Fly to Tokyo
Arrive and transfer to the Park Hotel Tokyo for 2 nights. Evening tickets provided for the Tokyo Skytree.
Full-day private guided city tour using public transport, visiting the Asakusa Kannon temple, Tokyo National Museum’s Japanese gallery, the Imperial East Garden and the tranquil Meiji shrine. (B)
Depart by bullet train to Kyoto. Afternoon to explore the Kyoto botanical garden at your own pace. Overnight at the Gion Yoshi-Ima ryokan (or similar), a traditional Japanese inn that serves a multi-course kaiseki evening meal. (B, D)
Full-day private guided city tour using public transport. Recommendations include the Ryoanji temple with its famous zen rock garden and Kinkakuji temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Make your way to the Kyoto Hotel Okura for a 3-night stay. (B)
Take an express train to the historic city of Nara with your private guide for a tour of Nara Park, visiting the Todaiji temple and Kasuga-taisha shrine. (B)
Take the train to Mount Koya via Osaka. Stay 2 nights at one of the larger temples. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about monastic life and join the resident monks for morning prayers. (B, D)
Explore Mount Koya with a English-speaking and experience guide in the area. Visit the atmospheric Okunoin cemetery and the Kongobuji temple. (B, D)
Take an express train to Kyoto and then continue to Osaka. Overnight at the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel. (B)
Take an overnight flight to your next destination. (B)