Capitals of Japan with Mount Fuji

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.

In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about five hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cuttingedge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility. We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stonecarved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels. Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. We’ll continue our tour by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, explore the most scenic part of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, and stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We’ll drive through AKIHABARA, the “Electric City,” known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture. Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city. We’ll end our visit in ASAKUSA, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel. 6:30 p. m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide. Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

In NAGANO, we’ll visit Zenkoji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site that houses Japan’s first Buddhist image. Our travelers will also take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual meant to attract good fortune. Afterwards, we’ll venture into the stunning Japanese Alps, traveling through majestic mountain scenery to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. We’ll take a walk through the forested trails, rivers, and hot springs where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe in the warm waters. We’ll then continue through beautiful highmountain landscapes (reaching an altitude of 2,172 meters / 7,126 feet) and pass by semiactive volcanoes. Our next stop is KUSATSU, a charming hotspring town whose lively central square is full of activity. We’ll take a pleasant stroll through the city park, which features openair onsen (hot springs). Free time for lunch. Our journey continues to IKAHO, another picturesque hotspring town. We’ll stroll through its old center, famous for its traditional stone stairways. We’ll stay overnight in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we recommend enjoying the hotspring baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included. Note: In autumn, depending on the availability of food in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys can be unpredictable. If the macaques do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may also be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.

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.

We’ll leave TOKYO and head to KAMAKURA, an “oasis of peace” that served as Japan’s capital for two centuries and is home to numerous shrines, temples, and gardens. At the Hokokuji Zen Temple, we’ll stroll through its beautiful bamboo forest (admission included) and enjoy a cup of green tea. We’ll also visit Sugimotodera, founded in 734 and considered the oldest temple in the city. There will be some free time in the pleasant city center before visiting the Great Buddha (Daibutsu)—admission included. Our route then continues along a scenic coastal road following the Pacific Ocean. We’ll have free time for lunch and a walk on Enoshima, a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. We’ll then continue to ODAWARA, where admission to the castle is included—an impressive medieval fortress (restored in the 20th century) from the Edo period and one of Japan’s most important castles. Overnight stay.

Our journey today is truly spectacular as we travel toward the beautiful Hakone region, an area of lakes and mountains near Mount Fuji. We’ll begin the day by ascending to OWAKUDANI, the “Valley of Hell,” a volcanic crater known for its steam vents, bubbling mud, and sulfur gases. (Note: Occasionally, access may be closed due to high volcanic activity or toxic gases. In that case, we will visit Arakurayama Sengen Park instead. )Afterward, we’ll continue to OSHINO HAKKAI, a small and picturesque village with eight ponds offering beautiful views of Mount Fuji. Next, we’ll head to KAWAGUCHIKO, an idyllic town of small houses, flowers, and mountains beside its beautiful lake. Here we’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko. Later, we’ll begin our ascent toward Mount Fuji along the road leading to the Fifth Station, located at an altitude of 2,305 meters (7,562 feet), surrounded by spectacular forests and views. Note: In winter, the road leading up Mount Fuji is often closed due to snow or weather conditions; during those times, we will go as far as permitted. Return to TOKYO at the end of the day.

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