Traditional Japan and north of Japan- End Sapporo
Traditional Japan and north of Japan- End Sapporo
Traditional Japan and north of Japan- End Sapporo
11 Days Starting in Osaka, Japan and ending in Sapporo, Japan
Visiting: Osaka, Mount Koya, Kyoto, Tokyo, Nikko, Matsushima, Hakodate, Sapporo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2503396
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
36 - 72
Age range:
3-85
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Rail Tours, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan, starting in the vibrant city of Osaka and culminating in the northern capital of Sapporo. This tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the spiritual serenity of Mount Koya's Buddhist monasteries to the historical grandeur of Kyoto's Imperial Palace and the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Discover the natural beauty of Matsushima's "Thousand Islands" and the volcanic wonders of Noboribetsu. Enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, Zen meditation, and the unique cultural blend of Hokkaido. With visits to iconic sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Meiji Temple, and the Hill of Buddha, this tour promises a deep dive into Japan's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, leaving you with cherished memories of this enchanting land.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we´ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of the tour.
Day 2 : Osaka, Mount Koya
Location: Mount Koya
Accommodation Name: Buddhist monastery
Meals Included: Dinner
At 11:30 a.m., we’ll depart from the city and head to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with more than 200,000 graves. We’ll also explore the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.Tonight, we’ll stay in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.Notes: - During winter, due to earlier nightfall, there won’t be enough time to visit the interior of Kongobuji Temple.- Staying in the monastery is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.- We cannot guarantee meditation sessions during busy tourist periods. Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, we may arrange for groups to stay in nearby hotels (half board provided).
Day 3 : Mount Koya, Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Japanese breakfast at the temple. Then we leave early for KYOTO, to spend the whole day in the city, which was the capital of Japan between 794 and 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. During World War II the city was the only major Japanese to escape the bombardments, and so it still preserves its wealth of artistic heritage; the famous protocol restricting greenhouse gas emissions was signed in Kyoto in 1997. The visit includes a trip to one of the most important parts of the city. We will see the marvellous Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji temple, “the golden pavilion” and its wonderful gardens. Free time before visiting GION, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha. Free time. Note: If you already visited Kyoto on your circuit, our guide will offer you information and advice on visiting the other parts of the city unaccompanied.
Day 4 : Kyoto, Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast transfer to the station to take the BULLET TRAIN to Tokyo. Arrival to Tokyo after almost 500 km in just over two hours.Late in the afternoon, we will pay a visit to this fascinating city by taking a trip on the metro (tickets included) to the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. Dinner included and return to hotel.
Day 5 : Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, we take part in a 5-hour trip with our guide to see this amazing city, with its hustle and bustle and extremely modern districts that coexist with quiet, peaceful areas. Brief stop at the Zojoji Temple to make a beautiful photograph of the Tokyo Tower. Pay attention to the hundred of Jizos, stone traditional protecting deities who guide us on our travels, give power to those who are weak (such children) and those in dangerous places, and who are dressed including hats, robes and windmills. Then we head to the junction of Shibuya, a junction that is said to be the most crowded in the world. The Meiji Temple is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, his wife, and their spirits. We continue on our bus along the elegant street of Omotesando. We will edge the most beautiful part of the Imperial Palace and the gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We will pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric town” with icons from the popular Japanese Manga and Anime culture and then see Kokugikan, the Sumo stadium, home of this Japanese sport. We will also visit the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo, with its 55-metre high pagoda. Then we will have some free time to visit the traditional commercial street of Nakamise in the district of Asakusa. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Return to hotel.Free time in the afternoon.Late in the afternoon, we will pay a visit to this fascinating country by taking a trip on the metro (tickets included) to the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. Dinner included and return to hotel by metro with our guide.
Day 6 : Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai
Location: Nikko
Accommodation Name: hotel
We leave for NIKKO and arrive at this fantastic city at 10.30am. There we visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine with the room of the crying dragon. We will also visit the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in an impressive, peaceful site, followed by a walk near the river, in Kannanga Fuchi, under the watchful eye of hundreds of Jizo statues! Free time in the city centre before leaving for SENDAI, a modern, bustling city with over 1 million inhabitants. Passengers can explore the city and have dinner in its busy, thriving centre.
Day 7 : Sendai, Matsushima, Hiraizumi, Morioka
Location: Matsushima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
We depart for the marvellous city of MATSHUSHIMA, on the “Thousand Islands” Bay in the Pacific Ocean and considered one of the most attractive cities in Japan. After arriving, we will visit a magnificent “tea house” overlooking the sea and enjoy a cup of traditional tea while our guide tells us about the city. Then we will go on a 50-minute cruise (included). Lunch included. We continue to HIRAIZUMI to visit its temples and the UNESCO World Heritage. In a first step we visit the magnificent Buddhist temples of Chusonji. We take time to relax in the gardens of Motsuiji temple, where passengers can take part in a Zen ceremony (admission included). Finally, we will know Site of Takkoku no Iwaya, carved in the rock in 801. We then carry on to MORIOKA, the pleasant capital of Iwate province, where we settle in at our hotel and have some free time to explore.
Day 8 : Morioka, Hirosaki, Aomori, Hakodate
Location: Hakodate
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
In a region of beautiful scenery, we travel to HIROSAKI, where we will visit its castle in a beautiful park where more than 2,500 cherry trees blossom in the spring. After this we go on to AOMORI, the provincial capital of the Bay of Mutsu. We will see the Nebuta Museum where we will learn about the Japanese traditional parties that remind us of carnival, with their painted and lit up floats. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Then we board the ferry to HOKKAIDO Island. The crossing takes just over three and a half hours. HAKODATE –Arrival-. Time in the beautiful city pedestrian centre in which to admire the influence of other cultures in the city (Russian Orthodox and Christian churches).
Day 9 : Hakodate, Onuma, Noboribetsu, Sapporo
Location: Sapporo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
In the morning we visit the impressive and busy fish market. Then we climb the GORYOKAKU Tower with its impressive views, from where we can make out the star-shaped fortress of Hakodate. Then we will take a stroll through the castle area before continuing to ONUMA. Free time in this wonderful tourist site, with its countless small islands in which to explore the islands, go on a boat trip and have lunch included. In the afternoon our journey takes us towards the ocean and NOBORIBETSU, an impressive volcano site, where we can walk amidst geysers in Jigoku Dani (Hell’s Valley), admire the hot spring lake of Oyunuma and follow the path next to the hot spring to the site of the footbath.- Then we carry on to SAPPORO.- At the end of the day, we arrive at this beautiful city, the capital of North Japan.-
Day 10 : Sapporo
Location: Sapporo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
City tour (included) stopping at the clock tower and Odori Koen avenue-park, dominated by the telecommunications tower. We will see the beautiful Shinto shrine of Hokkaido Jingu. The visit includes a ceremonial Kito (prayer session) in which we give thanks for the journey. We will leave Sapporo, we know the HILL OF BUDDHA, new center of avant-garde architecture opened in 2015, the hill covered with lavenders keeps the giant statue of Buddha, in the complex we will also see the replica of the statues Moai (Easter Island). We then continue to OTARU, a small city with a European air and streets filled with shops, an old canal and tiny museums. Lunch included. We return to Sapporo at about 4.30 hrs. Free time in the afternoon.
Day 11 : Sapporo
Location: Sapporo
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our services will come to an end, hoping to leave you with wonderful lasting memories.
What's Included
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Transfer to hotel in Osaka
Upon arrival in Osaka, a transfer to the hotel is provided.
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Dinner at Buddhist monastery
Dinner is included during the stay at the Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya.
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Japanese breakfast at the temple
A traditional Japanese breakfast is provided at the temple in Mount Koya.
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Bullet train to Tokyo
Transfer to the station and bullet train tickets to Tokyo are included.
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Metro tickets in Tokyo
Metro tickets for a trip to the Shinjuku district in Tokyo are included.
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Lunch in Tokyo
Lunch is included in a local restaurant in Tokyo.
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Visit to Nikko Toshogu Shrine
The visit to the Nikko Toshogu Shrine is included.
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Cruise in Matsushima
A 50-minute cruise in Matsushima is included.
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Lunch in Matsushima
Lunch is included in Matsushima.
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Ferry to Hokkaido Island
Ferry crossing to Hokkaido Island is included.
What's Not Included
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Private bathrooms in monastery
Rooms in the Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya do not have private bathrooms; bathrooms are shared.
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Guaranteed meditation sessions
Meditation sessions at the monastery on Mount Koya cannot be guaranteed during busy tourist periods.
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Accommodation in temples on Mount Koya
Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, groups may be arranged to stay in nearby hotels.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Japan with ease, including a thrilling ride on the bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo, and a scenic ferry crossing to Hokkaido Island. Explore cities and sites with convenient transfers and guided tours, ensuring a seamless journey.
Accommodation
Experience a unique stay in a Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya, where rooms are simple with shared bathrooms, offering a traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Enjoy the enriching experience of Zen meditation and the serene atmosphere of the monastery.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on Mount Koya?
On Mount Koya, you will stay in a Buddhist monastery, which is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
-
Will there be any meditation sessions during the stay at Mount Koya?
The monks at the Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya will guide you through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). However, meditation sessions cannot be guaranteed during busy tourist periods.
-
What is included in the visit to Kyoto?
In Kyoto, the visit includes a trip to the Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as 'the golden pavilion,' along with its wonderful gardens. You will also have free time to explore the traditional quarter of Gion.
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How will we travel from Kyoto to Tokyo?
You will travel from Kyoto to Tokyo by bullet train, covering almost 500 km in just over two hours.
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What can I expect during the visit to Tokyo?
In Tokyo, you will take part in a 5-hour guided trip to see the city's modern districts and peaceful areas. Highlights include the Zojoji Temple, Shibuya crossing, Meiji Temple, the Imperial Palace gardens, Akihabara district, and Sensoji Temple. You will also have free time to explore the Nakamise street in Asakusa.
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What activities are planned in Matsushima?
In Matsushima, you will visit a traditional tea house overlooking the sea, enjoy a cup of tea, and go on a 50-minute cruise in the 'Thousand Islands' Bay.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Hakodate?
In Hakodate, you will visit the busy fish market, climb the Goryokaku Tower for impressive views, and explore the pedestrian center to admire the influence of other cultures, including Russian Orthodox and Christian churches.
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What unique experience is offered in Noboribetsu?
In Noboribetsu, you will walk amidst geysers in Jigoku Dani (Hell's Valley), admire the hot spring lake of Oyunuma, and follow the path next to the hot spring to the site of the footbath.
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What is included in the city tour of Sapporo?
The city tour of Sapporo includes stops at the clock tower, Odori Koen avenue-park, the Shinto shrine of Hokkaido Jingu, and a ceremonial Kito (prayer session). You will also visit the Hill of Buddha and the city of Otaru.
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Low Deposit
Europamundo requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of europamundo charges.
Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 10 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.