ARRIVAL OSAKA – TRANSFER TO KYOTO

Arrival at Kansai or Itami airport on your flight. An attendant who speaks English will pick up the client at the airport and take them to the hotel in Kyoto.
Upon arrival at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for personal activities.

KYOTO – Full Day Tour

Breakfast at the hotel.
The visit begins in Kyoto, which is the ancient capital of Japan and remains the center of religions and traditional cultures, for the full day with a English-speaking guide.
In the morning you will visit Arashiyama where you will enjoy walking in the bamboo forest and the Zen Garden of the Tenryuji Temple, it is the main temple of the Rinzai school and was built in 1339.
Then we will move to the Kinkakuji Temple which is known as the Golden Pavilion and declared a World Heritage Site.
At noon you will be transferred to a local restaurant for your lunch.
After lunch you will continue your visit to Nijo Castle, it was built in 1603 and used as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto until 1868.
We will then move to visit the Gion neighborhood. They will enjoy walking in this neighborhood that is known as the “Maiko” (Geisha in Kyoto) neighborhood, houses, temples and traditional shops are preserved and where you can feel the atmosphere of ancient Japan.
After, we will return to your hotel.

ACTIVITIES IN KYOTO: EXCURSION TO NARA & FUSHIMI INARI

The activity that is written is like an optional tour and lunch as well.
This program is not included in the original package.

Visit to Fushimi & Nara with a guide by public transport.
In the morning visit the Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari, it is the main shrine of about 40,000 Inari shrines within all of Japan. Walk in this sanctuary known for the stage with a thousand orange doors of Toriines.
After this visit we will move to Nara, it was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784 and they have some of the oldest temples and shrines in Japan.

You will visit the Nara Park where you will find several deer that are recognized as sacred animals in this area and then you will visit the Todaiji Temple, where you can see the bronze statue of the Great Buddha of 15 meters that was built in 752.
After the visit transfer to a restaurant for your lunch and return to your hotel in Kyoto.

KYOTO－KOYASAN

Breakfast at the hotel.
Meeting point: Hotel lobby.

Transfer to Koyasan with a english speaking guide.
Mount Koya is the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, situated in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, south of Osaka. With more than 100 temples, it is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The first temple of the visit will be the Kongobuji Temple, the oldest building and the heart of Koyasan and is the headquarters of the Shingon school of Buddhism.

The visit continues to Danjo Garan, the training place of the Shingon school and consists of several temples, but its splendid 50-meter high bright vermilion stupa stands out.

Finally, you will visit Okunoin Monastery, the mausoleum of the Buddhist master Kobo Daishi, who according to belief is still alive in this place today. The name Okunoin means “background temple,” and there are several memorial mausoleums for many people from every era, making Mount Koya the number one holy site in Japan. There are three bridges to cross to the holy place and these bridges are said to connect two worlds, and the other side of the bridge is a sanctuary.
* Lunch in a restaurant included

At the end of the day there will be a transfer to a “Shukubo“, an inn located inside a temple.
Accommodation in Shukubo where they will try the “Shojin” menu, they are vegetarian menus for monks; both for dinner and breakfast
They will sleep on traditional futons, on the floor.

Dinner with a vegetarian menu at the shukubo.
Accommodation in Koyasan for 1 night.

KOYASAN－KUMANO－KAWAYU

Breakfast with a vegetarian menu at the shukubo.
Meeting point: Shukubo lobby.

The visit begins in Kumano with an english speaking guide.
Kumano is known as “the sacred land where the gods dwell” and people from all over the country, including the imperial ancestors, have traveled this place for more than 1000 years.

In Kumano Kodo you will be able to experience first-hand walking on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails through the Kii Peninsula and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On this day you will trek from Fushiogami Oji to the Shinto shrine of Kumano Hongu (distance: 3.3km, duration: approx. 1.0 hour), it is one of the three great shrines in this area.
Lunch in a restaurant.

Visit Kumano Hongukan, the information center for the Kumano and Oyunohara area, which was the original location of the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine until 1889.

After the long walk, you will go to Kawayu Onsen.
Accommodation will be in a ryokan in Kawayu Onsen, where you can enjoy Onsen (hot springs), dinner and breakfast with traditional Japanese food.

* Dinner at the ryokan
Overnight at your ryokan in Kawayu onsen for 1 night.

KAWAYU－NACHI－SHIMA

Breakfast at the ryokan.
Meeting point: Lobby of the ryokan.

Departure from the ryokan with a english-speaking guide.
Arriving in Daimonzala, the trek will begin on the pilgrimage routes of KumanoKodo (distance: 2.5km, duration: 1.0 hour).
On the way they will visit the Shinto shrine of Nachi, a shrine located halfway up the Nachi Mountain and one of the three great shrines in this area and the Nachi Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Japan, ending the activity of trekking.
Transfer to a restaurant for lunch.
After lunch, we will transfer to Shima.

Arrival in Shima, the area belongs to the Ise-Shima national park. In Shima you will enjoy a cruise in Ago Bay, it is a famous tourist enclave that houses more than 60 islets, and famous throughout the world for pearl cultivation.
After the cruise transfer to your hotel in Shima.

*Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at your hotel in Shima for 1 night.

SHIMA－ISE－NAGOYA

Breakfast at the ryokan.
Meeting point: Hotel lobby.

You will start the day with a visit to Mikimoto Pearl Island, a small island where Mr. Koji Mikimoto started to grow pearls.
Here you will be able to learn about the history of pearl cultivation and also observe the fishing of “Ama” (Women divers who seek and collect pearls under the sea).
After the visit, departure to Ise.

Arrival at Ise Shinto Shrine, dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, and is recognized as the most important Shinto shrine in Japan and receives more than ten million visitors per year.
Lunch on your own in the Okage Yokocho neighborhood, the commercial neighborhood in front of the Ise Sintroist shrine.
After the visit, transfer to Nagoya.

Arrival in Nagoya, which is the fourth largest city in Japan. Located on the Pacific coast in the Chūbu region, in the center of the island of Honshū, it is the capital of Aichi prefecture.

Overnight at your hotel in Nagoya for 1 night.

NAGOYA－TSUMAGO＆MAGOME－OKUHIDA o HIRAYU

Breakfast at the hotel.
Meeting point: Hotel lobby.

Transfer to Magome with a english speaking guide.
Arrival in Magome, a small town that was an important stop on the Nakasendo road; one of the main routes connecting Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period.
After walking in the village transfer to Magome Toge.

Arrival in Magome Toge where the hike will begin on the old Nakasendo route (distance: 7.0km, duration: approx. 2.0 hours). The route is well preserved and ideal for nature walks and immersion in the atmosphere of the Edo period.

The trek ends in the town of Tsumago, a town that was a stop on the Nakasendo road, like Magome. In this town you will visit Waki ​​Honjin, an old samurai inn.
Lunch on your own in Tsumago.
After the visit, departure from Tsumago to Okuhida.

Arrival in Okuhida, the Onsen area surrounded by the Japanese Alps.
Overnight ryokan with Onsen in Okuhida or Hirayu, the neighboring area of ​​Okuhida.

* Dinner at the ryokan
Overnight at your ryokan in Okuhida or Hirayu for 1 night.

OKUHIDA－KAMIKOCHI－MATSUMOTO

Breakfast at the ryokan,
Meeting point: Lobby of the ryokan.

Transfer to Shin Hotaka Station with english-speaking guide
You will go up to the viewpoint on the two-story cable car that will take you to a viewpoint 2200 meters above sea level.
From the viewpoint, weather conditions permitting, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Mt. Yarigatake (3,180 meters high), Mt. Hotaka (3,190 meters high) and other mountains of the Northern Alps of Japan.

After the visit, you will descend from the viewpoint in the same cable car and transfer to Kamikochi.
Arrival in Kamikochi, a beautiful valley that is 1500 meters above sea level and belongs to the Chubu-Sangaku National Park. It is a popular destination for those who enjoy camping in nature.
In Kamikochi they will have free time to walk.
Lunch is also on your own at Kamikochi.

After the visit, departure from Kamikochi to Matsumoto.
Arrival in Matsumoto, the main city in the Northern Alps area of ​​Japan.
Visit a winery where you can taste Japanese sake.
After the visit, transfer to your hotel in Matsumoto.

Overnight at your hotel in Matsumoto for 1 night.

MATSUMOTO－KAWAGUCHIKO

Breakfast at the hotel.
Meeting point: Hotel Lobby.

The visit of Matsumoto begins with a english-speaking guide.
The first visit of the day will be to Matsumoto Castle, built more than 400 years ago.
The main building is the oldest in Japan and is registered as a national treasure.
After the visit, departure to Kawaguchiko.

Arrival at Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the five lakes located at the foot of Mount Fuji.
It is declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
In the Kawaguchiko area you will enjoy a mini-cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko and go up to the viewpoint by cable car.
From the viewpoint you can enjoy the panoramic visit of Mount Fuji if the weather conditions allow it.

Then, transfer to the Arakurayama Sengen Taisha Shinto shrine, known for the impressive scenery of the five-story pagoda and Mount Fuji.
* Lunch in a restaurant included.

After the visit, transfer to your hotel in the Kawaguchiko area.

*Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at your hotel in Kawaguchiko for 1 night.

KAWAGUCHIKO － TOKYO （HALF DAY VISIT）

Breakfast at the hotel.
Meeting point: Hotel Lobby.
Departure to Tokyo with a english-speaking guide.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan. The city is the center of politics, economy, education, communication and popular culture of the country. It also has the highest concentration of corporate headquarters, financial institutions, universities and museums, theaters, and entertainment in all of Japan.

Visit to the Tokyo Tower, the red and white painted tower was the tallest building in Japan until 2010 and even now it is recognized as the symbol of Tokyo.

The continuous visit of Asakusa, the historical center of Tokyo. Here you will visit Sensoji Temple, it is the oldest temple in Tokyo and Nakamise Street, a 250-meter shopping street and where there are stalls that sell souvenirs, crafts and typical and traditional Tokyo sweets.

Finally they will visit Akihabara, the electronics and technology district and also the center of pop culture such as anime and manga.
* Lunch in a restaurant included.
After the visit, transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation at your hotel in Tokyo for 3 nights.

TOKYO （HALF DAY)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet in the lobby and visit Tokyo with a englsih-speaking guide.
Visit begins at the Meiji Shinto shrine, it is a shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji Tenno and Empress Shoken.
The visit continues in the Harajuku neighborhood, the area known as the center of adolescent culture and where Japan’s most impressive fashion styles are born.
At the end you will visit the Shibuya neighborhood, a fashion and party shopping center, known for the most famous crossing in the world and the statue of the dog Hachiko.
The tour ends in Shibuya and the rest of the day is free.
Return to the hotel on your own.

Overnight at your hotel in Tokyo.

TOKYO (FREE DAY / OP: NIKKO)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day for personal activities.

**** OPTIONAL TOUR: EXCURSION TO NIKKO ****
Meeting point: Hotel Lobby.
Begin the excursion to Nikko by private coach with a English-speaking guide.
Arrival in Nikko, it is the place surrounded by beautiful nature and has been worshiped as a Shinto and Buddhist shrine since ancient times.

In Nikko visit the Shinto Shrine of Toshogu, it is the mausoleum of the first Tokugawa shogun and consists of several buildings and luxurious decorated pavilions, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Lake Chuzenji, it is a lake in the Nikko National Park created about 20,000 years ago when the Nantai volcano erupted.

Visit to Kegon waterfall, it is known as one of the three excellent waterfalls in Japan. Tourists will go up in an elevator to observe the waterfall from very close.
* Lunch in a restaurant included.
After the visit, I return to Tokyo.

Overnight at your hotel in Tokyo.

TOKYO－ＮARITA／ＨAＮEＤA (DEPARTURE)

Meet in the hotel lobby with the English speaking assistant and
airport transfer .
Depart from the airport on your flight.