Japan grand tour
Mount Koya monasteries, Nikko shrines, Nagano snow monkeys, and the Inland Sea.
About This Journey
The longest of the Japan routes, taking the Inland Sea crossing and then continuing north into the mountains. It adds Matsumoto Castle, the Zenko-ji temple complex at Nagano, a Goma Kuyo fire ceremony, the snow monkeys at Jigokudani, the hot spring town of Ikaho, and the Toshogu shrine complex at Nikko.
This is a temple-heavy itinerary with a meditation session at Mount Koya and several working shrines along the way, balanced by castle towns, gardens, and onsen. Bullet train and ferry tickets, metro passes, and a professional guide are included.
Day by Day
Tokyo arrival
Arrive at Narita and transfer to your Tokyo hotel, with the remainder of the day free.
Tokyo city
Guided tour across Tokyo, with an evening transfer to Shinjuku for the neon streets and food alleys.
Tokyo to Hiroshima
Bullet train west to Hiroshima for the Peace Memorial Museum, then the ferry to Miyajima for the floating torii gate.
Hiroshima to Matsuyama
Ferry across the Inland Sea to Matsuyama. Visit Ishiteji Temple, ride the funicular to Matsuyama Castle, and bathe at Dogo Onsen.
Kotohira, Ritsurin and Kobe
Travel via the Shinto shrine at Kotohira and Ritsurin Garden, cross the Naruto Bridge above the whirlpool straits, and continue to Kobe.
Kobe to Mount Koya
Visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, then ascend to Mount Koya for the Okuno-in mausoleum, Kongobuji Temple, and an Ajikan or Zazen meditation session.
Mount Koya to Kyoto
Continue to Kyoto for Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace grounds, and Kinkaku-ji, with an evening in the Gion quarter.
Kyoto to Nagano
Travel north, stopping at Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest keeps in Japan, then continue to Nagano for the Zenko-ji temple complex and a Goma Kuyo fire ceremony.
Jigokudani and Ikaho
Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, where macaques bathe in the thermal pools, then continue via Kusatsu for a Yumomi hot water performance and on to the spa town of Ikaho.
Nikko
Travel to Nikko for the Toshogu Shrine and the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum set among cedar forest, then continue to Tokyo for the final night.
Tokyo departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, with timing set around your departure.
What's Included
Included in the Price
- Accommodation
- Meals (as per itinerary)
- Transfers & Transportation
- Expert Guides
- Domestic/International Flights
- Activities & Entrance Fees
- 24/7 On-ground Support
Not Included
- Japan visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees not named in the inclusions
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not specified in the itinerary, and any meals on board flights
- Early check-in, late checkout, and seat allocation on flights
Photo Gallery
Ready to Go?
Leave your details and a trip expert will personally tailor this journey to you. It's a no-obligation enquiry — no payment now, no pressure to book.