Day 1: 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.
Day 2: 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.
Day 3: Tokyo - Nikko - Sendai
We’ll depart for Nikko, arriving at this fantastic city at 10:30 a.m. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine, renowned for the "Crying Dragon" room. Our tour will continue to the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in an impressive and serene location. Next, we’ll enjoy a stroll near the river at Kannanga Fuchi, where hundreds of Jizo statues silently watch over the path. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city center. Later, we’ll head to Sendai, a vibrant and modern city with over one million residents. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore its bustling center and enjoy dinner in this lively urban hub.
Day 4: Sendai - Matsushima - Hiraizumi - Morioka
We’ll depart for the marvelous city of Matsushima, located on the “Thousand Islands” Bay in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Japan. Upon arrival, we’ll visit a magnificent tea house overlooking the sea, where we’ll enjoy a cup of traditional tea as our guide shares fascinating insights about the city. Then, we’ll embark on a 50-minute cruise and enjoy some lunch on board. After, our tour will cintinue to Hiraizumi, where 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). conclude the day in Morioka, the charming capital of Iwate Province, where we’ll settle into our hotel and enjoy some free time to explore.
Day 5: Morioka - Hirosaki - Aomori - Hakodate
We’ll travel through a region of stunning landscapes to Hirosaki, where we’ll visit its iconic castle, set within a beautiful park that bursts into color each spring with more than 2,500 cherry trees in bloom.We’ll then continue to Aomori, the provincial capital on Mutsu Bay. Here, we’ll visit the Nebuta Museum to learn about Japan’s vibrant festival traditions, reminiscent of carnival celebrations, featuring beautifully painted and illuminated floats. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.Afterward, we’ll board a ferry to cross to the island of Hokkaido, enjoying a scenic journey of just over three and a half hours. Upon arrival in Hakodate, we’ll explore its charming historic district, where we can admire the city’s cultural influences, including the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian churches.
Day 6: Hakodate - Onuma - Noboribetsu - Sapporo
In the morning, we’ll visit the lively and bustling fish market, a fascinating glimpse into local culture. We’ll also go up Goryokaku Tower, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and appreciate the star-shaped design of Hakodate’s historic fortress. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the castle area before we continue to Onuma.In this magnificent natural setting, dotted with countless small islands, you’ll have free time to take a boat ride or stroll along scenic walking trails. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, we’ll journey along the coastline to Noboribetsu, an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape. We’ll walk among the steam vents of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), admire the misty waters of Lake Oyunuma, and follow the trail along the hot spring river to a scenic spot where you can enjoy a relaxing foot bath.Later, we’ll continue to Sapporo, arriving in the evening at this beautiful northern capital of Japan.
Day 7: Sapporo
We’ll go on a city tour with stops at the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, the beautiful park-lined avenue dominated by the towering Sapporo TV Tower. We’ll also visit the stunning Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where we’ll take part in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer to express gratitude for our journey.On the outskirts of Sapporo, we’ll visit the Hill of Buddha, a striking example of avant-garde architecture inaugurated in 2015. This lavender-covered hilltop is home to a massive Buddha statue, and within the complex, we’ll also see replicas of the famous Moai statues from Easter Island.Our journey continues to Otaru, a charming town reminiscent of Europe, with lively shopping streets, a historic canal, and quaint museums. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.We’ll return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure.
Day 8: Sapporo - Toyako Onsen - Mount Usu - Tomakomai - Sendai Ferry
We’ll visit Pirko Kotan, the Ainu village museum, where we’ll learn about the culture of the indigenous Ainu people, who inhabited this island long before the Japanese.Traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of Hokkaido’s interior, we’ll pass serene lakes and majestic mountains before arriving in the spa town of Toyako. Nestled at the foot of an impressive volcano, this picturesque town sits on the shores of a beautiful lake formed within an ancient crater. You’ll have free time to stroll along the lakeshore and take in the stunning views.Next, we’ll visit the Volcanology Museum to learn about the region’s past eruptions. We’ll then take a cable car up to the summit of Mount Usu, where you’ll have time to walk around the crater and admire the dramatic volcanic landscape. Lunch will be included.Our journey continues to Tomakomai, where we’ll board a modern ferry for an overnight crossing. You’ll be accommodated in double cabins with private bathrooms. Dinner will be included, and we’ll spend the night on board as we sail across the Pacific Ocean.
Day 9: Tomakomai - Sendai Ferry - Sendai - Yama-dera - Aizuwakamatsu
We’ll arrive at Sendai Port around 10:00 a.m. and head to Yamadera, a stunning temple complex founded over 1,000 years ago. Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by towering trees, this sacred site offers a truly magical atmosphere. Lunch will be included. We’ll have time to explore before continuing to Yonezawa, one of the main sake-producing regions. Here, we’ll visit the Sake Museum, which features a small distillery. Our journey will then take us through beautiful landscapes to Aizuwakamatsu, where we’ll stay overnight.
Day 10: Aizuwakamatsu - Ouchi-juku - Tokyo
In AIZUWAKAMATSU, we’ll visit the Samurai Mansion, a historic residence where we’ll learn about the legendary samurai warriors and their way of life. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll through the castle garden, from where we’ll be able to see the castle in the distance, standing out with its red roof tiles. Next, we’ll head to Iimoriyama, home to sculptures donated by Mussolini and a site that tells the story of the city´s young martyrs.Our journey continues to OUCHI-JUKU, a picturesque village known for its traditional thatched-roof houses. Here, we’ll have time for lunch before traveling to the impressive Oya Museum, located in former stone quarries. In the evening, we’ll return to TOKYO, arriving at the end of the day.
Day 11: Tokyo
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
