Contrasts of Japan

18H30.- Meeting with guide. Late in the afternoon, we will pay a visit to this fascinating country by taking a trip on the metro (tickets included) to the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Then we will take a walk around an hour to the restaurant. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. Dinner included and return to hotel by metro with our guide.     

08.00 hrs.- In the morning, we take part in a 5-hour trip with our guide to see this amazing city, with its hustle and bustle and extremely modern districts that coexist with quiet, peaceful areas. Brief stop at the Zojoji Temple to make a beautiful photograph of the Tokyo Tower.  Pay attention to the hundred of Jizos, stone traditional protecting deities who guide us on our travels, give power to those who are weak (such children) and those in dangerous places, and who are dressed including hats, robes and windmills. Then we head to the junction of Shibuya, a junction that is said to be the most crowded in the world. The Meiji Temple is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, his wife, and their spirits.  We continue on our bus along the elegant street of Omotesando. We will edge the most beautiful part of the Imperial Palace and the gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We will pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric town” with icons from the popular Japanese Manga and Anime culture and then see Kokugikan, the Sumo stadium, home of this Japanese sport. We will also visit the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo, with its 55-metre high pagoda. Then we will have some free time to visit the traditional commercial street of Nakamise in the district of Asakusa. Lunch included  in a local restaurant. Return to hotel.

Note: Bring some warm clothes since on Mount Fuji can be cold.    

08.00 hrs.- We set out for the beautiful region of Mount Fuji, passing through pretty countryside on our way. 

10.00 hrs- We go on to KAWAGUCHIKO with its tiny houses, flowers and mountains, and its beautiful lake. First of all we see the ARAKURAYAMA SENGEN PARK, with its beautiful pagodas, and from here enjoy the best and most well-known views of Mount Fuji. After this, we will visit the FUJI SENGEN SHRINE set in a magical site surrounded by tall trees, and the starting point of the traditional pilgrimage to the mountain. At the shrine, we will express our thanks for being able to visit this wonderful place.         

12.30 hrs- We will enjoy a delightful boat trip on Kawaguchiko Lake which lasts approximately 30 minutes.   

14.15 hrs- After lunch, we start to ascend Mount Fuji on the road that takes us to the “fifth station”, surrounded by spectacular forests and views, to a height of 2,305 metres.   

16.15 hrs- Return to Kawaguchiko arriving at 17.15hrs, with time to stroll near the lake. We will stay at a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese hotel), where we recommend you to enjoy its ONSEN. The experience in this typical Japanese public bath will be unforgettable. Dinner included.   

Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. At the falls we will walk about 1.5km    

08.30 hrs- Kawaguchiko- Departure. We continue along the pretty road bordered by lakes Kawaguchi and Saiko. 

09.00 hrs- IYASHI NO SATO NENBA, a tiny village destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as a traditional open-air mountain village and museum. Its traditional houses have been transformed into arts and crafts shops, restaurants and traditional museums.   

10.00hrs- Iyashi departure.  

10.45 hrs- We then have the opportunity to admire the SHIRAITO FALLS, considered done of the most attractive sites in Japan, with a waterfall height of 20 metres.   

11.45 hrs- Shiraito Falls departure. 

15.30 hrs- We will visit the TOYOTA MUSEUM (admission included), a must-see for motor lovers.   

19.00 hrs- KYOTO, arrival and accomodation.

08.30hrs.- We head for the outskirts of Kyoto. Arashiyama, where we cross the Togetsukyo Bridge (“bridge over the moon”), which has fantastic views. We will visit the Tenryuji temple, one of the "five major Zen temples of Kyoto" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a walk through its mystic bamboo forest. 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.  

8.00 hrs.- Osaka –Departure-. We continue to Osaka Bay. 

10.00 hrs.- MOUNT SHOSHA arrival. We include a cable car trip up Mount Shosa, where there is the ENGYO-JI temple complex with over a thousand years of history, where the film “the last Samurai” was shot.   

12.00hrs.- Mount Shosha departure 

12.20hrs.-HIMEJI –Arrival-. Admission to the huge castle is included, which is built in the traditional style of a Japanese castle. Lunch included.    

15.00hrs.- Himeji- Departure.   

16.30 hrs- OKAYAMA. We will visit Korakuen, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, with its lakes, waterfalls and traditional teahouses.