Japanese Scenes and Mount Fuji

Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, a guide (usually Spanish-speaking, though occasionally English-speaking) will be waiting for you. You’ll then 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.

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.

Important Note: For groups with fewer than five passengers, the city tour will be conducted using a “Hop-On Hop-Off” tourist bus. These buses follow routes covering Tokyo’s most iconic attractions, allowing you to disembark, explore points of interest, and reboard the next bus at your convenience.

Total distance covered: 860 km (800 km by high-speed train).

07:30 a.m. – Departure from the hotel. We’ll transfer to Tokyo Station and board a high-speed bullet train. The journey will take just over four hours.

Notes:
-You’ll be accompanied to the station, but a guide will not join you on the train if the group size for this part of the trip is fewer than 15 people. Our guide will meet you upon arrival at Hiroshima Station to continue the tour.
-The order of visits in Hiroshima may vary, but you’ll experience everything as planned.

12:30 p.m. –Hiroshima. This city is somberly remembered for the atomic bombing it endured in 1945. We’ll walk through the Peace Memorial Park, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visit the powerful Peace Memorial Museum. Afterward, you’ll have free time for lunch.

Following lunch, we’ll head to the outskirts of Hiroshima to board a ferry for a short 15-minute journey to Miyajima, the “the island where gods and men live together.” We’ll visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and partially built over the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine and stroll through the island’s charming center.

06:00 p.m. – Departure from Miyajima. We’ll board the ferry and continue to our hotel. Dinner will be included.

Distance travelled: Journey by boat. Crossing of about 50 km.
Scenery: Interesting scenery on board, passing close to many different islands.
Note: We recommend staying on deck to enjoy the crossing, but bring warm clothing.


Today we will take a boat to the island of Shikoku. The crossing is extremely pleasant and takes two and a half hours, and discover that Japan is formed by many small islands. If there are no changes in the ferry times, it will leave at 09.20hrs (we leave the hotel at 08.00 hrs).

12.00hrs. – MATSUYAMA. Arrival. We will take the cable car and ascend to its impressive castle. Then we will visit ISHITE JI, a beautiful Buddhist temple and place of pilgrimage. Lunch included.


In the late afternoon we will visit DOGO ONSEN (admission included), a traditional Japanese bath built in the 19th century.

Note: we highly recommend you to live the Onsen experience in Japan. There are rules that will be explained to you; The baths are separated by sex and a thorough cleaning must be carried out before entering the hot water naked. In Japanese Onsen they can prohibit the entry of people with tattoos.

Distance travelled: 345 km
Scenery: Pleasant mountain scenery in some places. We walk along huge suspension bridges over the sea. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the journey.


7.30 hrs- Matsuyama.- Departure-.
10.00 hrs.- KOTOHIRA, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of fishermen and a place of pilgrimage built on Mount Zozu. To access it, it is necessary to climb 785 steps. Those who do not want to climb the mountain can enjoy sightseeing and visit the small Sake Museum (the traditional Japanese liqueur).


12.00hrs.- Kotohira –Departure-.
13.00 hrs.- TAKAMATSU. Visit to RITSURIN, one of the prettiest gardens in Japan. Lunch included in a local restaurant.


15.00 hrs.- Takamatsu –Departure-.
16.15 hrs.- NARUTO, an impressive bridge that crosses the sea. We will stop to learn how it was built and walk along its glass floor with the impressive waves below us (depending on the times and tides) at a height of 45 metres.


17.15hrs.- Naruto –Departure-. Pretty scenery as we cross huge suspension bridges.
19.00hrs.- KOBE.- Arrival. Modern city by the sea, you can walk through its active center.

Total distance covered: 140 km.

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a site dedicated to remembering the tragic earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and showcasing its remarkable reconstruction.

10:30 a.m. - Departure from Kobe and continuation toward Osaka.
11:15 a.m. – Osaka, Japan´s second-largest city. We’ll make a brief technical stop in Osaka only if required for the start or end of a tour for any passenger.

12:00 p.m. - Departure from the city toward the sacred mountain of Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. We’ll stop for lunch along the way. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature, with over 200,000 graves. We’ll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, built in 1593.

We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery. The monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.

Notes:
-On certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower.
-Staying at the monastery is considered a highly valuable experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
-We cannot guarantee the meditation practice during peak tourist dates. Since accommodation capacity in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, in some cases, we may accommodate groups in nearby hotels (with half board included).

Total distance: 130km.


Japanese breakfast at the temple.
07.30hrs- We leave early for Kyoto.


10.00hrs- KYOTO, we spend the whole day in the city, which was the capital of Japan between 794 and 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. During World War II the city was the only major Japanese to escape the bombardments, and so it still preserves its wealth of artistic heritage; the famous protocol restricting greenhouse gas emissions was signed in Kyoto in 1997.


The visit includes a trip to one of the most important parts of the city. We will see the marvellous Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji temple, “the golden pavilion” and its wonderful gardens.


19.00hrs- At night, a transfer to GION will be included, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha. Free time. The return to the hotel will be free, we suggest you take a taxi. The guide will explain how.


Note: If you already visited Kyoto on your circuit, our guide will offer you information and advice on visiting the other parts of the city unaccompanied.

Total distance: 320 km.


08.00 hrs- We leave Kyoto to set out for Tsumago, passing attractive country scenery on our way.
11.15 hrs- TSUMAGO. This small village with its wooden houses is one of the prettiest places in Japan. Free time to explore and lunch included in a local restaurant.


13.30 hrs- Tsumago departure.
14.45 hrs- MATSUMOTO, arrival to this tourist city, where we will visit the impressive 16th century castle, known as the “Crow Castle”. Free time to explore this bustling tourist city.


18.00hrs.- Matsumoto.- Departure.
19.15hrs.- NAGANO, arrival.


Note: In some tours, we will not sojourn in Nagano but in the town of Matsumoto.

Total distance: 160 km
Scenery: Today our journey takes us through the beautiful Japanese Alps.
Note: Wear comfortable shoes to walk around the Monkey Park


Early in the morning, in NAGANO, we will visit Zenkoji temple, a pilgrimage site where the first Buddhist image of Japan is located. Passengers will have the opportunity to take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony that brings good luck.

10.30hrs- Nagano departure. We continue through the high mountains.
11.30hrs- Monkey Park, with lunch included and wander through its forests with their rivers and thermal fountains where colonies of Japanese monkeys live and bathe.


13.45hrs- We leave the park, our journey takes us through beautiful mountain scenery (reaching an altitude of 2,172 metres) with semi-active volcanoes.
15.00hrs- KUSATSU is an attractive spa city with a lively main square. Then we can stroll through the city park with its outdoor Onsen.


17.45 hrs- Departure from Kustasu.
19.15hrs- IKAHO, arrival to a picturesque spa town where we will stroll in its ancient centre with its staircase streets. We will stay at a RYOKAN, a Japanese style hotel where we will continue to enjoy its baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included. .


NB: In the autumn, depending on the amount of fruit in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys is unpredictable. If the macaques do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may be cancelled due to the weather from November to April.


NB: On certain dates, due to local festivities, accommodation may be provided in nearby towns such as TAKASAKI or MAEBASHI in a western-style hotel/dinner without onsen.

Total distance: 400km

07.45hrs- Ikaho Onsen.
Saída.10.00hrs- NIKKO, a fantastic town where we will visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the hall of the crying dragon. We will also visit the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in an impressive, peaceful site, followed by a walk near the river, in Kanmangafuchi, under the watchful eye of hundreds of Jizo statues!Free time for lunch and visit the city centre.-


15.30hrs- Nikko, departure.
19.45hrs- SENDAI, arrival to this modern, bustling city with over 1 million inhabitants. Passengers can explore the city and have dinner in its busy, thriving centre.

Total distance covered: 217 km.

Scenery: Forests, mountains, and the breathtaking scenery of the Thousand Islands area.

08:00 a.m. - Departure for the marvelous city of Matsushima.
08:30 a.m. - Matsushima. Arrival in this picturesque city on the "Thousand Islands" Bay in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the most beautiful locations in Japan. We’ll visit a magnificent tea house overlooking the sea, where we’ll enjoy a cup of traditional tea as our guide shares insights about the city. Afterward, we’ll embark on a 50-minute cruise (included).

11:00 a.m. - Departure. Lunch will be included.
02:00 p.m. - Hiraizumi. 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).

05:15 p.m. - Departure for Morioka.
06:45 p.m. - Morioka. Arrival in the pleasant capital of Iwate Province. We’ll check into our hotel and have free time to explore the city.

Total distance: 197km.
Note: We recommend you to wear warm clothing to enjoy the deck of the boat.


07.30hrs- Departure. In a region of beautiful scenery we travel to Hirosaki.
09.30hrs- HIROSAKI. Ancient capital cultural during the Edo period with its castle of the seventeenth century. We will visit its castle in a beautiful park where more than 2,500 cherry trees blossom in the spring.


10.30hrs- Departure.
11.40hrs- AOMORI, the provincial capital, located on Mutsu Bay. Time for visit to Nebuta Museum where we will learn about the Japanese festival tradition, which reminds us of the Carnival, with its vivid, painted floats. Lunch included.


Then we board the ferry to HOKKAIDO Island, the departure of the ferry is scheduled at 14.20hrs. The crossing takes just over three and a half hours.


18.00hrs- HAKODATE –Arrival-. Time in the beautiful city pedestrian centre in which to admire the influence of other cultures in the city (Russian Orthodox and Christian churches).

Total distance: 338km
Landscapes: Beautiful landscapes. Impressive volcanic areas.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking through the Hell’s Valley.


In the morning we visit the impressive and busy fish market. Then we climb the GORYOKAKU Tower with its impressive views, from where we can make out the star-shaped fortress of Hakodate. Then we will take a stroll through the castle area before continuing our journey.


11.00hrs- Departure.
11.45hrs- ONUMA. Free time in this wonderful tourist site, with its countless small islands in which to explore the islands, go on a boat trip and have lunch included.


13.45hrs- Departure. Our journey takes us towards the ocean.
16.15hrs- NOBORIBETSU, an impressive volcano site, where we can walk amidst geysers in Jigoku Dani (Hell’s Valley), admire the hot spring lake of Oyunuma and follow the path next to the hot spring to the site of the footbath.-


18.30hrs- Departure.
20.15hrs- SAPPORO.- At the end of the day, we arrive at this beautiful city, the capital of North Japan.-

Total distance: 120 km.

08.30hrs- City tour (included) stopping at the clock tower and Odori Koen avenue-park, dominated by the telecommunications tower. We will enjoy for an hour the beautiful Shinto shrine of Hokkaido Jingu. The visit includes a ceremonial Kito (prayer session) in which we give thanks for the journey.

11.00hrs- We will leave Sapporo, we know the HILL OF BUDDHA, new center of avant-garde architecture opened in 2015, the hill covered with lavenders keeps the giant statue of Buddha, in the complex we will also see the replica of the statues Moai (Easter Island).

12.15hrs- We continue to Otaru.
13.00hrs- OTARU, arrival to this small city with a European air and streets filled with shops, an old canal and tiny museums. Lunch included.

15.30hrs-Departure. We return to Sapporo at about 16.30hrs. Free time in the afternoon in Sapporo.

Total distance: 200 km.

Landscapes: Beautiful landscapes of the interior of the island, snow on the peaks, volcanic areas.

Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes in the high area of the cable car. We recommend wearing warm clothing. Prepare a small travel bag so you do not have to lower your bags on the night ferry.

08.15hrs- Sapporo departure to the interior of Hokkaido Island. We visit the Pirko Kotan, the Ainu village museum. Here we will see the culture of the Eskimo people who inhabited this island before the Japanese. Amidst beautiful scenery in the interior of Hokkaido Island, we pass lakes and mountains and eventually come to the spa city of Toyako.

11.45 hrs- TOYAKO, at the foot of an impressive volcano, on the banks of a pretty lake that occupies a former crater. Free time to wander along the bank. We will visit the volcanology museum to learn about the eruptions suffered by this region. Then we will take the cable car to the summit of the USU Volcano with time to walk around the volcano and its awesome landscape. Lunch included.

15.30 hrs- Departure. Then our journey takes us along the coast.

17.15hrs- TOMAKOMAI. We take a modern ferry for a night crossing. The departure of the ferry is scheduled at 19.00hrs. Dinner included. Accommodation in double cabins with private bathrooms. We spend the night on board crossing the Pacific Ocean.

Total distance: 215 km
Landscapes: Mountains, forests, green landscapes.
Note: Provide comfortable footwear and a waterproof for Yamadera.


10.00hrs- We reach Sendai port and continue our journey.


11.30hrs.- YAMADERA.- arrival to the very beautiful complex of temples founded more than 1,000 years ago in the mountain’s, amidst forests of immense trees. The landscapes are spectacular, you will have to climb 1000 steps to reach the temples. Time to see this magical place. Lunch included.


14.30 hrs.- Yamadera.- Departure to Yonezawa.


15.45 hrs.- YONEZAWA. We are in one of the main producer regions of Sake, we will visit the Sake Museum with its small distillery.


16.45hrs.- Yonezawa.- Departure through pretty scenery.


18.00hrs- AIZUWAKAMATSU. Free time to explore this bustling city.


Note: In winter, as it gets dark earlier, the climb to Iimoriyama will be done on arrival in Aizuwakamatsu (instead of Saturday)

Total distance: 345 km


In AIZUWAKAMATSU we visit the SAMURAI MANSION, a historical mansion where we will learn about the Samurai Warriors. After this we stroll in the Castle Garden and maybe we will see children doing martial arts on the Dojo. We will go up to Iimoriyama, where we will see the sculptures donated by Mussolini and they will tell us about the child martyrs of this city.


11.00 hrs- We travel south between pleasant green landscapes. Stop en route for lunch.
14.00 hrs.- MITO. On the way, we will stop in this pretty Mito. We include the entrance to the gardens of KAIRAKUEN, considered some of the most beautiful in Japan, with more than 3,000 cherry trees. Free time in the city centre before leaving to TOKYO


15.30hrs.- Mito departure.
18.45 hrs.- TOKYO – Arrival at the end of the day-.

Total distance covered: 120 km.

Scenery: Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Tokyo.
09:00 a.m. – Kamakura. Known as an "oasis of peace," Kamakura served as Japan’s capital for two centuries and is home to a wealth of shrines, temples, and gardens. We’ll visit the Zen temple of Hokoku-ji, where you can stroll through its serene bamboo forest and enjoy a cup of green tea (admission included). Next, we’ll explore Sugimoto-dera, Kamakura’s oldest temple, founded in 734.

11:00 a.m. – Departure from Sugimoto-dera.
11:20 a.m. – Komachi Street. You’ll have free time to explore this charming, bustling area in the heart of Kamakura.

11:50 a.m. – Departure from Komachi Street.
12:15 p.m. – Kotoku-in. We’ll visit the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a stunning 13th-century bronze statue and the second-tallest Buddha in Japan (admission included).

01:00 p.m. – Departure from Kamakura.
01:35 p.m. – Enoshima. Enjoy free time for lunch and a stroll on this picturesque island, linked to the mainland by a scenic bridge. The route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

02:35 p.m. – Departure from Enoshima.
03:40 p.m. – Odawara. We’ll include admission to the renowned Odawara Castle, a majestic medieval fortress restored in the 20th century and originally from the Edo period (admission included). Inside, you can visit the historical museum and climb to the top floor for panoramic views of Odawara City.

05:00 p.m. – Arrival in Odawara for accommodation.

Total distance covered: 195 km.

Scenery: Stunning mountain views and spectacular landscapes during the climb to Mount Fuji.

Notes:
-Bring warm clothing as temperatures can be low on Mount Fuji.
-In winter, the route to Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station is often closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. On such dates, the journey will proceed as far as the weather permits.

08:15 a.m. – Departure from Odawara. We’ll begin our journey toward the scenic Hakone region, famous for its serene lakes and mountains near Mount Fuji.
09:00 a.m. – Owakudani, also known as the "Valley of Hell." This geothermal wonder is characterized by bubbling mud vents and sulfuric steam. Our route to explore the area’s geothermal activity will start from the entrance parking lot. Visitors can also try the unique black eggs boiled in the volcanic hot springs, a local delicacy.

Note: Access to Owakudani may be restricted due to high volcanic activity or toxic gases. In such cases, we will visit Arakurayama Sengen Park as an alternative.

09:50 a.m. – Departure from Owakudani.
11:00 a.m. – Oshino Hakkai. This charming village is known for its eight ponds and picturesque views of Mount Fuji in the background.

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Oshino Hakkai.
12:30 p.m. – Kawaguchiko. This idyllic town is surrounded by flowers, mountains, and the beautiful Lake Kawaguchiko. We’ll include a delightful boat ride on the lake. Afterward, we’ll ascend Mount Fuji via the scenic road leading to the Fifth Station, reaching an altitude of 2,305 meters. This journey offers breathtaking forest and mountain views.

Note: In winter, the ascent may be restricted due to weather conditions, and we’ll proceed only as far as permitted.

03:45 p.m. – Departure from Kawaguchiko.
06:30–06:45 p.m. –Tokyo. The day will end here. Please check your flight departure time to determine if you’ll require an extra night in Tokyo. Airport transfers are not included, but our guide will assist you with public transport recommendations for your departure.

Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories. Please check your flight time in case you require an additional night. While the departure transfer to the airport is not included, our guide will provide recommendations for the best public transportation options to suit your journey.