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Retrace the steps of the ancients - a spiritual interlude with some of Japan's most sacred places and the extraordinary rituals performed throughout millennia. Visit the birthplace of Shingon Buddism, the elegantly painted sliding doors of Kongobunji Temple and delight in vegetarian dishes served by local monks at their monastery lodgings.
Retrace the steps of the ancients - a spiritual interlude with some of Japan's most sacred places and the extraordinary rituals performed throughout millennia. Visit the birthplace of Shingon Buddism, the elegantly painted sliding doors of Kongobunji Temple and delight in vegetarian dishes served by local monks at their monastery lodgings.
The pulsating cityscape of Osaka sets the pace for your soulful sojourn through some of Japan's most cherished landmarks. On arrival, you'll be transferred by pre-booked airport shuttle service to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing before meeting your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception drink with appetisers.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Rihga Royal Osaka
Celebrate old and new on your city tour that begins at Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. Regarded as the symbol of the city, Osaka Castle was rebuilt in 1931 and provides a magnificent backdrop for cherry blossom viewing during the springtime. Touch the clouds during your visit to the Abeno Harukas Observatory in Japan's tallest skyscraper at 300 metres. Admire the panoramic views of Osaka from its glass-lined observation deck, then enjoy some retail therapy in downtown Umeda before an afternoon at leisure or perhaps one of Trafalgar's recommended Optional Experiences.
Leave the hotel by coach to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its tunnel of thousands of bright orange torii gates guiding the path through the sacred site and up into the mountains. Continue to the Gekkeikan Okura Museum to learn about the history of sake and the process of making it followed by a sake tasting. The family run sake brewery, which is next door to the museum, was founded in 1637 by Jiemen Okura and has been passed down through 14 generations to the current President of Gekkeikan, Haruhiko Okura. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
OSAKA - MT. KOYA - SHIRAHAMA
Immerse yourself in Japan's spiritual splendour, starting your day with a trip to the UNESCO-listed Mt. Koya, where the Shingon Buddism sect was introduced in 805 by Kobo Daishi. Visit the Kongobunji Temple with its elegantly painted sliding doors, the Danjo Garan Temple and granite Banryu-tei - its dragons rising boldly up from the clouds to protect their sanctuary. 'Dive into Culture' and indulge in a Japanese-style vegetarian lunch at a traditional shukubo (monastery inn), served by local monks. Then, continue to Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery and the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, set in an enchanted forest of towering ancient cedar trees. Your final stop today is the Pacific resort town of Shirahama where you'll enjoy dinner at an authentic Japanese izakaya.
Tread in the footsteps of pilgrims today as you discover the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route. Ascend Daimonzaka Hill on foot or by coach to admire the Nachi Taisha Shrine, Seiganotoji Temple and impressive Nachi waterfall, the tallest in Japan. Continue your journey to Hayatama Taisha, an important place of worship since the 3rd century and home to a small museum with an impressive collection of national treasures. Arriving in Shima, you'll check in to your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Prime Resort Kashikojima
A leisurely start to the morning will see you travel to the traditional town of Ise to visit the Ise Jingu Shrine, which is rebuilt from scratch every 20 years according to ancient Shinto tradition. Later, meet the white-clad Ama free divers, made famous in the James Bond movie 'You Only Live Twice'. These brave women dive into the sea without any diving equipment to catch fresh seafood, which you will have an opportunity to enjoy later while listening to their captivating stories. Your next stop is Mikimoto Pearl Island, where pearls were first successfully cultured, before boarding a Sunset Cruise around Agowan Bay, followed by dinner.
Don't get caught in the trapdoors and secret passages of Iga's Ninja Museum, dedicated to the history of ninja and ninjutsu, an original form of warfare developed in the region. Try your hand at age-old ninja techniques and see the collection of ancient ninjutsu writings before continuing to the 16th century Ueno Castle which served as the seat of the local lords during the Edo Period. 'Connect with Locals' next, enjoying a Be My Guest lunch with a local family and gain insights into the history and traditions of the region. After lunch, travel to the cultural capital of Kyoto for your overnight stay.
Indulge in a late start this morning followed by a visit to Arashiyama where you'll embark on a leisurely walk through its towering Bamboo groves unlike any other forest in the world. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple and admire magnificent mountain views before a lunch of okonomiyaki, a savoury grilled pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat, seafood or cheese. Your next stop is the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple, whose Golden Pavillion seems to rise up from the adjoining pond. The delicate flavours of tea are yours to enjoy next, during a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in a Machiya townhouse before returning to your hotel.
Soothe heart and mind during your morning visit to Shorinji Temple, joining a Zen master for his Zazen practice surrounded by the tranquil temple grounds. Continue to Sanjusangendo Hall next, admiring its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Consider joining one of Trafalgar's recommended Optional Experiences or revel in the freedom to explore Kyoto's soul-stirring surrounds. Our spiritual encounter with Japan at its end, enjoy a Farewell Dinner and Geisha show with your fellow companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant.
Dinner at Bamboo Forest Themed Pub with Unlimited Drinks
Join your Travel Director for a short walk to the Bamboo Forest themed izakaya (pub) for dinner. Enjoy a variety of Japanese style tapas including edamame, seasonal salad, Yakitori, fried potatoes, chicken, steamed pork with miso sauce and Yaki Onigiri (soy sauce flavoured rice) followed by dessert. Unlimited drinks are included with a choice of wine beer, or soft drinks. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
DEPART KYOTO
Say a fond sayonara to newfound friends and take a transfer by airport shuttle to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
Leave the hotel by coach to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its tunnel of thousands of bright orange torii gates guiding the path through the sacred site and up into the mountains. Continue to the Gekkeikan Okura Museum to learn about the history of sake and the process of making it followed by a sake tasting. The family run sake brewery, which is next door to the museum, was founded in 1637 by Jiemen Okura and has been passed down through 14 generations to the current President of Gekkeikan, Haruhiko Okura. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Dinner at Bamboo Forest Themed Pub with Unlimited Drinks
Join your Travel Director for a short walk to the Bamboo Forest themed izakaya (pub) for dinner. Enjoy a variety of Japanese style tapas including edamame, seasonal salad, Yakitori, fried potatoes, chicken, steamed pork with miso sauce and Yaki Onigiri (soy sauce flavoured rice) followed by dessert. Unlimited drinks are included with a choice of wine beer, or soft drinks. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Enjoy a Japanese-style vegetarian lunch at a monastery inn served by the local monks (Day 3) and a traditional tea ceremony in a Machiya townhouse (Day 7).
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Learn about the Ama, professional women shellfish divers. (Day 5)
Sightseeing highlights
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CITY TOUR of Osaka and Kyoto
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VIEW the Nachi waterfall in Kumano
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VISIT Osaka Castle, the Abeno Harukas Observatory in Osaka, the Kongobuji Temple, the Danjo Garan Temple in Mt. Koya, the Ise Jingu Shrine, Mikimoto Pearl Island in Shima, the Ninja Museum, Ueno Castle in Iga, Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Temple, Sanjusangendo Hall in Kyoto
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Hand-picked Insider Experiences
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Optional Experiences and free time
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Porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
Live, unedited & independent traveler reviews
Spiritual Japan trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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5
The itinerary gave us a great variety of experiences that taught us much about Japanese culture and religions.
Well planned and comprehensive trip,covering a wide area of the Japanese spiritual, culinary and historical culture. This experience exceeded my expectations. The tour guide offered an in-depth experiential tour in an entertaining and fun way that kept us all engaged every moment of the trip. The accommodations and transportation were first class. I would do it again. Thank you.
Itinerary was excellent in particular the ‘Be my Guest’ afternoon - 5 stars for that! A good assortment of excursions and optional excursions, too. Hotels were very good except Kyoto City - the location was good but the room had no safe, iron, ironing board, water or tea and coffee facilities. Breakfast was poor - very little choice and the same each day. Staff were not so friendly either in comparison to the other hotels.
Very good tour exactly what we wanted and good mixture of excursions. Our guide was excellent and had done a huge amount of preparation and research to provide information. All hotels except the final one in Kyoto City were very good.
Cherry Blossom season varies between different regions of Japan and is dependent on weather conditions so can also vary slightly each year. Late March to mid April are the most likely times to experience it on this trip but this is not guaranteed.
I introduce Kimono, a national costume, to my guests by showing them how to put it on when we have a long drive. Kimono has no buttons and zips, so we use strings and a sash, instead. At the same time, I demonstrate how to wrap things up with Furoshiki (a wrapping cloth) in a traditional way because we use Furoshiki to carry a set of Kimono.Mika, Japan Travel Director
Visas are generally not required for Japan for many nationalities. Please contact the consulate/embassy for further information.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them. What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.