World Heritage & Pilgrimage Trail Private Tour

Tokyo - Hakone - Takayama - Kyoto - Osaka

Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Private

Price From

£7,450 pp

Overview

Follow Japan’s ancient pilgrimage routes on this private 14-day tour. From Tokyo and Mt Fuji to a temple stay at Mt Koya and walking sections of the historic Kumano Kodo Trail, this journey offers a deeper insight into Japan’s traditions and landscapes.

Tour Highlights:

Experience Tokyo’s famous sights, including Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and a Sumida River cruise.
Travel to Mt Fuji and Hakone National Park, with a cruise on Lake Ashi and views across the surrounding area.
Explore Kyoto, visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Nijo Castle, and Gion.
Stay overnight at Mt Koya, the centre of Shingon Buddhism, with temple accommodation and a traditional vegetarian dinner.
Walk sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, visiting Kumano Hongu Shrine, Nachi Shrine, and Nachi Waterfall before continuing to Osaka.

From a temple stay at Mt Koya and walks along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail to UNESCO World Heritage sites and iconic landmarks, this private guided tour offers a unique way to experience Japan.

Day 1 - London Heathrow to Tokyo

Depart London Heathrow for international flight to Tokyo.

We can also arrange departures from your local airport.

Day 2 - Tokyo

Upon arrival at Tokyo International Airport, be greeted by our English speaking assistant and board an airport limousine bus to your hotel.

Breakfast

Day 3 - Tokyo

This morning meet your English speaking private guide in hotel lobby, embark on tour of Tokyo, visiting Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing Street, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Sumida River Cruise and Ginza etc.

Return to hotel after tour.

Breakfast

Day 4 - Tokyo - Hakone

This morning take the bullet train to Odawara, the gateway to Mt Fuji / Hakone National Park. The tour of Hakone includes Owakudani Boiling Valley, Ropeway and Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi.

Check in to ryokan or hotel.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 5 - Hakone - Takayama

Morning transfer to Odawara Station by private car, take bullet train to Nagoya. Upon arrival, be greeted by your local guide at the platform. Transfer to Takayama by limited express train. Located in the mountainous Hida region, Takayama is well preserved and offers a rare glimpse into the ancient past. Visit Yatai Kaikan, Jinya House and Kamisannomachi. Transfer to ryokan for dinner.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 6 - Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa

After breakfast, take private guided tour of Takayama and Shirakawago (deep in the mountains in Shogawa River Valley, and UNESCO world heritage site, Shirakawago is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses). Visit Takayama Morning Market, Shirakawago Hamlet, Wada House and Observatory Deck. Proceed to Kanazawa.

Breakfast

Day 7 - Kanazawa - Kyoto

Morning take private guided tour in Kanazawa, visit Kenrokuen, Higashichaya Street, Nomura Samurai House, Ohmicho Market etc.

Transfer to Kyoto by limited express train. Be met by English speaking assistant at the platform of Kyoto Station, check in to hotel.

Breakfast

Day 8 - Kyoto

Kyoto served as capital of Japan for over a thousand years (794-1868), it is the highlight of our tour in Japan. Full day sightseeing of Kyoto, visiting the Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Nijo Castle, Gion etc.

Breakfast

Day 9 - Kyoto

Free day at leisure.

Breakfast

Day 10 - Kyoto - Mt Koya

Travel to Mt Koya by local train and cable car with your guide. Mt Koya, a small secluded temple town, is the centre of Shingon Buddhism. It is one of the best places to experience an overnight stay at a temple lodging. Visit Okunoin, Tokugawa Cemetery, Kongobuji and Kondo. Transfer to your accommodation (shukubo / temple stay). Tonight enjoy vegetarian dinner.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 11 - Mt Koya - Kumano Kodo - Kawayu or Yunomine Onsen

Attend morning ceremony at the temple. After breakfast, transfer to Kawayu / Yunomine Onsen by private car. Visit Kumano Hongu Shrine, the Ancient Pilgrimage Trails Kumano Kodo. Walk a part of Kumano Kodo Trail (approximately 60 mins). Transfer to your ryokan.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 12 - Kawayu or Yunomine Onsen - Nachi - Osaka

After breakfast at ryokan, visit Nachi Shrine and Nachi Waterfall. Walk a part of Kumano Kodo Trail (approximately 60 mins). Transfer to Osaka by limited express train and local train. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.

Breakfast

Day 13 - Osaka

Osaka is the third largest city of Japan and second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. This morning visit Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building Observatory and Dotombori area.

Afternoon at leisure.

Breakfast

Day 14 - Osaka to London Heathrow

Transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport by airport limousine bus for flight to London.

Breakfast