A Spiritual and Reflective Tour of Japan | 12 days

Following an action-packed start in Tokyo, this 12 day itinerary takes you up into the Japanese Alps for a stay in Yudanaka, home of Japan’s famous snow monkeys. After a spiritual stay in Kyoto, where we arrange a zen meditation lesson, your next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage village of Koya-san, including an unforgettable stay in a shukubo (temple lodging) and a chance to watch the monks chant. The itinerary ends in Osaka, the food capital of Japan, and its most lively city.

Day 1: Fly Tokyo

Day 2: Arrive in Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo sightseeing, enjoying the old and new of the city

Day 4: Train to Nagano, then on to Yudanaka. Overnight in a hot springs ryokan

Day 5: Day trip to Jigokudani to see the snow monkeys and Obuse town

Day 6: Train to Kyoto. In the afternoon, have a lesson in one of Japan’s traditional arts at a skilled instructor’s house

Day 7: Visit Kyoto, witness a tea ceremony and take part in a session of zen meditation

Day 8: Take a walk on Kyoto’s prettiest, most culturally interesting road – the Philosopher’s Path

Day 9: Train to Mt. Koya, visit the area with its many temples and sleep in one of them, sharing ‘shojin ryori’ (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)

Day 10: Train to Osaka. Explore this fun town

Day 11: Transfer to airport for onward flight

Day 12: Return to London

Guide price: please ask for a quotation