Itinerary
- Day 1
Tokyo
You'll arrive in Japan and clear customs before heading to your hotel on a shared shuttle bus. The afternoon is free to settle in and rest after your journey. Later you'll get details about when your tour begins.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel)
- Day 2
Tokyo
Start with a five-hour guided tour through Tokyo covering several neighborhoods. You'll see Zojoji Temple with views of Tokyo Tower, cross Shibuya Crossing, walk through Meiji Shrine, stroll Omotesando Avenue, check out the Imperial Palace gardens, and visit Nijubashi Bridge. After exploring Akihabara's Electric City and heading up Tokyo Skytree for views, you'll visit Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Return to your hotel, then meet your guide at 6:30 p.m. for a subway ride to Shinjuku. Walk through the district and have dinner at a local restaurant before heading back by subway.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at local restaurant in Shinjuku)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tokyo (approximately five hours)
- Visit Zojoji Temple
- Experience Shibuya Crossing
- Visit Meiji Shrine
- Walk along Omotesando Avenue
- Explore Imperial Palace and gardens
- Visit Nijubashi Bridge
- Drive through Akihabara
- Tokyo Skytree admission and panoramic views
- Explore Sensoji Temple
- Visit Nakamise Street in Asakusa
- Evening walk through Shinjuku district
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Subway tickets
Landmarks/POIs Zojoji Temple Tokyo Tower Shibuya Crossing Meiji Shrine Omotesando Avenue Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge Akihabara Tokyo Skytree Sensoji Temple Nakamise Street Shinjuku - Day 3
Tokyo to Hiroshima
After breakfast, head to the station to catch the bullet train to Hiroshima, a four-hour journey covering 800 kilometers. Once there, explore Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, then visit the Peace Memorial Museum to learn about this historically significant city. Take a ferry to Itsukushima Shrine, the iconic shrine built over the sea and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You'll have time to explore the shrine and island center with lunch included. Return to Hiroshima for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Candeo Hatchobori), Hotel (Hilton Hiroshima)
Included Activities
- Bullet train to Hiroshima
- Peace Memorial Park visit
- Atomic Bomb Dome visit
- Peace Memorial Museum admission
- Ferry to Itsukushima Shrine
- Itsukushima Shrine visit
- Dinner included
Landmarks/POIs Peace Memorial Park Atomic Bomb Dome Peace Memorial Museum Itsukushima Shrine - Day 4
Hiroshima to Matsuyama
Take a ferry to Shikoku Island for a two-and-a-half-hour journey. In Matsuyama, ride the cable car up to the castle, then visit Ishiteji, a Buddhist temple and popular pilgrimage site. Grab lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, head to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century where you can soak and relax.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ana Crowne Plaza Matsuyama)
Included Activities
- Ferry to Shikoku Island
- Matsuyama Castle cable car ride and visit
- Ishiteji Temple visit
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Dogo Onsen admission
Landmarks/POIs Matsuyama Castle Ishiteji Temple Dogo Onsen - Day 5
Matsuyama to Kobe
Travel to Kotohira to visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, located on Mount Zosu and reached by climbing 785 steps. Next, head to Takamatsu to check out Ritsurin, one of Japan's finest gardens. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In Naruto, you'll stop at an impressive bridge over the sea with a glass floor where you can see powerful sea whirlpools from 45 meters above. Take a scenic route across bridges connecting islands over the water. End the day arriving in Kobe for the night.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel)
Included Activities
- Kotohira Shinto shrine visit
- Ritsurin garden visit
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Naruto Bridge exploration
- Walk on glass floor viewing sea whirlpools
Landmarks/POIs Kotohira Shrine Ritsurin Garden Naruto Bridge - Day 6
Kobe to Mount Koya
In Kobe, visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum honoring the 1995 earthquake and the city's recovery. Head to Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism with 120 temples and monasteries. See the Okuno Mausoleum, a spiritual cemetery with over 200,000 graves set in nature, and visit Kongobuji Temple originally built in 1593. Stay in a Buddhist monastery where monks lead you in Zen meditation practice called Ajikan. Vegetarian dinner is included. You can optionally attend the religious ceremony before breakfast.
- Meals
- Dinner (Vegetarian meal at monastery)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Monasterio Hojoin)
Included Activities
- Earthquake Memorial Museum visit
- Okuno Mausoleum visit
- Kongobuji Temple visit
- Zen meditation practice (Ajikan)
- Dinner (vegetarian meal)
Optional Activities
- Religious ceremony at temple before breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Earthquake Memorial Museum Okuno Mausoleum Kongobuji Temple - Day 7
Mount Koya to Kyoto
Start with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Early in the morning, head to Kyoto, Japan's former capital from 794 to 1868 that avoided bombing during World War II. Visit the Shrine of Fushimi Inari, explore the historic Imperial Palace, and see Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, with its gardens. You'll have free time to explore before visiting Gion, a bustling traditional district known for its Geisha culture, where you can soak in the unique atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Traditional Japanese breakfast at temple)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Miyako Hotel)
Included Activities
- Traditional Japanese breakfast at temple
- Shrine of Fushimi Inari visit
- Imperial Palace visit
- Kinkaku-ji Temple visit
Landmarks/POIs Shrine of Fushimi Inari Imperial Palace Kinkaku-ji Temple Gion - Day 8
Kyoto to Nagano
Head out toward Tsumago, passing through charming countryside scenery. This small village with wooden houses is considered one of Japan's prettier places. You'll have free time to walk around and lunch is included. Continue to Matsumoto, a lively city, to see the impressive 16th-century castle known as 'The Crow.' Then explore this city at your own pace before traveling to Nagano for the night.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Tsumago)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Metropolitan Nagano)
Included Activities
- Tsumago village exploration
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Matsumoto Castle visit
Landmarks/POIs Tsumago Matsumoto Castle - Day 9
Nagano to Ikaho
In Nagano, visit Zenko-ji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site housing Japan's first Buddhist image. Take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual for good fortune. Head into the Japanese Alps, traveling through mountain scenery to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Walk through forested trails and see Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. Continue through high-mountain landscapes reaching 2,172 meters, passing semi-active volcanoes. Stop in Kusatsu, a hot-spring town, to stroll through the city park with open-air onsen and grab lunch. Continue to Ikaho, another hot-spring town, and walk through its old center famous for traditional stone stairways. Stay overnight in a Ryokan with hot-spring baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included.
- Meals
- Lunch (Free time for lunch), Dinner (Traditional Japanese dinner at Ryokan)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Moriaki Ryokan)
Included Activities
- Zenko-ji Temple visit
- Gomakuyo ceremony
- Jigokudani Monkey Park visit and walk
- Kusatsu hot-spring town stroll
- Ikaho hot-spring town stroll
- Traditional Japanese dinner at Ryokan
Optional Activities
- Hot-spring baths at Ryokan
Landmarks/POIs Zenko-ji Temple Jigokudani Monkey Park Kusatsu Ikaho - Day 10
Ikaho to Sendai
Continue to Nikko and visit the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple, known for its 'room with the sound of a dragon.' See the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a tranquil site, and stroll along Kanmangafuchi Abyss where hundreds of Jizo statues line the river. You'll have free time to explore the town center before heading to Sendai, a modern city with over one million people. Spend the evening discovering the bustling streets and having dinner in the city center.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Metropolitan Sendai East)
Included Activities
- Nikko-Toshogu Temple visit
- Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum visit
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss stroll
Optional Activities
- Dinner in Sendai city center
Landmarks/POIs Nikko-Toshogu Temple Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum Kanmangafuchi Abyss - Day 11
Sendai to Morioka
Head to Matsushima, located on the 'Thousand Islands' Bay in the Pacific Ocean and known as one of Japan's finest destinations. Visit a tea house overlooking the sea where your guide shares insights while you enjoy traditional tea. Take a 50-minute cruise and have lunch on board. Continue to Hiraizumi to see historic temples, starting with Takkoku no Iwaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into rock in 801. Explore the Buddhist temples of Chusonji and participate in a Zen ceremony in Motsuji Temple's peaceful gardens. End the day in Morioka, the capital of Iwate Province, with some free time to explore.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on board during 50-minute cruise in Matsushima)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing)
Included Activities
- Visit to tea house in Matsushima
- Traditional tea service in Matsushima
- 50-minute cruise in Matsushima with lunch on board
- Takkoku no Iwaya Temple visit
- Chusonji Temple visit
- Zen ceremony at Motsuji Temple gardens
Landmarks/POIs Matsushima Takkoku no Iwaya Chusonji Motsuji Temple - Day 12
Morioka to Hakodate
Travel through beautiful landscapes to Hirosaki and see its castle set within a park with over 2,500 cherry trees that bloom in spring. Continue to Aomori, the provincial capital on Mutsu Bay. Visit the Nebuta Museum to learn about Japan's vibrant festival traditions with beautifully painted and illuminated floats. Grab lunch at a local restaurant. Board a ferry to Hokkaido Island for a scenic three-and-a-half-hour journey. Arrive in Hakodate with free time to explore its charming historic district featuring the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian churches.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Four Points By Sheraton Hakodate)
Included Activities
- Hirosaki Castle visit
- Nebuta Museum visit
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Ferry to Hokkaido
Landmarks/POIs Hirosaki Castle Nebuta Museum Russian Orthodox Church - Day 13
Hakodate to Sapporo
In the morning, visit the lively fish market for a glimpse into local culture. Go up Goryokaku Tower to see panoramic views and the star-shaped design of Hakodate's historic fortress. You'll have free time in the castle area. Continue to Onuma, a beautiful natural setting with countless small islands. You can take a boat ride or stroll scenic walking trails. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, travel along the coastline to Noboribetsu, a volcanic landscape. Walk through steam vents at Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and see the misty waters of Lake Oyunuma. Arrive in Sapporo, the northern capital, in the evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sapporo Park)
Included Activities
- Fish market visit
- Goryokaku Tower admission and panoramic views
- Onuma natural setting exploration
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Jigokudani (Hell Valley) walk
Optional Activities
- Boat ride on Onuma Lake
- Scenic walking trails at Onuma
Landmarks/POIs Goryokaku Tower Onuma Jigokudani Lake Oyunuma - Day 14
Sapporo
Take a city tour with stops at the Clock Tower and Odori Koen, the beautiful park-lined avenue with the Sapporo TV Tower. Visit the Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine and participate in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer expressing gratitude for your journey. On Sapporo's outskirts, see the Hill of Buddha, an avant-garde structure with a massive Buddha statue and replicas of Moai statues from Easter Island. Head to Otaru, a charming town with European feel, lively shopping streets, a historic canal, and quaint museums. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Otaru)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sapporo Park)
Included Activities
- Sapporo city tour
- Clock Tower visit
- Odori Koen park visit
- Sapporo TV Tower visit
- Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine visit
- Kito ceremonial prayer
- Hill of Buddha visit
- Moai statues replica viewing
- Otaru exploration
- Lunch at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Clock Tower Odori Koen Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine Hill of Buddha Otaru - Day 15
Sapporo to Tomakomai
Head south on Hokkaido Island. First, visit the Upopoy Museum, celebrating the culture of the Ainu people, an Indigenous group of Eskimo origin. The name means 'singing together in a group' in the Ainu language. Go to Toyako, a resort town at the foot of a volcano on the shore of a beautiful crater lake. Stroll along the lakeside. Visit the Volcanology Museum about regional eruptions. Take the cable car to Mount Usu's summit and walk through the volcanic landscape with views. Lunch is included. Continue to Tomakomai and board a modern overnight ferry. You'll have double cabins with private bathrooms. Dinner included as you sail across the Pacific Ocean.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant), Dinner (Dinner on ferry)
Included Activities
- Upopoy Museum admission
- Toyako lakeside stroll
- Volcanology Museum visit
- Mount Usu cable car and summit walk
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Overnight ferry to Sendai
- Dinner included
Landmarks/POIs Upopoy Museum Toyako Mount Usu - Day 16
Sendai to Aizuwakamatsu
Arrive at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m. and head to Yamadera, a temple complex founded over 1,000 years ago. Set in the mountains with towering trees surrounding it, this sacred site has a magical atmosphere. Lunch is included. You'll have time to explore before continuing to Yonezawa, one of Japan's main sake-producing regions. Visit the Sake Museum featuring a small distillery. Travel through beautiful landscapes to Aizuwakamatsu for the night.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Yamadera)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Washington)
Included Activities
- Yamadera temple complex visit
- Lunch included
- Sake Museum visit
Landmarks/POIs Yamadera Sake Museum - Day 17
Aizuwakamatsu to Tokyo
In Aizuwakamatsu, visit the Samurai Mansion to learn about legendary samurai warriors and their way of life. Stroll through the castle garden and see the castle in the distance with its distinctive red roof tiles. Head to Iimoriyama, home to sculptures donated by Mussolini and telling the story of the city's young martyrs. Continue to Ouchi-juku, a picturesque village with traditional thatched-roof houses. Have time for lunch and then visit the impressive Oya Museum in former stone quarries. In the evening, return to Tokyo, arriving at the end of the day and concluding your journey with lasting memories.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch in Ouchi-juku)
Included Activities
- Samurai Mansion visit
- Castle garden stroll
- Iimoriyama visit
- Ouchi-juku village exploration
- Lunch in Ouchi-juku
- Oya Museum visit
Landmarks/POIs Samurai Mansion Iimoriyama Ouchi-juku Oya Museum
