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Make Travel Make A Difference
ALPINE JAPAN
Tokyo . Yudanaka . Kyoto . Mt Koya . Osaka
Japan is seventy percent mountainous. To a large extent, the Japanese are an alpine people. This journey through Japan highlights the way Japanese culture has been influenced by mountains.
The journey starts in Tokyo, with a full day of guided sightseeing of the highlights of this cosmopolitan city. A free morning allows travelers to visit places of individual interest.
A 100-minute bullet train ride whisks passengers to Nagano City where a visit to 1400 year old Zenkoji Temple, just a short taxi ride away is recommended. The next stop is Yudanaka where a night in a Japanese Inn heralds the beginning of a series of traditional experiences.
In Yudanaka, a visit to the adorable Snow Monkeys is the highlight. While the monkeys are most numerous during the winter months, they are present year-round. In the afternoon visit the nearby village of Obuse with its traditional houses, store and streets. Obuse is known as the home of Hokusai, the famous painter and printmaker from Japan's Edo period.
Continue on by express and bullet trains to Kyoto, home to iconic temples such as Kinkaku-ji, the gold temple, Ryoan-ji, with its minimalist rock garden, and Nanzen-ji, where monks still practice daily meditation. A morning of meditation at a Zen temple, a tea ceremony, and a walk along the Philosophers Path is included.
After your time in Kyoto, take a series of trains and a cable car to Mt Koya, home of 100 temples and the center of Shingon Buddhism. Spend the night in a temple, enjoying vegan meals and learn about the life of a buddhist monk.
Finally, head to Osaka, famous for its local cuisine, Osaka Castle, bustling Dotonbori Street and Universal Studios Japan.
Details
Duration:
10 days / 9 nights
Price:
From $4399 per person sharing
Itinerary is customizable to fit all budgets
Departures:
Daily, year round
Includes:
All transfers
2 nights Tokyo hotel
2 night Yudanaka ryokan (Japanese inn)
3 nights Kyoto hotel
1 night Mt Koya temple stay
1 night Osaka hotel
2 full-day private guided tours
1 half-day private guided tour
Travel by bullet train and local transportation
Prepaid travel card
9 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Sustainable/Responsible notes:
This independent journey includes walking tours, tours utilizing public transportation and long distance travel by rail. No private vehicle touring is used.
Accommodation is in Japanese hotels and inns.
Tour guides are independent contractors.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo, board the Airport shuttle and transfer to your hotel for the following 2 nights. Rest of day at leisure.
Stay: Shiba Park Hotel, or similar
Day 2 Tokyo
Your guide will collect you from your hotel for an tour that showcases the popular highlights and experiences of Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple and shopping street in historic Asakusa, a boat ride down the Sumida River to Hamarikyu Japanese Gardens to a teahouse, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, Harajuku neighborhood and Omote Sando upscale shopping areas.
Stay: Shiba Park Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 3 Nagano City & Yudanaka
Morning at leisure.
Afternoon, take bullet train to Nagano city where you can take a taxi to Zenkoji Temple before continuing on a limited express train to Yudanaka. Settle in to your Japanese Inn and take a relaxing hot springs bath. Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal.
Stay: Biyu no Yado Ryokan, or similar (D,B)
Day 4 Yudanaka
Head to Jidokudani Snow Monkey Park to see the snow monkeys bathing. The monkeys live in large social groups and are very entertaining to watch. Afternoon free to continue at the Snow Monkey Park or head to the nearby town of Obuse with its traditional house, shops and streets. Visit the Hokusai Museum and perhaps end the day at the Masuichi sake brewery. Return to your ryokan for another evening of traditional Japanese hospitality.
Stay: Biyu no Yado Ryokan, or similar (D,B)
Day 5 Kyoto
Continue by train to Kyoto, the spiritual heart of Japan. The former capital city from 794 - 1868, Kyoto is home to over 1600 temples and 400 shrines. Afternoon at leisure to stroll the famous Gion district and keep an eye out for apprentice geisha running to their appointments, or visit bustling Nishiki Market to sample a wide array of food and shop for souvenirs such as Japanese kitchen knives.
Stay: Vista Premium Kyoto, or similar (B)
Day 6 Kyoto
There are over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines in Kyoto! Today you will see the most popular and beautiful ones, starting at Fushimi Inari shrine with its hundreds of bright red tori and including the golden pavilion Kinkaku-ji, as well as a Ryoan-ji, with its famous rock garden. You will also walk the Philosophers Path from Ginkaku-ji temple to Nanzen-ji temple. Each temple is different and stunning in its own way.
Stay: Vista Premium Kyoto, or similar (B)
Day 7 Kyoto
Day at leisure to visit nearby Arashiyama, or Nara, or more of Kyoto's amazing religious monuments.
Afternoon at leisure - we suggest a tea ceremony experience.
Stay: Vista Premium Kyoto, or similar (B)
Day 8 Mt Koya
Head by scenic train and cable car up to Mt Koya, a mountain-top village of 100 temples and the site of your overnight temple stay. After exploring the area, enjoy a vegan temple meal and learn more about Zen buddhism from resident monks.
Stay: Temple lodging (D,B)
Day 9 Osaka
Return to sea level and spend the day exploring Osaka, Japan's commercial center and a favorite with foodies. All visits to Osaka should start in lively Dotonbori, and undercover street where cafes, street food vendors and small shops attract visitors and locals alike.
Stay: Tokyu Rei Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 10 Depart
Bid goodbye to Japan today. Depending on whether you depart from Kansai Airport in Osaka, or from one of the Tokyo airports, we can help you make arrangements to get there.
(B)