Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we´ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of the tour.

Total distance covered: 106 km.
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).

Total distance covered: 130 km.
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.

Total distance covered: 302 km.
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, starting with a large lake and ending at a sanctuary nestled in a cedar forest.
Notes: We’ll visit an active Zen Buddhist monastery, so we recommend wearing modest clothing. Comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes are also suggested for the visit to the monastery.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kyoto. Following one of Japan’s largest lakes, we’ll make a brief stop at a small lakeside shrine called Shirahige Ginra.
11:00 a.m. – Arrival at Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Eihei-ji.
01:15 p.m. – Katsuyama. We’ll visit three main attractions: the Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan’s largest dinosaur fossil site, where you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits, featuring over 40 skeletons of various dinosaurs. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy the view.
05:30 p.m. – Departure from Katsuyama. We’ll continue our journey through the tranquil natural landscapes, walking through a cedar forest to the Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine, founded in 717 at the foot of a sacred mountain.
07:15 p.m. – Arrival in Kanazawa in the late afternoon.

Total distance covered: 10 km.
08:30 a.m. – Full day in Kanazawa. In the morning, we’ll include a city tour. Throughout history, Kanazawa rivaled both Kyoto and Tokyo, and during World War II, it was spared from destruction during the air raids. We’ll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and stroll through the historic Nagamachi district, where samurais and their families once resided. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We’ll include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. We’ll finish the tour in Omicho, a traditional market brimming with life and many places to have lunch. Free afternoon.

Total distance covered: 138 km.
Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes, vast forests, and picturesque villages along the route.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kanazawa. We’ll journey through stunning mountain scenery, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their traditional houses with steeply sloped roofs are known as “praying hands” for their resemblance to monks´ hands joined in prayer—designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls.
09:15 a.m. – Arrival in Ainokura, a charming small village.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Ainokura.
11:00 a.m. – Arrival in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, the largest village in the area, showcasing rural Japan with houses that are masterpieces of carpentry. You’ll have time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.
01:30 p.m. – Departure from Shirakawa-go.
02:15 p.m. – Arrival in Hida Folk Village Museum, a peaceful open-air museum displaying over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868). These buildings were relocated from their original sites to create this museum in 1971, offering a glimpse into everyday life from the past through the tools and utensils exhibited. We’ll then have time to explore the old town, known for its wooden houses and traditional shops.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Hida Folk Village.
03:45 p.m. – Arrival in Takayama for accommodation.

Total distance covered: 155 km.
Scenery: We’ll cross the Japanese Alps, with stunning snowy mountain landscapes for much of the year.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Takayama.
08:30 a.m. – Hida Furukawa. We’ll stroll through the charming old town. This city’s festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We’ll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival’s floats, costumes, and drums.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Hida Furukawa.
12:45 p.m. – We’ll continue our journey, crossing the Japanese Alps. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we’ll visit the city’s impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. Afterward, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town.
05:00 p.m. – Departure from Matsumoto.
08:30 p.m. – Nagano.

Total distance covered: 160 km.
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.

Total distance covered: 400 km.
07:45 a.m. - Departure from Ikaho Onsen.
10:00 a.m. - Nikko. This extraordinary town is renowned for its rich history and stunning landmarks. We’ll visit the awe-inspiring Nikko Toshogu Shrine, celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship, and the Hall of the Crying Dragon, known for its fascinating acoustics. Our visit will also include the serene Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, surrounded by tranquil natural beauty. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where hundreds of Jizo statues line the riverside path. Free time will be provided for lunch and to explore the town center.
03:30 p.m. - Departure from Nikko.
07:45 p.m. - Sendai. Arrival in this vibrant, modern city with over one million inhabitants. Take the evening to explore Sendai’s bustling center and enjoy dinner in one of its lively districts.

Total distance covered: 217 km.
Scenery: Forests, mountains, and the breathtaking scenery of the Thousand Islands area.
08:00 a.m. - Departure for the marvelous city of Matsushima.
08:30 a.m. - Matsushima. Arrival in this picturesque city on the "Thousand Islands" Bay in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the most beautiful locations in Japan. We’ll visit a magnificent tea house overlooking the sea, where we’ll enjoy a cup of traditional tea as our guide shares insights about the city. Afterward, we’ll embark on a 50-minute cruise (included).
11:00 a.m. - Departure. Lunch will be included.
02:00 p.m. - Hiraizumi. We’ll visit its historic temples, starting with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Takkoku no Iwaya, carved into the rock in 801. We’ll then explore the magnificent Buddhist temples of Chusonji and enjoy a peaceful moment in the gardens of Motsuji Temple, where passengers can participate in a Zen ceremony (admission included).
05:15 p.m. - Departure for Morioka.
06:45 p.m. - Morioka. Arrival in the pleasant capital of Iwate Province. We’ll check into our hotel and have free time to explore the city.

Total distance: 197km.
Note : We recommend you to wear warm clothing to enjoy the deck of the boat.
07.30hrs- Departure. In a region of beautiful scenery we travel to Hirosaki.
09.30hrs- HIROSAKI. Ancient capital cultural during the Edo period with its castle of the seventeenth century. We will visit its castle in a beautiful park where more than 2,500 cherry trees blossom in the spring.
10.30hrs- Departure.
11.40hrs- AOMORI , the provincial capital, located on Mutsu Bay. Time for visit to Nebuta Museum where we will learn about the Japanese festival tradition, which reminds us of the Carnival, with its vivid, painted floats. Lunch included.
Then we board the ferry to HOKKAIDO Island , the departure of the ferry is scheduled at 14.20hrs. The crossing takes just over three and a half hours.
18.00hrs- HAKODATE –Arrival-. Time in the beautiful city pedestrian centre in which to admire the influence of other cultures in the city (Russian Orthodox and Christian churches).

Total distance: 338km
Landscapes: Beautiful landscapes. Impressive volcanic areas.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking through the Hell’s Valley.
In the morning we visit the impressive and busy fish market. Then we climb the GORYOKAKU Tower with its impressive views, from where we can make out the star-shaped fortress of Hakodate. Then we will take a stroll through the castle area before continuing our journey.
11.00hrs- Departure.
11.45hrs- ONUMA . Free time in this wonderful tourist site, with its countless small islands in which to explore the islands, go on a boat trip and have lunch included .
13.45hrs- Departure. Our journey takes us towards the ocean.
16.15hrs- NOBORIBETSU , an impressive volcano site, where we can walk amidst geysers in Jigoku Dani (Hell’s Valley), admire the hot spring lake of Oyunuma and follow the path next to the hot spring to the site of the footbath.
18.30hrs- Departure.
20.15hrs- SAPPORO. - At the end of the day, we arrive at this beautiful city, the capital of North Japan.

Total distance: 120 km.
08.30hrs- City tour (included) stopping at the clock tower and Odori Koen avenue-park, dominated by the telecommunications tower. We will enjoy for an hour the beautiful Shinto shrine of Hokkaido Jingu. The visit includes a ceremonial Kito (prayer session) in which we give thanks for the journey.
11.00hrs- We will leave Sapporo, we know the HILL OF BUDDHA , new center of avant-garde architecture opened in 2015, the hill covered with lavenders keeps the giant statue of Buddha, in the complex we will also see the replica of the statues Moai (Easter Island).
12.15hrs- We continue to Otaru.
13.00hrs- OTARU , arrival to this small city with a European air and streets filled with shops, an old canal and tiny museums. Lunch included.
15.30hrs-Departure. We return to Sapporo at about 16.30hrs. Free time in the afternoon in Sapporo.

Total distance: 200 km.
Landscapes: Beautiful landscapes of the interior of the island, snow on the peaks, volcanic areas.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes in the high area of the cable car. We recommend wearing warm clothing. Prepare a small travel bag so you do not have to lower your bags on the night ferry.
08.15hrs- Sapporo departure to the interior of Hokkaido Island. We visit the Pirko Kotan, the Ainu village museum . Here we will see the culture of the Eskimo people who inhabited this island before the Japanese. Amidst beautiful scenery in the interior of Hokkaido Island, we pass lakes and mountains and eventually come to the spa city of Toyako.
11.45 hrs- TOYAKO , at the foot of an impressive volcano, on the banks of a pretty lake that occupies a former crater. Free time to wander along the bank. We will visit the volcanology museum to learn about the eruptions suffered by this region. Then we will take the cable car to the summit of the USU Volcano with time to walk around the volcano and its awesome landscape. Lunch included.
15.30 hrs- Departure. Then our journey takes us along the coast.
17.15hrs- TOMAKOMAI. We take a modern ferry for a night crossing. The departure of the ferry is scheduled at 19.00hrs. Dinner included. Accommodation in double cabins with private bathrooms. We spend the night on board crossing the Pacific Ocean.

Total distance: 215 km
Landscapes: Mountains, forests, green landscapes.
Note: Provide comfortable footwear and a waterproof for Yamadera.
10.00hrs- We reach Sendai port and continue our journey.
11.30hrs.- YAMADERA.- arrival to the very beautiful complex of temples founded more than 1,000 years ago in the mountain’s, amidst forests of immense trees. The landscapes are spectacular, you will have to climb 1000 steps to reach the temples. Time to see this magical place. Lunch included.
14.30 hrs.- Yamadera.- Departure to Yonezawa.
15.45 hrs.- YONEZAWA . We are in one of the main producer regions of Sake, we will visit the Sake Museum with its small distillery.
16.45hrs.- Yonezawa.- Departure through pretty scenery.
18.00hrs- AIZUWAKAMATSU . Free time to explore this bustling city.
Note: In winter, as it gets dark earlier, the climb to Iimoriyama will be done on arrival in Aizuwakamatsu (instead of Saturday)

Total distance: 345 km
In AIZUWAKAMATSU we visit the SAMURAI MANSION, a historical mansion where we will learn about the Samurai Warriors. After this we stroll in the Castle Garden and maybe we will see children doing martial arts on the Dojo. We will go up to Iimoriyama, where we will see the sculptures donated by Mussolini and they will tell us about the child martyrs of this city.
11.00 hrs- We travel south between pleasant green landscapes. Stop en route for lunch.
14.00 hrs.- MITO. On the way, we will stop in this pretty Mito. We include the entrance to the gardens of KAIRAKUEN , considered some of the most beautiful in Japan, with more than 3,000 cherry trees. Free time in the city centre before leaving to TOKYO
15.30hrs.- Mito departure.
18.45 hrs.- TOKYO – Arrival at the end of the day-.

In the morning, we’ll enjoy an extensive guided tour of this truly mesmerizing city, lasting approximately five hours. Tokyo’s vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist beautifully with its tranquil, serene spaces.
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.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.