Duration
13 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Osaka
Available
April 2025 / November 2025
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
11:30 a.m. - We’ll depart from the city and head toward the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This magical mountain, a revered pilgrimage site, is home to 120 temples and monasteries. Here, we’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual site and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with over 200,000 tombs. Our visit will also include the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.
Tonight, we’ll stay in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). A vegetarian dinner will be included. If you wish, you can attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.
Notes:
-During winter, due to earlier nightfall, there won’t be enough time to visit the interior of Kongobuji Temple.
-Staying in the monastery is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
-We cannot guarantee meditation sessions during busy tourist periods.
-Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, we may arrange for groups to stay in nearby hotels instead (half board provided).
We’ll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple.
07:30 a.m. - Departure for Kyoto.
10:00 a.m. - Kyoto. We’ll spend the entire day exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was the seat of the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its incredible artistic and cultural heritage. The famous Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed here in 1997.
Our tour will cover some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, including the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace, and the Kinkakuji Temple—commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens.
07:00 p.m. - In the evening, a transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.
Note: If you have already visited Kyoto as part of your circuit, our guide will offer personalized advice and information for exploring other parts of the city on your own.
Scenery: Beautiful countryside views.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Kyoto. We’ll set out for Tsumago, passing through picturesque rural landscapes.
11:15 a.m. - Tsumago. This charming village, renowned for its traditional wooden houses, is one of the most beautiful places in Japan. You’ll have free time to explore, and lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Tsumago.
02:45 p.m. - Matsumoto. Arrival in this vibrant city, where we’ll visit the stunning 16th-century castle, known as the “The Crow.” Afterward, enjoy free time to discover this bustling tourist hub.
06:00 p.m. - Departure from Matsumoto.
07:15 p.m. - Nagano.
Note: On some tours, we may not stay overnight in Nagano but instead in the town of Matsumoto.
Scenery: Today, our journey will take us through the stunning Japanese Alps, showcasing breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Note: Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the Monkey Park.
Early in the morning, in Nagano, we’ll visit the Zenkoji Temple, a significant pilgrimage site housing the first Buddhist image brought to Japan. Guests will have the unique opportunity to participate in the Gomakuyo ceremony, believed to bring good luck.
10:30 a.m. - Departure from Nagano. We’ll travel through the high mountains.
11:30 a.m. - Monkey Park. Here, you’ll enjoy a delightful walk through lush forests with rivers and thermal springs, home to colonies of Japanese monkeys that bathe in the natural hot springs. Lunch will be included.
01:45 p.m. - Departure from the park. Our journey will continue through spectacular mountain scenery, reaching altitudes of up to 2,172 meters and passing by semi-active volcanoes.
03:00 p.m. - Kusatsu. This charming spa city features a vibrant main square and a beautiful city park with outdoor onsen. Enjoy some time to stroll and immerse yourself in the relaxing atmosphere.
05:45 p.m. - Departure from Kusatsu.
07:15 p.m. - Ikaho. Arrival in this picturesque spa town, known for its historic center with charming staircase streets. We’ll stay at a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style hotel, where you can continue enjoying the soothing baths. A traditional Japanese dinner will be included.
Notes:
-During the autumn, the movement of the monkeys can be unpredictable due to the availability of fruit in the mountains. If the macaques do not descend to the park, it may be closed.
-Visits to Kusatsu may be canceled from November to April due to weather conditions.
-On certain dates, accommodation may be provided in nearby towns such as Takasaki or Maebashi, in a Western-style hotel.
07:45 a.m. - Departure from Ikaho Onsen.
10:00 a.m. - Nikko. This enchanting town is home to remarkable cultural and historical treasures. We’ll visit the magnificent Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famous for its elaborate architecture, and the Hall of the Crying Dragon, known for its acoustic marvels. Next, we’ll explore the peaceful Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, nestled in a serene setting. Later, you can enjoy a tranquil walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a riverside path guarded by hundreds of Jizo statues. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the city center.
03:30 p.m. - Departure to Tokyo.
06:30 p.m. - Tokyo.
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.
Important Note: For groups with fewer than five passengers, the city tour will be conducted using a “Hop-On Hop-Off” tourist bus. These buses follow routes covering Tokyo’s most iconic attractions, allowing you to disembark, explore points of interest, and reboard the next bus at your convenience.
Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes, and magnificent views on the way up Mount Fuji.
Notes:
-Bring warm clothing, as temperatures on Mount Fuji can be quite low.
-In winter, the ascent to Mount Fuji may be closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. During this season, we will go as far as permitted.
08:00 a.m. – Departure. We’ll head toward the beautiful Mount Fuji region, traveling through picturesque countryside.
10:00 a.m. – Kawaguchiko. This charming town is known for its small houses, colorful flowers, and scenic lake surrounded by mountains. We’ll start our visit at Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its stunning pagodas and offering some of the most iconic and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Next, we’ll visit Fuji Sengen Shrine, a serene and magical spot surrounded by tall, ancient trees. This shrine marks the traditional starting point of pilgrimages to Mount Fuji. Here, we’ll take a moment to express gratitude for the opportunity to visit such a remarkable place.
12:30 p.m. – Enjoy a relaxing 30-minute boat ride on the serene waters of Kawaguchiko Lake.
02:15 p.m. – After lunch, we’ll begin the ascent to Mount Fuji along a scenic road leading to the Fifth Station, situated at an altitude of 2,305 meters. The journey offers incredible views of lush forests and majestic landscapes. You’ll have time to experience the lively atmosphere of this spot popular with tourists and mountaineers, stroll through the area, and visit its small shrine.
Note: In winter, the ascent to Mount Fuji may be closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. During this season, we will go as far as permitted.
04:15 p.m. – Departure from Mount Fuji and arrival in Tokyo by the end of the day.
Welcome to China! Upon arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel.
In the late afternoon, we’ll have our first introduction to this impressive city, starting with a transfer to the famous Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial avenue filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel.
We finish the visit around 18.30 hrs..- You can return to the hotel with the bus or stay in the center (in this case, return to the hotel will be by your means. We always recommend you to bring the hotel card written in Chinese to explain to the taxi driver where do you want to go).
*Note: For reasons of heritage protection and increased visitor safety, the governing body of the Imperial Palace or Forbidden City has reduced the daily capacity of visitors for an indeterminate period of time. For this reason, we cannot guarantee that such a visit will take place. If it cannot be carried out, it would be replaced by a visit to the Confucius Temple and also the Lama Temple, both also emblematic of Chinese history and culture.
08.30hrs.- In the morning, our trip i ncludes a visit round this impressive city. We will know the area of Pudong, located across the Huangpu River, is now the financial district, with its skyscrapers as the Pearl Tower. We will walk around the elevated walkways with a spectacular view of the modern towers and take a local ferry to cross the river to get a view of the scenery from the water and see the city life. We come to the Bund, with its 19th-century European style buildings. Then we will go to the Old City and the Yuyuan Garden, a private garden that was built during the Ming Dynasty. We will enjoy a demonstration of the Tea ceremony, traditional drink that plays an important cultural role in China. We will pass by one of the most fashionable neighborhoods of the capital, Xintiandi. Lunch included. Then, visit Tianzifang , a former residential area known for its narrow, labyrinthine traditional streets with its small craft shops and art galleries. We finish the visit along the Bund with its old buildings that remind us of the influence of European trade.
We finish the visit around 18.30 hrs..- You can return to the hotel with the bus or stay in the center (in this case, return to the hotel will be by your means. We always recommend you to bring the hotel card written in Chinese to explain to the taxi driver where do you want to go).