Capitals of Japan Tour by Europamundo

11 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

50 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Ends

Tokyo, Japan

Itinerary

Set out on an 11-day city sightseeing adventure across Japan’s most iconic cities with the “Capitals of Japan” tour. Beginning and ending in Tokyo, this group trip is tailored for seniors who prefer a leisurely pace without missing out on any highlights. Explore the historic streets of Kyoto and the bustling neighborhoods of Tokyo, all while enjoying comfortable hotels, efficient transport, and included meals.

The easy activity level means you can savor each destination with ample time for discovery and relaxation. For those seeking a tour package that offers a comprehensive look at Japan’s capitals—without the rush—this journey’s standout feature is its thoughtfully balanced itinerary, blending cultural immersion with senior-friendly comfort.

day 1 - Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll receive details about the start of your tour.

day 2 - Tokyo

In the morning, we’ll enjoy an extensive guided tour of this truly mesmerizing city, lasting approximately five hours. Tokyo’s vibrant energy and cuttingedge neighborhoods coexist beautifully with its tranquil, serene spaces. We’ll begin with a brief stop at Zojoji Temple, where you’ll capture one of the most iconic views of the Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, intricately carved stone figures believed to be protectors of children, dressed in colorful knit caps, bibs, and windmills. Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, often hailed as the busiest intersection in the world, followed by a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our journey will continue by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue. We’ll then see the most picturesque parts of the Imperial Palace and its gardens and stop to admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. As we proceed, we’ll pass through the vibrant Akihabara district, also known as the “Electric Town,” a hub for Japanese manga and anime culture. We’ll also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s renowned sumo wrestling arena. We’ll conclude our tour in Asakusa, visiting the historic Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel. At 6:30 p. m. , we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. Here, we’ll enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for dinner (included). Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Meals:Pork shabu-shabu 2 types of pork cut: belly and shoulder loin, vegetables, noodles, udon, rice and dessert

day 3 - Tokyo, Hiroshima

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the station to board the bullet train to Hiroshima, a journey of approximately four hours covering 800 kilometers. Upon arrival, we’ll explore this city, forever marked by the atomic bomb of 1945, which tragically destroyed the city. Our visit will include a stroll through the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the powerful Peace Memorial Museum, a solemn tribute to the resilience and hope that emerged after devastation. We’ll later board a ferry to “the island where gods and men live together. ” Here, we’ll visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, partially built over the sea and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, wander through the island’s charming center, and have some lunch. We’ll return to Hiroshima for the evening, where dinner will be included. Note: The order of visits in Hiroshima may vary, but you’ll experience everything as planned.

Meals:Dinner buffet

day 4 - Hiroshima, Matsuyama

Today, we’ll take a ferry to Shikoku Island; a pleasant twoandahalfhour journey that will help us understand Japan, a country made up of numerous islands. In Matsuyama, we’ll ride the cable car to visit its impressive castle. After that, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a beautiful Buddhist temple and a popular pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.

day 5 - Matsuyama, Kotohira, Takamatsu, Naruto, Kobe

We’ll head to Kotohira, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors and an important pilgrimage site built on Mount Zosu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. Next, in Takamatsu, we’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, in Naruto, we’ll stop at an impressive bridge that spans the sea. Here, we’ll explore its remarkable construction and walk along its glass floor to observe the powerful sea whirlpools from 45 meters above. Our scenic route will then take us across stunning bridges connecting islands over the sea. Finally, we’ll arrive in Kobe for accommodation.

day 6 - Kobe, Osaka, Mount Koya

In KOBE, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which serves to honor the memory of the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and its remarkable reconstruction. We’ll then continue to OSAKA, before heading to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in JAPAN. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature with over 200,000 graves. We’ll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593. We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will lead us in a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast. Notes: On certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower. Staying at the monastery is considered a highly valuable experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared. We cannot guarantee the meditation practice during peak tourist dates. Since accommodation capacity in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, in some cases, we may accommodate groups in nearby hotels (with half board included).

Meals:Vegetarian dinner with seasonal vegetables. Water and tea included.

day 7 - Mount Koya, Kyoto

We’ll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Early in the morning, we’ll depart for Kyoto, a city that served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably spared from bombings during World War II, Kyoto retains its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The city is also famous as the site where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997. Our visit will take us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the magnificent Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, explore the historic Imperial Palace, and marvel at the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” with its stunning gardens. You’ll have free time to explore before we visit Gion, a bustling traditional district renowned for its Geisha culture. Here, you’ll have additional free time to soak in the unique atmosphere. Note: If you’ve already visited Kyoto as part of your tour, our guide will provide tips and recommendations to help you explore other parts of the city on your own.

day 8 - Kyoto, Tsumago, Matsumoto, Nagano

We’ll set out for Tsumago, enjoying the charming countryside scenery along the way. This small village, known for its wooden houses, is considered one of the prettiest places in Japan. You’ll have free time to explore, and lunch will be included. Next, we’ll continue to Matsumoto, a lively tourist city where we’ll visit the impressive 16thcentury castle, famously known as the “The Crow. ” Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore this bustling city at your own pace. Our journey will then take us to Nagano, where we’ll spend the night

day 9 - Nagano, Monkey Park, Kusatsu, Ikaho

In Nagano, we’ll visit the Zenkoji, a revered pilgrimage site housing the first Buddhist image brought to Japan. The Gomakuyo ceremony, included in your journey, will bring blessings and good fortune. Next, we’ll travel to the stunning Japanese Alps, venturing into the mountains to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch, followed by a serene stroll through forests, rivers, and hot springs, where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe. We’ll then ascend to breathtaking high mountain scenery, reaching altitudes of 2,172 meters, and pass semiactive volcanoes. Our journey will continue to Kusatsu, a charming spa town with a lively main square. We’ll take a leisurely walk through the city park, home to an openair onsen. Afterward, we’ll proceed to Ikaho, a picturesque spa town where we’ll wander its historic center, famed for its stairstepped streets. Tonight, we’ll stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanesestyle hotel, where you’ll enjoy its baths and a traditional Japanese dinner will be included. Note: During autumn, the movement of monkeys can be unpredictable depending on mountain fruit availability. If the macaques do not descend, the park may be closed. Additionally, the visit to Kusatsu may be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.

Meals:Typical Japanese dinner. Water and tea included.

day 10 - Ikaho, Nikko, Tokyo

We’ll continue our journey to Nikko, a fantastic town where we’ll visit the impressive NikkoToshogu Temple, known for its famous “room with the sound of a dragon. ” We’ll also explore the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a serene and aweinspiring site. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where hundreds of Jizo statues silently watch over the riverbanks. You’ll have free time to explore the town center before we head back to Tokyo, arriving at approximately 06:30 p. m.

day 11 - Tokyo

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Tokio - Shinagawa Prince Hotel (4 Star Hotel)Hiroshima - Ana Crowne Plaza Hiroshima (4 Star Hotel)Matsuyama - Candeo Hotel Matsuyama (4 Star Hotel)Kobe - Candeo Kobe Torroad (4 Star Hotel)Osaka - Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji (4 Star Hotel)Kioto - New Miyako Hotel (4 Star Hotel)Nagano - Metropolitan Nagano (4 Star Hotel)Ikaho - Kishigon Ryokan (4 Star Hotel)

Meals

5 Lunch included in: Tokyo, Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Tsumago, Nagano4 dinner included in: Tokyo, Hiroshima, Mount Koya, Ikaho

Transport

Includes arrival transferEvening transfer: Shinjuku, Traditional quarter of GionFerry: Hiroshima - Miyahima, Hiroshima- MatsuyamaFunicular: Matsuyama castleHigh speed train: Tokyo - Hiroshima

Others

General Services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.City tour in: Tokyo, Kyoto

What's Excluded

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