Leave the well-trodden path and discover some of Japan's wild regions and local culture. Head deep into Japan's heart and follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and travellers on the Nakasendo Way before exploring the secrets of Matsumoto Castle.
Relax in the lovely mountain town of Yudanaka Onsen and visit the adorable Snow Monkeys! Not to be missed is the glorious reflexion of Mt. Fuji in the waters of Lake Kawaguchi. Wander an ancient fishing village for an amazing contrast to the modern pulsating Japan.
Imperial Palace
Hamarikyu Garden
Meiji Shrine
Mt Fuji
Kiso Valley
Ko Zenji Temple
Fukushima
Nakasendo Way
Zenkoji Temple
International and domestic airfares
Accommodation as per above itinerary in twin share rooms with daily breakfast included
Tours and transfers as specified including entry fees
14-day Japan Rail Pass, ordinary class
Service of English-speaking guides as specified
Meals as specified in the above itinerary (drinks are not included)
Meals other than specified as included
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (minibar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities
Arrive Tokyo, meet and greet and transfer to hotel. Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Pioneering modernity, iconic landscapes of neon and soaring skyscrapers are peppered with peaceful parklands, shrines, Temples and stunning gardens. Despite its ultra-modern persona, the city still embraces its ancient heritage
Take a day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide. First to Asakusa, Tokyo's old town. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing Temple visitors with a variety of traditional local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. Then go to Sumidagawa River on aTokyo's Water Bus. Visit Hamarikyu garden. Stop for a cup of steaming matcha and Japanese sweets in a tea house on a small island in the park's lake. After lunch visit to Meiji Shrine. Finally, as the sunlight dims, walk down the sparkly Omotesando shopping street.
Explore part of the Fuji National Park by private car with guide. Visit the beautiful lakeside town of Kawaguchiko, known for its panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. Journey up the Kachi Kachi ropeway on Mt. Tenjo, for a wonderful views across Lake Kawaguchi and of Mt. Fuji, Then visit Arakura Sengen Shrine, home to the spectacular Chureito Pagoda. After lunch go to the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum. Also visit Mt. Fuji's 5th station, with its astounding views.
Take the train to Shinkansen to Nagano, then change to the express train for Kiso-Fukushima. In the afternoon visit three beautiful sights in Kiso-Fukushima at leisure. Firstly visit the Yamamura Residence, a museum, Then visit the lovely Ko zenji Temple, home to Asia's largest dry rock garden. Finally, head to the Fukushima Sekisho-Ato, a 270 year-old immigration office. Relax over a delicious dinner at the ryokan tonight.
Morning train to the town of Nakatsugawa, then bus to Magome, a former post town with buildings faithfully reconstructed in a traditional style. Explore the town. After lunch walk the 8km Nakasendo Way from Magome to Tsumago. The walk require good shoes, rain gear and a good standard of fitness. There are plenty of rest stops and views of cascading waterfalls and mountain vistas. A private transfer to Kiso-Fukushima, awaits and a dinner at the ryokan.
Today head to Matsumoto, by train, a lovely castle town nestled in the Japan Alps. Located 3 hours from Tokyo, Matsumoto has flourished as a castle town since the 16th century. Matsumoto is surrounded by mountains and is acclaimed for its beautiful views. Hiking and climbing locations in the mountains are easily accessible. To the west the Japan Alps rise to heights of 3,000 meters, and are known as "The Roof of Japan". Upon arrival check in at the hotel.
Today head deeper into the alps to Yudanaka Onsen by train to Nagano. Explore the Zenkoji Temple in town, one of the most important Zen Buddhist temples in Japan. Then continue by trin to catch the Nagano Electric Railway limited express from Nagano to Yudanaka. Yudanaka Onsen has a long history as a hot spring resort, dating back hundreds of years. Yudanaka is also well known for being the starting point for a visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to Japan's famous Snow Monkeys. Check in at the hotel with rest of the day at leisure with delicious dinner in the evening.
Today head to Jigokudani Yaen Koen and visit the famous Snow Monkey. The entrance to the park is located a 30/40 minutes hike away from the closest point reachable by bus. The hike is leisurely and scenic, with moderate slopes, but still not recommended for travellers with mobility issues. Please ensure to wear sensible footwear. After visiting the monkey park, take a dip in the town's relaxing onsen baths or visit the nearby town of Obuse, famous for chestnuts and sake! Another tasty dinner will be served at the ryokan.
Today will head to Kanazawa, famed for its stunning gardens and well-preserved old town district. At Yudanaka Station take the train back to Nagano. Upon arrival in Nagano, you can connect to the Shinkansen train directly to Kanazawa. Check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
A full day to explore Kanazawa with a local guide. The highlight of any visit to Kanazawa is Kenroku-en garden. Ranked one of the top three in Japan, its breathtaking beauty shines through in any season. Visit the imposing Kanazawa castle, located next to the garden. See Nomura Samurai House, a traditional Japanese home with tea-ceremony room, an interior courtyard garden and artifacts from the Edo period. The Higashi Chaya District is the largest and by far the most interesting of Kanazawa's Geisha Districts. Many of the buildings along the central street now house cafes and shops. Have a cup of green tea here to finish the day!
Today train to Kyoto. Check in at the hotel. Then at leisure until the evening for a group shared Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine meal prepared with seasonal ingredients as you watch the traditional dances of a maiko (apprentice geisha). The maiko will then play traditional Japanese-style games with a few participants as part of the show.
Visit the Ryoanji Zen Temple - the site of Japan's most famous rock garden.The garden consists of a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups on patches of moss. Also see the spacious Kyoto Imperial Garden. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Philosopher's Path, a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Approximately two km long, the path begins around Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends in the neighbourhood of Nanzenji.
Drive to the north of Kyoto Prefecture to discover quiet, quaint seaside villages. At Ine village, observe Japanese fishermen still living a traditional lifestyle. See the unique Funaya houses, built on the seafront whose lower floor is a boat garage and a workplace for the fishermen, whilst the families live on the upper floor. Explore the village, on an electric bicycle, with a local guide. Local people show guests how to catch fish in the traditional way. Then visit a traditional Funaya house. Take a local boat to the other side of the village, and then stroll down the main street surrounded by Funaya houses and Haveea. Stop at Mukai sake brewery for sake tasting. In the afternoon be driven back to Kyoto.
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