Itinerary
- Day 1
Tokyo
You'll clear customs and take a shared shuttle bus to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are open for you to settle in and rest after your journey. Tour details will be provided once you arrive.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel)
- Day 2
Tokyo
Start with a five-hour guided tour through Tokyo covering temples, the famous Shibuya Crossing intersection, historic shrines, elegant avenues, and the Imperial Palace gardens. From there, head to Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views. Later, check out the temple and shopping street in Asakusa. You'll take the subway to Shinjuku in the evening for dinner at a local restaurant.
- 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 and view of Tokyo Tower
- Shibuya Crossing
- Meiji Shrine
- Omotesando Avenue
- Imperial Palace and gardens
- Nijubashi Bridge
- Tokyo Skytree (admission included) with panoramic views
- Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
- Nakamise Street
- Subway to Shinjuku
- Evening walk through Shinjuku district
- Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks 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 - Itsukushima
After breakfast, board the bullet train to Hiroshima, a roughly four-hour journey covering about 800 kilometers. Walk through Peace Memorial Park, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visit the Peace Memorial Museum. Take a ferry to Itsukushima Island to see the famous shrine built over the water, then explore the island center and have lunch. Head back to Hiroshima for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Candeo Hatchobori), Hotel (Hilton Hiroshima)
Included Activities
- Bullet train to Hiroshima (approximately four hours)
- Peace Memorial Park
- Atomic Bomb Dome
- Peace Memorial Museum
- Ferry to Itsukushima Island
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Exploration of island center
- Dinner included
Landmarks Peace Memorial Park Atomic Bomb Dome Peace Memorial Museum Itsukushima Shrine 
- Day 4
Hiroshima to Matsuyama - Shikoku Island
Ferry to Shikoku Island for a two-and-a-half-hour journey with views of Japan's island geography. In Matsuyama, ride the cable car up to the castle, then visit the Buddhist temple Ishiteji. Grab lunch at a local spot. Later, check out Dogo Onsen, a traditional 19th-century bathhouse.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ana Crowne Plaza Matsuyama)
Included Activities
- Ferry to Shikoku Island (two-and-a-half hours)
- Cable car ride to Matsuyama Castle
- Matsuyama Castle visit
- Ishiteji Temple visit
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Dogo Onsen admission (traditional Japanese bathhouse built in 19th century)
Landmarks Matsuyama Castle Ishiteji Temple Dogo Onsen 
- Day 5
Matsuyama - Kotohira - Takamatsu - Naruto - Kobe
Head to Kotohira to climb 785 steps up Mount Zosu to visit an important Shinto shrine. Then go to Takamatsu to walk through Ritsurin, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. Have lunch before continuing to Naruto to see the remarkable bridge spanning the sea with its glass floor showing powerful whirlpools 45 meters below. Arrive in Kobe for the night.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel)
Included Activities
- Kotohira Shrine visit (785 steps to Mount Zosu)
- Ritsurin Garden visit in Takamatsu
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Naruto Bridge exploration
- Glass floor walk viewing sea whirlpools from 45 meters above
- Scenic island-connecting bridges drive
Landmarks Kotohira Shrine Ritsurin Garden Naruto Bridge 
- Day 6
Kobe - Mount Koya
In Kobe, visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum honoring the 1995 earthquake and reconstruction efforts. Travel to Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism with 120 temples and monasteries. Explore the Okuno Mausoleum and historic Kongobuji Temple. Spend the night in a Buddhist monastery with vegetarian dinner and Zen meditation practice led by monks included.
- Meals
- Dinner (Vegetarian dinner at Buddhist monastery)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Monasterio Hojoin)
Included Activities
- Earthquake Memorial Museum in Kobe
- Okuno Mausoleum visit
- Kongobuji Temple visit (originally built in 1593)
- Zen meditation practice (Ajikan) at Buddhist monastery
- Vegetarian dinner included
- Overnight stay at Buddhist monastery
Optional Activities
- Religious ceremony at temple before breakfast
Landmarks Earthquake Memorial Museum Okuno Mausoleum Kongobuji Temple 
- Day 7
Mount Koya to Kyoto
Have traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, then head early to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital from 794 to 1868. The city was spared from World War II bombing and retains extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and the Golden Pavilion with its beautiful gardens. Spend time in the traditional Gion district known for its Geisha culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Traditional Japanese breakfast at temple)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Miyako Hotel)
Included Activities
- Traditional Japanese breakfast at temple
- Fushimi Inari Shrine visit
- Imperial Palace visit
- Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) visit
- Golden Pavilion gardens
Optional Activities
- Exploration of Gion traditional district
Landmarks Fushimi Inari Shrine Imperial Palace Kinkaku-ji Temple Gion 
- Day 8
Kyoto to Tsumago - Matsumoto - Nagano
Travel to Tsumago, one of Japan's prettiest villages with wooden houses. Walk through the village and have lunch before heading to Matsumoto, a lively tourist city. See the impressive 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, known as 'The Crow.' After exploring the city center, continue to Nagano for the night.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Tsumago)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Metropolitan Nagano)
Included Activities
- Travel to Tsumago village
- Exploration of Tsumago wooden houses
- Lunch at local restaurant in Tsumago
- Matsumoto Castle visit (16th century, known as 'The Crow')
Optional Activities
- Free time exploration in Matsumoto city
Landmarks Tsumago Matsumoto Castle 
- Day 9
Nagano - Jigokudani - Kusatsu - Ikaho
Start at Zenko-ji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site with Japan's first Buddhist image, and take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony. Head into the Japanese Alps to Jigokudani Monkey Park and walk forested trails where Japanese macaques live and bathe in hot springs. Pass semi-active volcanoes on high-mountain routes reaching 2,172 meters. Check out the hot-spring town of Kusatsu and its central square with open-air onsen. End in Ikaho, another hot-spring town with traditional stone stairways. Stay overnight in a ryokan with traditional Japanese dinner included.
- Meals
- Lunch (Free time for lunch in Kusatsu), Dinner (Traditional Japanese dinner at Ryokan)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Moriaki Ryokan)
Included Activities
- Zenko-ji Temple visit (houses Japan's first Buddhist image)
- Gomakuyo ceremony participation (traditional ritual for good fortune)
- Jigokudani Monkey Park visit
- Forested trails and rivers walk in Jigokudani
- Japanese Alps scenic mountain drive (reaching 2,172 meters / 7,126 feet)
- Semi-active volcano viewing
- Kusatsu hot-spring town stroll
- Kusatsu city park with open-air onsen exploration
- Ikaho hot-spring town stroll
- Ikaho traditional stone stairways exploration
- Traditional Japanese dinner at Ryokan
Optional Activities
- Hot-spring baths at Ryokan
Landmarks Zenko-ji Temple Jigokudani Monkey Park Kusatsu Ikaho 
- Day 10
Ikaho to Nikko - Sendai
Travel to Nikko and visit the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple famous for its 'room with the sound of a dragon.' See the serene Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum and take a leisurely walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss where hundreds of Jizo statues line the river. Free time to explore the town center before heading to Sendai, a vibrant modern city with over a million people. Dinner in the city center.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Metropolitan Sendai East)
Included Activities
- Nikko-Toshogu Temple visit (famous for 'room with the sound of a dragon')
- Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum visit
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss stroll with Jizo statues
Optional Activities
- Town center exploration in Nikko
- Sendai city center exploration and dinner
Landmarks Nikko-Toshogu Temple Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum Kanmangafuchi Abyss 
- Day 11
Sendai to Matsushima - Hiraizumi - Morioka
Head to Matsushima on the 'Thousand Islands' Bay, considered one of Japan's most beautiful destinations. Visit a tea house overlooking the sea where your guide shares local insights. Take a 50-minute cruise and enjoy lunch on board. Continue to Hiraizumi to see historic temples including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Takkoku no Iwaya carved into rock in 801. Visit magnificent Buddhist temples and participate in a Zen ceremony at Motsuji Temple. End the day in Morioka.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on board 50-minute cruise in Matsushima)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing)
Included Activities
- Visit magnificent tea house in Matsushima overlooking the sea
- Traditional tea experience in Matsushima
- 50-minute cruise on Thousand Islands Bay with lunch on board
- Takkoku no Iwaya Temple visit (UNESCO World Heritage Site, carved into rock in 801)
- Chusonji Temple visit
- Motsuji Temple gardens visit
- Zen ceremony participation at Motsuji Temple (admission included)
Landmarks Matsushima Takkoku no Iwaya Chusonji Temple Motsuji Temple 
- Day 12
Morioka to Hirosaki - Aomori - Hakodate
Travel through scenic landscapes to Hirosaki to see its iconic castle set in a beautiful park with over 2,500 cherry trees each spring. Continue to Aomori, the provincial capital on Mutsu Bay, and visit the Nebuta Museum to learn about Japan's vibrant festival traditions. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Board a scenic ferry for just over three and a half hours to Hokkaido Island, arriving in Hakodate. Explore the charming historic district with its Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian churches.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Aomori)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Four Points By Sheraton Hakodate)
Included Activities
- Hirosaki Castle visit
- Hirosaki Castle park visit (over 2,500 cherry trees)
- Nebuta Museum visit in Aomori
- Lunch at local restaurant in Aomori
- Ferry to Hokkaido Island (just over three and a half hours)
Optional Activities
- Exploration of Hakodate historic district
Landmarks Hirosaki Castle Nebuta Museum Hakodate 
- Day 13
Hakodate - Onuma - Noboribetsu - Sapporo
Visit the lively fish market for local culture insights. Head up Goryokaku Tower for panoramic views and see the star-shaped fortress design. Free time in the castle area before traveling to Onuma, a natural setting with small islands. Take a boat ride or walk scenic trails with lunch at a local spot. Continue along the coast to Noboribetsu, a volcanic landscape area. Walk through steam vents at Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and view Lake Oyunuma. Arrive in Sapporo in the evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Onuma)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sapporo Park)
Included Activities
- Fish market visit in Hakodate
- Goryokaku Tower visit with panoramic views
- Onuma natural setting visit
- Lunch at local restaurant in Onuma
- Jigokudani (Hell Valley) walk among steam vents
- Lake Oyunuma viewing
Optional Activities
- Boat ride in Onuma
- Scenic walking trails in Onuma
Landmarks Goryokaku Tower Onuma Jigokudani Lake Oyunuma 
- Day 14
Sapporo - Otaru
Start with a city tour stopping at the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, a beautiful park-lined avenue with Sapporo TV Tower. Visit Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine and take part in Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer. On Sapporo's outskirts, see the Hill of Buddha with its avant-garde architecture from 2015, a lavender-covered hilltop with a massive Buddha statue and Moai statues. Continue to charming Otaru with shopping streets, a historic canal, and quaint museums. Have lunch and return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. with free afternoon to explore.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Otaru)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sapporo Park)
Included Activities
- City tour of Sapporo
- Clock Tower visit
- Odori Koen park visit
- Sapporo TV Tower viewing
- Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine visit
- Kito traditional ceremonial prayer participation
- Hill of Buddha visit with Buddha statue and Moai replicas
- Otaru exploration with shopping streets and historic canal
- Lunch at local restaurant in Otaru
Landmarks Clock Tower Odori Koen Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido Jingu Shinto Shrine Hill of Buddha Otaru 
- Day 15
Sapporo to Toyako - Tomakomai
Head south on Hokkaido Island and visit the Upopoy Museum celebrating Ainu indigenous culture. Continue to resort town Toyako at the foot of an impressive volcano on a lake formed in an ancient crater. Stroll along the lakeside and check out the Volcanology Museum. Take the cable car to Mount Usu's summit for volcanic landscape walks and views. Have lunch at a local spot. Continue to Tomakomai to board a modern overnight ferry with double cabin accommodation and private bathrooms. Dinner included with overnight sailing across the Pacific Ocean.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Toyako), Dinner (Dinner on overnight ferry)
Included Activities
- Upopoy Museum visit (admission included) - Ainu culture celebration
- Toyako lakeside stroll
- Volcanology Museum visit in Toyako
- Cable car to Mount Usu summit
- Mount Usu volcanic landscape walk
- Lunch at local restaurant in Toyako
- Modern overnight ferry boarding
- Double cabin accommodation with private bathroom
- Dinner included on ferry
Landmarks Upopoy Museum Toyako Mount Usu - Day 16
Sendai - Yamadera - Yonezawa - Aizuwakamatsu
Arrive at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m. Head to Yamadera, a temple complex founded over 1,000 years ago nestled in mountains surrounded by towering trees. Have lunch and time to explore before continuing to Yonezawa, one of Japan's main sake-producing regions. Visit the Sake Museum with its small distillery. Travel through beautiful landscapes to Aizuwakamatsu for the night.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant in Yamadera)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Washington)
Included Activities
- Yamadera temple complex visit (founded over 1,000 years ago)
- Lunch at local restaurant in Yamadera
- Sake Museum visit in Yonezawa with small distillery
Optional Activities
- Yamadera complex exploration
Landmarks Yamadera Sake Museum 
- Day 17
Aizuwakamatsu - Iimoriyama - Ouchi-juku - Oya - Tokyo
In Aizuwakamatsu, visit the Samurai Mansion to learn about legendary samurai warriors and their way of life. Stroll through the castle garden with views of the castle and its distinctive red roof tiles. Head to Iimoriyama, home to sculptures donated by Mussolini telling the story of young martyrs. Continue to picturesque Ouchi-juku village known for traditional thatched-roof houses. Grab lunch before visiting the impressive Oya Museum located in former stone quarries. Return to Tokyo in the evening.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel)
Included Activities
- Samurai Mansion (Aizu Bukeyashiki) visit in Aizuwakamatsu
- Castle garden stroll in Aizuwakamatsu
- Iimoriyama visit with Mussolini sculptures
- Ouchi-juku picturesque village visit with thatched-roof houses
- Oya Museum visit (former stone quarries)
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Ouchi-juku
Landmarks Samurai Mansion Iimoriyama Ouchi-juku Oya Museum - Day 18
Tokyo to Kamakura - Odawara
Leave Tokyo for Kamakura, an 'oasis of peace' that served as Japan's capital for two centuries with numerous shrines, temples, and gardens. At Hokoku-ji Zen Temple, walk through a beautiful bamboo forest and enjoy green tea. Visit Sugimoto-dera, founded in 734 and the oldest temple in the city. Free time in the pleasant city center before seeing the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). Head along a scenic coastal road following the Pacific Ocean with free time for lunch and walking on Enoshima, a small island connected by bridge. Proceed to Odawara to see the castle, an impressive medieval fortress. Overnight stay.
Included Activities
- Hokoku-ji Zen Temple visit
- Bamboo forest stroll in Hokoku-ji (admission included)
- Green tea in Hokoku-ji
- Sugimoto-dera Temple visit (founded in 734, oldest in city)
- Great Buddha (Daibutsu) visit (admission included)
- Odawara Castle visit (admission included)
Optional Activities
- Kamakura city center free time
- Enoshima island visit
- Lunch along coastal route
- Walk on Enoshima
Landmarks Hokoku-ji Zen Temple Sugimoto-dera Temple Great Buddha Enoshima Odawara Castle 
- Day 19
Odawara to Hakone - Mount Fuji - Tokyo
Experience a spectacular journey toward the beautiful Hakone region near Mount Fuji. Ascend to Owakudani (Valley of Hell), a volcanic crater with steam vents and bubbling mud. Continue to picturesque Oshino Hakkai village with eight ponds offering Mount Fuji views. Head to idyllic Kawaguchiko town beside its beautiful lake for a scenic boat ride. Begin your Mount Fuji ascent along the road to the Fifth Station at 2,305 meters (7,562 feet), surrounded by spectacular forests. Return to Tokyo at the end of the day.
Included Activities
- Owakudani (Valley of Hell) visit with steam vents, bubbling mud, and sulfur gases
- Oshino Hakkai village visit with eight ponds
- Kawaguchiko town visit
- Scenic boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko
- Mount Fuji Fifth Station visit (2,305 meters / 7,562 feet)
Landmarks Owakudani Oshino Hakkai Kawaguchiko Mount Fuji Fifth Station 
