Central Japan Tour with 6 Reviews by Europamundo

9 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

Tokyo’s neon lights and Kyoto’s timeless beauty come together in the “Central Japan” trip—a 9-day guided adventure designed for senior travelers who appreciate easy-paced city sightseeing. Start and finish your journey in Tokyo, exploring both the modern marvels and historic treasures of Japan’s most celebrated cities. From the bustling streets of the capital to the peaceful temples and gardens of Kyoto, each day offers new discoveries without demanding physical exertion.

This group trip ensures you travel in comfort, with hotel accommodations, transportation, and meals all taken care of. The highlight? The itinerary is carefully curated to provide a relaxed introduction to Japan’s rich culture, making it easy for seniors to soak up the local atmosphere and iconic attractions. The unique selling point of this tour is its gentle rhythm—offering ample time for sightseeing while allowing for plenty of rest, ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable experience throughout.

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, Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko

We’ll journey to the stunning Mount Fuji area, traveling through picturesque landscapes along the way. Our first stop will be the Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to beautiful pagodas and offering the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. From here, we’ll continue to Kawaguchiko, a charming town surrounded by mountains, vibrant flowers, and its namesake lake. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a serene site nestled among towering trees, which marks the traditional starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. During our visit, we’ll take a moment to express gratitude for experiencing such a magical place. The tour will also include a delightful boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, where you can soak in the area’s tranquil beauty. After, we’ll ascend Mount Fuji via the scenic road to the Fifth Station, at 2,305 meters, surrounded by breathtaking forests and vistas. Note: In winter, the ascent to Mount Fuji may be closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. During this season, we will go as far as permitted. We’ll return to Kawaguchiko, with time to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake. Tonight, we’ll stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can relax in the onsen (public bath). Dinner will be included. Note: At the planned ryokan, some rooms feature traditional Japanesestyle tatami mats, while others are Westernstyle. Occasionally, accommodation may be arranged in a Westernstyle hotel.

day 4 - Kawaguchiko, Iyashi No Sato Nenba, Toyota, Kyoto

In the morning, we’ll follow a scenic road that winds around picturesque lakes to visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small village that was destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as an openair museum. Its traditional houses have been converted into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past. Next, we’ll visit the breathtaking Shiraito Falls, one of Japan’s most stunning natural attractions, with cascading water that spans a height of 20 meters. From there, we’ll continue to Nagoya, where we’ll visit the Toyota Museum (admission included), a mustsee destination for car enthusiasts and those curious about automotive innovation. Finally, we’ll proceed to Kyoto for our overnight stay.

Meals:Depending on the accommodation it can be Buffet or traditional Japanese.

day 5 - Kyoto

We’ll spend the entire day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its rich artistic heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997. We’ll include a visit to Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Our tour will begin in Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Bridge over the Moon. ” This spot offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape. We’ll then visit the Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s “five great Zen temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a serene walk through its mystical bamboo forest. Next, we’ll explore the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine; the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by its spectacular gardens. (The order of the visits may vary. )After the tour, you can enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, known for its lively atmosphere and geishas.

day 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - 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 9 - 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)Kawaguchiko - Fuji View Hotel Kawaguchiko (4 Star Hotel)Kioto - Miyako Kioto Hachijyo (4 Star Hotel)Nagano - Metropolitan Nagano (4 Star Hotel)Ikaho - Kishigon Ryokan (4 Star Hotel)

Meals

3 Lunch included in: Tokyo, Tsumago, Nagano3 dinner included in: Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Ikaho

Transport

Includes arrival transferBoat: Kawaguchiko LakeEvening transfer: Shinjuku, Traditional quarter of Gion

Others

General Services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.City tour in: Tokyo, KyotoTicket admission: Metro, Zojoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Sensoji Temple, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Village Museum, Toyota Museum, Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari, Imperial Palace, Kinkakuji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, Zenko-ji Temple, Gomakuyo ceremony, Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum in Nikko

What's Excluded

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