asia·Multi-day tour·11 days
11-Day Timeless and Traditional Japan with Japanese Alps Tour from Osaka: Kyoto, Mount Koya and Tokyo | Kenrokuen, Hida Folk Village and Shirakawa-go
★ 4.9· 5 reviewsShared Room AvailableDaily breakfastSelect Meals Included
What you'll experience
Highlights
• Stay overnight at a Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya, with vegetarian dinner and the chance to experience Zen meditation
• Explore UNESCO-listed alpine villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, famous for their traditional "praying hands" houses
• Discover Japan's spiritual heartlands, from Zenko-ji Temple and Eihei-ji Monastery to Nikko's Toshogu Shrine
• Experience authentic Japan in hot spring towns like Kusatsu and Ikaho, staying in a traditional ryokan with onsen and dinner
• Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of Tokyo, including Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, and an evening in Shinjuku
• Explore UNESCO-listed alpine villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, famous for their traditional "praying hands" houses
• Discover Japan's spiritual heartlands, from Zenko-ji Temple and Eihei-ji Monastery to Nikko's Toshogu Shrine
• Experience authentic Japan in hot spring towns like Kusatsu and Ikaho, staying in a traditional ryokan with onsen and dinner
• Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of Tokyo, including Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, and an evening in Shinjuku
11 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Osaka
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.
Note: All mentioned hotels below are for your reference only, you might also check-in other same-level hotels.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Candeo osaka namba(2-2-5, Higashishinsaibashi, Chiuo-ku, Osaka) - 2
Day 2 — Osaka - Mount Koya
Total distance covered: 106 km.
11:30 a.m. - We'll depart from the city and head toward the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This magical mountain, a revered pilgrimage site, is home to 120 temples and monasteries. Here, we'll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual site and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with over 200,000 tombs. Our visit will also include 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). A vegetarian dinner will be included. If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.
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 instead (half board provided).Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Monasterio hojoin(156 Koyasan, Ito-gun, Koya-cho,Wakayama Prefecture) - 3
Day 3 — Mount Koya - Kyoto
We'll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. At first light, we'll depart for Kyoto, where you'll have a full day of free time to explore. Our guide will provide recommendations to help you make the most of your day and visit the most captivating sights in this stunning city.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: New miyako hotel(17, Nishikujo-Inmachi Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8412, Japan) - 4
Day 4 — Kyoto - Eihei -ji - Katsuyama - Kanazawa
Total distance covered: 302 km.
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, starting with a large lake and ending at a sanctuary nestled in a cedar forest.
Note: We'll visit an active Zen Buddhist monastery, so we recommend wearing modest clothing. Comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes are also suggested for the visit to the monastery.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Kyoto. Following one of Japan's largest lakes, we'll make a brief stop at a small lakeside shrine called Shirahige Ginra.
11:00 a.m. – Arrival at Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Eihei-ji.
13:15 p.m. – Katsuyama. We'll visit three main attractions: the Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan's largest dinosaur fossil site, where you'll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits, featuring over 40 skeletons of various dinosaurs. Afterwards, we'll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy the view.
17:30 p.m. – Departure from Katsuyama.
19:00 p.m. – Arrival in Kanazawa in the late afternoon.
Eiheiji Temple
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa - 5
Day 5 — Kanazawa
Total distance covered: 10 km.
08:30 a.m. – Full day in Kanazawa. In the morning, we'll include a city tour. Throughout history, Kanazawa rivaled both Kyoto and Tokyo, and during World War II, it was spared from destruction during the air raids. We'll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and stroll through the historic Nagamachi district, where samurais and their families once resided. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We'll include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. We'll finish the tour in Omicho, a traditional market brimming with life and many places to have lunch. Free afternoon.
Kenrokuen Garden
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa - 6
Day 6 — Kanazawa - Ainokura - Shirakawa -go - Takayama
Total distance covered: 138 km.
Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes, vast forests, and picturesque villages along the route.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kanazawa. We'll journey through stunning mountain scenery, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their traditional houses with steeply sloped roofs are known as "praying hands" for their resemblance to monks´ hands joined in prayer - designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls.
09:15 a.m. – Arrival in Ainokura, a charming small village.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Ainokura.
11:00 a.m. – Arrival in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, the largest village in the area, showcasing rural Japan with houses that are masterpieces of carpentry. You'll have time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.
13:30 p.m. – Departure from Shirakawa-go.
14:15 p.m. – Arrival in Hida Folk Village Museum, a peaceful open-air museum displaying over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868). These buildings were relocated from their original sites to create this museum in 1971, offering a glimpse into everyday life from the past through the tools and utensils exhibited. We'll then have time to explore the old town, known for its wooden houses and traditional shops.
15:30 p.m. – Departure from Hida Folk Village.
15:45 p.m. – Arrival in Takayama for accommodation.
Gokayama
Shirakawago Village
Ainokura Village
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Hida Takayama - 7
Day 7 — Takayama - Hida Furukawa - Matsumoto - Nagano
Total distance covered: 155 km.
Scenery: We'll cross the Japanese Alps, with stunning snowy mountain landscapes for much of the year.
10:00 a.m. – Departure from Takayama.
10:30 a.m. – Hida Furukawa. We'll stroll through the charming old town. This city's festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We'll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival's floats, costumes, and drums.
12:00 p.m. – Departure from Hida Furukawa. We'll continue our journey, crossing the Japanese Alps. Stop for lunch en route (lunch not included).
15:30 p.m. – Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we'll visit the city's impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. Afterward, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town.
17:15 p.m. – Departure from Matsumoto.
18:30 p.m. – Nagano.
Matsumoto Castle
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Metropolitan nagano(1346 Minami-Ishido-Cho, Nagano Prefecture, Nagano 380-0824, Japan) - 8
Day 8 — Nagano - Monkey Park - Kusatsu - Ikaho
Total distance covered: 160 km
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of the Japanese Alps.
Note: Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the Monkey Park.
Early in the morning, in Nagano, we'll visit Zenko-ji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site that houses Japan's first Buddhist image. Our travelers will also take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual to attract good fortune.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Nagano. We continue our journey through the high mountains of the Japanese Alps.
11:30 a.m. – Jigokudani Monkey Park – Arrival. We'll take a walk through the forested trails, rivers, and hot springs where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe in the warm waters.
12:45 p.m. – Departure from the park. We travel through breathtaking high-mountain scenery (reaching 2,172 meters / 7,126 feet) and pass by semi-active volcanoes.
14:15 p.m. – Kusatsu – Arrival. This attractive hot-spring town is known for its lively central square. We'll enjoy a walk through the city park, which features open-air onsen (hot springs). Free time for lunch.
17:00 p.m. – Departure from Kusatsu.
18:30 p.m. – Ikaho Onsen – Arrival. A picturesque hot-spring town where we'll stroll through its old center, famous for its traditional stone stairways. We'll stay overnight in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we suggest relaxing and enjoying the hot-spring baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included.
Note: In autumn, depending on the availability of food in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys can be unpredictable. If the macaques do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may also be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.
Note: On certain dates, due to local festivals, accommodation may be provided in nearby cities such as Takasaki or Maebashi, in a Western-style hotel with dinner included but without onsen facilities.
Zenko-ji
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hotel moriaki ryokan(60 Ikahomachi Ikaho, Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture) - 9
Day 9 — Ikaho - Nikko - Tokyo
Total distance covered: 310 km.
07:45 a.m. - Departure from Ikaho Onsen.
10:00 a.m. - Nikko. This enchanting town is home to remarkable cultural and historical treasures. We'll visit the magnificent Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famous for its elaborate architecture, and the Hall of the Crying Dragon, known for its acoustic marvels. Next, we'll explore the peaceful Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, nestled in a serene setting. Later, you can enjoy a tranquil walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a riverside path guarded by hundreds of Jizo statues. You'll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the city center.
15:30 p.m. - Departure to Tokyo.
18:30 p.m. - Tokyo.
Toshogu Shrine
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku) - 10
Day 10 — Tokyo
In the morning, we'll take a long guided tour - about five hours - through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.
We'll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You'll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.
Next, we'll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world. Then we'll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
We'll continue our tour by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, explore the most scenic part of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, and stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge.
We'll drive through Akihabara, the "Electric City," known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture. Then we'll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included), Japan's tallest structure, where we'll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.
We'll end our visit in Asakusa, where we'll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we'll return to the hotel.
18:30 p.m. – We'll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we'll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We'll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.
Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.
Akihabara
Tokyo Skytree
Asakusa
Nakamise-dori Street
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku) - 11
Day 11 — Tokyo
Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories. Please check your flight time in case you require an additional night. While the departure transfer to the airport is not included, our guide will provide recommendations for the best public transportation options to suit your journey.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- General Services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.
- Includes arrival transfer
- City tour in: Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo
- Evening transfer: Traditional quarter of Gion, Shinjuku
- Ticket admission: Okuno Mausoleum,Kongobuji Temple and Ajikan or Zazen meditation in Mount Koya, Shrine of Fushimi Inari, Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji Temple , Shirahige Ginra Shrine and Temple-monastery of Eihei-Ji , Dinosaur Museum, Great Buddha and Echizen Pagoda, Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine , Kenrokuen Garden , Small village , Village of Shirakawa-go Oguimachi , Hida Folk Village Museum , Museum , Castle , Zenko-ji Temple, Gomakuyo ceremony,Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano , Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum in Nikko , Metro, Zojoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Sensoji Temple
- 3 dinner included in: Mount Koya, Ikaho, Tokyo
Not included
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and departure city
- Airport drop-off at the end of the tour
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals the tour guide arranges
- Entrance fees & optional tours (Prices vary from season to season; only the price at the ticket booth / box office is final)
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 2 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 3–4 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 3 days to 4 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 5–12 days before | 70% | Cancellation Made Within 5 days to 12 days prior to departure, Refund 70% of total purchase amount |
| 13–22 days before | 80% | Cancellation Made Within 13 days to 22 days prior to departure, Refund 80% of total purchase amount |
| 23–32 days before | 90% | Cancellation Made Within 23 days to 32 days prior to departure, Refund 90% of total purchase amount |
| 33+ days before | 95% | Cancellation Made 33 or more days prior to departure, Refund 95% of total purchase amount |
Read the full cancellation terms
• Cancellations made within 30 days (inclusive) before departure will incur an additional handling fee of $30 per order.
• Once the traveler's information (such as name, passport number, date of birth, etc.) is submitted with the booking, any modifications will be treated as a cancellation and will be subject to the [cancellation policy]
• If the itinerary involves special tickets/high-speed train tickets/boat tickets/cruise tickets/train tickets and other unique resources, please contact customer service after placing the order to provide a clear photo of the passport's information page, as these special resources are non-refundable once booked!
• If the tour includes airport pickup service, please notify us of any changes to your flight at least 72 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations to the pickup service within 72 hours of departure cannot be accommodated
• Once the traveler's information (such as name, passport number, date of birth, etc.) is submitted with the booking, any modifications will be treated as a cancellation and will be subject to the [cancellation policy]
• If the itinerary involves special tickets/high-speed train tickets/boat tickets/cruise tickets/train tickets and other unique resources, please contact customer service after placing the order to provide a clear photo of the passport's information page, as these special resources are non-refundable once booked!
• If the tour includes airport pickup service, please notify us of any changes to your flight at least 72 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations to the pickup service within 72 hours of departure cannot be accommodated
Important info
Special notes
【'My Trip' App】
To make your trip smoother, we highly recommend downloading our local operator's app—'My Trip'. It allows you to check the latest updates to your itinerary anytime. My Trip is an exclusive page for customers that is designed to provide all the details about your trip. On it, you will be able to find information on itineraries, hotels, optional excursions and tour guides, etc. Everything you need for your trip, exclusively for you.
【Luggage allowance】
One suitcase of up to 30 kg per person is allowed, plus one piece of hand luggage such as a backpack or handbag without wheels, as it must fit in the overhead compartment on the coach. If the passenger exceeds this amount, they will have to pay for the extra transport cost.
【Estimated times and operational changes】
The indicated times are approximate, as they may be affected by external factors such as traffic, special events or local holidays. We kindly ask passengers to pay attention to notes in the service summary and check for any updates in the online system. We also request special attention during seasonal changes, as there may be modifications to itineraries or added/removed services. We remind you that, according to our general terms, Tours4fun reserves the right to modify, replace, or reschedule services if necessary.
【Room configuration】
1. Tours4fun acts as an intermediary between hotels and passengers and therefore cannot guarantee a specific type of room(For double rooms, we can't guarantee 1 Queen/King Bed or 2 Separate Beds ). We will always request the passenger's preference, but the confirmation depends exclusively on the hotel.
2. Often, triple rooms are double rooms with an extra bed or sofa bed added, and they are not always comfortable. In some cases, a double and a single room is offered. Triple rooms are not recommended for three adults, only for families with children.
【Multicultural environment and bilingual tours】
1. Our tours may be bilingual and shared with passengers of different nationalities. We believe this cultural diversity enriches the travel experience, but it is important that passengers are informed in advance.
2. Our guides are certified in English (C1 level), but are not necessarily native English speakers, as they may come from various countries. Nevertheless, the service is always provided with full professionalism.
【Other tips】
1. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing our local operator's name and contact information. If at any point you were to suffer a delay arriving at the meeting point (held during customs check, loss of luggage, etc.), missing a connecting flight or your flight number was changed, you must urgently contact the transfer agent or the emergency phone number that you can find on your travel voucher.
2. For tours that include airport pick-up service, please provide your arrival flight information or pickup details at least 7 days prior to the departure date. If you don't provide the information in advance, you will be responsible for failing to arrange the arrival pickup.
3. For tours that include meals, please inform us in advance if any guests have food allergies. Requests for vegetarian meals must be made in advance and are subject to availability, with no guarantee.
To make your trip smoother, we highly recommend downloading our local operator's app—'My Trip'. It allows you to check the latest updates to your itinerary anytime. My Trip is an exclusive page for customers that is designed to provide all the details about your trip. On it, you will be able to find information on itineraries, hotels, optional excursions and tour guides, etc. Everything you need for your trip, exclusively for you.
【Luggage allowance】
One suitcase of up to 30 kg per person is allowed, plus one piece of hand luggage such as a backpack or handbag without wheels, as it must fit in the overhead compartment on the coach. If the passenger exceeds this amount, they will have to pay for the extra transport cost.
【Estimated times and operational changes】
The indicated times are approximate, as they may be affected by external factors such as traffic, special events or local holidays. We kindly ask passengers to pay attention to notes in the service summary and check for any updates in the online system. We also request special attention during seasonal changes, as there may be modifications to itineraries or added/removed services. We remind you that, according to our general terms, Tours4fun reserves the right to modify, replace, or reschedule services if necessary.
【Room configuration】
1. Tours4fun acts as an intermediary between hotels and passengers and therefore cannot guarantee a specific type of room(For double rooms, we can't guarantee 1 Queen/King Bed or 2 Separate Beds ). We will always request the passenger's preference, but the confirmation depends exclusively on the hotel.
2. Often, triple rooms are double rooms with an extra bed or sofa bed added, and they are not always comfortable. In some cases, a double and a single room is offered. Triple rooms are not recommended for three adults, only for families with children.
【Multicultural environment and bilingual tours】
1. Our tours may be bilingual and shared with passengers of different nationalities. We believe this cultural diversity enriches the travel experience, but it is important that passengers are informed in advance.
2. Our guides are certified in English (C1 level), but are not necessarily native English speakers, as they may come from various countries. Nevertheless, the service is always provided with full professionalism.
【Other tips】
1. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing our local operator's name and contact information. If at any point you were to suffer a delay arriving at the meeting point (held during customs check, loss of luggage, etc.), missing a connecting flight or your flight number was changed, you must urgently contact the transfer agent or the emergency phone number that you can find on your travel voucher.
2. For tours that include airport pick-up service, please provide your arrival flight information or pickup details at least 7 days prior to the departure date. If you don't provide the information in advance, you will be responsible for failing to arrange the arrival pickup.
3. For tours that include meals, please inform us in advance if any guests have food allergies. Requests for vegetarian meals must be made in advance and are subject to availability, with no guarantee.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Prices for Single Occupancy apply when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Prices for Double/Triple Occupancy apply when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Triple price does not guarantee a third bed in the room since each room is equipped with 2 beds. Please check the availability at the time of check-in.
* Prices for child apply when a child of 3-15 stays as the 3rd person in one standard hotel room.
* Children below the age of 3 pay 20% of the double room rate. Please contact our service team to adjust the price manually.
* Prices for Double/Triple Occupancy apply when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Triple price does not guarantee a third bed in the room since each room is equipped with 2 beds. Please check the availability at the time of check-in.
* Prices for child apply when a child of 3-15 stays as the 3rd person in one standard hotel room.
* Children below the age of 3 pay 20% of the double room rate. Please contact our service team to adjust the price manually.
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