Grand Tour of Japan

I enjoy my job because it allows me to take care of people's travels and pass on to them my passion for the world destinations that curiosity has driven me to learn about. Japan is a country in my heartstrings because it combines tradition and modernity. To get a complete view of this Far Eastern country, I recommend a full 12-night itinerary. The tour starts with at least 4 people registered and the group size is small, maximum 12 people. It is a really relaxing and enjoyable way to share the trip with other people but without the disadvantage of being too many.

Here are the main stops included in this itinerary that takes you to explore this destination:

1.Tokyo, the modern capital of Japan

A full-day tour with a private guide: the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Shinjuku Observatory, which offers spectacular views of the entire city, and the Meiji Jingu Shrine located within a beautiful city park; the Omotesando and Harajuku neighborhoods; Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple dedicated to the goddess Asakusa Kannon; the Nakamise dori teeming with stalls and traditional small stores; and the Ginza district, the realm of high fashion.  Planned free days or an optional tour to Mt. Fuji/Hakone, with a mini-cruise on Lake Ashi, or to Nikko.

2. Kyoto the ancient capital, cradle of Japanese culture

Kyoto is Japan's most traditional city, home to beautiful temples, ancient houses with rocky Zen gardens, the Imperial Palace, fine cuisine, ornate kimonos, bamboo groves and ancient shrines. Full-day sightseeing with private guide: Kinkakuji Temple or Golden Pavilion, entirely covered with gold leaves; Nijo Castle ancient residence of the Tokugawa Shogun; Kiyomizudera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Higashiyama and Gion the famous geisha quarter. Planned excursion to Arashiyama to visit Sagano Bamboo Forest and Tenryuji Temple.

3. Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama

We are in the heart of Japan. Kanazawa, the old town where we savor the atmosphere of times past and the famous Kenrokuen Park, ranked one of the top 3 gardens in Japan. Shirakawago declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for its traditional Gasshozukuri-style houses with roofs made of thatch. Takayama, a delightful town in the Japanese Alps famous for its excellent quality traditional handicrafts.

4.Tsumago and trekking on the Nakasendo Samurai Road

Tsumago is the jewel of the Nakasendo Road, thanks to the efforts made by residents to preserve the atmosphere of the Edo period. Power lines are hidden and cars are not allowed on the main roads during the day, so that the beautiful historic buildings and characteristic cobblestone streets can be admired in all their beauty.

5. Himeji – Hiroshima- Miyajima Island

In Himeji you visit the grand military complex nicknamed the 'white heron castle.' Hiroshima is infamous for the atomic bomb explosion that leveled the city in 1945. Witnessing this great mourning is the Peace Memorial Park. From here it is an easy drive to Miyajima Island, considered one of the most beautiful places in Japan, where there is the revered Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its red torii rising majestically from the sea. The floating torii at Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima is undergoing renovation and will only be able to be seen in part. The shrine, however, will be open to visitors.

6. Osaka - Nara

Japan's third largest city, located in the Kansai region, is both ancient and a modern metropolis. From here it is easy to travel to Nara, Japan's first capital, where you visit the magnificent Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building, and stroll through a park where some 1,200 deer, believed to be messengers of the gods, live!

For more information and reservations please feel free to contact me:

mail:anna@mikrotour.com

whatsapp: +39 3347073846

I can also offer you other itineraries if you have fewer days available.

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