Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 5	Tokyo	Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, River cruise to Asakusa	Washington Hotel Shinjuku, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
5 - 7	Hakone	View of Mt Fuji volcano, enjoy the views from a pirate ship, Natural hot springs and Onsen, Ropeway over Volcanic plains, overlooking the sulphuric fumes	Tōnosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Ryokan, Hakone Pax Yoshino
7 - 10	Kyoto	Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nara’s Buddha Statue, Geisha District, Uji Tea Plantations	Oriental Hotel Kyoto Rokujo, Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
10 - 11	Koyasan	UNESCO World Heritage site Mount Koya, Graves in Okunoin Cemetery, Zen Buddhist Meditation	Buddhist Temple Lodging, Buddhist Temple Lodging
11 - 13	Osaka	Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Street Food	WaQoo Shitaderamachi, Hotel Vischio Osaka by Granvia

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 5

International Arrival

Shared Transfer from Narita Airport to Tokyo Hotel (including airport assistance)

Tokyo

4 Nights

Tokyo is a city like no other! Defined by cutting-edge design, quirky creativity and its own unique ancient culture, the city defines the best of both worlds.

Included Activities

Tokyo’s Finest by Day
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; Private Activity; Transfers by public transport; Meal included: Tea and sweets; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Shitaya Jinja: Spiritual Shrine Excursion
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 – 2 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Washington Hotel Shinjuku – Opt 1

Room	Standard Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Opt 2

Room	Standard Twin Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 5 - 7

Make your own way from your hotel to Tokyo train station

Romancecar Train from Tokyo-Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (1.5 hrs)

Make your own way from the Hakone train station to your hotel

Hakone

2 Nights

Hakone defines the iconic image of Japan— with the majestic backdrop of Mount Fujiyama as it rises out of coniferous forest covered mountainsides, lakes and hot springs (onsen).

Included Activities

Onsen: Japanese Hot Spring Baths
When in Japan, you can hardly miss out on experiencing the traditional, hot spring water baths with their healing properties. Enjoy the complementary facility of taking an Onsen soak in your own private outdoor tub of natural hot spring waters. 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.

Hakone Free Pass (without travel guide, without entrance fees)
The pass provides unlimited access to 8 different transportation systems in the area, such as the Hakone Tozan Line and the Hakone Ropeway, allowing you the freedom to thoroughly explore Hakone. Enjoy your trip to Hakone with the convenient and economical Hakone Freepass. For an extra charge and with seat reservation, you can also use the e-Romance Car panorama train. The pass is excluding tour guide and entrance fees.

Hotel Options

Tōnosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Ryokan – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room Upgraded (With Bath & Toilet)
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Hakone Pax Yoshino – Opt 2

Room	Western Twin
Meals	Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
Style	Boutique

Day 7 - 10

Make your own way from your hotel to Hakone train station

Shinkansen Train from Odawara Hakone to Kyoto (1.45 hrs)

Make your own way from the Kyoto train station to your hotel

Kyoto

3 Nights

Kyoto is to be seen to be believed. With no less than 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the city encapsulates traditional Japanese culture and tradition.

Included Activities

Highlights of Kyoto – Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest and Markets
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; Duration: 8 hrs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Fitness level- Moderate; Food tasting to be paid by the guests on spot).

Hotel Options

Oriental Hotel Kyoto Rokujo – Opt 1

Room	Standard Twin
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – Opt 2

Room	Standard Twin Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 10 - 11

Make your own way from your hotel to Kyoto train station

Train from Kyoto to Koyasan via Osaka followed by cable car to Mt Koya and bus to Buddhist temple lodging

Make your own way from the Koyasan train station to your hotel

Koyasan

1 Night

Koyasan, also known as Mount Koya, and its surrounds, is a delightful destination to delve into the ancient culture of Japan, and a marvelous UNESCO World Heritage site.

Included Activities

Overnight Stay at Mount Koya Monastery
Journey from Kyoto on your own in trains and a cable car to reach the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Koya. Spend the day exploring your surroundings before returning to your simple yet comfortable accommodations at a shukubo or Buddhist temple lodging. Dine on a traditional vegetarian Buddhist meal before enjoying a good night’s rest. Early the next day, head out on a private tour accompanied by a monk or a professional local guide. Know all about the legends and history of the mountain as you stroll around the historical sites in Okunoin cemetery. Witness the ritual ceremony of Shojingu where monks bring food to their departed master and founder of the Koyasan temples, Kobo Daishi. Follow your expert guide through a secret and easy forest trail known as Women Pilgrims’ Route to reach a private terrace that offers stunning views of the surroundings. Relish a local sushi lunch and afterward, choose to further explore the Koyasan area on your own before heading to your next destination. (2 Days/1 Night; Breakfast and One Meal Included; Fitness Level: Moderate. The hotels are religious facilities where rooms are simple with shared bathrooms and toilets.)

Hotel Options

Buddhist Temple Lodging – Opt 1

Room	Standard Japanese room with Shared facilities at Buddhist Temple
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Lodge

Buddhist Temple Lodging – Opt 2

Room	Superior Japanese room with Private facilities at Buddhist Temple
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Lodge

Day 11 - 13

Make your own way from your hotel to Koyasan train station

Train from Koyasan to Osaka

Make your own way from the Osaka train station to your hotel

Osaka

2 Nights

Osaka is third largest city of Japan and has been the home of traders and merchants. It is also well-known for Japan’s oldest temple, the Shinto Sumiyoshi-taisha, and the majestic 16th century Osaka Castle.

Included Activities

Food Trails of Osaka
Embark on an exciting food adventure in Osaka as you explore the famous Kuromon Market and visit traditional family businesses and local favorite food stores with your guide. See the ingredients used to make miso soup, wasabi, bonito flakes, and Konyaku “jelly-potato”. Taste historical Japanese sweets “Wagashi”, modern desserts, and even fresh seafood, straight from early morning auctions. Drop into Okonomiyaki joint, a local favorite, to tuck in Oden stew and grilled Wagyu beef skewers. Continue to “Doguyasuji” – the city’s kitchenware street – and stroll through the 150m long shopping arcade observing family-run kitchen knife makers, artificial food displays and other quirky Japanese restaurant tools. Grill your Takoyaki with three different fillings and toppings. Ask your guide to show you the secret takoyaki flavor called “Ponzu”, a citrus vinaigrette sauce. Don the attire of a Takoyaki chef before your leave for Osaka with time to enjoy more of the city at your own pace. (Time: 0900 hrs; Group size: Max 4 guests; Meal included; Please inform of any dietary requirements).

Hotel Options

WaQoo Shitaderamachi – Opt 1

Room	Superior Japanese Twin Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Hotel Vischio Osaka by Granvia – Opt 2

Room	Standard Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Shared Transfer from Osaka Hotel to Kansai Airport

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 4,290 /person
Option 2 From $ 5,490 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 13 days / 12 nights.
Meals as indicated
The following train journeys in the highest class available :
- Tokyo (Shinjuku) – Hakone (Yumoto) (Limited Express Romancecar Train)
- Odawara Hakone – Kyoto 1.45 h (Shinkansen Train-Standard Class)
- Kyoto – Koyasan via Osaka (Express Train)
- Koyasan – Osaka (Express Train)
All activities as listed :
- Tokyo: Tokyo’s Finest by Day
- Tokyo: Shitaya Jinja: Spiritual Shrine Excursion
- Hakone: Onsen: Japanese Hot Spring Baths
- Hakone: Hakone Free Pass (without travel guide, without entrance fees)
- Kyoto: Highlights of Kyoto – Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest and Markets
- Koyasan: Overnight Stay at Mount Koya Monastery
- Osaka: Food Trails of Osaka
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
On request: A printed set of your travel documents by post
Fees and taxes
All activities specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees, accompanied by your tour guide
All airport, train station and hotel transfers as indicated. For private transfers our representative will meet you at the airport or the station and accompany you to your vehicle (and vice versa).

Not Included

Camera fees
Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return)

Ancient Zen Legends of Japan

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Tokyo

Hakone

Kyoto

Koyasan

Osaka

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included