12-Day Central Japan with Snow Monkeys & Nakasendo Trail

38 Reviews

12 days 11 nights

Price On Request

You will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Today, we will visit Tsukiji Outer Market – a lively outdoor street market known for its fresh and delicious seafood, produce, and kitchenware. Next, enjoy a fun and simple Sushi-Making Experience, where you can enjoy creating your own sushi, and eating it afterwards! From there, we drive by the Imperial Palace, which offers splendid views of the meticulously maintained front lawn and garden areas, the moat, and the old stone walls. Then we will visit Meiji Shrine, nestled in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. From there, we will spend time in Shibuya, where you will get to see the famed Shibuya Crossing in action and cross the street with the crowd.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

NOTE: For Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, on gluten-free diets, have seafood allergy, or don't eat raw fish, please contact us for other ingredient options.

We start the day at Asakusa district for a visit to Sensoji Temple. It is Tokyo's oldest temple and features the Kaminarimon Gate hung with a massive paper lantern. Beside the temple is the colorful Nakamise street, filled with rows of shops that sell all manner of traditional souvenirs. Then, enjoy a different view of Asakusa on a traditional rickshaw ride as you cruise through the historical streets, sightseeing from your own private chariot. After, we will travel to Arakurayama Sengen Park and take in the panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. Located in the park is the iconic five-storied pagoda—Chureito Pagoda—that overlooks Mt. Fuji and is surrounded by colorful foliage. Tonight, relax in the warm hot spring baths at an onsen hotel.

Breakfast / Dinner

Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen (Japanese Style Room) or similar

Today, depending on weather conditions, we visit the 5th Station at the base of Mt. Fuji for a closer view of the iconic mountain. Then travel to Lake Kawaguchi, near the base of Mount Fuji, where you will visit the Itchiku Kubota Museum. Here you can view silk artwork dyed by master textile artist Itchiku Kubota using the Tsujigahana technique, considered one of Japan's lost classical arts. Among the exhibits on display are parts of the unfinished "Symphony of Light", that uses a long row of dyed silk kimono to create a unified scene of Mount Fuji. From there, stop in Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's remaining original castles, known as "Black Crow Castle" for it's inky black exterior.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Buena Vista or similar class

In the morning, we depart from Matsumoto to Yudanaka to see the adorable Japanese Macaque, also called Snow Monkeys, as they roam the gorgeous mountain area or bathe in an outdoor hot spring. Though they are called "Snow Monkeys", they can be observed in every season throughout the year. Next, we go to Obuse, to the Hokusai Museum, which celebrates the creative genius of the artist Hokusai through its collection of his woodblock prints and paintings. These are done in the classical "ukiyo-e" style which was popular during the Edo period. After, we return to Matsumoto for a restful evening.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Buena Vista or similar class

After breakfast, we depart for the Kiso Valley, stopping first in the town of Narai, which was once one of the wealthiest towns in the area, nicknamed "Narai of a Thousand Houses". While there, we visit the Kamidonyo Shiryokan, the former residence of the town's wholesaler, where you can admire the beautifully preserved architecture. Next, enjoy a delightful walk on the Old Nakasendo Road from Magome to Tsumago (see below for note on hiking trail options). These two post towns served as rest stops and relay stations for government officials and others traveling the Nakasendo, which stretched from Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo period. Both of the towns and the road between them are carefully kept to reflect that traditional time period, and offer idyllic natural landscapes to admire along the way. On arrival in Tsumago Post-Town, we visit the Honjin and Wakihonjin, two preserved inns. The Honjin was the town's most prestigious inn, and served only the noblest clientele, whereas the Wakihonjin was reserved for the lower social classes, and today contains a small museum containing exhibits connected to the history of the town.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort or similar class

NOTE: The full hike from Magome to Tsumago is 7 km and takes about 3 hours at a comfortable pace. We offer a few options for those who don't want to walk that distance. You can walk from Magome to Otaki-Metaki Waterfalls, a distance of 4.2 km, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Or you can walk part of the way from Magome to Magome-Toge, a distance of 1.7 km, taking only 45 minutes. If you don't feel like walking the Nakasendo that day, please feel free to ride the private coach bus to Tsumago.

We start our morning in Takayama. This city is located amongst the Japanese Alps and is known as "Little Kyoto" for its preserved historical structures and environment. Due to its remote position in the mountains, it was cut off from the rest of Japan for most of its history and, thus, has maintained a very unique and traditional atmosphere. We'll explore the old town of Takayama, a place that creates a sense of tradition and nostalgia. Along the way you'll notice the huge cedar balls hanging from the eaves of several shops - these indicate that the shops are sake shops. Next, visit Takayama Jinya, the only traditional local government office in existence and a fine example of a miniature palace containing offices, an interrogation room with torture devices, and a 440 year-old rice granary. We'll make our way to the lively city market before heading to the World Heritage site in the rural area of Shirakawa-go. In this very photogenic village, we will walk past thatched roof farm houses and cultivated fields and see unspoiled Edo period wooden buildings. Once there, we will also go the Shiroyama Viewpoint, which allows us to have a scenic view of Shirakawa-go from higher grounds.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or similar class

After breakfast, we will explore Kanazawa and visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of three most beautiful gardens of Japan. The name "Kenrokuen" literally means a garden combining the 6 attributes of a perfect landscape: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas. Here, you'll find the oldest fountain in Japan and Kotoji-toro, the two-legged stone lantern that is iconic of Kenrokuen and Kanazawa. Then, we head over to the Nagamachi, a former samurai district near Kanazawa Castle. Many of the restaurants, shops, and houses in the area are well preserved from the Edo era. The Nomura House is one such residence, exquisitely restored, which maintains a number of features common to the homes of feudal Japan's noble warrior class. Finally, you might choose the Gold Leaf Experience. Kanazawa is one of Japan's main producers of gold leaf, and this workshop provides expert insight into the production process.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or similar class

Today, we will take the Express Train to Osaka. We will explore the colorful, neon-lit entertainment district of Dotonbori. This area is popularly known for being the heart of Osaka’s food culture. Osaka is known as the city of “Kuidaore” or “to eat until you drop”, and you will find Dotonbori to be filled with numerous eateries underneath large, eye-catching billboards, including the famed Glico “Running Man”. Indulge in a food tour of Shinsekai and Dotonbori. Savor Osaka's famous street foods like takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) from local vendors. Next, we will travel to the ancient city of Nara, where we will visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and an icon of the city: Todaiji Temple, which is home to the Great Buddha of Nara – a massive, seated image of Rushana-butsu, known as the “Cosmic Buddha”. Outside the temple, spend some time with the friendly wild deer of Nara Deer Park. These adorable creatures are largely accustomed to interacting with people, and some have even learned to bow when asking for the special deer crackers, which can be bought around the park.

Breakfast

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

After breakfast, begin your morning in Japan's old imperial capital with a visit to the Golden Pavilion, and icon of the city and one of its most popular sites. Built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the upper tiers are covered in 18- carat gold leaf and the top is crowned with a delicate phoenix. Next, tour the Arashiyama district while dressed in Kimono, traditional Japanese attire. Standing between the towering bamboo stalks and listening to the wind rustling through them feels for a moment like you have stepped out of the city and into a landscape painting. From here, we visit Tenryuji — most famous for its Zen Garden, which has been carefully maintained for centuries using the technique of “borrowed scenery” to create a breathtaking landscape. We will stroll along the Kimono Forest, which showcases a mesmerizing display of illuminated kimono fabric rolls, creating a vibrant and artistic pathway leading to the enchanting bamboo groves. We will visit the Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans across the serene Oi River in Arashiyama, Kyoto, and offers scenic views against the surrounding mountains and is particularly stunning during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Here, the Hozu river boasts an adventurous boating experience where visitors can enjoy a thrilling ride on traditional boats known as Hozugawa Kudari, navigating through captivating gorges and enjoying the breathtaking scenery along this historic and picturesque river route.

Breakfast / Lunch

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

Today, we continue to Kyoto, where we begin our day of sightseeing Japan's ancient capital with Fushimi Inari Shrine – the chief shrine of the hundreds of shrines throughout the country dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of economic prosperity, rice, and foxes. What sets this shrine apart is the sight of hundreds of bright vermillion “torii” gates that form long pathways through the forest covering Mount Inari. Next, we visit Kiyomizu Temple, also known as the Temple of Pure Water, a celebrated landmark famed for its iconic three-story pagoda and large wooden stage, and trio of sacred springs which each confers a different blessing. On the approach leading to the temple are Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka; these streets are filled with preserved buildings that retain the character of the Edo period. Many of the buildings sell souvenirs and Kyoto- specific wares. We will end our day in the Gion Geisha District, a heritage district where stone-paved streets are lined with exclusive ochaya (teahouses). While admiring the old-fashioned buildings, the fortunate visitor may spot Geisha or Maiko (Geisha apprentices) walking between these establishments. Tonight, we will enjoy our final tour night with dinner with a Geisha.

Breakfast / Geisha Dinner

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 am and you are free for leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for departure.

Breakfast