Beauties of Japan- 9 nights

Overview

Experience the enchanting beauty of Japan on this 10-day bus coach tour through the heart of Asia and Oceania. From the futuristic skyline of Tokyo to the timeless charm of Kyoto, this journey takes you through ancient temples, breath-taking landscapes, and vibrant cityscapes. Stroll through historic shrines, witness the majesty of Mount Fuji, and indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine. With comfortable coach travel and expert-guided experiences, this tour is the perfect way to uncover Japan’s rich culture and natural wonders. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Departure Dates

April 2025 (09, 16, 23, 30) | May 2025 (07, 14, 21, 28) | June 2025 (04, 11, 18, 25) | July 2025 (02, 09, 16, 23, 30) | August 2025 (06, 13, 20, 27) | September 2025 (03, 10, 17, 24) | October 2025 (01, 08, 15, 22, 29) | November 2025 (05)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tokyo

  • Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you’ll 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.

  • 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 neighbourhoods 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 colourful 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.

  • 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 breath-taking 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 breath-taking 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.

  • 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 centre 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 tranquillity 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.

  • 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 neighbourhood, 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 colour, dating back to the 16th century.
  • Afterward, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town.
  • In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Tokyo, arriving by the end of the day.

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

What’s Included

  • Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.
  • Includes arrival transfer
  • City tour in: Tokyo, Kanazawa
  • Boat: Kawaguchiko Lake
  • Evening transfer: Shinjuku, Traditional quarter of Gion
  • Ticket admission: Metro, Zojoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Sensoji Temple, Arakurayama Sengen Park , Village Museum , Toyota Museum , Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari, Imperial Palace, Kinkakuji Temple , Shirahige Ginra Shrine and Temple-monastery of Eihei-Ji , Dinosaur Museum, Great Buddha and Echizen Pagoda, Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine , Kenrokuen Garden , Small village , Village of Shirakawa-go Oguimachi , Hida Folk Village Museum , Museum , Castle
  • 1 Lunch Included in: Tokyo

What’s Excluded

  • International & Domestic Airfare
  • Expenses of personal nature viz. telephone calls, table drinks, laundry, tips etc.
  • Travel Insurance (recommended)
  • Any Camera Fees during the sightseeing
  • Any other services/expenses not accounted for in the above.

General Conditions

The general terms & conditions of Europamundo Vacations applied

*Price is as per person on a double sharing basis

Duration:
10 days

Travel Period:

As From

Rs 116,250

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