Journey to the Heart of Japan (2025)

Day 1: Tokyo

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.

Day 2: Tokyo

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.

Day 3: Tokyo - Mount fuji - Kawaguchiko

We’ll journey to the stunning Mount Fuji area, traveling through picturesque landscapes along the way.Our first stop will be the Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to beautiful pagodas and offering the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. From here, we’ll continue to Kawaguchiko, a charming town surrounded by mountains, vibrant flowers, and its namesake lake. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a serene site nestled among towering trees, which marks the traditional starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. During our visit, we’ll take a moment to express gratitude for experiencing such a magical place.The tour will also include a delightful boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, where you can soak in the area’s tranquil beauty. After, we’ll ascend Mount Fuji via the scenic road to the Fifth Station, at 2,305 meters, surrounded by breathtaking forests and vistas.Note: In winter, the ascent to Mount Fuji may be closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. During this season, we will go as far as permitted.We’ll return to Kawaguchiko, with time to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake. Tonight, we’ll stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can relax in the onsen (public bath). Dinner will be included.Note: At the planned ryokan, some rooms feature traditional Japanese-style tatami mats, while others are Western-style. Occasionally, accommodation may be arranged in a Western-style hotel.

Day 4: Kawaguchiko - Iyashi no sato nenba - Toyota - Kyoto

In the morning, we’ll follow a scenic road that winds around picturesque lakes to visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small village that was destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as an open-air museum. Its traditional houses have been converted into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past.Next, we’ll visit the breathtaking Shiraito Falls, one of Japan’s most stunning natural attractions, with cascading water that spans a height of 20 meters.From there, we’ll continue to Nagoya, where we’ll visit the Toyota Museum (admission included), a must-see destination for car enthusiasts and those curious about automotive innovation.Finally, we’ll proceed to Kyoto for our overnight stay.

Day 5: Kyoto

We’ll spend the entire day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s capital 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 retain its rich artistic heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997.We’ll include a visit to Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Our tour will begin in Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Bridge over the Moon.” This spot offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape.We’ll then visit the Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s “five great Zen temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a serene walk through its mystical bamboo forest.Next, we’ll explore the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine; the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by its spectacular gardens. (The order of the visits may vary.)After the tour, you can enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, known for its lively atmosphere and geishas.

Day 6: Kyoto - Eihei-ji - Katsuyama-dinosaur museum - Katsuyama - Kanazawa

We’ll start our day with breakfast before departing along one of the largest lakes in Japan. Our first stop will be at Shirahige Ginra, a small shrine located by the lake. We’ll then head to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet. Next, in Katsuyama, we’ll visit three key sites. First, the Dinosaur Museum, located at the largest dinosaur fossil site in Japan, where you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons. Then, we’ll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy panoramic views. Finally, we’ll immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature with a walk through the towering cedar forest at the Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine, founded in 717 at the base of a sacred mountain. We’ll arrive in Kanazawa by evening.

Day 7: Kanazawa

We’ll spend a full day in Kanazawa, beginning with a guided city tour in the morning. This city, which once rivaled Kyoto and Tokyo, was spared from destruction during World War II air raids. We’ll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and take a stroll through the historic Nagamachi neighborhood, where samurai and their families once lived. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We’ll also include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The tour will end at Omicho, a lively traditional market with many options for lunch. The afternoon will be free for you to explore.

Day 8: Kanazawa - Ainokura - Shirakawa - Hida village - Takayama

Today, we’ll journey through beautiful mountain landscapes, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their traditional houses, with steeply sloped roofs, are known as “praying hands” for their resemblance to monks´ hands joined in prayer—designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls. We’ll stop in Ainokura, a charming small village, and in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, a larger, more popular village. There will be time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Afterward, we’ll continue to Takayama, where we’ll visit the Hida Folk Village Museum, nestled in a peaceful setting. This open-air museum features over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868), relocated from their original sites to form this museum in 1971. The buildings showcase tools and utensils used in everyday life in the past. We’ll then have free time to explore the old town, with its wooden houses and traditional shops.

Day 9: Takayama - Hida furukawa - Matsumoto - Nagano

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Hida Furukawa, where we’ll stroll through its charming old town. The city’s festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We’ll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival’s floats, costumes, and drums. We’ll then continue our journey across the Japanese Alps, renowned for their snow-covered landscapes for much of the year. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we’ll visit the city’s impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. Afterward, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Nagano for accommodation.

Day 10: Nagano - Monkey park - Kusatsu - Ikaho

In Nagano, we’ll 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’ll travel to the stunning Japanese Alps, venturing into the mountains to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch, followed by a serene stroll through forests, rivers, and hot springs, where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe.We’ll 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’ll take a leisurely walk through the city park, home to an open-air onsen. Afterward, we’ll proceed to Ikaho, a picturesque spa town where we’ll wander its historic center, famed for its stair-stepped streets. Tonight, we’ll stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style hotel, where you’ll 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.

Day 11: Ikaho - Nikko - Sendai

We’ll continue our journey to Nikko, a captivating town where we’ll visit the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple, famed for its “room with the sound of a dragon.” We’ll also explore the serene Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a tranquil site that radiates peace. Afterward, we’ll take a leisurely stroll along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where hundreds of Jizo statues quietly watch over the river.You’ll then have free time to explore the town center before we proceed to Sendai, a vibrant and modern city with over one million inhabitants. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the bustling streets and enjoy dinner in its lively city center.

Day 12: Sendai - Matsushima - Hiraizumi - Morioka

We’ll depart for the marvelous city of Matsushima, located on the “Thousand Islands” Bay in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Japan. Upon arrival, we’ll visit a magnificent tea house overlooking the sea, where we’ll enjoy a cup of traditional tea as our guide shares fascinating insights about the city. Then, we’ll embark on a 50-minute cruise and enjoy some lunch on board. After, our tour will cintinue to Hiraizumi, where 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). conclude the day in Morioka, the charming capital of Iwate Province, where we’ll settle into our hotel and enjoy some free time to explore.

Day 13: Morioka - Hirosaki - Aomori - Hakodate

In a region of beautiful scenery, we travel to HIROSAKI, where we will visit its castle in a beautiful park where more than 2,500 cherry trees blossom in the spring. After this we go on to AOMORI, the provincial capital of the Bay of Mutsu. We will see the Nebuta Museum where we will learn about the Japanese traditional parties that remind us of carnival, with their painted and lit up floats. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Then we board the ferry to HOKKAIDO Island. The crossing takes just over three and a half hours. 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).

Day 14: Hakodate - Onuma - Noboribetsu - Sapporo

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 to 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. In the afternoon our journey takes us towards the ocean and 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.- Then we carry on to SAPPORO.- At the end of the day, we arrive at this beautiful city, the capital of North Japan.-

Day 15: Sapporo

City tour (included) stopping at the clock tower and Odori Koen avenue-park, dominated by the telecommunications tower. We will see the beautiful Shinto shrine of Hokkaido Jingu. The visit includes a ceremonial Kito (prayer session) in which we give thanks for the journey. 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). We then continue to OTARU, a small city with a European air and streets filled with shops, an old canal and tiny museums. Lunch included. We return to Sapporo at about 4.30 hrs. Free time in the afternoon.

Day 16: Sapporo - Toyako onsen - Mount usu - Tomakomai - sendai ferry

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, 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. We then carry on to TOMAKOMAI where we take a modern ferry for a night crossing. Accommodation in double cabins with private bathrooms. Dinner included. We spend the night on board crossing the Pacific Ocean.

Day 17: Tomakomai - sendai ferry - Sendai - Yama-dera - Aizuwakamatsu

We arrive in Sendai port at around 10 in the morning and go on to YAMADERA, a very beautiful complex of temples founded more than 1,000 years ago in the mountain’s, amidst forests of immense trees. Time to see this magical place. Lunch included. We then go on to YONEZAWA. We are in one of the main producer regions of Shake, we will visit the Sake Museum with its small distillery before carrying on through pretty scenery to AIZUWAKAMATSU. Accommodation.

Day 18: Aizuwakamatsu - Ouchi-juku - Tokyo

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. We continue our route to OUCHI-JUKU, a very picturesque village of traditional houses with thatched roofs, where there will be time for lunch. After lunch we travel to the impressive former stone quarries of the OYA-MUSEUM. Return to TOKYO – Arrival at the end of the day-.

Day 19: Tokyo

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.