Day 01: TOKYO

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

• Afternoon briefing with tour details.

• Leisure time to explore the city at your own pace.

• Suggested: try a warm bowl of ramen.

• Note: Hotel check-in generally starts in the afternoon.

• Optional extra night recommended for early arrivals.

• Schedules may be adjusted by the guide as needed.

Day 02: TOKYO

• Morning guided city tour covering Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower views.

• Visit Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, Omotesando, and Imperial Palace.

• Pass by Akihabara district and Kokugikan Sumo Arena.

• Explore Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street in Asakusa.

• Lunch at a local restaurant.

• Evening metro transfer to Shinjuku for dinner and walking tour.

• Optional city tour by Hop-On Hop-Off bus for small groups.

Day 03: TOKYO, KYOTO

• Early transfer to Tokyo Station for bullet train to Kyoto.

• Travel time approx. 2 hrs 15 mins; unaccompanied if fewer than 15 travelers.

• Meet local guide at Kyoto Station.

• Visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and the Imperial Palace.

• Free time for lunch followed by Fushimi Inari Shrine visit.

• Evening transfer to Gion with free time to explore.

• Return to hotel on your own; taxi recommended.

Day 04: KYOTO, NARA, OSAKA

• Departure for Nara to visit Todaiji Temple and friendly deer park.

• Stop at UNESCO-listed Horyuji Temple with historic pagodas.

• Lunch at a local restaurant.

• Afternoon arrival in Osaka with hotel check-in.

• Free time to explore the city.

• Evening visit to Dotonbori entertainment district.

• Enjoy local street food and vibrant nightlife.

Day 05: OSAKA, HIMEJI, OKAYAMA

• Morning departure for Himeji; visit the iconic Himeji Castle.

• Lunch at a local restaurant.

• Continue to Okayama for a tour of Korakuen Garden.

• Walk across the bridge to view Okayama Castle (outside only).

• Free time to explore Okayama city.

• Hotel check-in and evening at leisure.

• Note: On some dates, overnight stay may be in Kurashiki or Fukuyama.

Day 06: OKAYAMA, KURASHIKI, HIROSHIMA, ITSUKUSHIMA, HIROSHIMA

• Visit Kurashiki’s preserved historical center.

• Arrive in Hiroshima; visit Peace Memorial and Museum.

• Free time for lunch.

• Ferry to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii.

• Explore island shops and shrines.

• Ferry return to Hiroshima.

• Dinner included.

Day 07: HIROSHIMA, MATSUYAMA

• Ferry to Shikoku Island

• Visit Matsuyama Castle by cable car or chairlift.

• Tour Ishiteji Temple, a major pilgrimage site.

• Lunch included.

• Visit and admission to Dogo Onsen bathhouse.

• Learn Onsen customs; note tattoo restrictions apply.

• Overnight in Matsuyama.

Day 08: MATSUYAMA, KOTOHIRA, TAKAMATSU, NARUTO, KOBE

• Morning visit to Kotohira Shrine (785-step optional climb).

• Visit sake museum or browse tourist street if staying at base.

• Continue to Takamatsu for Ritsurin Garden visit.

• Lunch included.

• Afternoon stop at Naruto Bridge with glass floor view.

• Cross suspension bridges with scenic sea views.

• Evening arrival and free time in Kobe.

Day 09: KOBE, OSAKA, MOUNT KOYA

• Visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum (or alternate sites).

• Technical stop in Osaka (if required).

• Lunch stop en route to Mount Koya.

• Visit Okuno Mausoleum and Kongobuji Temple.

• Overnight stay in a Buddhist monastery.

• Participate in Ajikan Zen meditation session.

• Vegetarian dinner included.

Day 10: MOUNT KOYA, KYOTO

• Traditional temple breakfast.

• Morning departure for Kyoto.

• Full day at leisure in Kyoto.

• Guide available to offer suggestions.

• Explore additional temples, markets, or shopping areas.

• Great opportunity to revisit Gion or Nishiki Market.

• Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 11: KYOTO, TSUMAGO, MATSUMOTO, NAGANO

• Travel through scenic countryside to Tsumago.

• Explore Tsumago’s preserved Edo-period town.

• Lunch at a local restaurant.

• Visit Matsumoto Castle (“The Crow”) and enjoy free time.

• Continue to Nagano for overnight stay.

• Scenic drive through the Kiso Valley.

• Explore local shops in Matsumoto before departure.

Day 12: NAGANO, MONKEY PARK, KUSATSU, IKAHO

• Visit Zenkoji Temple and take part in Gomakuyo ceremony.

• Walk to see Japanese monkeys in hot springs at Monkey Park.

• Lunch included.

• Scenic mountain drive past volcanoes to Kusatsu.

• Free time in Kusatsu’s spa town and open-air onsen.

• Evening arrival in Ikaho and check-in at a Ryokan.

• Traditional Japanese dinner and onsen experience.

Day 13: IKAHO, NIKKO, TOKYO

• Morning departure for Nikko.

• Visit Toshogu Shrine, Hall of the Crying Dragon, and Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum.

• Stroll along Kanmangafuchi Abyss and see Jizo statues.

• Free time for lunch and shopping in Nikko.

• Afternoon transfer back to Tokyo.

• Evening free at leisure.

• Suggested: Explore Tokyo Tower or Odaiba area.

Day 14: TOKYO

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• End of services.

• Transfer to airport not included.

• Suggested: Book airport transfer early or extend stay.

• Take home unforgettable memories of Japan.