14 Days Tour Plan
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
- Day 10
- Day 11
- Day 12
- Day 13
- Day 14
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.
In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about seven hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, that we will see from the bus. It is known as the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included up to Tembo Deck at 350 meters high), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.We’ll end our visit in Asakusa, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel passing by Akihabara district, the "Electric City", known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture; and Ginza district.6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.
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.
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 Horyu-ji 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 second-largest urban area. Later, we’ll visit Dotonbori, a lively and colorful district renowned for its bustling nightlife.
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 sixteenth-century 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.
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.
Today, we’ll take a ferry to Shikoku Island; a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour 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.
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.
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).
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.
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 16th-century 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
In <strong data-start="166" data-end="176">NAGANO, we’ll visit <strong data-start="190" data-end="209">Zenko-ji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site that houses Japan’s first Buddhist image. Our travelers will also take part in the <strong data-start="323" data-end="344">Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual meant to attract good fortune.Afterwards, we’ll venture into the stunning Japanese Alps, traveling through majestic mountain scenery to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. We’ll take a walk through the forested trails, rivers, and hot springs where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe in the warm waters.We’ll then continue through beautiful high-mountain landscapes (reaching an altitude of 2,172 meters / 7,126 feet) and pass by semi-active volcanoes. Our next stop is KUSATSU, a charming hot-spring town whose lively central square is full of activity. We’ll take a pleasant stroll through the city park, which features open-air onsen (hot springs). Free time for lunch.Our journey continues to <strong data-start="1106" data-end="1115">IKAHO, another picturesque hot-spring town. We’ll stroll through its old center, famous for its traditional stone stairways. We’ll stay overnight in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we recommend enjoying the hot-spring baths. <strong data-start="1350" data-end="1391">Traditional Japanese dinner included.Note: In autumn, depending on the availability of food in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys can be unpredictable. If the macaques do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may also be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.
We’ll continue our journey to Nikko, a fantastic town where we’ll visit the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple, known for its famous “room with the sound of a dragon.” We’ll also explore the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a serene and awe-inspiring 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.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Planned Hotels or similar
SHINAGAWA PRINCE HOTEL
334401111
10-30 takanawa 4-chome, minato-ku,108-8611
Tokyo,Japan
TOKYO DOME HOTEL
358052111
1 chome-3-61 koraku, bunky333;,112-0004
Tokyo,Japan
IBIS STYLES TOKYO GINZA EAST
335551230
HC185@accor.com;chisum.woo@accor.com
1-2-13, shintomi, chuo 104-0041 tokyo japan,104-0041
Tokyo,Japan
NEW MIYAKO HOTEL
756617111
MG01@gmt.jtb.jp
17, nishikujo-inmachi minami-ku, kyoto 601-8412, japan,601-8412
Kyoto,Japan
MIYAKO KIOTO HACHIJYO
756617111
Minami ward, nishikuho inmachi, 1,6018412
Kyoto,Japan
MOXY OSAKA HONMACHI
662045200
yuichiro.Okahisa@moxyhotels.com;reservationmoxyosaka@moxyhotels.com
2 chome-2-9 kawaramachi, chuo ward, osaka, 541-0048, japón,5410048
Osaka,Japan
TOKYU STAY OSAKA HONMACHI
662620109
2 chome-4-24 kyutaromachi, chuo ward, osaka, 541-0056, japón,5410056
Osaka,Japan
ONYADO NONO OSAKA YODOYABASHI
662085489
2 chome-5 19 kitahama, chuo ward,541-0041
Osaka,Japan
ANA CROWNE PLAZA OKAYAMA
868981111
information@anacpokayama.com
15-1 ekimoto-machi, kita-ku, okayama-shi, 700-0024 okayama prefecture, okayama,700-0024
Okayama,Japan
GRAN VIA OKAYAMA
862347000
t-hashimoto@granvia-oka.co.jp;c-fujiwara@granvia-oka.co.jp
1-5 ekimoto-machi, kita-ku, okayama,700-8515
Okayama,Japan
DAIWA ROYNET OKAYAMA
868030055
okayamaekimae@daiwaroyal.jp
Kita-ku ekimae-machi 1-1-1, 700-0023 okayama,700-0023
Okayama,Japan
ANA CROWNE PLAZA HIROSHIMA
82241111
MG01@gmt.jtb.jp;Futoshi.Kimura@ihg.com
Naka-ku naka-machi 7-20, hiroshima,730-0037
Hiroshima,Japan
HILTON HIROSHIMA
822432700
11-12 fujimicho, naka ward, hiroshima, 730-0043, japón,730-0043
Hiroshima,Japan
CANDEO HOTEL MATSUYAMA
899138866
matsuyama@candeo-hotels.com;wanaga-s@candeo-hotels.com
2 chome-5-12 okaido, matsuyama, ehime 790-0004, japón,790-0004
Matsuyama,Japan
DAIWA ROYNET MATSUYAMA
899131355
matsuyama@daiwaroyal.jp
2-6-5 ichiban-cho, matsuyama-shi, cp ehime 790-0001 matsuyama,790-0001
Matsuyama,Japan
ANA CROWNE PLAZA MATSUYAMA
899335511
Noritomo.Okumura1@ihg.com;kenji-fukumoto@anacpmatsuyama.com
3-2-1 ichiban-cho matsuyama ehime, japón,790-8520
Matsuyama,Japan
KOBE MERIKEN PARK ORIENTAL HOTEL
783258111
650-0042 hy333;go prefecture, kobe,650-0042
Kobe,Japan
CANDEO KOBE TORROAD
789586755
kobetorroad@candeo-hotels.com;ayukawa-y@candeo-hotels.com
3-8-8 sannomiyacho, chuo ward, kobe, hyogo 650-0021, japón,650-0021
Kobe,Japan
MONTEREY KOBE
783927111
n-kotani@hotelmonterey.co.jp
2 chome-11-13 shimoyamatedori, chuo ward, kobe, hyogo 650-0011, japón,650-0011
Kobe,Japan
MONASTERIO HOJOIN
736562431
156 koyasan, ito-gun, koya-cho,wakayama prefecture,648-0211
Mount Koya,Japan
NEW MIYAKO HOTEL
756617111
MG01@gmt.jtb.jp
17, nishikujo-inmachi minami-ku, kyoto 601-8412, japan,601-8412
Kyoto,Japan
METROPOLITAN NAGANO
262917000
shuku@metro-n.co.jp
1346 minami-ishido-cho, nagano prefecture, nagano 380-0824, japan,380-0824
Nagano,Japan
JAL CITY NAGANO
262251131
380-0834 nagano, nagano, toigosyomachi 1221, japón,380-0834
Nagano,Japan
HOTEL MORIAKI RYOKAN
279722601
60 ikahomachi ikaho, shibukawa, gunma prefecture,377-0102
Ikaho,Japan
KISHIGON RYOKAN
8665996674
48 ikahomachi ikaho, shibukawa, gunma prefecture,377-0102
Ikaho,Japan
HIBIKINO RYOKAN
1279727022
moriaki@smile.ocn.ne.jp
Shibukawa ikahomachi ikaho, shibukawa, gunma 377-0102, japón,377-0102
Ikaho,Japan