Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo
You'll arrive in Japan and clear customs, then take a shared shuttle bus to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day settling in at your own pace. Your tour guide will meet you tomorrow afternoon with all the information you need for the days ahead.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel), Hotel (Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho), Hotel (Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba)
Included Activities
- Shared shuttle bus transfer to hotel
- Day 2
Tokyo
A guided city tour takes up about five hours this morning, walking through Tokyo's mix of old temples and modern energy. You'll see Zojoji Temple with its views of Tokyo Tower, cross through the busy Shibuya Crossing, visit Meiji Shrine, stroll down Omotesando Avenue, check out the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge, explore Akihabara, and end in Asakusa at Sensoji Temple. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. At 6:30 p.m., meet your guide and head to Shinjuku by metro for dinner before returning to your hotel.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant), Dinner (Dinner at local restaurant in Shinjuku)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel), Hotel (Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho), Hotel (Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba)
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Tokyo (approximately 5 hours)
- Visit to Zojoji Temple
- Visit to Shibuya Crossing
- Visit to Meiji Shrine
- Drive along Omotesando Avenue
- View of Imperial Palace and gardens
- Stop at Nijubashi Bridge
- Pass through Akihabara district
- Pass by Kokugikan sumo wrestling arena
- Visit to Sensoji Temple
- Stroll through Nakamise Street
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Metro ride to Shinjuku district (tickets included)
- Evening stroll through Shinjuku
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Return to hotel by metro with guide
Landmarks Zojoji Temple Tokyo Tower Shibuya Crossing Meiji Shrine Omotesando Avenue Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge Akihabara Kokugikan Sensoji Temple Nakamise Street Shinjuku 
- Day 3
Tokyo to Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko
You'll travel to the Mount Fuji area through beautiful countryside, starting at Arakurayama Sengen Park for views of Mount Fuji. From there, head to Kawaguchiko, a nice lake town, to visit Fuji Sengen Shrine. Take a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, then drive up Mount Fuji's scenic road to the Fifth Station at 2,305 meters/7,560 feet where forests surround you. Back in Kawaguchiko, take a walk along the lake. Tonight you'll stay at a traditional ryokan with onsen facilities and dinner included.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Japanese dinner at ryokan)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Fuji View Hotel Kawaguchiko), Hotel (Fuji Kawaguchiko Resort), Hotel (Kofu Kinenbi)
Included Activities
- Visit to Arakurayama Sengen Park
- Visit to Fuji Sengen Shrine
- Boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko
- Ascent to Mount Fuji Fifth Station
- Leisurely stroll along Kawaguchiko lake
- Access to onsen (public bath) at ryokan
Landmarks Arakurayama Sengen Park Mount Fuji Fuji Sengen Shrine Lake Kawaguchiko Mount Fuji Fifth Station 
- Day 4
Kawaguchiko to Kyoto via Iyashi no Sato Nenba, Shiraito Falls, and Nagoya
The drive winds around scenic lakes toward Iyashi no Sato Nenba, an open-air museum with traditional houses that were rebuilt after a 1966 typhoon. These old houses now operate as shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits. Next, see Shiraito Falls with its 20-meter cascade of water. You'll continue to Nagoya to visit the Toyota Museum, which shows the history of car design and innovation. Later, travel on to Kyoto for your overnight stay.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Miyako Hotel), Hotel (Miyako Kioto Hachijyo)
Included Activities
- Visit to Iyashi no Sato Nenba open-air museum
- Visit to Shiraito Falls
- Visit to Toyota Museum (admission included)
- Drive through scenic lake landscapes
Landmarks Iyashi no Sato Nenba Shiraito Falls Toyota Museum 
- Day 5
Kyoto
Spend your full day in Kyoto, Japan's former capital from 794 to 1868. This city was one of the few major Japanese cities not heavily bombed during World War II. Start in Arashiyama to see the Togetsukyo Bridge with its nice views. Visit Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto's five great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then walk through its bamboo forest. Check out Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavilion) with its gardens. The afternoon is free to wander through Gion, Kyoto's traditional geisha district.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Miyako Hotel), Hotel (Miyako Kioto Hachijyo)
Included Activities
- Visit to Arashiyama
- View of Togetsukyo Bridge
- Visit to Tenryuji Temple
- Walk through bamboo forest
- Visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Visit to Imperial Palace
- Visit to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Gion traditional district
Landmarks Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge Tenryuji Temple Fushimi Inari Shrine Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) Imperial Palace Gion 
- Day 6
Kyoto to Kanazawa via Eihei-ji and Katsuyama
After breakfast, head out along one of Japan's largest lakes and stop at Shirahige Ginra shrine. You'll visit Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery from 1244 where monks practice Zazen meditation and it's a central hub for Zen Buddhism. In Katsuyama, there are three stops: the Dinosaur Museum at Japan's largest fossil site with over 40 skeletons (free time for lunch and looking around), the Great Buddha of Echizen and its temple, and a five-story pagoda you can climb for views. You'll arrive in Kanazawa by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast before departure)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mystays Premier Kanazawa)
Included Activities
- Visit to Shirahige Ginra shrine
- Visit to Eihei-ji temple-monastery (admission included)
- Visit to Dinosaur Museum (free time for lunch)
- Visit to Great Buddha of Echizen and temple
- Climb five-story pagoda for panoramic views
Landmarks Shirahige Ginra Eihei-ji Temple-Monastery Dinosaur Museum Great Buddha of Echizen 
- Day 7
Kanazawa
Spend the day in Kanazawa, a city that once rivaled Kyoto and Tokyo and was spared from World War II damage. The guided city tour covers the castle area with its walls, then you'll walk through the Nagamachi neighborhood where samurai families lived, seeing preserved houses, earthen walls, gates, and water canals. You get admission to Kenrokuen, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. The tour finishes at Omicho, a lively traditional market where you can grab lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mystays Premier Kanazawa)
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Kanazawa
- Visit to castle area and walls
- Stroll through Nagamachi neighborhood
- Admission to Kenrokuen Garden
- Visit to Omicho traditional market
Optional Activities
- Lunch at Omicho market
Landmarks Kanazawa Castle Nagamachi Kenrokuen Garden Omicho Market - Day 8
Kanazawa to Takayama via Gokayama and Shirakawago
You'll travel through mountain landscapes and forests, exploring Gokayama and Shirakawago, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These regions have traditional houses with steep 'praying hands' roofs built to handle heavy winter snow. Stop in Ainokura village and the larger Shirakawa-go Ogimachi for a walk and lunch. Later, reach Takayama to visit the Hida Folk Village Museum, an open-air museum with over 30 traditional Edo Period houses that were moved here in 1971. These buildings display old tools and items from daily life. You'll have free time to explore the old town with its wooden houses and traditional shops.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mercure Hida Takayama)
Included Activities
- Visit to Ainokura village
- Visit to Shirakawa-go Ogimachi village
- Stroll through traditional villages
- Visit to Hida Folk Village Museum
- Free time to explore old town of Takayama
Optional Activities
- Lunch in traditional villages
Landmarks Gokayama Ainokura Shirakawa-go Ogimachi Hida Folk Village Museum 
- Day 9
Takayama to Nagano via Hida Furukawa and Matsumoto
After breakfast, head to Hida Furukawa to walk through its charming old town and visit a museum about the city's UNESCO-recognized festival with its large drums and decorated floats. You'll cross the Japanese Alps, known for snow-covered peaks for much of the year. Upon reaching Matsumoto, visit the castle called the 'Crow Castle' because of its black exterior, dating back to the 16th century. Free time is available for lunch and exploring town before heading to Nagano for the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast before departure)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Metropolitan Nagano), Hotel (Kokusai 21), Hotel (Dormy Inn Nagano)
Included Activities
- Stroll through Hida Furukawa old town
- Visit to Hida Furukawa museum (admission included)
- Drive across Japanese Alps
- Visit to Matsumoto Castle
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Matsumoto
- Explore Matsumoto town
Landmarks Hida Furukawa Japanese Alps Matsumoto Castle 
- Day 10
Nagano to Ikaho via Jigokudani Monkey Park and Kusatsu
Start at Zenko-ji, a famous pilgrimage site with Japan's first Buddhist image, and participate in the Gomakuyo ceremony for blessings. Travel to the Japanese Alps and visit Jigokudani Monkey Park where you'll have lunch and walk through forests, rivers, and hot springs where Japanese macaques live and bathe. You'll reach high mountain scenery at 2,172 meters/7,126 feet passing semi-active volcanoes. Continue to Kusatsu, a spa town with a lively main square and outdoor onsen in the city park. Head to Ikaho, another spa town famous for its stair-stepped streets, and stay at a traditional ryokan with baths and a traditional Japanese dinner.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Jigokudani Monkey Park), Dinner (Traditional Japanese dinner at ryokan)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Moriaki Ryokan), Hotel (Kishigon Ryokan)
Included Activities
- Visit to Zenko-ji temple
- Gomakuyo ceremony (included)
- Visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Lunch at Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Stroll through forests, rivers, and hot springs
- Walk through Kusatsu city park
- Access to open-air onsen in Kusatsu
- Wander Ikaho historic center
- Access to ryokan baths
Landmarks Zenko-ji Temple Jigokudani Monkey Park Japanese Alps Kusatsu Ikaho 
- Day 11
Ikaho to Sendai via Nikko
Travel to Nikko to visit the Nikko-Toshogu Temple, famous for its 'room with the sound of a dragon.' You'll explore the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a peaceful place that feels calm and quiet. Take a walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss where hundreds of Jizo statues watch over the river. Free time lets you explore the town center before heading to Sendai, a modern city with over a million people. You'll find busy streets and have dinner in the lively city center.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Metropolitan Sendai East), Hotel (Monterey Sendai)
Included Activities
- Visit to Nikko-Toshogu Temple
- Visit to Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum
- Stroll along Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Optional Activities
- Explore Nikko town center
- Discover Sendai streets
- Dinner in Sendai city center
Landmarks Nikko-Toshogu Temple Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum Kanmangafuchi Abyss 
- Day 12
Sendai to Morioka via Matsushima and Hiraizumi
Head to Matsushima on the 'Thousand Islands' Bay in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of Japan's most beautiful spots. Visit a tea house overlooking the sea where your guide shares insights while you have traditional tea. Take a 50-minute cruise with lunch on board. Continue to Hiraizumi to visit Takkoku no Iwaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into rock back in 801. See the Buddhist temples of Chusonji and join a Zen ceremony at Motsuji Temple gardens (admission included). End in Morioka, the capital of Iwate Province, and settle into your hotel with free time to explore.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on board cruise)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing)
Included Activities
- Visit to Matsushima tea house overlooking sea
- Traditional tea at Matsushima
- 50-minute cruise on Thousand Islands Bay
- Lunch on board cruise
- Visit to Takkoku no Iwaya Temple
- Visit to Chusonji Temple
- Zen ceremony at Motsuji Temple (admission included)
Optional Activities
- Explore Morioka town center
Landmarks Matsushima Takkoku no Iwaya Chusonji Temple Motsuji Temple 
- Day 13
Morioka to Hakodate via Hirosaki, Aomori, and Ferry to Hokkaido
Travel through beautiful landscapes to Hirosaki where you'll visit its castle in a park with over 2,500 cherry trees that burst with color each spring. Continue to Aomori, the provincial capital on Mutsu Bay, to visit the Nebuta Museum and learn about the festival traditions with its painted and lit floats like carnival celebrations. Lunch at a local restaurant is included. You'll board a ferry for a just-over-three-and-a-half-hour journey to Hokkaido, arriving in Hakodate. Explore its historic district with Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian churches.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Aomori)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Four Points By Sheraton Hakodate), Hotel (Cabin President)
Included Activities
- Visit to Hirosaki Castle
- Visit to Nebuta Museum
- Lunch at local restaurant in Aomori
- Ferry crossing to Hokkaido (just over 3.5 hours)
- Explore Hakodate historic district
Landmarks Hirosaki Castle Nebuta Museum Russian Orthodox Church 
- Day 14
Hakodate to Sapporo via Onuma and Noboribetsu
Start with a visit to a busy fish market to see local culture. Climb Goryokaku Tower for views of Hakodate's star-shaped historic fortress. Free time lets you explore the castle area before continuing to Onuma, a natural setting with countless small islands. You'll have free time for a boat ride or scenic walking trails. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, head along the coast to Noboribetsu with its volcanic landscape. Walk among steam vents at Jigokudani (Hell Valley), see the misty Lake Oyunuma, and follow the trail along the hot spring river for a relaxing foot bath. You'll arrive in Sapporo by evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant at Onuma)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sapporo Park), Hotel (Mercure Sapporo)
Included Activities
- Visit to fish market in Hakodate
- Ascend Goryokaku Tower
- Visit to Onuma
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Walk in Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
- View of Lake Oyunuma
- Trail walk along hot spring river
- Foot bath at Noboribetsu
Optional Activities
- Boat ride at Onuma
- Stroll along scenic walking trails at Onuma
- Explore castle area in Hakodate
Landmarks Goryokaku Tower Hakodate Castle Onuma Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Lake Oyunuma 
- Day 15
Sapporo and Otaru
Take a city tour with stops at the Clock Tower and Odori Koen, a park-lined avenue with the tall Sapporo TV Tower. Visit Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine and participate in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer to give thanks for your journey. On Sapporo's outskirts, see the Hill of Buddha, an avant-garde complex from 2015 with a lavender-covered hilltop, a massive Buddha statue, and Easter Island Moai replicas. Head to Otaru, a charming town with European feel, lively shopping streets, a historic canal, and small museums. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. You'll return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. with the rest of the afternoon free.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Otaru)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sapporo Park), Hotel (Mercure Sapporo)
Included Activities
- City tour of Sapporo
- Visit to Clock Tower
- Visit to Odori Koen
- Sapporo TV Tower
- Visit to Hokkaido Jingu Shinto Shrine
- Kito ceremonial prayer
- Visit to Hill of Buddha
- Visit to Buddha statue
- View of Moai statue replicas
- Visit to Otaru
- Lunch at local restaurant in Otaru
Optional Activities
- Explore Otaru shopping streets
- Visit Otaru historic canal
- Explore Otaru museums
- Afternoon exploration of Sapporo
Landmarks Clock Tower Odori Koen Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido Jingu Shinto Shrine Hill of Buddha Otaru 
- Day 16
Sapporo to Tomakomai via Pirko Kotan and Toyako
Visit Pirko Kotan, the Ainu village museum, to learn about the indigenous Ainu people who lived here long before the Japanese arrived. Travel through breathtaking landscapes with serene lakes and mountains before reaching Toyako, a spa town at the foot of an impressive volcano on a beautiful lake formed in an ancient crater. Free time lets you stroll along the lakeshore. Visit the Volcanology Museum about past eruptions. Take a cable car up Mount Usu's summit with time to walk around the crater and see dramatic volcanic landscape. Lunch is included. Continue to Tomakomai and board a modern ferry for an overnight crossing in double cabins with private bathrooms. Dinner and accommodations are on board as you sail across the Pacific Ocean.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Mount Usu), Dinner (Dinner on board ferry)
Included Activities
- Visit to Pirko Kotan Ainu village museum
- Visit to Toyako
- Lakeshore stroll at Toyako
- Visit to Volcanology Museum
- Cable car ride up Mount Usu
- Walk around Mount Usu crater
- Lunch at Mount Usu
- Overnight ferry crossing to Sendai
- Accommodation in double cabin with private bathroom
- Dinner on ferry
Landmarks Pirko Kotan Toyako Mount Usu - Day 17
Sendai Port to Aizuwakamatsu via Yamadera and Yonezawa
You'll arrive at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m. and head to Yamadera, a temple complex founded over 1,000 years ago nestled in mountains surrounded by tall trees with a truly nice atmosphere. Lunch is included with time to explore. Continue to Yonezawa, a main sake-producing region, to visit the Sake Museum with a small distillery. Travel through beautiful landscapes to Aizuwakamatsu for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Yamadera)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Washington), Hotel (New Palace Aizuwakamatsu)
Included Activities
- Visit to Yamadera temple complex
- Lunch at Yamadera
- Visit to Sake Museum in Yonezawa
- Tour of small distillery
Landmarks Yamadera Sake Museum 
- Day 18
Aizuwakamatsu to Tokyo via Ouchi-juku and Oya Museum
In Aizuwakamatsu, visit the Samurai Mansion to learn about legendary samurai warriors and their way of life. Walk through the castle garden with views of the castle in the distance with its distinctive red roof tiles. Head to Iimoriyama, which has sculptures donated by Mussolini and tells the story of the city's young martyrs. Continue to Ouchi-juku, a picturesque village known for traditional thatched-roof houses with time for lunch. Visit the impressive Oya Museum, located in former stone quarries. In the evening, return to Tokyo, arriving at the end of the day.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel), Hotel (Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho), Hotel (Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba)
Included Activities
- Visit to Samurai Mansion (Aizu Bukeyashiki)
- Stroll through castle garden
- Visit to Iimoriyama
- Visit to Ouchi-juku village
- Visit to Oya Museum in former stone quarries
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Ouchi-juku
Landmarks Samurai Mansion (Aizu Bukeyashiki) Iimoriyama Ouchi-juku Oya Museum - Day 19
Departure from Tokyo
After breakfast, your journey through Japan comes to an end, and you'll leave with lasting memories of everything you've experienced.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast)
