Welcome to Japan

On arrival at Narita Airport, be met in the arrival hall by the driver who will assist with the transfer to the hotel (60-90 minutes). The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Take a day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide, making use of Tokyos comprehensive and user friendly public transport system. The day begins with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Take a walk down Omotesando shopping street, a broad tree lined avenue home to the flagship stores of the worlds top fashion brands.
Head across town to Asakusa, Tokyos old town and soak in the atmosphere of the Tokyo of old. Visit Sensoji, Tokyos oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. Take a boat cruise on the Sumida River passing under 12 bridges. Disembark in Hamarikyu garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district's futuristic skyscrapers, a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. Stop for a cup of steaming matcha and Japanese sweets in a tea house on a small island in the park's lake.
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Enjoy this morning at leisure. In the early afternoon, board Japan's world famous Shinkansen bullet train. With a top speed of 300km/h (186 mph), the Shinkansen takes 100 minutes to reach Nagano. Whilst in Nagano, one may want to take an unescorted visit to historic Zenkoji temple, a short bus ride from Nagano station. One of the most visited temples in Japan, Zenkoji was founded 1400 years ago and stores what many believe to be the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. Zenkoji's main hall has a tunnel in its basement in which visitors are trying to find and touch the key to paradise in complete darkness. The key is attached to the wall and grants enlightenment to anybody who touches it.
From Nagano, take a local train to Yudanaka (45min), and then it is a short ride in the shuttle bus to this evenings ryokan. This traditional style accommodation has tatami mat flooring, futon beds and hot spring onsen baths. As well as in the ryokan, there are many public onsens around town that one can try as well. See local people in kimono strolling down the street in yukata (light robes) as they head for a soak. Dinner tonight will be a Japanese traditional kaiseki meal, comprised of 9 or more dishes. The meal is made up of seasonal dishes using only the freshest of local Nagano ingredients.
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This morning, head to the Jigokudani Yaen Koen to see the famous Snow Monkeys. Jigokudani literally means Hell's Valley due to the steam and boiling water that bubbles out of small crevices in the frozen ground. It is in the baths of this boiling water that the resident Japanese Macaques like to soak in. The monkeys live in large social groups, and it can be quite entertaining to watch their interactions. Accustomed to humans, they can be observed from very close and almost completely ignore their human guests. Whilst the monkeys are most numerous during the colder months, they can be observed year round.
In the afternoon, a visit to the nearby charming town of Obuse, is recommended. With traditional houses, stores and streets. Obuse is known for its delicious chestnuts and as the home of Hokusai, the famous painter and printmaker from Japan's Edo period, and a visit to his museum here is a must. No visit to Obuse is complete without stopping in at the Masuichi sake brewery for a taste of their delicious sake made from the high quality local rice.
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Today, ride the scenic Shinano limited express train to Nagoya, speeding through the beautiful Japanese Alps, and then change onto the bullet train to Kyoto. The journey will take a total of 3.5 hours. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

This morning experience the quintessential Japanese enlightenment experience, Zazen (Zen meditation). The guide will meet in the morning to head out to a Zen temple, where travelers can learn the basics of the same sitting meditation that led the Buddha to Enlightenment: folded legs, erect posture, half-closed eyes and a focus on measured breathing that leads to awareness of the way the mind works. After Zazen, head to Chion-in temple. Chion-in is the head temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect of Japanese Buddhism, which has millions of followers and is one the most popular Buddhist sects in Japan. The Sanmon Gate, Chionin's main entrance gate, stands 24 meters tall and 50 meters wide, making it the largest wooden gate in Japan and dates back to the early 1600s.
From Chion-in walk through Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine, one of Kyoto's most popular Shinto Shrines. This spiritual day finishes with a Tea Ceremony in a Gion tea house. The Tea Master will give a full explanation of Japanese tea as well as the tea ceremony itself, its long history and relationship with Zen Buddhism. The Master will also explain the meaning behind each movement involved in the making and serving of the tea, as well as the equipment involved.
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The Philosopher's Path is a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Approximately two kilometers long, the path begins around Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends in the neighborhood of Nanzenji. The path gets its name due to Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University. There are many small temples and shrines to stop off along the walk. Enjoy the afternoon free at leisure.
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This morning make a scenic journey to holy Mt Koya (Koya-san). The 2 hour train ride is one of the best in Japan, as the local train winds its way up into the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture. The final ascent to the top of Koya is made by cable car. The knowledgeable local guide will be waiting upon one's arrival to show Koya-san's sights and explain about Japanese Buddhism. Tonight, enjoy a stay at a shukubo, Japanese temple lodging. Dinner will be shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist cuisine. This vegetarian meal is not only healthy but delicious as well! ...read less

Start today on the early side to witness the monks chanting their morning prayers. This spiritual experience is followed by a shojin ryori breakfast. The rest of the morning is free to further explore Koya-san, before making the 2 hour trip by train to Osaka. Japan's third biggest city, what Osaka lacks in sightseeing draw cards it makes up for with its flamboyance, fun loving people, and amazing food. Known as 'Japan's kitchen', take a wander down Dotonbori, a former pleasure district turned restaurant mecca where amongst other things one can sample fugu (poisonous puffer fish) and takoyaki (octopus balls). This afternoon is free to catch up on any last minute shopping, and have one more delicious Japanese meal before heading home. ...read less

Today is free until the included airport shuttle bus to Kansai International Airport