Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, a guide (usually Spanish-speaking, though occasionally English-speaking) will be waiting for you. You’ll then 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.
Tokyo
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.
Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Kawaguchiko
Total distance covered: 191 km.
Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes, and magnificent views on the way up Mount Fuji.
Notes:
-Bring warm clothing, as temperatures on Mount Fuji can be quite low.
-In winter, the ascent to Mount Fuji may be closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. During this season, we will go as far as permitted.
08:00 a.m. – Departure. We’ll head toward the beautiful Mount Fuji region, traveling through picturesque countryside.
10:00 a.m. – Kawaguchiko. This charming town is known for its small houses, colorful flowers, and scenic lake surrounded by mountains. We’ll start our visit at Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its stunning pagodas and offering some of the most iconic and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Next, we’ll visit Fuji Sengen Shrine, a serene and magical spot surrounded by tall, ancient trees. This shrine marks the traditional starting point of pilgrimages to Mount Fuji. Here, we’ll take a moment to express gratitude for the opportunity to visit such a remarkable place.
12:30 p.m. – Enjoy a relaxing 30-minute boat ride on the serene waters of Kawaguchiko Lake.
02:15 p.m. – After lunch, we’ll begin the ascent to Mount Fuji along a scenic road leading to the Fifth Station, situated at an altitude of 2,305 meters. The journey offers incredible views of lush forests and majestic landscapes. You’ll have time to experience the lively atmosphere of this spot popular with tourists and mountaineers, stroll through the area, and visit its small shrine.
04:15 p.m. – Departure from Mount Fuji.
05:00 p.m. – Kawaguchiko. You’ll have some free time to take a stroll by the lake before we check into a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn). We recommend taking advantage of the onsen (Japanese public bath) at the Ryokan for a truly unforgettable and relaxing experience. Dinner will be included.
Note: At the planned ryokan, some rooms feature traditional Japanese-style tatami mats, while others are Western-style. Occasionally, accommodation may be arranged in a Western-style hotel.
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.
07:00 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.
08:00 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.
06:00 p.m. - Departure from Matsumoto.
07:15 p.m. - Nagano.
Note: On some tours, we may not stay overnight in Nagano but instead in the town of Matsumoto.
Nagano - Monkey Park - Kusatsu - Ikaho
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.
Ikaho - Nikko - Sendai
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.
Sendai - Matshushima - Hiraizumi - Morioka
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.
Morioka - Hirosaki - Aomori - Hakodate.
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).
Hakodate - Onuma - Noboribetsu - Sapporo.
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.-
Sapporo -Hill of Buddha- Otaru - Sapporo.
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.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
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