Day 1: Sapporo
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we´ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of the tour.
Day 2: 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 3: Sapporo - Toyako Onsen - Mount Usu - Ferry Tomakomai Sendai
We’ll head south on the island of Hokkaido. Our first stop will be at the Upopoy Museum (admission included), whose name means “singing together in a group” in the Ainu language. This museum is a symbolic space dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and revitalizing the culture of the Ainu people, an Indigenous group of Eskimo origin.After that, we’ll head to the resort town of TOYAKO, located at the foot of an impressive volcano and on the shore of a beautiful lake that fills an ancient crater. You’ll have time to stroll along the lakeside. We’ll visit the Volcanology Museum, which recalls the eruptions that have occurred in this region. Then we’ll take the cable car to the summit of Mount Usu, where you’ll have time to walk through the volcanic landscape and enjoy magnificent views. Lunch included at a local restaurant. We’ll continue to TOMAKOMAI, where we’ll board a modern overnight ferry. Accommodation in double cabins with private bathrooms. Dinner included. Overnight sailing across the Pacific Ocean.
Day 4: Ferry Tomakomai Sendai - Sendai - Yamadera - 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 5: Aizuwakamatsu - Ouchijuku - 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 6: 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.
Day 7: Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Kawaguchiko
We travel toward the beautiful Mount Fuji area, enjoying the scenic landscapes along our route. Our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its beautiful pagodas and for offering some of the most iconic and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.We then continue to KAWAGUCHIKO, an idyllic town of charming houses, flowers, and mountains beside a stunning lake. Upon arrival, 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.Afterward, we’ll enjoy a pleasant boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, then begin our ascent toward Mount Fuji via the road that leads to the “Fifth Station.” Driving through spectacular forests and landscapes, we’ll reach an altitude of 2,305 meters (7,562 feet).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.We’ll return to Kawaguchiko and stay overnight at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where you can relax and enjoy the Onsen (public hot spring bath). 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.
Day 8: Kawaguchiko - Iyashi No Sato Nenba - Toyota - Kyoto
In the morning, we’ll follow a scenic road that winds around picturesque lakes to visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small village that was destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as an open-air museum. Its traditional houses have been converted into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past.Next, we’ll visit the breathtaking Shiraito Falls, one of Japan’s most stunning natural attractions, with cascading water that spans a height of 20 meters.From there, we’ll continue to Nagoya, where we’ll visit the Toyota Museum (admission included), a must-see destination for car enthusiasts and those curious about automotive innovation.Finally, we’ll proceed to Kyoto for our overnight stay.
Day 9: 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.
Day 10: Kyoto - Nara - Osaka
We’ll depart for Nara to visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple built in 752, home to a giant Buddha statue. Here, you’ll also have the chance to take photos and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch will be included.Afterward, we’ll visit the Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses a seminary, monasteries, and temples. Its central pagoda is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, serving as an important place of worship.Our journey will then take us to Osaka, where we’ll arrive in the evening. Accommodation will be in this vibrant and modern city, known as Japan’s second-largest urban area. Later, we’ll visit Dotonbori, a lively and colorful district renowned for its bustling nightlife.
Day 11: Osaka
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
