Japan´s Landscapes Tour with 2 Reviews by Europamundo

14 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 and Kyoto headline the "Japan’s Landscapes" tour, a 14-day city sightseeing package that uniquely includes Ha Giang in Vietnam. Tailored for seniors, this easy activity trip ensures all travel, accommodations, and meals are sorted, allowing you to enjoy each stop without stress. The distinguishing feature is its cross-cultural twist, blending Japan’s top sites with a taste of Vietnamese scenery, perfect for those eager to broaden their horizons.

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, Kyoto

We’ll travel by bullet train to Kyoto, departing early in the morning. In just over two hours, we’ll cover nearly 500 km separating Tokyo and Kyoto. We’ll have the entire day to explore Kyoto, the former capital of Japan 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 preserve its rich artistic heritage. Kyoto is also renowned as the site where the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was signed in 1997. Our visit will include the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by magnificent gardens. Afterward, enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, celebrated for its geishas and lively atmosphere. Free time will follow.

day 4 - Kyoto, Nara, Osaka

We’ll depart for Nara to visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple built in 752, home to a giant Buddha statue. Here, you’ll also have the chance to take photos and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch will be included. Afterward, we’ll visit the Horyuji Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses a seminary, monasteries, and temples. Its central pagoda is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, serving as an important place of worship. Our journey will then take us to Osaka, where we’ll arrive in the evening. Accommodation will be in this vibrant and modern city, known as Japan’s secondlargest urban area. Later, we’ll visit Dotonbori, a lively and colorful district renowned for its bustling nightlife.

day 5 - Osaka, Himeji, Korakuen Garden, Okayama

We’ll depart for Himeji, where admission to its immense complex, showcasing the architecture of Japanese castles, will be included. After lunch at a local restaurant (included), we’ll continue to Okayama, where we’ll visit Korakuen, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, with its lakes, waterfalls, and traditional teahouses. By crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Okayama Castle, a sixteenthcentury Japanese fortification rebuilt in 1966 after being destroyed in a World War II bombing (visit inside the castle not included). Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city, an active provincial capital with just over 700,000 inhabitants. Note: On some dates, we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki. The visit to Kurashiki may take place on the same day in the afternoon.

day 6 - Okayama, Kurashiki, Itsukushima, Hiroshima

We’ll set out for Kurashiki, a city renowned for its beautifully preserved historic center. You’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through its charming streets, where the atmosphere of the past is still alive. Our journey will then take us to Hiroshima, a city forever marked by the atomic bomb that devastated it in 1945. We’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the moving Peace Memorial Museum, where the history and resilience of this city are powerfully remembered. Seeking serenity after these reflections, we’ll take a ferry to the island known as the place “where men and gods live together. ” Here, we’ll visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas, and partially built over the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, wander through the picturesque town center, and enjoy lunch. Afterward, we’ll return to our hotel in Hiroshima, where dinner will be included. Note: The order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without altering the overall tiinerary.

Meals:Dinner buffet

day 7 - 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 8 - 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 9 - 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 10 - Mount Koya, Kyoto

We’ll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. At first light, we’ll depart for Kyoto, where you’ll have a full day of free time to explore. Our guide will provide recommendations to help you make the most of your day and visit the most captivating sights in this stunning city.

day 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - 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 14 - 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)Kioto - New Miyako Hotel (4 Star Hotel)Osaka - Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji (4 Star Hotel)Okayama - Gran Via Okayama (4 Star Hotel)Matsuyama - Candeo Hotel Matsuyama (4 Star Hotel)Kobe - Candeo Kobe Torroad (4 Star Hotel)Monte Koya - Monasterio Fukuchi In (4 Star Hotel)Nagano - Metropolitan Nagano (4 Star Hotel)Ikaho - Kishigon Ryokan (4 Star Hotel)

Meals

7 Lunch included in: Tokyo, Nara, Himeji, Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Tsumago, Nagano4 dinner included in: Tokyo, Hiroshima, Mount Koya, Ikaho

Transport

Includes arrival transferEvening transfer: Shinjuku, Traditional Quarter Gion, Dotonbori in Osaka, Traditional quarter of GionFerry: Hiroshima - Miyajima, Hiroshima- MatsuyamaFunicular: Matsuyama castleHigh speed train: Tokyo - Kyoto

Others

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

What's Excluded

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