This group tour takes you through Japanese history from modern Tokyo, known as Edo during Japan’s period of rule by the Shoguns, to end near Kyoto, Japan’s capital for 400 years and the repository of much of the countries cultural heritage. From Tokyo you head first to Yudanaka Onsen where the famous “snow monkeys” come to enjoy the natural hot spring baths. Visit one of the best preserved sections in the Kiso Valley, the Nakasendo way; one of a network of ancient highways where the lovely villages of Tsumago and Magome have been immaculately restored. Throughout this tour the elaborate history of Japan comes to life as you explore the castle-town of Matsumoto, admire traditional thatched houses in Shirakawa-go, meander the streets of Takayama, feed wild deer in ancient Nara and stay with monks in atmospheric Mount Koya.
Day 1 - Tokyo
- Welcome to your Guided Group Tour, Shoguns and Samurai
- Shared Arrival transfer from Narita Airport to your hotel in Tokyo - by shared van
Day 2 - Tokyo
- Welcome to Tokyo
- Full day walking tour of Tokyo (Group)
Day 3 - Obuse, Yudanaka
- Travel from Tokyo to Obuse by train (Group)
- Tour of Obuse (Group)
- Travel from Obuse to Yudanaka by private vehicle (Group)
- See snow monkeys at Yudanaka Onsen (Group)
Day 4 - Matsumoto, Narai
- Travel from Yudanaka to Matsumoto by train (Group)
- Welcome to Matsumoto
- Visit Matsumoto Castle (Group)
- Travel from Matsumoto to Narai by train (Group)
- At leisure in Narai
Day 5 - Narai, Tsumago, Magome
- Morning at leisure in Narai
- Travel from Narai to Tsumago by train and bus (Group)
- Welcome to Tsumago
- Walk the Nakasendo Trail from Tsumago to Magome (Self-guided)
Day 6 - Magome, Takayama
- At leisure in Magome
- Travel from Magome to Takayama by bus and train (Group)
- Welcome to Takayama
Day 7 - Takayama
- Half-day tour of Takayama
Day 8 - Takayama, Shirakawago
- At leisure in Takayama
- Travel from Takayama to Shirakawa-go by highway bus (Group)
- Visit Shirakawa-go (Group)
Day 9 - Kyoto
- Travel from Shirakawa-go to Kyoto by bus then train (Self-Guided)
- Welcome to Kyoto
- Explore the Gion district of Kyoto
Day 10 - Kyoto
- See Kinkakuji Pavillion (Group)
- Visit Ryoanji's famous gardens (Group)
- At leisure in Kyoto
Day 11 - Nara, Kyoto
- Travel from Kyoto to Nara by train (Group)
- Welcome to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan
- Guided walking tour of Nara (Group)
Day 12 - Koya
- Travel from Kyoto to Mount Koya via Osaka - on train and cable car (Group)
- Discover Mount Koya (Group)
- Stay with monks in Mount Koya (Group)
Day 13 - Koya, Tokyo
- Observe the early Buddhist service (Group)
- Travel from Mount Koya to Tokyo via Osaka - by cable car, train and bullet train (Group)
- Farewell Dinner in Tokyo (Group)
Day 14 - Kansai Airport
- End of tour (Group)
- Departure transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport - by shared van
The Spring months of March, April and May are generally considered the best for visiting Japan, both in terms of climate and the arrival of its famed pink sakura (cherry blossoms). Another fine time to visit is Autumn, specifically October and November, which is when the landscape is on fire with the colourful leaves turning on the maple trees. Anybody intending to make use of Japan's legendary snow sports infrastructure should obviously plan a visit during the winter ski season: December to February. Bear in mind that Japan's latitudinal range means that the climate is not consistent all over the country, but the flipside is that you can usually find good weather somewhere at any time of year.
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