Shinto and Zen Across Japan (12 days,11 nights)

 Who is this for?
For those eager to explore Japan's spiritual roots through its Buddhist and Shinto landmarks across Japan. This journey brings together some of the most revered temples and shrines, each with a story to tell. Travelers will walk the paths of ancient pilgrims, uncovering the traditions and rituals that have shaped Japan for centuries. 

- This is a private tour. Only you and your group will participate. 
- This trip can be tailored according to your preferences. Please feel free to inquire about any specific requests ahead of time. 

Physical Activity: Low - Medium
Length of Trip:  12 days, 11 nights
Capacity:  12 - 30 people

Visualize yourself:
- Exploring sacred temples and shrines, each with a rich history
- Crossing lush gorges and ancient bridges, walking the path of pilgrims 
- Soaking in hot springs in peaceful mountain towns
- Learning about and engaging in spiritual practices in the core of Japan
- Seeing the iconic must-see spots and key historical sites 

Itinerary:

TOKYO    |    2 nights
Day 1: Arrival Day and Welcome Dinner in the Middle of Tokyo
Included meals:  Dinner
On the first day, arrival at the airport is followed by a warm welcome from a guide and a transfer to the hotel. After some leisure time to relax and settle in, the evening consists of a journey to Shinjuku for a welcome dinner, offering an opportunity to experience one of Tokyo's vibrant districts.

Day 2: The Quintessential Tokyo Experience 
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Vibrant cityscapes with timeless traditions, the second day will give travelers a chance to experience historic sites and iconic destinations that connect past and present.

 
HIROSHIMA  |     1 night
Day 3: The Past and The Peace 
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride the the Japanese bullet train! The day starts with a bullet train journey to Hiroshima, followed by a visit to the peaceful Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.  Witness the vibrant floating gate and meet the friendly deer that roam the area. The afternoon includes seeing the Atomic Bomb Dome and a tour of the Memorial Museum, giving profound insight into the past. 

MATSUYAMA , EHIME |     1 night
Day 4: Coastal Charms and Quiet Traditions 
Included meals: Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a ferry ride from Hiroshima to Matsuyama, offering scenic views of the coastline, followed by a cable car ascent to Matsuyama Castle. The visit to Ishiteji Temple allows for exploration of its historic architecture and spiritual ambiance, and the day ends with a relaxing soak at Dogo Onsen, celebrated for its traditional and therapeutic bathing experience. This fourth day day offers a mix of scenic travel, architectural exploration, and cultural experiences in an area that feels untouched by crowds. 

TOKUSHIMA |     1 night
Day 5: Go Deeper into the Gorges and Valleys
Included meals: Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner
Explore Tokushima's Oboke Gorge with a 30-minute boat ride along emerald-green waters, surrounded by towering rock formations. Relax on tatami mats as the boat glides downstream. Continue to Iya Valley to find lush landscapes and dare to cross the vine bridge, before arriving in Udatsu, an Edo-period town known for its decorative firebreak walls crafted from clay-rich earth. Once a center for indigo dyeing, Udatsu preserves rows of historic merchant houses, reflecting its prosperous past.

TOKUSHIMA TEMPLE STAY |     1 night
Day 6: Prayer Beads, Purification Rituals, and a Temple Stay
Included meals: Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner
Kick off the day in Tokushima; home to the Shikoku Pilgrimage. First stop: Kakurinji Temple, perched high on Mt. Washigao. The view stretches across distant mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean, while towering trees over a millennium old line the temple path. Next, hit the pilgrimage trail for an hour-long hike, tracing footsteps worn by centuries of pilgrims. The journey wraps up with a stay at a temple, crafting prayer beads where each bead carries a wish: for health, fortune, love, and beyond. Participate in a purification ritual for the beads and enjoy the peaceful temple grounds at night.   

OSAKA |     1 night
Day 7: A Free Day for You
Included meals: Breakfast
No rigid schedules, just pure Osaka energy. Snack through the vibrant streets with legendary street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Hit the bustling shopping districts whether it’s quirky finds in Shinsaibashi or Nipponbashi or neon-lit vibes in Dotonbori, every corner buzzes with life.  For those preferring quiet time, take a stroll around Osaka Castle grounds or kick back and recharge at the hotel.

KYOTO |     1 night
Day 8: The Treasures of the Former Capital 
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See the bright red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine to the elegant structure of the Golden Pavilion. The day also provides the chance to explore Kyoto’s traditional districts, with opportunities to discover local culture through its historic streets.

NAGANO |     1 night
Day 9: Steps Through History
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day starts with a transfer to Tsumago, followed by a stroll through the historic Tsumago Post Town, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and old-time charm from the Edo period. Walking along stone-paved paths lined with traditional wooden buildings, imagine what life might have been like for merchants and travelers centuries ago. The afternoon features a visit to Matsumoto Castle. Learn about its unique black facade and strategic design that reflects its role as a historic stronghold.

IKAHO, GUNMA |     1 night
Day 10: Relaxation 
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
 The journey continues to Jigokudani Valley to witness friendly monkeys in their natural habitat. It’s the the only place in the world where wild monkeys soak in natural hot springs, mimicking a spa day like humans. The day concludes with a leisurely stroll through Kusatsu Hot Spring Town, allowing travelers themselves to soak in the local atmosphere and enjoy the town’s relaxing ambiance.

TOKYO |     1 night
Day 11: The Center of Shinto and Buddhist Worship 
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Nikko. Nikko's sacred mountains, a center of Buddhist and Shinto worship since the 8th century, are home to UNESCO-listed shrines and temples. Visit Toshogu Shrine and Taiyuin-byo Mausoleum, offering a look into the rich history and architectural beauty of these historic sites. A peaceful stroll along Kanmangafuchi, lined with serene stone statues, follows. The day concludes with free time in Tokyo city, allowing for time to explore, shop, or relax.

Day 12: Back Home
Included meals: Breakfast
Your next destination? Home sweet home. But remember, it's not sayonara yet, it's "See you soon!" The question is, where to from here?

OR EXTEND YOUR TRIP!

Add another trip of ours on top of this journey and we will be happy to send you off.