concludes, and you are free to continue exploring Osaka at your own pace or begin your onward travel arrangements. We hope you leave with lasting memories of your time in Japan.