Day 1 | Tokyo

After an initial organization at the airport, we will set out to get to know the Japanese capital, a giant metropolis with 24 million residents. Our tour of the fascinating city will begin in the Roppongi district: we will learn about the story of Emperor Meiji at the Shinto shrine dedicated to him. We will walk along the beautiful and fashionable Omotesando Street. We will continue to the Shinto shrine and proceed to Shibuya, the area of ​​the famous Shibuya Crossing, and in the afternoon, we will take a tour of Ginza - Tokyo's upscale area. We will walk on the main street with its giant department stores. Overnight in Tokyo. (D)

Day 2 | Nikko

This morning we will leave Tokyo in the morning, and we will return to it in the evening, and we will go to Nikko, located about 140 km north of Tokyo. Our journey to Nikko will pass through a mountainous and densely wooded area with a deep spiritual atmosphere. In Nikko, a monk settled in the 8th century, and around him, monasteries and shrines developed. On this mountain is the Toshogu Shrine with the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun who united Japan in the early 17th century. We will walk among the monasteries and giant cedar trees. From there, we will travel on a winding road to see the Yutaki Falls and Lake Yunoko. In the evening, we will return to Tokyo. (B, D)

Day 3 | Tokyo

This morning, we will pass through Odaiba Island, a man-made island with super-modern buildings built to address the construction crisis in the city. On a ferry, we will sail to Asakusa, the old area of ​​Tokyo, to visit the Senso-ji Temple, the most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Along the path leading to the temple, we can enjoy many and perhaps thousands of colorful and interesting stalls. We will organize at the hotel, and in the evening, we will go up to the impressive view from the city towers in Shinjuku. Here we will also tour the nightlife area. Overnight in Tokyo. (B, D)

Day 4 | Tokyo – Hakone

This morning we will say goodbye to the large circuit of Tokyo and head west to Hakone. We will visit one of the most talked-about museums in the world - the Open Museum in Hakone, which presents art by the best sculptors in the world in a spacious garden. Using a cable car, we will go up to Owakudani - a special area with volcanic activity. We will walk on the narrow path that passes between the hot steam springs until we reach the place where the hot mud bubbles. From there, we can see (if the weather allows) Mount Fuji, Japan's symbol. Overnight in Hakone with a traditional Japanese dinner. (B, D)

Day 5 | Mount Fuji – Japanese Alps

This morning, we will embark on a journey around the mountain, most associated with the archipelago: Mount Fuji. Until reaching its second bank, we will dedicate time to visiting the Kubota Museum - a unique museum by a kimono artist, designed in a special combination, as only Japan has to offer with nature. From there, we will ascend to the Japanese Alps on a beautiful road until we reach the Wasabi Farm - a sharp horseradish root that is an important component of Japanese cuisine. Wasabi is grown on terraces of flowing cold water, and the farm is located exactly where the cold water converges as it descends from the mountains. Overnight in Matsumoto. (B, D)

Day 6 I Matsumoto Castle - Traditional Japanese Accommodation

We will start the day with a visit to the ancient Matsumoto Castle, which will immerse us in the era of samurais and shoguns. Continuing our journey through the mountains, we will reach the picturesque Kiso Valley, where we'll take a beautiful walk among charming villages situated along the old Nakasendo Road, which connected Kyoto to Tokyo in the 14th-16th centuries. After the tour, we will continue through the mountains until we reach the town of Maibara, known for its hot springs. Here, we will stay in a traditional Japanese hotel with hot springs. In the afternoon, we'll relax in the hot springs and enjoy a special traditional Japanese dinner. Overnight stay in Maibara. (B, D)

Day 7 I Takayama - Kanazawa

After breakfast, we will travel to Takayama, a well-preserved traditional town. We'll explore the streets, traditional wooden houses, sake breweries, and visit the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall. From there, we'll proceed to one of the ancient villages nestled between the mountains. We'll enter one of the traditional houses to admire its unique architectural style, incorporating natural materials, designed to withstand heavy snowfall in winter. Continuing our journey through the mountains, we'll arrive at the hot spring town of Yamanouchi. Here, we'll stay in Kanazawa, a city known for its well-preserved samurai districts. Overnight stay in Kanazawa. (B, D)

Day 8 I Kanazawa - Kyoto

We will start the day with a delightful visit to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. This spacious garden was the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle during the Maeda clan's rule from 1553 to 1867. We'll also have a unique experience at a silk dyeing workshop. In the afternoon, we will travel to Kyoto (about 4 hours), where we'll be welcomed by a traditional Japanese dinner at a local home. Overnight stay in Kyoto. (B, D)

Day 9 I Kyoto

Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, will be our exploration focus. We'll begin the day with a visit to the iconic Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, situated by a small lake. Afterward, we'll explore the famous rock garden at Ryoanji and visit Nijo Castle, known for its "nightingale floors." We'll conclude the day with an evening stroll through the Gion district, the traditional entertainment quarter, and explore its preserved streets from the samurai era. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 10 I Kyoto - Hiroshima

Our day will start with a visit to the Philosopher's Path, lined with cherry trees (in season) along a canal, leading to the Zenrinji Temple. We'll continue to Kiyomizudera Temple, known for its wooden terrace with panoramic views, and then to the healing spring of Otowa Waterfall. After exploring the charming streets of Kiyomizumichi, we'll visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. In the evening, we'll travel to Hiroshima by Shinkansen (bullet train) for an overnight stay. (B, D)

Day 11 I Hiroshima - Nara

After breakfast, we'll visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, reflecting on the atomic bomb's impact. From there, we'll proceed to a car factory for a glimpse into Japanese craftsmanship (subject to final approval). Crossing to the other side of the city, we'll take a ferry to Miyajima Island, known for its iconic "floating" torii gate and the Itsukushima Shrine. We'll also ascend to the top of Mount Misen for panoramic views. From Hiroshima, we'll travel east to Nara for an overnight stay. (B, D)

Day 12 I Nara

After breakfast, we'll visit Todaiji Temple, home to a large wooden Buddha statue. We'll stroll through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely. In the afternoon, we'll explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its lantern-lined pathways. Later, we'll wander through Nara's traditional streets and visit a Samurai family's residence. Evening at leisure in Nara.

Day 13 I Nara - Osaka

On our last day, we'll dedicate our time to the first capital of Japan. We'll visit the Todaiji Temple, housing a large wooden Buddha statue. The impressive temple is located in Nara Park, where freely roaming deer can be fed from your hand. We'll continue by foot through a forest of giant cherry blossom trees to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its stone lanterns. In the evening, we'll travel to Osaka's airport for our return flight.