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 seven 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, that we will see from the bus. It is known as the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included up to Tembo Deck at 350 meters high), 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 passing by Akihabara district, the "Electric City", known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture; and Ginza district.

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- Fukuoka

Transfer to the train station to board the high-speed train, scheduled to depart around 9:30 a.m. In less than three hours, we’ll cover more than 600 kilometers (373 miles) as we travel toward the island of Kyushu. Connected to Japan’s main island by bridges, Kyushu is the third-largest island in Japan. Known for its mild climate, volcanic landscapes, and hot springs, it offers a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation.
Fukuoka – Arrival. We’ll arrive in the most populated city on the island. Our first stop will be Canal City Hakata, a modern and expansive shopping and entertainment complex built around an artificial canal that creates a relaxed urban atmosphere, featuring fountain shows every 30 minutes. You’ll have free time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.

Afterwards, we’ll visit Tocho-ji Temple, founded in 806, renowned for its five-story pagoda, large statue of Buddha, and the image of Senju Kannon, the thousand-armed female goddess of mercy. Free time at the end of the visit.

Note: The train journey will not be accompanied by a Europamundo guide. Your guide will provide your train tickets in advance, and another guide — who will accompany you throughout your tour of Kyushu — will be waiting to meet you upon arrival in Fukuoka.

Fukuoka- Dazaifu Tenmangu- Nagasaki

Total distance covered: 166 km
Scenery: Urban and rural landscapes of northern Kyushu, featuring green hills, farming areas, and historic towns.

8:00 a.m. – Fukuoka – Departure.
We head toward one of Japan’s most important spiritual centers.

9:15 a.m. – Dazaifu Tenmangu – Arrival. This emblematic Shinto shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and scholarship. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and ponds, the site is famous for its over 6,000 plum trees, whose blossoms attract many visitors in late winter. The shrine is especially popular among students, who come to pray for academic success.

10:45 a.m. – Dazaifu Tenmangu – Departure toward Nagasaki.
1:00 p.m. – Nagasaki – Arrival. We arrive in this historic city, sadly known for being destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. We’ll begin by visiting Ōura Church, Japan’s oldest Christian church, dedicated to the 26 Martyrs of Nagasaki. This church, which blends Gothic architecture with local design elements, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region". Free time for lunch in Chukagai, Japan’s most vibrant Chinatown, with its colorful pedestrian street filled with restaurants and food stalls.
After lunch, we’ll visit the Atomic Bomb Museum (admission included), offering a powerful reflection on the horrors of war. Next, we’ll head to the Peace Park, where we’ll admire moving sculptures donated by countries around the world as symbols of hope.

Finally, we’ll visit the Dejima area, a former artificial island that, for centuries, served as Japan’s only gateway for international trade. We’ll explore its historical reconstruction (admission included).

Nagasaki- Unzen Jigoku- Shimabara- Kumamoto

Total distance covered: 119 km.
Scenery: a journey through volcanic and coastal regions of the island of Kyushu. We will pass through mountainous areas, geothermal fields, views of the Ariake Sea, and evolving urban landscapes.

Note: we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the visit to Unzen Jigoku.

07:30 a.m. – Nagasaki – Departure toward the Shimabara Peninsula, a volcanic region dominated by Mount Unzen.

08:45 a.m. – Unzen Jigoku – Arrival at this geothermal area with steam vents, bubbling pools of boiling mud, and a distinctive sulfur smell. We will walk “through the hells,” as this area is popularly known, which in the 17th century was the setting of Christian persecution, during which many were martyred through torture using volcanic steam.

09:45 a.m. – Unzen Jigoku – Departure for the port of Shimabara.

11:05 a.m. – Shimabara – Ferry departure for a crossing of approximately 45 minutes across the Ariake Sea (scheduled time, subject to change).

12:00 p.m. – Shimabara (scheduled time, subject to change) – Ferry departure toward Kumamoto.

01:45 p.m. – Kumamoto – Arrival. Free time in the shopping area near the castle to stroll and have lunch. Afterwards, we will visit Kumamoto Castle (admission included), considered one of the three great castles of Japan, famous for its black towers and massive stone walls, some of which are still undergoing reconstruction following the 2016 earthquake.
We will then visit Suizenji Jojuen (admission included), a landscaped garden from the Edo period that recreates mountains, lakes, and other elements of the Japanese landscape in miniature. Free time at the end of the visit in this modern city.

Kumamoto- Mount Aso- Yufuin- Beppu

Total distance covered: 156 km
Scenery: impressive volcanic panoramas, lava fields, fertile valleys, rice paddies, and mountain routes with lush vegetation.

Note: we recommend wearing suitable walking shoes for this stage of the journey.

07:30 a.m. – Kumamoto – Departure toward one of Japan’s most impressive natural wonders.

09:00 a.m. – Mount Aso – Arrival at one of the country’s most active and spectacular volcanoes. We will take a shuttle from the base of the volcano up to the crater. Its caldera, one of the largest in the world, measures approximately 25 km in diameter. Inside the caldera rise several volcanic peaks, the most active being Mount Nakadake, from which we can admire an impressive steaming sulfur lake surrounded by a dramatic volcanic landscape. Free time.

Very important note: at times, for safety reasons related to volcanic activity, access to Mount Nakadake may be restricted.

10:30 a.m. – Mount Aso – Departure for Yufuin.

12:30 p.m. – Yufuin – Arrival in this charming onsen town, set in a peaceful valley surrounded by rice fields. Free time to enjoy a coffee and stroll through its picturesque streets.

02:30 p.m. – Yufuin Onsen – Departure for Beppu.

03:30 p.m. – Beppu – Arrival in this city famous for its intense geothermal activity, with more than 3,000 hot springs. We will visit the well-known “Hells of Beppu” (admission included), starting with Umi Jigoku, renowned for its vivid blue water and beautifully landscaped gardens, and continuing to Kamado Jigoku, very popular with families for its ponds of varying colors and temperatures, decorated with demon figures.
After the visit, transfer to the hotel and free time.

Beppu- Usa Jingu- Fukuoka

Total distance covered: 177 km
Scenery: Mountain routes, farmland, and shrines surrounded by nature. Green landscapes showcasing the traditional scenery of northern Kyushu.

8:00 a.m. – Beppu – Departure.
We head north through Kyushu to visit one of the sacred sites of Shintoism.

9:00 a.m. – Usa Jingu – Arrival.
We’ll visit one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, and the main sanctuary dedicated to Hachiman, the protective deity of Japan. This is the head shrine of more than 40,000 Hachiman shrines across the country. Founded in the 8th century, it blends traditional architecture with spacious gardens surrounded by nature. We’ll stroll across its iconic red bridge and through its main pavilions, a photogenic and deeply spiritual setting.

11:00 a.m. – Usa Jingu – Departure toward Fukuoka.

1:15 p.m. – Fukuoka – Arrival in the city around lunchtime.

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