Ancient Zen Legends of Japan

Discover Tokyo with your local guide, stopping by some of its best known landmarks. The Asakusa area, with its many traditional buildings standing alongside the new, is your first stop. Witness the Sensoji Buddhist temple, believed to be Tokyo’s oldest. Discover the temple and the adjacent Nakamise street as well, where you will find rows of old shops selling food and curios of all kinds. After this you will be in for a novel experience as you travel by the Tokyo Water Bus on the Sumidagawa (meaning Sumida River), to reach the Hamarikyu Garden. Walk around the beautiful Edo-era garden and stop for some matcha (powdered green) tea and sweets at the charming little tea house within its precincts. Once done with the refreshments, make your way to the famous Meiji shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji and also a popular wedding venue. End your tour at dusk with a stroll around the Omotesando shopping street, a tree-lined boulevard with contemporary architecture and fashionable stores stocking some of the world’s finest brands. (Full Day; Time of the Day: Morning, 0900 hrs; Duration: 8 hrs; Private Activity; Transfers by public transport; Meal included: Tea and sweets; Fitness Level: Moderate) (The tea house at the Hamarikyu garden will be closed for renovations until the end of July.)

Accompanied by your local guide, head to Shitaya Jinja, a shrine nestled between Tokyo’s popular sightseeing districts of Ueno and Asakusa. Hidden from the hustle and bustle around, soak in the spiritual atmosphere at this ancient temple complex dedicated to Inari, the goddess of fertility and fortune. Passing under a Torii gate, purify your hands with water from a small reservoir at the entrance. Once inside, perform a ritual that includes ringing a bell followed by alternating bows and claps, to attract the deity’s attention. Say your prayers at the main building as you lay down your offerings. Sit and enjoy some quiet and peaceful time admiring the traditional wood architecture and religious stone figurines. Later, interacting with the priest during this exclusive experience, feel free to ask for any questions you might have about the Shinto faith. After a brief traditional gesture, receive blessings for your safe travels across Japan and your journey back home! (Half Day; Duration: 1 hrs; Private Activity; Transfers by public transport; Fitness Level: Easy.)

When in Japan, you can hardly miss out on experiencing the traditional, hot spring water baths with their healing properties. Feel all your stress melt away from your tired muscles. Make the best use of all the other traditional hot tub options available at the property, each bathtub with its own particular temperature and mineral combination. A sumptuous dinner, followed right after by a hot soak comes highly recommend by your hosts. As per tradition, these other hot tubs are gender-segregated, shared bath facilities. Please note the private onsen the ryokan offers needs to be booked or reserved in advance or based on availability. (Note: Tattoos may not be allowed in. Male and female onsens are separate. No swimsuits allowed, must be in the nude).

Explore the natural wonderland of Hakone, with the Hakone Free Pass by Odakyu Railway. It provides unlimited use across the Odakyu-affiliated public transport system for two consecutive days. You are also offered discounts on tickets to museums, galleries and onsens, and at restaurants with this pass. Begin at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. It features more than 1,000 sculptures and works of art by Japanese and international artists, including the Picasso Exhibit and Symphonic Sculpture. Then, from Gora Station, proceed to Sounzan by cable car. Continue by ropeway to Owakudani, a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs. The next day, you could visit Hakone Shrine, a Japanese Shinto sanctuary from the Heian period, on the shores of Lake Ashi. After, cruise on Lake Ashi aboard a Pirate Ship. Journey from Togendai Port to Hakonemachi-ko, while taking in the area’s natural beauty. Disembark and walk to Hakone Checkpoint, a National Historic Site. Here, in the Hakone Sekisho Museum, watch a video of the barrier’s restoration and browse through exhibits of passports, ancient documents and weapons. Walk along the stone-paved Old Hakone Highway to the historic Amazake Tea House. Sample their amazake and Chikara Mochi, before making your way to an onsen. Rejuvenate your body in the thermal spa to conclude your trip to Hakone.

(Duration: 3 days; Shared activity; Guide, transfers, meals & entrance fees are not included; Fitness level: easy; 3-day Hakone Free Pass included only)

Revel in the traditional sights, smells and sounds of feudal Japan’s best preserved city, in the company of your local guide. Visit the many UNESCO World Heritage sites dotting Kyoto, beginning with the Kinkakuji Temple, originally built for the Shogun. At his request, the Shogun’s villa was converted into a Buddhist Temple after his death. Discover the magnificent 15th century Nijo Castle with its splendidly preserved medieval gardens from Japan’s Edo period. Admire the many details and typical architectural features of the old monument, before walking down to the bustling Nishiki Market. Eat your heart out at this food street payable on spot, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, lined with innumerable restaurants and traditional eating houses! Try out typical local delicacies such as pickles, dried fish and sushi. Also visit the beautiful Arashiyama bamboo grove. (Full Day; Private activity & Public transport; Time: 0900 hrs; Duration: 9 hrs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Fitness level- Moderate; Food tasting to be paid by the guests on spot).

Set off from your hotel with your local guide on this fascinating exploration to discover Japanese Buddhism on this overnight tour to Mount Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been the center of Shingon Buddhism for over 1,200 years. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. After you disembark, take a short cable car ride to the top of Mt. Koya, where you will meet your guide. Drop your luggage off at your accommodation before starting your guided tour. Visit Kongobunji Temple, the main monastery of Shingon Buddhism, which contains Japan’s largest rock garden. Explore Danjo Garan temple complex, which includes the Dai-mon gate and Konpon Daito pagoda. Head to Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery, where you can pay your respects at the mausoleum of Kobdo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Then you are free to explore the area on your own until dinner, when you will be served a shojin ryori, or traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal. Spend the night in a shukubo, a Buddhist temple lodging. Wake up early to watch the monks chanting their morning prayers, and then enjoy a shojin ryori breakfast. Spend the rest of the day exploring Mt. Koya before making the train journey back to Kyoto or Osaka.

(Duration: 2 days/1 night; Time: 0830 hrs; Private activity; No transfers; Travel time to activity: 2.5 hrs; Meals: dinner & breakfast, please let us know about any food allergies in advance).

Explore the prominent landmarks of the port city of Osaka. Meet your guide and travel by local trains and the subway to the attractions on your itinerary. Begin with a visit to the stately Osaka Castle, easily identified by its majestic stone walls and moats. One of Japan’s most famous castles, it played a pivotal role in the unification of the country in the 16th century. Enjoy a stroll around the grounds as you listen to your guide’s interesting narrative about the history of this edifice. Later, make your way to the vibrant Dotonbori shopping and entertainment district, also a foodie’s paradise. As you walk along the bustling streets, keep an eye out for the iconic mechanized signs that are lit up at night alongside the neon lights. The famous Glico running man and the Kani Doraku crab are two signs that might catch your eye.

(Duration: half day; Time: 0900/1300 hrs; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Fitness level: easy; Entrance fees, subway and local train fares are included)