Traditional Japan and north of Japan
Day1 Osaka arrival
Arrival, transfer to the hotel by shuttle bus.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day2 Osaka - Mount Koya
Depart for Mount Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism, and visit Okuno Mausoleum and Kongobuji Temple.
Stay overnight in a Buddhist monastery with a guided Zen meditation (Ajikan) and a vegetarian dinner.
Optional temple ceremony available before breakfast.
Day3 Mount Koya - Kyoto
Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple.
Depart early for Kyoto, the former imperial capital. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) with its beautiful gardens.
Free time during the day, followed by a visit to the traditional Gion district, with additional free time to explore.
Day4 Kyoto - Tokyo
After breakfast, transfer to the station and take the bullet train to Tokyo.
Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Day5 Tokyo
Morning: Enjoy a comprehensive guided city tour of Tokyo (approx. 5 hours), visiting Zojoji Temple, Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, Omotesando Avenue, the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge. Drive through Akihabara, then visit Tokyo Skytree (admission included) for panoramic city views.
Afternoon: Explore Asakusa, including Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street. Return to hotel.
6:30 p.m. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and travel by subway to Shinjuku (tickets included). Enjoy a guided walk through the lively district, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Return to the hotel by subway with your guide.
Day6 Tokyo - Nikko - Sendai
Depart for Nikko and visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famous for the “Crying Dragon,” and the serene Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum.
Stroll along Kannanga Fuchi, lined with Jizo statues, followed by free time in the city center.
Continue to Sendai, with time to explore and enjoy dinner.
Day7 Sendai - Matsushima - Hiraizumi - Morioka
Depart for Matsushima, located on the scenic “Thousand Islands” Bay.
Visit a tea house overlooking the sea and enjoy traditional tea, followed by a cruise with lunch on board.
Continue to Hiraizumi to visit the UNESCO-listed Takkoku no Iwaya, the temples of Chusonji, and the gardens of Motsuji Temple, with the opportunity to join a Zen ceremony.
Conclude the day in Morioka, with free time to explore the city.
Day8 Morioka - Hirosaki - Aomori - Hakodate
Travel through scenic landscapes to Hirosaki and see its castle from the outside, set in a park famous for its cherry trees.
Continue to Aomori to visit the Nebuta Museum and learn about the city’s vibrant festival traditions. Lunch is included.
Later, take a ferry to Hokkaido and arrive in Hakodate, with free time to explore its historic district.
Day9 Hakodate - Onuma - Noboribetsu - Sapporo
Visit Hakodate’s lively fish market and enjoy panoramic views from Goryokaku Tower.
Free time around the castle area before continuing to Onuma, where you can explore the natural scenery by boat or on foot. Lunch is included.
In the afternoon, travel along the coast to Noboribetsu to visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and Lake Oyunuma, then continue to Sapporo, arriving in the evening.
Day10 Sapporo
City tour of Sapporo with stops at the Clock Tower, Odori Park, and the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, including a traditional Kito prayer ceremony.Visit the Hill of Buddha, featuring a striking modern design and Moai statues.Continue to Otaru, known for its historic canal and charming streets. Lunch is included.Return to Sapporo, with free time in the afternoon.
Day11 Sapporo - Toyako Onsen - Mount Usu - Tomakomai
Travel south across Hokkaido to visit the Upopoy Museum, dedicated to Ainu culture.
Continue to Lake Toyako, with time to stroll along the lakeshore, visit the Volcanology Museum, and take the cable car to Mount Usu for volcanic landscapes and panoramic views. Lunch is included.
Continue to Tomakomai to board an overnight ferry with dinner and accommodation in private cabins.
Day12 Sendai - Yama Dera - Aizuwakamatsu
Arrive at Sendai Port and travel to Yamadera, a mountain temple complex over 1,000 years old, set in a serene natural environment. Lunch is included, with time to explore the site.
Continue to Yonezawa to visit the Sake Museum and its small distillery, then travel through scenic landscapes to Aizuwakamatsu for an overnight stay.
Day13 Aizuwakamatsu - Ouchi juku - Tokyo
In Aizuwakamatsu, visit the Samurai Mansion and stroll through the castle garden with views of the red-roofed castle.
Continue to Iimoriyama, a historic site honoring young martyrs.
Visit the picturesque village of Ouchi-juku for lunch, then explore the Oya Museum in former stone quarries.
Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Tour ends.