Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll receive details about the start of your tour.

IMPORTANT:
- Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at around 03:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.

- The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

Tokyo

In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about five hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.

We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.

Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.

We’ll continue our tour by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, explore the most scenic part of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, and stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge.

We’ll drive through Akihabara, the “Electric City,” known as the center of 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.

6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, 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.

Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Kawaguchiko

Total distance covered: 191 km
Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes, with stunning views on the ascent to Mount Fuji.
Notes: Bring warm clothing, as it can be cold on Mount Fuji. In winter, the route to the mountain is often closed due to snow or weather conditions; during those times, we’ll go as far as we’re permitted.

8:00 a.m. – Departure.
We travel toward the beautiful Mount Fuji area, enjoying the scenic landscapes along our route.

10:00 a.m. – Kawaguchiko – Arrival.
We arrive in this idyllic town of charming houses, flowers, and mountains beside a stunning lake. Upon arrival, we’ll visit Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its beautiful pagodas and for offering some of the most iconic and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a magical place surrounded by tall trees — traditionally the starting point of the pilgrimage up Mount Fuji. We’ll take a moment to give thanks at the shrine for the opportunity to visit such a spiritually rich and enchanting site.

Around 12:30 p.m. – We’ll enjoy a pleasant 30-minute boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko.

2:15 p.m. – After lunch, we’ll begin our ascent toward Mount Fuji via the road that leads to the “Fifth Station.” Driving through spectacular forests and enjoying panoramic views, we’ll reach an altitude of 2,305 meters (7,562 feet). You’ll have time to explore the area, popular among tourists and mountain climbers, stroll around, and visit the small shrine located there.

Note: In winter, the route to the Fifth Station is often closed due to snow or weather conditions; during those times, we’ll go as far as we’re permitted.

4:15 p.m. – Mount Fuji – Departure.
5:00 p.m. – Kawaguchiko – Arrival.
We’ll stay overnight at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we recommend enjoying the Onsen (public hot spring bath). The experience in this typical Japanese bath will be unforgettable. Dinner included.

Note: In the planned Ryokan, some rooms are Japanese-style with tatami mats, while others are Western-style. Occasionally, accommodation may be provided in a Western-style hotel instead.

Kawaguchiko - Iyasi no Sato Nenba - Toyota - Kyoto

Total distance covered: 390 km.

Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes for our visit to Shiraito Falls.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Kawaguchiko. We’ll travel along a scenic road bordered by the picturesque Kawaguchi and Saiko Lakes.
09:00 a.m. – Iyashi no Sato Nenba. This charming mountain village, once destroyed by a typhoon in 1966, has been beautifully restored as a traditional open-air museum. Its historic houses now serve as arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural museums, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rural heritage.

10:00 a.m. – Departure from Iyashi no Sato Nenba.
10:45 a.m. – Arrival at Shiraito Falls. We’ll admire these breathtaking waterfalls, considered one of the most beautiful in Japan, with cascades that reach a height of 20 meters.

11:45 a.m. – Departure from Shiraito Falls. Free time at a service for lunch.
03:15 p.m. – Admission included to the Toyota Museum, a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts.

04:45 p.m. – Departure from the Toyota Museum.
07:00 p.m. – Kyoto. Accommodation and free time.

Kyoto

We’ll spend the entire day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its rich artistic heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997.

We’ll include a visit to Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Our tour will begin in Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Bridge over the Moon.” This spot offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape.

We’ll then visit the Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s “five great Zen temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a serene walk through its mystical bamboo forest.

Next, we’ll explore the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine; the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by its spectacular gardens. (The order of the visits may vary.)

After the tour, you can enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, known for its lively atmosphere and geishas.

05:00 p.m. – Afterward, we’ll provide a transfer to Gion, Kyoto’s traditional and lively district, famous for its Geishas. You’ll have time to stroll and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic neighborhood. The return to the hotel will be on your own. We recommend taking a taxi, and your guide will explain how to do so.

Kyoto - Tsumago - Matsumoto - Nagano

Total distance covered: 320 km.

Scenery: Beautiful countryside views.

07:30 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.

05:15 p.m. - Departure from Matsumoto.
06:30 p.m. - Nagano.

Nagano - Monkey Park - Kusatsu - Ikaho

Total distance covered: 160 km
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of the Japanese Alps.

Note: Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the Monkey Park.
Early in the morning, in Nagano, we’ll visit Zenko-ji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site that houses Japan’s first Buddhist image. Our travelers will also take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual to attract good fortune.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Nagano. We continue our journey through the high mountains of the Japanese Alps.

11:30 a.m. – Jigokudani Monkey Park – Arrival. We’ll take a walk through the forested trails, rivers, and hot springs where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe in the warm waters.

12:45 p.m. – Departure from the park. We travel through breathtaking high-mountain scenery (reaching 2,172 meters / 7,126 feet) and pass by semi-active volcanoes.

2:15 p.m. – Kusatsu – Arrival. This attractive hot-spring town is known for its lively central square. We’ll enjoy a walk through the city park, which features open-air onsen (hot springs). Free time for lunch.

5:00 p.m. – Departure from Kusatsu.

6:30 p.m. – Ikaho Onsen – Arrival. A picturesque hot-spring town where we’ll stroll through its old center, famous for its traditional stone stairways. We’ll stay overnight in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we suggest relaxing and enjoying the hot-spring baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included.

Note: In autumn, depending on the availability of food in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys can be unpredictable. If the macaques do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may also be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.

Note: On certain dates, due to local festivals, accommodation may be provided in nearby cities such as Takasaki or Maebashi, in a Western-style hotel with dinner included but without onsen facilities.

Ikaho - Nikko - Tokyo

Total distance covered: 310 km.

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.

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