Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture from Buddhist monasteries to modern Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Transfer to hotel and free time to relax. In the afternoon, you'll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
Depart Osaka (11:30 a.m.) for Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, a magical pilgrimage site with 120 temples and monasteries. Visit Okuno Mausoleum (spiritual place, vast cemetery with over 200,000 graves) and Kongobuji Temple (built 1593). Stay overnight in a Buddhist monastery. Monks will guide a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Vegetarian dinner is included. Option to attend early morning religious ceremony. Note: Monastery rooms are simple, traditional Japanese style with tatami mats, shared bathrooms. Meditation sessions not guaranteed during busy tourist periods.
Traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Depart for Kyoto, Japan's capital from 794 to 1868, home to the Imperial Court. Spared from WWII bombings, it retains extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Visit Fushimi Inari (Shinto Shrine), Imperial Palace, and Kinkaku-ji Temple ("Golden Pavilion") with gardens. Free time before visiting Gion (traditional district, Geisha culture). Evening transfer to the Traditional quarter of Gion. Additional free time to soak in the atmosphere.
Breakfast. Depart along one of Japan's largest lakes. First stop: Shirahige Ginra (small shrine by the lake). Next: Eihei-ji (temple-monastery founded in 1244), a central hub of Zen Buddhism. Noted for its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance, serving as a key training center for monks. In Katsuyama, visit three key sites: Dinosaur Museum (largest dinosaur fossil site in Japan, over 40 dinosaur skeletons), Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple with five-story pagoda. Arrive in Kanazawa by evening.
Full day in Kanazawa, starting with a guided city tour. Kanazawa rivaled Kyoto and Tokyo, spared from WWII destruction. Visit castle area (impressive walls), stroll through Nagamachi neighborhood (historic samurai district with residences, earthen walls, gates, alleys, water canals). Admission to Kenrokuen (one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens) is included. Tour ends at Omicho (lively traditional market with lunch options). Afternoon is free for exploration.
Journey through beautiful mountain landscapes, forests, and traditional villages. Explore Gokayama and Shirakawa-go regions - UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their "praying hands" style houses designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls. Visit Ainokura (charming small village) and Shirakawa-go Ogimachi (larger, popular village). Time for strolling and lunch. Continue to Takayama to visit Hida Folk Village Museum (open-air museum with over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period, relocated in 1971). Free time to explore Takayama's old town with wooden houses and traditional shops.
After breakfast, depart for Hida Furukawa to stroll through its charming old town. The city's festival is noted as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, famous for large drums and decorated floats. Admission to museum showcasing these festival elements is included. Journey continues across the Japanese Alps. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, visit the impressive castle "Crow Castle" (black, 16th-century origins). Free time for lunch and exploration. Depart for Tokyo, arriving by end of day.
Extensive guided tour of Tokyo (approximately 5 hours). Visit Zojoji Temple with iconic views of Tokyo Tower. See the famous Shibuya Crossing (busiest intersection in the world). Visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Journey along Omotesando Avenue. See the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge. Pass through Akihabara ("Electric Town") and the sumo wrestling arena. Morning tour concludes in Asakusa, visiting Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Evening: Metro (tickets included) to lively Shinjuku district for dinner at a local restaurant. Return to hotel by metro with guide.
End of the journey, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories. Check your flight time in case an additional night is required. Departure transfer to airport is not included, but the guide will provide assistance.