DAY 01: TOKYO

• Arrival in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel by shared shuttle bus.

• Afternoon at leisure to explore the vibrant city or relax.

• Receive important details about the start of your tour.

• Hotel check-in is in the afternoon; early check-in can be arranged by booking an extra night.

• Enjoy the evening exploring local neighborhoods at your own pace.

DAY 02: TOKYO

• Morning guided tour including Zojoji Temple and views of Tokyo Tower.

• Visit Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and elegant Omotesando Avenue.

• See the Imperial Palace gardens and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.

• Drive past Akihabara “Electric Town” and the Kokugikan sumo arena.

• Conclude at Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street.

• Lunch at a local restaurant and return to your hotel.

• Evening stroll in Shinjuku with dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 03: TOKYO, HIROSHIMA, ITSUKUSHIMA, HIROSHIMA

• Early departure from Tokyo to Hiroshima by high-speed bullet train.

• Walk through Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Museum.

• Free time for lunch and personal reflection.

• Short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to visit the Itsukushima Shrine.

• Explore the island’s charming center and local shops.

• Return ferry to Hiroshima for dinner and overnight stay.

• Note: A guide may not accompany the train ride if the group is under 15 people.

DAY 04: HIROSHIMA, MATSUYAMA

• Morning departure from Hiroshima by ferry to Shikoku Island.

• Enjoy views of island-dotted waters and scenic landscapes.

• Arrive in Matsuyama and visit its impressive castle by cable car or chairlift.

• Explore the historic Ishiteji Temple, an important pilgrimage site.

• Lunch included at a local restaurant.

• Afternoon visit to Dogo Onsen for a traditional Japanese bath experience.

• Free time to stroll through the lively streets of Matsuyama.

DAY 05: MATSUYAMA, KOTOHIRA, TAKAMATSU, NARUTO, KOBE

• Depart for Kotohira to visit the Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors.

• Free time to explore the base area’s tourist shops and sake museum.

• Travel to Takamatsu for a visit to Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful.

• Lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy the garden’s peaceful atmosphere.

• Visit the impressive Naruto bridge and walk on its glass floor.

• Experience the scenic suspension bridges as we cross to Kobe.

• Evening arrival in Kobe and free time to explore its vibrant center.

DAY 06: KOBE, OSAKA, MOUNT KOYA

• Morning visit to the Earthquake Memorial Museum in Kobe.

• Departure to Osaka with a brief technical stop if needed.

• Continue to Mount Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

• Lunch en route and arrive at this sacred mountain with 120 temples.

• Visit the Okuno Mausoleum and Kongobuji Temple for spiritual insight.

• Overnight stay at a Buddhist monastery with a vegetarian dinner.

• Participate in a serene Zen meditation practice led by the monks.

DAY 07: MOUNT KOYA, KYOTO

• Traditional Japanese breakfast at the monastery.

• Departure to Kyoto and arrive by late morning.

• Tour Kyoto’s landmarks including the Golden Pavilion and Imperial Palace.

• Free time for lunch and relaxation.

• After visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine, transfer to the Gion district to enjoy its charming streets and geisha culture.

• Evening at leisure to soak in the city’s historic atmosphere.

DAY 08: KYOTO, TSUMAGO, MATSUMOTO, NAGANO

• Depart Kyoto through picturesque rural landscapes to Tsumago.

• Explore the charming wooden houses of this beautiful village.

• Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing.

• Arrive in Matsumoto and visit its impressive 16th-century castle.

• Free time to stroll through Matsumoto’s lively streets.

• Evening arrival in Nagano and hotel check-in.

• Enjoy the evening exploring the quiet corners of this alpine city.

DAY 09: NAGANO, MONKEY PARK, KUSATSU, IKAHO

• Morning visit to Zenkoji Temple with the chance to join a spiritual ceremony.

• Continue to Monkey Park to observe Japanese macaques in natural hot springs.

• Lunch included in a scenic mountain setting.

• Journey through the Japanese Alps, reaching altitudes of up to 2,172 meters.

• Visit the charming spa town of Kusatsu and stroll through its main square.

• Arrive in Ikaho and check into a Ryokan for a traditional experience.

• Relax with a hot spring bath and enjoy a delicious Japanese dinner.

DAY 10: IKAHO, NIKKO, TOKYO

• Early departure to Nikko to explore its UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Visit the ornate Toshogu Shrine and the peaceful Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum.

• Walk along the scenic Kanmangafuchi Abyss, lined with Jizo statues.

• Free time for lunch and to explore Nikko’s charming center.

• Afternoon departure for Tokyo, arriving in the evening.

• Final hotel check-in in Tokyo and rest of the evening at leisure.

• Reflect on the many wonders of Japan you’ve experienced.

DAY 11: TOKYO

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Departure and end of the journey with wonderful memories of Japan.