Activity: Depart for Japan
Your adventure begins with a flight from home, heading towards Japan. Relax and prepare for the excitement ahead!

Activity: Arrive in Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airport. Get in touch with your Tour Director for smooth check-in. Enjoy some free time to unwind and explore the vibrant city at your own pace. Tokyo is a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation, and there’s plenty to see and do.

Explore the rich cultural and modern side of Tokyo, starting with a visit to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the city’s oldest temple, where you can admire the iconic Kaminarimon gate and stroll through Nakamise Street. Next, dive into the vibrant, neon-lit world of Akihabara Electric Town, a paradise for tech lovers, anime fans, and gamers. For stunning panoramic views of the city, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation decks in Shinjuku, offering a breathtaking skyline with a chance to spot Mount Fuji on clear days. Finish your day with a delicious dinner at Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, a charming alley filled with cozy izakayas serving up tasty yakitori and other Japanese street foods in a nostalgic, lively atmosphere.

• Senso-Ji Temple
• Akihabara
• Tokyo Metropolitan Viewpoint
• Memory Lane Group Dinner

A one of a kind experience with the historic martial art of Kendo. This is a physical activity. Please enjoy a free time after class in Tokyo at your own pace before leaving to our next destination. 

• Kendo 

Activity: Travel to Nagano and Welcome Dinner
Today, we travel to Nagano, nestled in the Japanese Alps. Known for its stunning mountain landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Nagano is the perfect destination for nature lovers. After checking into your hotel, we will go enjoy a prayer at Zenkoji temple before our group dinner. 

• Zenkoji Temple
• Buddhist Prayer
• Group Dinner

A highlight of your trip today is a visit to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you’ll witness wild snow monkeys soaking in hot springs—a truly unforgettable experience! Afterward, relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the surrounding mountains. You’ll have some free time in the evening to explore or enjoy an onsen (hot spring bath).

• Snow Monkey Park

Next, we head to Kanazawa, a city steeped in history and known for its beautifully preserved samurai districts and stunning gardens. Upon arrival, enjoy the sights of a Japanese castle and the old town where the Samurai use to live, while also having time to indulge in Omicho fish market!

• Kanazawa Castle
• Omicho Fish Market
• Samurai Town

Today is a full day of Kanazawa and the Gifu mountain town of Shirakawago! Take in the beautiful landscapes of the Japan mountains and enjoy some sweet Japanese treat making before exploring the Gaisha old town district!

• Shirakawago
• Japanese sweets making
• Gaisha District

Journey to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart. This city, once the imperial capital, is home to thousands of temples, shrines, and traditional tea houses. After arriving and checking in, we'll head to the Golden Pavilion temple (Kinkakuji) before attending our traditional Japanese stencil painting workshop. Then you have free time in the afternoon to explore!

• Kinkakuji Temple
• Japanese Imprint Painting Workshop

Discover more of Kyoto's historic treasures, including the stunning Fushimi-Inari and Kiyomizu-Dera. After visiting the temples we will be partaking in a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with a kimono and visiting the highly rated Samurai Museum. 

• Fushimi-Inari
• Kiyomizu-Dera
• Tea ceremony with Kimono and Samurai Museum 

Free day in Kyoto before heading to the sleepy Buddhist town of KoyaSan. 

Activity: Travel to KoyaSan and Temple Stay
Travel to KoyaSan, a spiritual center high in the mountains and home to hundreds of Buddhist temples. Here, you will stay overnight at a temple. Experience the peacefulness of temple life—participate in a meditation session, enjoy a vegetarian Buddhist meal, and rest in traditional temple lodgings.

• Temple stay
• Shojin Ryori meals
• Okunoin Cemetery

After your spiritual experience in KoyaSan, head to Osaka, known for its vibrant food scene. Visit Osaka castle and see its gold shrine before the evening guided food tour where you’ll sample Osaka’s most famous street foods like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake), along with other local specialties.

• Osaka Castle
• Dohtonbori Food Tour

Today, we visit Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. Stroll through Nara Park, home to friendly, free-roaming deer, and visit Todai-ji Temple to see the giant Buddha statue. In the evening, gather for a heartfelt farewell dinner with your fellow travelers to reflect on the memories made throughout the journey. All before singing your hearts away in Karaoke because that's how to celebrate a great trip!

• Morning trip to Nara
• Farewell dinner
• Karaoke

Activity: Fly Out
After a memorable adventure through Japan, it’s time to say goodbye. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your return flight home, carrying with you unforgettable memories and experiences from the Alps and Highlights tour.