The Beauty of Japan

Description

Days: 10
Visits: TOKYO – KAWAGUCHIKO – KYOTO – KANAZAWA – TAKAYAMA
Departures: Every Wednesday

ITINERARY

Day 01: TOKYO
Welcome to Japan! After immigration and customs procedures, an assistant (usually Spanish-speaking, occasionally English-speaking) will be waiting for you. Shared transfer (SHUTTLE BUS) to your hotel. Free time. In the afternoon, you will receive information about the start of your tour.

Accommodation included.

Day 02: TOKYO
In the morning, we’ll enjoy an extended five-hour tour with our guide through this incredible city! Its vibrant energy and modern districts blend with areas of deep peace. We’ll make a brief stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the best photo of Tokyo Tower. This site is known for its many Jizo statues, stone deities believed to protect children, adorned with wool hats, bibs, and pinwheels.

We continue to the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest in the world, followed by a visit to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We’ll pass along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, explore the most picturesque area of the Imperial Palace and Gardens, and stop at the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.

Next, we’ll pass through Akihabara—Japan’s “Electric Town” and anime/manga hub—and see Kokugikan Sumo Stadium. We’ll end the morning in Asakusa, visiting Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street.
Lunch included at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel.

At 6:30 PM, meet your guide at the hotel reception. Together, we’ll take the subway (tickets included) to Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant nightlife areas. After a walking tour, we’ll enjoy a local dinner, then return to the hotel by subway with the guide.

Accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 03: TOKYO – MOUNT FUJI – KAWAGUCHIKO
We travel to the beautiful Mount Fuji region. Our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park, known for its pagodas and iconic views of Mount Fuji. We continue to the idyllic town of Kawaguchiko, with small homes, flowers, mountains, and a stunning lake. Upon arrival, we visit Fuji Sengen Shrine, a sacred spot where pilgrims traditionally began their journey to the mountain.

We then enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, followed by an ascent to Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station at 2,305 meters (weather permitting).

Note: In winter, access to higher elevations may be closed due to snow or weather conditions.

Return to Kawaguchiko for free time by the lake. We stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) — enjoy the onsen (hot spring bath).
Dinner included.

Accommodation, breakfast, and dinner included.

Day 04: KAWAGUCHIKO – IYASHI NO SATO NENBA – TOYOTA – KYOTO
Following a scenic lakeside road, we visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a traditional mountain village destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and rebuilt as an open-air museum with craft shops, restaurants, and museums.
We then visit the stunning Shiraito Falls, a 20-meter cascade considered one of Japan’s most beautiful.

We continue to Nagoya, where we visit the Toyota Museum, a must-see for automobile enthusiasts. Later, we head to Kyoto. Arrival and hotel check-in.

Accommodation and breakfast included.

Day 05: KYOTO
Spend a full day exploring the former capital of Japan (794–1868), untouched by WWII bombings and rich in historical and cultural treasures. Kyoto hosted the 1997 Kyoto Protocol signing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We’ll start with Arashiyama, crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge (“Bridge Across the Moon”) with scenic views, and visiting Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s Five Great Zen Temples. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the bamboo forest.

We continue to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) with its breathtaking gardens. (Order of visits may vary.)

Afterward, we’ll explore Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Free time to explore.

Accommodation and breakfast included.

Day 06: KYOTO – EIHEIJI – KATSUYAMA – KANAZAWA
We depart along Japan’s largest lake, stopping briefly at Shirahige Shrine, located lakeside.
We then visit Eiheiji Temple, founded in 1244 — a key Zen Buddhism center where monks train in Zazen meditation under a strict regimen.

In Katsuyama, we visit:

The Fukui Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan’s most important dinosaur fossil site

The Great Buddha of Echizen, with its large temple and five-story pagoda (climbable for panoramic views)

Arrival in Kanazawa in the late afternoon.

Accommodation and breakfast included.

Day 07: KANAZAWA
A full day in Kanazawa, a historic city that rivaled Kyoto and Tokyo and escaped WWII destruction.

We visit the castle area, stroll through Nagamachi Samurai District (well-preserved houses, narrow alleys, and canals), and tour Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens.

We end the morning at Omicho Market, a lively traditional market with plenty of lunch options.
Free afternoon.

Accommodation and breakfast included.

Day 08: KANAZAWA – AINOKURA – SHIRAKAWAGO – HIDA FOLK VILLAGE – TAKAYAMA
Travel through scenic mountain landscapes and traditional villages in the Gokayama and Shirakawago region (UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Their iconic steep-roofed houses resemble praying hands.

We stop at:

Ainokura, a charming small village

Shirakawago/Ogimachi, a larger and popular village

Free time for walking and lunch.
We then continue to Takayama, visiting the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum showcasing 30+ traditional Edo-period houses. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and cultural exhibits.
Later, free time in Takayama’s Old Town, known for its wooden houses and traditional shops.

Accommodation and breakfast included.

Day 09: TAKAYAMA – HIDA FURUKAWA – MATSUMOTO – TOKYO
After breakfast, we visit Hida Furukawa, a beautifully preserved old town known for its UNESCO-recognized festival with drums and ornate floats.
We include entry to the festival museum displaying floats, costumes, and instruments.

Next, we cross the Japanese Alps — often snow-covered — to reach Matsumoto, where we visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” for its black exterior, dating from the 16th century.
Free time for lunch and sightseeing. In the afternoon, we return to Tokyo, arriving in the evening.

Accommodation and breakfast included.

Day 10: TOKYO
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
End of our services.

INCLUDED SERVICES

• Travel by coach with a Spanish and Portuguese-speaking guide, basic travel insurance, and buffet-style breakfast
• Arrival and departure transfers included
• Boat ride: Lake Kawaguchiko
• Panoramic tours in: TOKYO, KANAZAWA
• Evening transfers: Shinjuku in Tokyo, Gion District in Kyoto
• Admission included to:
• Subway, Zojoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Sensoji Temple in TOKYO
• Arakurayama Sengen Park at MOUNT FUJI
• Fuji Sengen Shrine in KAWAGUCHIKO
• Open-air folk village in Iyashi no Sato Nemba
• Toyota Museum
• Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Imperial Palace, and Kinkaku-ji Temple in KYOTO
• Shirahige Ginra Shrine and Eihei-ji Temple Monastery
• Dinosaur Museum, Great Buddha and Echizen Pagoda, Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine in KATSUYAMA
• Kenrokuen Garden in KANAZAWA
• Traditional village of AINOKURA, Shirakawa-go Ogimachi Village
• Hida Folk Village Museum
• Festival Museum in HIDA FURUKAWA
• Matsumoto Castle
• Three included meals (lunches or dinners): in TOKYO (2) and KAWAGUCHIKO (1)

NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare

• Optional excursions or personal expenses

• Tips for drivers, porters, and waiters

• Any service not specifically mentioned as included