Japanese Zen & Wellness
- Duration : 15 days
- Locations : Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka
This 2 week individual tour of Japan takes you from Tokyo to Osaka via Mount Fuji, the Japanese Alps and Kyoto.
Finish off with an unforgettable night in a Buddhist temple on top of Mount Koyasan. And on the side of wellbeing, a visit to the spa town of Kaga, in the Japanese Alps, will leave you with unforgettable memories.
A trip full of nature and discovery!
2 week itinerary
From Tokyo to Osaka via the Japanese Alps, Kyoto and Koyasan :
- Departure city/airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
- Tokyo (4 nights)
- Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji (1 nights)
- Matsumoto (1 night)
- Kanazawa (2 nights)
- Kyoto (3 nights including 1 day in Nara)
- Koyasan - night in a Buddhist temple (1 night)
- Osaka (1 night)
- End Return airport : Osaka (Kansai international airport : KIX)
Please find below the itinerary details.
Tour length : 14 nights / 15 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)
Indeed, the tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe on the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference.
Example :
- Departure from Europe : January 1st
- Arrival Tokyo (date to be selected in the tour calendar while booking) : January 2nd
- Return flight from Osaka : January 16th
Interested in this tour but would like to stop your trip in Kyoto?
The "Path of the Samurai" tour will suit you
Why this trip to Japan ?
- Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Tokyo by shuttle bus
- Head for Kawaguchiko, in the Five Lakes region below Mount Fuji
- Enjoy Matsumoto's feudal castle in the middle of the Japanese mountains
- Continue to Kanazawa, between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps
- An unforgettable dinner and night in a ryokan in the heart of a spa town
- In Kyoto : a guided tour of the traditional geisha quarter awaits you
- Finish off with a night in a Buddhist temple before heading to Osaka
- Take advantage of your transport passes : Japan Rail Pass, Mount Fuji Pass, Kansai Pass...
- Recommendations available in your travel diary
- Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
- If necessary, contact our English-speaking assistance 24/7
- A number of guided days or other optional activities are available
- Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, European leading travel agency in Japan.
Your trip in detail
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Wake up in Tokyo 東京
Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!Welcomed out of customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and Pocket WiFi.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival and stops can be made before your hotel.
If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.
Check-in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or same category hotel 3* (rooms available from 3:00pm).
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Day 2 : First steps in the capital
What is there to do in Tokyo on the first day?
We advise you to slowly start visiting Tokyo from its western districts:
- Harajuku: the avant-garde district
- Meiji Jingû, the imperial shrine
- Takeshita-Dori: the most famous street in Japan
- Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
- Shibuya and its unmistakable "crossroads"One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).
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Day 3 : The big loop
For this second day of visiting Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".
Start from Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then go to visit:
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district
- Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market
- Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by a cruise on the Sumida River
- Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the city
- Tokyo Sky Tree reaching a height of 643m, and its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunsetEnjoy a cruise on the Sumida River between Hamarikyu and Asakusa.
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Day 4 : Follow the guide
There are still many places to discover according to your taste ! Ueno, Yanaka, Odaiba...
Don't hesitate to follow the many suggestions in your travel diary.
Or better still, book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to visit Tokyo off the beaten path!
Make the most of our many optional activities:
- Are you looking more for fun? Ghibli Museum, Disneyland or Hello Kitty Park are waiting for you!
- Do you prefer a themed activity? Book a visit on an architecture tour, gardens, home cooking or Noh's theatre.
- Chasing thrills? Let yourself be tempted by a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)! -
Day 5 : A breathtaking view of Fuji
In the morning, we advise that you have your luggage sent to the hotel in Matsumoto (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) and that you travel light for your night in Kawaguchiko.
Go to Tokyo station and board a train to Kawaguchiko (3 hour journey, 1 change, details in your travel guide, all inclusive). The train will gradually leave the Japanese megalopolis behind and head deeper into the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Kawaguchiko in the late morning.Go to your hotel near the station and Lake Kawaguchi to drop off your small bag and explore the Five Lakes region:
- Pass through the Chureito pagoda, one of the best photo viewpoints on Mount Fuji.
- See Mount Fuji from the lakes and the many viewpoints in the area.
- Take the Kachi Kachi Ropeway to see the beautiful panoramic view of the lake on one side and Mount Fuji on the other.All transport is included in your Mount Fuji pass.
The pass also includes many discounts at local attractions, such as the famous Fuji-Q Highland theme park.
You can also rent a bicycle for half a day to visit Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji.
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Day 6 : Nature and mountain lakes
Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy Kawaguchiko and its region before leaving in the middle of the afternoon for your next destination in the heart of the Japanese Alps: Matsumoto (3 hours 30 by train, 2 changes, all inclusive).
Arrive and check into a city centre hotel, between the station and the castle.
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Day 7 : The Samurai Castle
Breakfast at the hotel.
Matsumoto has preserved many traces of its prosperity from the feudal period. But the most striking feature of a visit to the town is its imposing castle, known to the Japanese as "the crow" because of its black colour. It is the oldest of its kind in Japan and its keep offers a stunning view in all seasons.
Matsumoto was also an industrial and commercial city, and has preserved its typical Meiji era workshops in the Nakamichi district.Optional: half-day tour of Matsumoto, accompanied by our English-speaking guide.
In the middle of the afternoon, take the train, and then Shinkansen to Kanazawa (1 change, 2 hours 30, included with your Japan Rail Pass).
Settle in Kanazawa in your 3* hotel. -
Day 8 : The pearl of Japan
Breakfast at the hotel.
Explore Kanazawa, between the North Sea and the Japanese Alps:
- Kenroku-en, the beautiful Japanese garden of Kanazawa
- The contemporary art museum and its outdoor gallery
- Omicho, the sea of Japan fish market
- The Nomura house, residence of the samurai and its picturesque old quarterYou can also reach the small village of Shirakawago, nestled in the Japanese mountains (bus 1 hour 15 one way, not included).
Overnight stay at your hotel in Kanazawa.
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Day 9 : Japanese wellness
Breakfast at the hotel.
Take a leisurely trip to Kaga Onsen (25 minutes by train, included), a spa town in the middle of the Japanese countryside. Kaga Onsen awaits you with its high quality natural waters, discovered 1300 years ago, traditional Japanese craftsmanship and authentic nature walks. It is the ideal place to relax, just dive into one of the baths. In addition, you can enjoy local specialities during dinner at your Mori no Sumika Resort & Spa ryokan or same category ryokan 3*.
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Day 10 : The former capital
Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.
In 2 hours, reach Kyoto and check into the Tsugu 京都三条 Hotel or same category hoptel 3*. Direct train journey (or with 1 change) included with your JR Pass.
You have 3 days to visit Kyoto.
Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district near your accommodation :
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the great water temple
- The historical streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka
- Kodai-ji, the maple and bamboo temple of KyotoFinish off seeing the sunset in Gion. Meet your guide at 19:00 to start your late stroll around Gion, Kyoto's historic district.
More details on the exact time and location in your travel diary. At the end of this 1 hour 30 walk, your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to eat out! Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take photographs in the historic district of Gion.
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Day 11 : Gold and Silver Treasures
We recommend the following itinerary for this second day's visit to Kyoto:
- Ryoan-ji Zen Garden
- The Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The bewitching path of philosophy
- The Nanzen-ji templeOne of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these symbolic sites (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).
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Day 12 : Between temples and deer
We recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, which is included in your package.
Visit to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century.
Discover:
- The Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha and its thousands of lanterns
- The Todaiji, its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate
- Kofukuji temple and its beautiful pagodaReturn to Kyoto and stop for sunset at Fushimi Inari, the huge 10,000 torii sanctuary in Kyoto. If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will unveil all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional, return trip from Kyoto).
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Day 13 : Attack on the Sacred Mount
Depart on train and cable car to the sacred mountain of Koya-san (3h, 2 changes and cable car. All included with your Kansai thru pass. Details in your travel diary):
- Visit the sumptuous Kongobuji temple
- Visit Danjo-Garan, one of the main religious sites of the villageEnjoy a unique experience with a traditional vegan dinner and overnight in a temple with the monks.
Due to the altitude, the temperature in Koyasan is often lower than other cities visited previously. -
Day 14 : A gastronomic end
Traditional vegan breakfast served in the temple.
Depending on availability of the monks, possibility to attend a Buddhist ceremony (availability not guaranteed currently).In the morning, discover the fabulous mystical necropolis of Okunoin.
Then travel to Osaka by cable car and train (1 change, included in your Kansai Thru Pass, 1 hour 45). Enjoy the lively Namba district and Dôtonbori Street. The many restaurants there have earned Osaka the title "gastronomic capital of Japan".
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Day 15 : Sayonara, and see you next time!
Direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).
Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.
Do not hesitate to extend your trip by one or more days to Kansai or elsewhere... We will be able to advise you!















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Accommodation
- 4 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport
- 1 night in a 3* hotel in Kawaguchiko
- 1 night in a 3* hotel in Matsumoto, between the train station and the castle
- 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Kanazawa
- 1 night in a 3* ryokan in Kaga Onsen
- 3 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Kyoto, close to public transport
- 1 night in a 2/3* temple hotel in KoyaSan
- 1 night in a 3* hotel in Osaka
The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.
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Transport
- Airport transfers to Tokyo
- Return airport transfer to Osaka
- Prepaid public transport card
- Mount Fuji Pass for 2 days
- Kansai Thru Pass for 3 days
- Japan Rail Pass for 7 days
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Experiences and meals
- Airport welcome
- Discounts at many Kawaguchiko tourist sites and Koyasan
- Traditional dinner and breakfast in the ryokan at Kaga Onsen and in Koyasan temple
- All breakfasts except in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
- Guided night tour of Gion (1h30)
Included in your self-guided tour
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Additional services
- Unlimited Wi-Fi access with pocket Wi-Fi
- Complete e-travel diary sent before your departure
- 24/7 telephone assistance in English
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Not included in the price of your trip
- Flights Europe <> Japan
- Optional insurance policies
- Personal expenses including meals (breakfast optional)
- Public transport when your transport cards have run out (see details)
- Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section
When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:
Japan Experience Flex :
Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.
Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions. COVID protection included.
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