12-Day Colors of Japan and Hiroshima Tour from Tokyo: Matsuyama & Kobe | Shibuya Crossing, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, Itsukushima Shrine & Dogo Onsen

What you'll experience

Highlights

12 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Tokyo

   Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you'll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you'll receive details about the start of your tour.
   
   IMPORTANT:
   - Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at around 03:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
   - The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
   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: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku), Tokyo dome hotel(1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunky333;)
2. 2

   Day 2 — 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.
   
   6:30 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.

   

   Tokyo Tower

   

   Meiji Jingu Shrine

   

   Nijubashi Bridge

   

   Tokyo Skytree

   

   Senso-ji Temple

   

   Nakamise-dori Street

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku), Tokyo dome hotel(1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunky333;)
3. 3

   Day 3 — Tokyo - Hiroshima - Itsukushima - Hiroshima

   Total distance covered: 860 km (800 km by high-speed train).
   
   07:30 a.m. – Departure from the hotel. We'll transfer to Tokyo Station and board a high-speed bullet train. The journey will take just over four hours.
   Notes:
   -You'll be accompanied to the station, but a guide will not join you on the train if the group size for this part of the trip is fewer than 15 people. Our guide will meet you upon arrival at Hiroshima Station to continue the tour.
   -The order of visits in Hiroshima may vary, but you'll experience everything as planned.
   12:30 p.m. –Hiroshima. This city is somberly remembered for the atomic bombing it endured in 1945. We'll walk through the Peace Memorial Park, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visit the powerful Peace Memorial Museum. Afterward, you'll have free time for lunch.
   Following lunch, we'll head to the outskirts of Hiroshima to board a ferry for a short 15-minute journey to Miyajima, the "the island where gods and men live together." We'll visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and partially built over the water. You'll have time to explore the shrine and stroll through the island's charming center.
   06:00 p.m. – Departure from Miyajima. We'll board the ferry and continue to our hotel. Dinner will be included.

   

   Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima

   

   miyajima island

   

   Itsukushima Shrine

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Ana crowne plaza hiroshima(Naka-Ku Naka-Machi 7-20, Hiroshima), Hilton hiroshima(11-12 Fujimicho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0043, Japón)
4. 4

   Day 4 — Hiroshima - Matsuyama

   Total distance covered: This stage will be completed by ferry, covering approximately 50 km.
   Scenery: Fascinating views onboard as we pass by a multitude of islands.
   Note: We recommend enjoying the journey from the deck; bring warm clothing.
   
   Today, we'll board a ferry to Shikoku Island, a pleasant journey of just over two and a half hours that offers insight into Japan, a nation composed of many islands. If there are no schedule changes, our ferry will depart at 09:20 a.m. (departure from the hotel at 08:00 a.m.).
   12:00 p.m. – Matsuyama – arrival. We'll take a cable car or chairlift to visit its impressive castle. Afterward, we'll visit Ishiteji, a stunning Buddhist temple and important pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included.
   Later in the afternoon, we'll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.
   
   Note: We highly recommend experiencing Japan's Onsen culture. There are specific customs that will be explained to you, such as gender-separated baths and the requirement to thoroughly clean yourself before entering the hot water naked. Please be aware that some Onsen facilities may deny entry to individuals with tattoos.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Candeo hotel matsuyama(2 Chome-5-12 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0004, Japón), Daiwa roynet matsuyama(2-6-5 Ichiban-cho, Matsuyama-shi, CP Ehime 790-0001 MATSUYAMA)
5. 5

   Day 5 — Matsuyama - Kotohira - Takamatsu - Naruto - Kobe

   Total distance covered: 345 km
   Scenery: Pleasant mountainous landscapes in some areas. Passage over large suspension bridges across the sea.
   Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.
   
   07:30 a.m. – Departure from Matsuyama.
   10:00 a.m. – Kotohira. We'll visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, a pilgrimage site located on Mount Zozu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. For those who prefer not to climb, the base of the mountain offers a lively tourist area and a small sake museum (Japan's traditional distilled beverage).
   12:00 p.m. – Departure from Kotohira.
   01:00 p.m. – Takamatsu. We'll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
   03:00 p.m. – Departure from Takamatsu.
   04:15 p.m. – Naruto. We'll stop at an impressive bridge that crosses the sea. Here, we'll explore its fascinating construction and walk on its glass floor to admire the stunning sea whirlpools (visible depending on the schedule and tides) from 45 meters above.
   05:15 p.m. – Departure from Naruto. Enjoy beautiful scenery as we cross large suspension bridges.
   07:00 p.m. – Kobe. A modern city by the sea, where you'll have the chance to stroll through its lively downtown area.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Kobe meriken park oriental hotel(650-0042 Hy333;go Prefecture, Kobe), Candeo kobe torroad(3-8-8 Sannomiyacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japón)
6. 6

   Day 6 — Kobe - Osaka - Mount Koya

   Total distance covered: 140 km.
   
   After breakfast, we'll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a site dedicated to remembering the tragic earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and showcasing its remarkable reconstruction.
   10:30 a.m. - Departure from Kobe and continuation toward Osaka.
   11:15 a.m. – Osaka, Japan's second-largest city. We'll make a brief technical stop in Osaka only if required for the start or end of a tour for any passenger.
   11:30 p.m. - Departure from the city toward the sacred mountain of Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. We'll stop for lunch along the way. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We'll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature, with over 200,000 graves. We'll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, built in 1593.
   We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery. The monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.
   
   Notes:
   -On certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower.
   -Staying at the monastery is considered a highly valuable experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
   -We cannot guarantee the meditation practice during peak tourist dates. Since accommodation capacity in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, in some cases, we may accommodate groups in nearby hotels (with half board included).

   

   Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Monasterio hojoin(156 Koyasan, Ito-gun, Koya-cho,Wakayama Prefecture), Monasterio fukuchi in(657 Koyasan, Ito-gun, Koya-cho, Wakayama Prefecture)
7. 7

   Day 7 — Mount Koya - Kyoto

   Total distance covered: 130 km.
   We'll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple.
   
   07:15 a.m. - Departure for Kyoto.
   10:30 a.m. - Kyoto. We'll spend the entire day exploring this historic city, which served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868 and was the seat of the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its incredible artistic and cultural heritage. The famous Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed here in 1997.
   
   Our tour will cover some of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, including the Kinkakuji Temple—commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens and the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari. Transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto's historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.
   Note: If you have already visited Kyoto as part of your circuit, our guide will offer personalized advice and information for exploring other parts of the city on your own.
   
    

   

   Kinkaku-Ji

   

   Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: New miyako hotel(17, Nishikujo-Inmachi Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8412, Japan), Miyako kioto hachijyo(MINAMI WARD, NISHIKUHO INMACHI, 1)
8. 8

   Day 8 — 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.
   Notes: 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.
   01:15 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.
   05:30 p.m. – Departure from Katsuyama.
   07:00 p.m. – Arrival in Kanazawa in the late afternoon.

   

   Eiheiji Temple

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mystays premier kanazawa (2 Chome-13-5 Hirooka, Ishikawa )
9. 9

   Day 9 — 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.

   

   Nagamachi neighborhood

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mystays premier kanazawa (2 Chome-13-5 Hirooka, Ishikawa )
10. 10

    Day 10 — 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.
    01:30 p.m. – Departure from Shirakawa-go.
    02:15 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.
    03:30 p.m. – Departure from Hida Folk Village.
    03:45 p.m. – Arrival in Takayama for accommodation.

    

    Gokayama

    

    Shirakawago Village

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure hida takayama(4 Chome-311-1 Hanasatomachi, Gifu)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Takayama - Hida Furukawa – Matsumoto – Tokyo

    Total distance covered: 334 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).
    03:30 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.
    05:00 p.m. – Departure from Matsumoto.
    08:30/ 09:00 p.m. – Tokyo.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku), Tokyo dome hotel(1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunky333;)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Tokyo

    After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

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