Places You'll See
Highlights
- Innovation and Urban Exploration: The journey begins with an immersive experience in a major international event, where global ideas and cultures come together, offering a vibrant exploration of a city known for its modernity, energy, and dynamic streets. This serves as a perfect introduction to the blend of tradition and progress in Japan’s cities.
- Cultural Immersion and Outdoor Adventure: The next phase of the journey combines a deep dive into Japan's rich cultural heritage, with visits to beautifully preserved historic districts and serene natural landscapes. This is complemented by exciting outdoor activities, such as fruit picking and river rafting, offering a refreshing balance of history and adventure in the heart of Japan's countryside.
- Natural Grandeur and Modern Energy: The final highlight takes you to one of Japan's most iconic natural landmarks, symbolizing the country’s spiritual and natural beauty. This is paired with the exploration of a vibrant metropolis, where tradition meets cutting-edge modernity, offering a perfect conclusion to your journey.
Description
This 5-day itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey across Japan, from the vibrant city of Osaka to the iconic sights of Tokyo, with a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure.
Your adventure begins in Osaka, where you'll immerse yourself in the excitement of EXPO 2025, before exploring the city’s vibrant streets, bustling districts, and cultural gems. From Osaka, you’ll travel to the historic city of Kanazawa, where you'll discover beautifully preserved samurai districts, serene gardens, and centuries-old traditions. After soaking in Kanazawa’s charm, you'll head to Nagano, where you’ll have time to unwind and explore its rich cultural heritage, including Zenkoji Temple, before enjoying an adventurous day of fruit picking and river rafting in the scenic Tenryu Riverlands.
Next, you'll continue your journey to Tokyo, where you’ll make Shinjuku Station your base, exploring the city’s incredible mix of modernity and tradition. On the final day, you’ll visit Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic landmark, and take in its breathtaking views, marking the perfect end to your unforgettable 5-day adventure.
This itinerary offers the perfect balance of urban exploration, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, providing you with a comprehensive and enriching experience of Japan’s diverse regions.
Day 1 OSAKA
How to Start Off Your Day
After immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of EXPO 2025, you now have the perfect opportunity to experience the dynamic city of Osaka from a fresh and unique perspective. Your guide will meet you at Osaka Station, where your exciting one-day journey begins. Together, you will delve into the heart of Osaka, exploring its rich cultural heritage, bustling districts, and hidden gems that make this city truly unforgettable.
Osaka's Secret Adventures: Discover Daruma Magic and the Beauty of Minoh Falls / All Year Round
If you want to experience a different side of Osaka with a more natural touch, this is the tour for you. Begin your journey at the serene Daruma Temple, known for its peaceful ambiance and unique history. Here, you can explore the tranquil grounds and learn about the temple's cultural significance. After soaking in the calm atmosphere of the temple, we will take you to a nearby waterfall, a hidden gem that offers a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. The sound of cascading water and the lush greenery provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection. This tour offers a tranquil and scenic journey, allowing you to experience the natural charm of Osaka in a new and relaxing way, showcasing the city's lesser-known natural beauty.
How to End Your Day
After concluding your enriching tour of Osaka, it's time to continue your journey to the historic city of Kanazawa. Sit back and relax as you board the Limited Express Thunderbird, enjoying scenic views along the way before transferring to the high-speed Hokuriku Shinkansen. Refer to our 'How to Get to Kanazawa' page for further details.
For your stay, Kanazawa offers a variety of accommodations, from modern hotels near the station to traditional ryokan inns. Whether you prefer a comfortable hotel with easy access to attractions or a peaceful ryokan for a more authentic experience, you’ll find the perfect place to relax after your exploration.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 2 KANAZAWA
How to Start Off Your Day
For this day, you will have the opportunity to explore the historic city of Kanazawa, a place where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Your guide will meet you at Kanazawa Station, ready to lead you on an immersive journey through the city's rich cultural heritage.
KANAZAWA MAIN SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
This tour has you walk in the same streets as those from times past. Walk the streets the samurai of the Kaga clan and see a warriors house from the Edo period. Relax and enjoy matcha in a tea house overlooking a beautiful garden next to the impressive castle walls. Stroll through the Kenroku-en garden like the daimyos of the Edo period and admire the artistry of the landscaping of not just the land but of the trees as well. Finally, walk through Higashi Chayamachi, the old geisha district, where you can shop, snack and take a tour of a former tea house that was used by actual geisha in the past.
How to End Your Day
After concluding your enriching tour at Kanazawa Station, you will once again board the Hokuriku Shinkansen for a comfortable journey to Nagano. As you travel through picturesque landscapes, sit back and enjoy the scenic ride towards this mountainous region, renowned for its rich history, stunning temples, and natural beauty. Your next adventure in Nagano awaits!
Recommended Accommodations
For your stay in Nagano city, we recommend two excellent accommodations that offer both comfort and convenience. Hotel New Nagano NeXT is a cozy, modern hotel located right in front of Nagano Station, making it incredibly easy to access and explore the city. With its welcoming atmosphere and great amenities, it’s an ideal spot for a restful stay after a day of sightseeing.
Alternatively, you can opt for Hotel Kokusai 21, a historic hotel that served as the headquarters for the 1998 Winter Olympics. Offering spacious rooms and a range of services, this hotel combines a rich history with modern comfort, providing a unique and memorable experience. Whether you choose the convenience of Hotel New Nagano NeXT or the Olympic legacy of Hotel Kokusai 21, both are fantastic choices for your overnight stay in Nagano.
Day 3 SNOW MONKEY PARK
How to Start Off Your Day
On this day, your adventure continues as you head towards two of Nagano's most iconic destinations: the Snow Monkey Park and Zenkoji temple. For those of you who stayed at Hotel Kokusai 21 the previous night, your journey begins with a convenient pickup directly from the hotel by your guide, ensuring a smooth start to the day.
SNOW MONKEY & ZENKOJI TEMPLE TOUR FROM NAGANO / all year round
Day Tour
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
¥17,800
Continuing further east from Matsumoto is the city of Nagano, another city with a long history as a temple town and more recently as the site of the winter Olympics in 1998. This tour is our company's most popular tour as it visits Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City and then the famous snow monkeys in the mountains nearby the city. The tour starts at Nagano Station before getting on a short bus ride to Zenkoji Temple. The city was historically a temple town and Zenkoji Temple is still visited by millions to this day. Learn about the history of the temple, the city and religion in Japan at this important religious site. Following the temple is a sake tasting where you can try many variety of sake, fruit sakes and juices. Next is lunch which is at a restaurant across the street from the temple. Enjoy a delicious modern take on traditional Japanese food.
The final part of the tour will see you headed to the Snow Monkey Park. There is a short hike before arriving at the valley where the monkeys live. Especially during the winter, the monkeys come down out of the mountains to eat, take baths in the onsen and play around. It really is a surreal experience to be around so many monkeys just living their lives in such beautiful scenery.
How to End Your Day
For this day, you will have the opportunity to spend another night in Nagano City, allowing you to unwind and explore the area at a relaxed pace. Whether you choose to soak in a soothing onsen or simply take in the serene atmosphere, this extra time in Nagano ensures a deeper connection with the city's rich culture and natural beauty.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 4 TENRYU RIVERLANDS
How to Start Off Your Day
After a restful stay in Nagano City, get ready for an exciting day filled with nature and adventure. You will have the opportunity to experience fruit picking, savoring the freshest seasonal produce straight from the orchards. Then, embark on a thrilling river rafting journey through the scenic Tenryu Riverlands, where you can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and the rush of the river’s currents.
River Rafting and Fruits Picking in the Tenryu Riverlands Tour / Mid April - November
Explore the Tenryu Riverlands, located in the far south of Nagano prefecture and boasting one of Japan's most beautiful river gorges. This tour starts with a visit to a local farm where guests can pick and eat fresh seasonal fruit while enjoying the mountain scenery of the Central Alps. Afterwards, tour guests will be treated to lunch at a local restaurant called "Go-yukkuri", which offers Japanese classics such as Soba, Tonkatsu, and Tempura. Well rested and with full bellies, the afternoon will be occupied by a more thrilling activity - rafting on the Tenryu River. One of the more extreme rivers in Japan with lots of thrilling sections where you can and will be splashed, the course the tour follows covers over 10km and takes around 3 hours. With an English-speaking guide to help you along, this tour is perfect for those who want to visit a less well known area of Japan that is hard to access by train and offers activities not available in large cities.
How to End Your Day
After an unforgettable journey through Nagano, you will bid farewell to your guide at Matsumoto Station and prepare for the final leg of your adventure. Boarding the Limited Express Azusa, you will enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride to Tokyo, where the vibrant energy of Japan’s capital awaits. Refer to our 'How to Get to Tokyo' page for further details.
For your stay in Tokyo, we recommend the Shinjuku Station area, a lively and convenient hub that serves as both the final stop of the Limited Express Azusa and your meeting point for the following day's tour. With its endless dining, shopping, and entertainment options, Shinjuku offers the perfect blend of excitement and accessibility, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay in Japan’s bustling capital.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 5 TOKYO
How to Start Your Day
On the final day of this unforgettable five-day journey, you will visit Japan’s most iconic landmark—Mount Fuji. As you embark on this scenic excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to take in breathtaking views of the majestic peak, explore the surrounding natural beauty, and experience the rich cultural heritage tied to this sacred mountain.
MOUNT FUJI AND HAKONE 1 DAY TOUR / all year round
Day Tour
¥28,900
Experience nature, the lush mountainous landscape and Japan’s most famous and iconic landmark during your trip to Japan on this day trip from Tokyo! This tour has been designed so customers can experience two of Japan’s most popular and beautiful areas in one day, Fuji and Hakone. The tour will provide customers with many opportunities to see Mount Fuji from many impressive locations around the Fuji area and the Hakone area. If you love nature and spending time outdoors, this tour is for you!
Your tour will begin travelling from Shinjuku area in Tokyo either starting from a chosen designated meeting place where the tour vehicle and your guide will greet you and pick you up. Your first stop will be Hakone! In Hakone, you will enjoy a boat cruise of Lake Ashinoko so you can sit back and relax as you take in the breathtaking views. Secondly, we will pay a visit to Hakone’s famous shrine and Torii gate where you can enjoy views of the lake and take great photos. It will then be time to board the bus and head to the Fuji area! Your first Fuji destination will be a Japanese village nestled within the Fuji landscape where you enjoy views of Mount Fuji, traditional houses and see Koi carp swimming in the clear spring ponds. Your final stop will be a world famous shrine and pagoda with some of the best views of Mount Fuji.
