Tokyo, Kyoto and Alps

Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you will be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you will receive details about the start of your tour.

In the morning, we will 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 will begin with a brief stop at Zojoji Temple, where you will 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 will 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 will 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 will pass through the vibrant Akihabara district, also known as the Electric Town, a hub for Japanese manga and anime culture. We will also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s renowned sumo wrestling arena.
We will 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 will return to the hotel.
At 6:30 p.m., we willl meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. Here, we will enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for dinner (included). Afterward, we will return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Activities

We will travel by bullet train to Kyoto, departing early in the morning. In just over two hours, we will cover nearly 500 km separating Tokyo and Kyoto.
We will have the entire day to explore Kyoto, the former capital of Japan 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 preserve its rich artistic heritage. Kyoto is also renowned as the site where the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was signed in 1997.
Our visit will include the city’s most iconic landmarks. We will admire the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, surrounded by magnificent gardens.
Afterward, enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, celebrated for its geishas and lively atmosphere. Free time will follow.

Activities

We will set out for Tsumago, enjoying the charming countryside scenery along the way. This small village, known for its wooden houses, is considered one of the prettiest places in Japan. You will have free time to explore, and lunch will be included. Next, we will continue to Matsumoto, a lively tourist city where we will visit the impressive 16th-century castle, famously known as the The Crow. Afterward, you will have free time to explore this bustling city at your own pace. Our journey will then take us to Nagano, where we will spend the night

Activities

In Nagano, we will visit the Zenko-ji, a revered pilgrimage site housing the first Buddhist image brought to Japan. The Gomakuyo ceremony, included in your journey, will bring blessings and good fortune. Next, we will travel to the stunning Japanese Alps, venturing into the mountains to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, you will enjoy lunch, followed by a serene stroll through forests, rivers, and hot springs, where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe.

We will then ascend to breathtaking high mountain scenery, reaching altitudes of 2,172 meters, and pass semi-active volcanoes. Our journey will continue to Kusatsu, a charming spa town with a lively main square. We will take a leisurely walk through the city park, home to an open-air onsen. Afterward, we willl proceed to Ikaho, a picturesque spa town where we will wander its historic center, famed for its stair-stepped streets. Tonight, we will stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style hotel, where you will enjoy its baths and a traditional Japanese dinner will be included.
Note: During autumn, the movement of monkeys can be unpredictable depending on mountain fruit availability. If the macaques do not descend, the park may be closed. Additionally, the visit to Kusatsu may be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.

Activities

We will continue our journey to Nikko, a fantastic town where we will visit the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple, known for its famous room with the sound of a dragon. We will also explore the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a serene and awe-inspiring site. Afterward, we will take a stroll along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where hundreds of Jizo statues silently watch over the riverbanks. You will have free time to explore the town center before we head back to Tokyo, arriving at approximately 06:30 p.m.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

Activities