Itinerary
Day 1:Osaka
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Candeo Osaka Namba or Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji or similar
Meals:
Meal: Excluded
After gathering in Osaka, we will transfer to hotel and then have free time. You will receive information about the start of the circuit during the afternoon.
Day 2:Osaka, Japan - Mount Koya, Japan(300 km)
Hotel:
Standard:
Buddhist monastery (limited, and in some cases, we may arrange to stay in nearby hotels like Monasterio Hojoin instead)
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included - Vegetarian
At 11:30 a.m., we'll depart from the city and head 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. Here, we'll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with more than 200,000 graves. We'll also explore 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).
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Mount Koya, Japan
Mount Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi in 805, houses over 100 temples, including Kongobuji (head temple) and Okunoin (his mausoleum). Visitors can stay in shukubo (temple lodgings), experience shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine), and join morning prayers. A key pilgrimage site and UNESCO World Heritage location.
Day 3:Mount Koya, Japan - Kyoto, Japan(260 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Miyako Kioto Hachijyo or similar
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
We'll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Early in the morning, 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.
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Kyoto, Japan
For over 1,000 years, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan. Today, its economy is based around information technology. It is home to the Nintendo headquarters, one of the world's most popular video game corporations.
Day 4:Kyoto, Japan - Lake Biwa, Japan - Fukui, Japan - Katsuyama, Japan - Kanazawa, Japan(214 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
MyStays Premier Kanazawa or similar
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
We'll start our day with breakfast before departing along Lake Biwa. Our first stop will be at Shirahige Ginra, a small shrine located by the lake. We'll then head to 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. Next, in Katsuyama, we'll visit three key sites. First, the Dinosaur Museum, located at the largest dinosaur fossil site in Japan, where you'll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons. Then, we'll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy panoramic views. Finally, we'll immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature with a walk through the towering cedar forest at the Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine, founded in 717 at the base of a sacred mountain. We'll arrive in Kanazawa by evening.
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Lake Biwa, Japan
Lake Biwa is Japan's largest freshwater lake. With a history spanning 4 million years, it's one of the world's oldest lakes and a vital ecological and cultural landmark.
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Shirahige Shrine
Standing in the northwestern part of Lake Biwa is the oldest Shinto shrine in Omi, which is said to be over 2,000 years old. The symbol of the shrine is a vermilion-lacquered Otorii gate stands in the middle of the lake across Route 161, which is known as a power spot with a spectacular view.
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Fukui, Japan
Fukui Prefecture is a hidden gem in Japan's Hokuriku region, known for its rich history, stunning nature, and unique cultural experiences.
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Eihei-ji
Eiheiji is one of Japan's two head temples of Soto Zen Buddhism, renowned for its deep spiritual atmosphere and rigorous monastic training. Founded in 1244 by Zen Master Dogen, the temple is nestled in the quiet mountains of Fukui Prefecture, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic Zen practice.
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Katsuyama, Japan
Katsuyama is known for its rich natural beauty, dinosaur fossils, and hot springs. It serves as a gateway to the sacred Mount Haku (Hakusan) and offers a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
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Dinosaur Museum
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the leading dinosaur museums in the world.
The spacious museum building without pillars is filled of various dinosaur skeletons, fossils of other animals and plants, diorama with dinosaur life reconstruction models, and so forth.
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Daishizan Seidaiji Temple
Seidaiji Temple, founded in 1987 by businessman Kiyoshi Tada, features Japan's largest five-tiered pagoda and a 17m seated Great Buddha modeled after China's Longmen Grottoes. Its Butsuden Hall houses 1,281 smaller Buddha statues within expansive 22-hectare grounds.
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Heisenji Hakusan Shrine
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is a historic Fukui shrine famed for its mystical moss-covered paths and 10,000 stone lanterns. Founded in 717, this former temple-shrine complex offers serene forest walks, best enjoyed in summer's lush greenery or autumn's vibrant foliage.
Day 5:Kanazawa, Japan
Hotel:
Deluxe:
MyStays Premier Kanazawa or similar
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
We'll spend a full day in Kanazawa, beginning with a guided city tour in the morning. We'll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and take a stroll through the historic Nagamachi neighborhood, where samurai and their families once lived. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We'll also include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The tour will end at Omicho, a lively traditional market with many options for lunch. The afternoon will be free for you to explore.
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Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa is a historic city in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, traditional crafts, and stunning gardens.
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Kenrokuen
Ranked among Japan's "Three Great Gardens," this 17th-century landscape garden in Kanazawa features seasonal beauty, iconic pine trees, and traditional teahouses. Famous for yukitsuri (winter snow supports) and illuminated night views.
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Omicho Market
Kanazawa's bustling 280-year-old food market with 170+ stalls selling fresh seafood, sushi, and local produce. A must-visit for food lovers.
Day 6:Kanazawa, Japan - Gokayama, Japan - Shirakawa, Japan - Takayama, Japan(81 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Mercure Hida Takayama or similar
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
Today, we'll journey through beautiful mountain landscapes, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We'll stop in Ainokura, a charming small village, and in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, a larger, more popular village. There will be time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Afterward, we'll continue to Takayama, where we'll visit the Hida Folk Village Museum, nestled in a peaceful setting. We'll then have free time to explore the old town, with its wooden houses and traditional shops.
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Gokayama, Japan
Gokayama is a hidden gem in Toyama Prefecture, famous for its UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. It offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Japanese mountain life.
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Ainokura
Ainokura is a serene thatched-roof village in Gokayama (Toyama). This UNESCO-listed gem features 23 traditional gassho-zukuri houses, some converted into cozy minshuku inns and craft workshops.
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Shirakawa, Japan
Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gifu Prefecture, enchants visitors with its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses - steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow. A perfect blend of tradition and breathtaking landscapes.
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Ogimachi
Ogimachi, the heart of Shirakawa-go, is a picturesque village famed for its UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Stroll past historic homes, visit the open-air museum, and climb to the panoramic viewpoint for iconic vistas. Seasonal charms include cherry blossoms, lush rice fields, and magical winter illuminations - a perfect blend of tradition and natural beauty.
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Takayama, Japan
Takayama enchants with its Edo-period charm - wander Sanmachi's wooden merchant houses, sample premium sake, and savor melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef. Don't miss the morning markets or the breathtaking Takayama Festival floats.
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Hida Folk Village Museum
Hida Folk Village is an open air museum exhibiting over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region, the mountainous district of Gifu Prefecture around Takayama. The houses were built during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and were relocated from their original locations to create the museum in 1971.
Day 7:Takayama, Japan - Hida Furukawa, Japan - Matsumoto, Japan - Nagano Prefecture, Japan(112 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano or similar
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, we'll depart for Hida Furukawa, where we'll stroll through its charming old town. The 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. We'll then continue our journey across the Japanese Alps, renowned for their snow-covered landscapes for much of the year. 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. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Nagano for accommodation.
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Hida Furukawa, Japan
Hida Furukawa enchants visitors with its well-preserved Edo-era streets, tranquil canals, and historic sake breweries. Don't miss the stunning Furukawa Festival with its majestic floats and lively performances.
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Hida Crafts Museum
Hida Crafts Museum showcases the exquisite woodworking traditions of the Hida region. Discover intricate carpentry techniques, handmade furniture, and folk artifacts in a charming timber-framed building. Watch local artisans demonstrate traditional skills, and browse unique wooden souvenirs - a perfect stop to appreciate Japanâs rural craftsmanship.
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Matsumoto, Japan
Matsumoto City is located in the middle of Nagano Prefecture where the 1998 Winter Olympics were hosted. It sits at the foot of the Japanese Alps, nestled between the mountains in the heart of Japan.
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Matsumoto Castle
Crow Castle - Japanâs oldest surviving feudal fortress, nicknamed for its striking black exterior. Climb its wooden keep for panoramic mountain views, explore hidden samurai defenses, and stroll the cherry blossom-lined moat. A masterpiece of 16th-century architecture, blending wartime grit with understated elegance.
Day 8:Nagano Prefecture, Japan - Kusatsu, Japan - Ikaho, Japan(112 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Moriaki Ryokan or similar
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included
In Nagano, we'll visit the Zenko-ji, a revered pilgrimage site housing the first Buddhist image brought to Japan. The Gomakuyo ceremony, included in your journey, will bring blessings and good fortune. Next, we'll travel to the stunning Japanese Alps, venturing into the mountains to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, you'll enjoy lunch, followed by a serene stroll through forests, rivers, and hot springs, where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe. We'll then ascend to breathtaking high mountain scenery, reaching altitudes of 2,172 meters, and pass semi-active volcanoes. Our journey will continue to Kusatsu, a charming spa town with a lively main square. We'll take a leisurely walk through the city park, home to an open-air onsen. Afterward, we'll proceed to Ikaho, a picturesque spa town where we'll wander its historic center, famed for its stair-stepped streets. Tonight, we'll stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style hotel, where you'll enjoy its baths and a traditional Japanese dinner will be included.
Note: During autumn, the movement of monkeys can be unpredictable depending on mountain fruit availability. If the macaques do not descend, the park may be closed. Additionally, the visit to Kusatsu may be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.
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Nagano Prefecture, Japan
This Japanese Prefecture is a mountainous region, leaving limited space for residential areas. The region hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics because it is highly regarded as a winter sports destination.
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Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park) is one of the habitats of a population of Japanese macaques, and visitors have the opportunity to view these illusive creatures up close. During winter months, you can even see them soaking in the area's hot springs to keep warm.
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Kusatsu, Japan
Kusatsu Onsen - One of Japanâs top hot spring towns, famed for its acidic "yubatake" (hot-water field) in the town center. Soak in therapeutic sulfur-rich waters, watch traditional "yumomi" (water-kneading) performances, and relax in rustic ryokan inns.
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Ikaho, Japan
Ikaho Onsen - A charming hot spring town in Gunma Prefecture, famed for its stone stairway lined with ryokan, shops, and maple trees. Soak in iron-rich "golden waters" (kogane-no-yu), try local kibi dango (millet dumplings), and visit Ikaho Shrine for autumn foliage or winter illuminations. A nostalgic getaway with retro Showa-era vibes.
Day 9:Ikaho, Japan - Nikko, Japan - Tokyo, Japan(190 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
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.
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Nikko, Japan
A stunning mountain city famed for its UNESCO-listed shrines, including the lavish Toshogu Shrine. Surrounded by lush forests, hot springs, and scenic hikes like Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, itâs a perfect blend of culture and nature. A must-visit near Tokyo!
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Toshogu Shrine
Toshogu Temple dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Famous for its intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and the iconic "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" monkey relief, itâs a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Taiyuinbyo
Taiyuinbyo is the stunning mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun, located in NikkÅ, Japan. Designed more modestly than Toshogo yet equally exquisite, it features intricate carvings, gilded details, and a serene cedar-lined approach. A UNESCO World Heritage gem, it offers a quieter but equally awe-inspiring glimpse into Edo-era artistry and reverence.
Day 10:Tokyo, Japan
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included
In the morning, we take part in a 5-hour trip with our guide to see this amazing city, with its hustle and bustle and extremely modern districts that coexist with quiet, peaceful areas. Brief stop at the Zojoji Temple to make a beautiful photograph of the Tokyo Tower. Pay attention to the hundred of Jizos, stone traditional protecting deities who guide us on our travels, give power to those who are weak (such children) and those in dangerous places, and who are dressed including hats, robes and windmills. Then we head to the junction of Shibuya, a junction that is said to be the most crowded in the world. The Meiji Temple is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, his wife, and their spirits. We continue on our bus along the elegant street of Omotesando. We will edge the most beautiful part of the Imperial Palace and the gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We will pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric town” with icons from the popular Japanese Manga and Anime culture. Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included), 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.
Free time in the afternoon.
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.
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.
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Tokyo, Japan
One of the 47 prefectures of Japan and has been the capital since 1869. The Greater Tokyo Area is the most populous metropolitan area in the world. It is the seat of the Emperor of Japan, the Japanese government and the National Diet.
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Senso-ji
Founded in approximately 628 AD, this Buddhist temple in Tokyo is the city's oldest as well as one of its most important. The street leading to the temple is called the Nakamise-dori and features many retail shops and kiosks.
Duration: Approx. 40 Minutes
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Nijubashi
Meaning "Double Bridge" in Japanese, this bridge is one of the most famous in Japan. Though there are two separate bridges, when you look at them from the right angle, they appear to be a single two-storied bridge,
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Akihabara
This district in the Chiyoda Ward of Tokyo became the city's major shopping center for household electronic goods, giving it the nickname "Electric Town." It is a center of otaku culture and seeks to replicate the anime world.
Duration: Approx. 1 Hour
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Shibuya
Shibuya is a popular shopping and entertainment area found around Shibuya Station. In this regard, Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts, packed with shopping, dining and nightclubs. Shibuya is also a center for youth fashion and culture. Its streets are the birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends. Numerous department stores and shopping malls can be found around the area catering to all types of shoppers.
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Tokyo Skytree
As the target of Tokyo, the Tokyo Clear Sky Tower is 634 meters high, which is the highest tower in the world. Tokyo Clear Sky Tower is located on the east side of Tokyo near Asakusa, Jinshicho and two countries. It used to be a handicraft area in Tokyo, leaving behind the traditional Edo culture and retaining the handmade technology of traditional Japanese crafts. It is an area that promotes the unique development of Tokyo.
Day 11:Tokyo, Japan
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
After the breakfast, the tour will come to an end. Please arrange the transportation on your own for your next trip plan.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Airport pickup
10 Nights hotel accomodation
Travel by bus with English speaking guide
Basic travel insurance
Breakfast buffet
City tour in: Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo
Evening transfer: Traditional quarter of Gion, Shinjuku
Ticket admission: Okuno Mausoleum,Kongobuji Temple and Ajikan or Zazen meditation in Mount Koya, Shrine of Fushimi Inari, Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji Temple , Shirahige Ginra Shrine and Temple-monastery of Eihei-Ji , Dinosaur Museum, Great Buddha and Echizen Pagoda, Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine , Kenrokuen Garden , Small village , Village of Shirakawa-go Oguimachi , Hida Folk Village Museum , Museum , Castle , Zenko-ji Temple, Gomakuyo ceremony,Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano , Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum in Nikko , Metro, Zojoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Sensoji Temple
3 dinner included in: Mount Koya, Ikaho, Tokyo
Price Excludes
Optional items
Personal expenses
Additional Notes
The luggage allowed for each passenger on our tours is limited to one piece of a maximum of 30 kg. per person (note airlines and trains have their own limits, normally lower, to be respected).