Timeless and Traditional Japan with Japanese Alps (2025)
À partir de 2.694 €

Timeless and Traditional Japan with Japanese Alps (2025)

Forfait vacances
créé: mercredi 26 mars 2025
Ref ID: 14147983
prix par personne À partir de
2.694 €
Basé sur 2 adultes
créé: mercredi 26 mars 2025
Itinéraire
Tour(s)

Day 1: Osaka

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we´ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of the tour.


Day 2: Osaka - Mount Koya

At 11:30 a.m., we’ll depart from the city and head to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. Here, we’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with more than 200,000 graves. We’ll also explore the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.Tonight, we’ll stay in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). A vegetarian dinner will be included. If you wish, you can attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.Notes: -During winter, due to earlier nightfall, there won’t be enough time to visit the interior of Kongobuji Temple.-Staying in the monastery is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.-We cannot guarantee meditation sessions during busy tourist periods. -Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, we may arrange for groups to stay in nearby hotels instead (half board provided).


Day 3: Mount Koya - Kyoto

We’ll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Early in the morning, we’ll depart for Kyoto, a city that served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably spared from bombings during World War II, Kyoto retains its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The city is also famous as the site where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997.Our visit will take us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the magnificent Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, explore the historic Imperial Palace, and marvel at the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” with its stunning gardens.You’ll have free time to explore before we visit Gion, a bustling traditional district renowned for its Geisha culture. Here, you’ll have additional free time to soak in the unique atmosphere.Note: If you’ve already visited Kyoto as part of your tour, our guide will provide tips and recommendations to help you explore other parts of the city on your own.


Day 4: Kyoto - Eihei-ji - Katsuyama-dinosaur museum - Katsuyama - Kanazawa

We’ll start our day with breakfast before departing along one of the largest lakes in Japan. Our first stop will be at Shirahige Ginra, a small shrine located by the lake. We’ll then head to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet. Next, in Katsuyama, we’ll visit three key sites. First, the Dinosaur Museum, located at the largest dinosaur fossil site in Japan, where you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons. Then, we’ll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy panoramic views. Finally, we’ll immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature with a walk through the towering cedar forest at the Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine, founded in 717 at the base of a sacred mountain. We’ll arrive in Kanazawa by evening.


Day 5: Kanazawa

We’ll spend a full day in Kanazawa, beginning with a guided city tour in the morning. This city, which once rivaled Kyoto and Tokyo, was spared from destruction during World War II air raids. We’ll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and take a stroll through the historic Nagamachi neighborhood, where samurai and their families once lived. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We’ll also include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The tour will end at Omicho, a lively traditional market with many options for lunch. The afternoon will be free for you to explore.


Day 6: Kanazawa - Ainokura - Shirakawa - Hida village - Takayama

Today, we’ll journey through beautiful mountain landscapes, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their traditional houses, with steeply sloped roofs, are known as “praying hands” for their resemblance to monks´ hands joined in prayer—designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls. We’ll stop in Ainokura, a charming small village, and in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, a larger, more popular village. There will be time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Afterward, we’ll continue to Takayama, where we’ll visit the Hida Folk Village Museum, nestled in a peaceful setting. This open-air museum features over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868), relocated from their original sites to form this museum in 1971. The buildings showcase tools and utensils used in everyday life in the past. We’ll then have free time to explore the old town, with its wooden houses and traditional shops.


Day 7: Takayama - Hida furukawa - Matsumoto - Nagano

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Hida Furukawa, where we’ll stroll through its charming old town. The city’s festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We’ll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival’s floats, costumes, and drums. We’ll then continue our journey across the Japanese Alps, renowned for their snow-covered landscapes for much of the year. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we’ll visit the city’s impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. Afterward, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Nagano for accommodation.


Day 8: Nagano - Monkey Park - Kusatsu - Ikaho

In Nagano, we’ll visit the Zenko-ji, a revered pilgrimage site housing the first Buddhist image brought to Japan. The Gomakuyo ceremony, included in your journey, will bring blessings and good fortune. Next, we’ll travel to the stunning Japanese Alps, venturing into the mountains to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch, followed by a serene stroll through forests, rivers, and hot springs, where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe.We’ll then ascend to breathtaking high mountain scenery, reaching altitudes of 2,172 meters, and pass semi-active volcanoes. Our journey will continue to Kusatsu, a charming spa town with a lively main square. We’ll take a leisurely walk through the city park, home to an open-air onsen. Afterward, we’ll proceed to Ikaho, a picturesque spa town where we’ll wander its historic center, famed for its stair-stepped streets. Tonight, we’ll stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style hotel, where you’ll enjoy its baths and a traditional Japanese dinner will be included.Note: During autumn, the movement of monkeys can be unpredictable depending on mountain fruit availability. If the macaques do not descend, the park may be closed. Additionally, the visit to Kusatsu may be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.


Day 9: Ikaho - Nikko - Tokyo

We’ll continue our journey to Nikko, a fantastic town where we’ll visit the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple, known for its famous “room with the sound of a dragon.” We’ll also explore the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, a serene and awe-inspiring site. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where hundreds of Jizo statues silently watch over the riverbanks. You’ll have free time to explore the town center before we head back to Tokyo, arriving at approximately 06:30 p.m.


Day 10: Tokyo

In the morning, we’ll enjoy an extensive guided tour of this truly mesmerizing city, lasting approximately five hours. Tokyo’s vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist beautifully with its tranquil, serene spaces.We’ll begin with a brief stop at Zojoji Temple, where you’ll capture one of the most iconic views of the Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, intricately carved stone figures believed to be protectors of children, dressed in colorful knit caps, bibs, and windmills.Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, often hailed as the busiest intersection in the world, followed by a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.Our journey will continue by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue. We’ll then see the most picturesque parts of the Imperial Palace and its gardens and stop to admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.As we proceed, we’ll pass through the vibrant Akihabara district, also known as the “Electric Town,” a hub for Japanese manga and anime culture. We’ll also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s renowned sumo wrestling arena.We’ll conclude our tour in Asakusa, visiting the historic Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street.Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel.At 6:30 p.m., we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. Here, we’ll enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for dinner (included). Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.


Day 11: Tokyo

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Remarques:

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prix par personne À partir de
2.694 €
Basé sur 2 adultes

Prix membres à partir de 2.694 €

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Résumé du voyage
2 Adultes
nuit(s) 10
Cette idée inclut
Destinations 16
Hébergement(s) 7
Tour(s) 1
Résumé de la tournée
Opérateur
EuropamundoOpérateur
Langues du guide
Español
Inclus
  • Europamundo General Services: Travel by bus with Spanish and Portuguese speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.
  • Includes arrival transfer
  • City tour in: Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo
  • Evening transfer: Traditional quarter of Gion, Shinjuku
  • Ticket admission: Okuno Mausoleum,Kongobuji Temple and Ajikan or Zazen meditation in Mount Koya, Shrine of Fushimi Inari, Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji Temple , Shirahige Ginra Shrine and Temple-monastery of Eihei-Ji , Dinosaur Museum, Great Buddha and Echizen Pagoda, Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine , Kenrokuen Garden , Small village , Village of Shirakawa-go Oguimachi , Hida Folk Village Museum , Museum , Castle , Zenko-ji Temple, Gomakuyo ceremony,Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano , Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum in Nikko , Metro, Zojoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Sensoji Temple
  • 2 Lunch included in: Nagano, Tokyo
  • 3 dinner included in: Mount Koya, Ikaho, Tokyo
Mesures d’adaptation prévues
OSAKA
  • CANDEO OSAKA NAMBA 4*
  • HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS OSAKA CITY CENTRE - MIDOSUJI 4*
MONTE KOYA
  • MONASTERIO FUKUCHI IN 4*
  • MONASTERIO HOJOIN 4*
KIOTO
  • MIYAKO KIOTO HACHIJYO 4*
  • NEW MIYAKO HOTEL 4*
TAKAYAMA
  • MERCURE HIDA TAKAYAMA 4*
NAGANO
  • DORMY INN NAGANO 3*
  • KOKUSAI 21 4*
  • METROPOLITAN NAGANO 4*
IKAHO
  • HOTEL MORIAKI RYOKAN 4*
  • KISHIGON RYOKAN 4*
TOKIO
  • SHINAGAWA PRINCE HOTEL 4*