Central Japan

DAY 1 SAT. Tokyo

Transfer by coach to hotel and meet with guide. In the afternoon visit the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. The visit includes an ascent to the Metropolitan Tower, which has a wonderful view of the city from the 46th floor. Dinner tonight is included.

DAY 2 SUN. Tokyo

In the morning take part in a 5-hour trip with 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. Walk to the lively Harajuku area where you can find shops and boutiques of the most eccentric styles. Continue on the bus along the elegant street of Omotesando. Edge the most beautiful part of the Imperial Palace and the gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. 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. Also visit the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo, with its 55-metre high pagoda. Here some free time to visit the traditional commercial street of Nakamise in the district of Asakusa. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Return to hotel. Free time in the afternoon.

DAY 3 MON. Tokyo – Mt Fuji – Kawaguchiko

Set out for the beautiful region of Mt Fuji, passing through the pretty countryside. Reach the idyllic city of Kawaguchiko with its tiny houses, flowers and mountains and its beautiful lake. On arrival 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. The trip includes the ascent by cable car to Mount Tenjo. The views of the neighbouring lakes and Mt Fuji are spectacular. The visit also includes a delightful boat trip on Kawaguchiko Lake. After lunch start to ascend Mt Fuji on the road that takes you to the -fifth station surrounded by spectacular forests and views to a height of 2,305 metres. Return to Kawaguchiko with some time to stroll near the lake. Stay at a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) and have the chance to enjoy its Onsen (public baths). Traditional Japanese dinner is included tonight.

DAY 4 TUE. Kawaguchiko Iyasi no Sato Nenba – Toyota – Nagoya

In the morning continue along the pretty road bordered by lakes to 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. You will then have the opportunity to admire the Shiraito Falls considered one of the most attractive sites in Japan with a waterfall height of 150 metres. Continue onto Nagoya to visit the Toyota Museum. A must-see for motor lovers! Dinner tonight is included.

DAY 5 WED. Nagoya – Kyoto

Upon arrival into Kyoto city visit Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji temple, “the golden pavilion” and its wonderful gardens. Free time before visiting Gion, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha.

DAY 06 THU. Kyoto

Tour concludes after breakfast.

Option 2: Central Japan Days 1 to 5 as the previous itinerary

DAY 6 THU. Kyoto – Tsumago – Matsumoto – Nagano

Set out for Tsumago, passing attractive country scenery on the way. This small village with its wooden houses is one of the prettiest places in Japan. Free time to explore and lunch included. Continue onto Matsumoto a tourist city and visit its impressive sixteenth century castle known as the “Castle of crows”.

DAY 7 FRI. Nagano – Monkey Park – Kusatsu – Ikaho Onsen

In Nagano visit Zenko-ji, a place of pilgrimage then travel to the beautiful Japanese alps, Jigokudani Monkey Park and stroll amidst its forests with its rivers and spa waters where colonies of Japanese monkeys live. Then onto the famous onsen town, Kusatsu. Take a walk in the city park which has the open air Onsen then onto Ikaho a picturesque spa town and stroll in its ancient centre with its staircase streets. Stay at a Ryokan tonight enjoy its hot baths and traditional Japanese dinner.

(NB: At the Ryokan, some rooms are in Japanese style, with accommodation on tatamis, and others are in western-style). Note: In the autumn, depending on the amount of fruit in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys is unpredictable. If the monkeys do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu and the Yumoni show are cancelled due to the weather from November to April.

DAY 8 SAT. Ikaho – Nikko – Tokyo

Continue onto Nikko and in this fantastic town visit the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple. Also see the Taiyuinbyo mausoleum, an impressive place full of peace. After this a stroll by the river in Kanmangafuchi. Free time in the centre before heading to Tokyo city where the tour will conclude around 7pm.