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ZEN JAPAN
Tokyo . Hakone . Suruga . Kyoto
This journey through Japan traces the subtle, peaceful threads of Zen Buddhism — alive in gardens, temples, and mountain paths, inviting travelers to pause and reflect as they enjoy the many popular attractions, experiences and monuments along the way.
In Tokyo, amidst the modern sprawl, Zen can be found in lively places like Senso-ji temple or quiet corners like Zōjō-ji temple near Tokyo Tower and the Nezu Museum Garden, where contemplation and simplicity meet in elegant harmony.
Just an hour west of the capital lies Mount Takao, a popular pilgrimage site with trails leading to Yakuō-in Temple, a Shingon Buddhist site with Zen influences. Here, monks offer blessings and the mountain air inspires silent reflection, particularly in the quieter early hours.
Continuing southwest, Hakone offers a more rural, meditative escape. Besides its famed hot springs, the area is home to the Hakone Museum of Art’s moss garden, echoing Zen principles of impermanence and natural beauty. The quiet lake views and forested paths provide space for mindful walking and contemplation.
A deeper immersion awaits at Kasuisai temple, a sacred center of Zen Buddhism. Stay overnight in shukubō (temple lodgings), eat vegetarian shōjin ryōri, and join in morning rituals — a humbling, spiritual experience.
In Kyoto, Zen comes alive. The city is home to iconic Zen temples such as Ryoan-ji, with its minimalist rock garden, and Nanzen-ji, where monks still practice daily meditation. The art of zazen (seated meditation) can be experienced firsthand in many temples.
Details
Duration:
10 days / 9 nights
Price:
On request
Itinerary is customizable to fit all budgets
Departures:
Daily, year round
Includes:
All transfers
4 nights Tokyo hotel
1 night Hakone ryokan (inn)
1 night Suruga temple stay
3 nights Kyoto hotel
4 private guided tours
Travel by bullet train and local transportation
Prepaid travel card
9 breakfasts, 2 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 4 nights. Rest of day at leisure.
Stay: Keio Plaza 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: Keio Plaza Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 3 Tokyo
Today, head to the serene landscapes of Mount Takao. Explore tranquil Yakuoin Temple before embarking on an invigorating 90 minute hike (or scenic cable car ride) to the mountaintop, adorned with statues of protective deities. Rejuvenate with a relaxing soak at Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu hot spring bathhouse.
Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 4 Tokyo
Enjoy a day at leisure in Tokyo. Our Destination Specialists are able to make suggestions and add guided experiences for you. Perhaps visit Tsukiji market and take a sushi-making class, or explore the world of anime and manga in Akihabara, then go to one of teamLabs interactive shows. There are many ways to experience Tokyo, we'll help you find yours.
Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 5 Hakone
Take the Romance train to Hakone. Using your Hakone Free Pass, take advantage of the extensive local transport network to explore this stunning area. Ride switchback trains, cable cars, ropeways, and buses – then embark on a pirate ship cruise, which will sweep you across the volcanic Lake Ashi while providing views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
In the evening, enjoy your stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, complete with delicious multi-course meals, a steaming onsen (hot spring) and futons laid out on tatami mats.
Stay: Ichinoyu ryokan, or similar (B,D)
Day 6 Shizuoka
Travel a short distance by bullet train to Shizuoka where you will be transferred to Kasuisai temple for a unique experience and immersion in Zen buddhism. Kasuisai has 600 years of history, and was named by the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.
Your day will include learning about buddhism and enjoying delicious temple cuisine known as shijin ryori - all vegan.
Stay: Kasuisai temple, or similar (B, D)
Day 7 Kyoto
Travel from Shizuoka to Kyoto on board the bullet train. You'll be traveling at speeds of up to 200mph. On arrival in Kyoto, walk a short distance to your train station adjacent hotel. In Japan, train stations are more than transport hubs, they encompass multi-floor department stores, many restaurants, boutiques and convenience stores. This afternoon, perhaps make your own way to Nishiki market for an early dinner - and a bit of souvenir shopping. Or, stroll around the Gion historic neighborhood and hope to see a Maiko (apprentice geisha) hurrying through the narrow lanes.
Stay: Kyoto Gran Via Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 8 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: Kyoto Gran Via Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 9 Kyoto
Day at leisure to explore independently or add a guided experience. Perhaps take a train to vibrant Osaka for its famous street food from dotonbori. Or, visit Nara, Japan's first capital and meet the deer who live at Todaiji temple. Or trying a kimono-dressing experience, a cooking class, or a shibori-dyeing workshop in Kyoto. Arashiyama bamboo forest is a favorite and just a short train ride away. Whatever you decide to do in this historic city, you will create memories of the beautiful sights of of Japan.
Stay: Kyoto Gran Via 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)