EURORIENTE: JAPAN COMPLETE 10 Days

Day 1: ARRIVAL / OSAKA

Welcome to Japan!upon  arrival, you will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant who will accompany you on the transfer to your hotel in Kyoto by public transportation. Overnight at the hotel in Kyoto.

Day 2: KYOTO / CITY TOUR (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for a full-day tour of Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital and one of the country's great cultural and spiritual centers. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, we will begin the visit at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a  UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its spectacular wooden terrace with panoramic views over the city. Next, we will tour the traditional surroundings of the temple, including the picturesque area of Sannen-zaka, a charming cobbled street flanked by traditional houses, craft shops, and typical sweets. The visit continues at the Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its Zen rock garden, considered one of the greatest expressions of Zen Buddhism and an ideal place for contemplation. Afterwards, we will visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, one of the most recognizable symbols of Japan, covered in gold leaf and surrounded by an elegant landscaped garden. We will end the visit at the Sanjusangen-do Temple, famous for housing its thousand statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, arranged in an impressive wooden room. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take a walk through the traditional Gion neighborhood, known for its tea houses, narrow streets and for preserving intact the essence of traditional Japan. accommodation.

Day 3: KYOTO / NARA / FUSHIMI INARI / OSAKA (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for a full-day visit to Nara and Fushimi Inari, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. We will start the day with the transfer by train to the Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most emblematic Shinto shrines in Japan, famous for its endless corridors of red torii that ascend the slope of Mount Inari, creating one of the most representative images of the country. Continue the tour to the city of Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan and cradle of some of the oldest and most significant monuments in the country. There we will visit Todai-ji Temple, famous for housing the bronze Big Buddha, one of the largest statues in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we will visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, an important Shinto shrine recognized for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, located in the heart of Nara Park, where the traditional sacred deer roam freely. After the visits, continue the trip to Osaka and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Day 4: OSAKA / FREE DAY (OPTIONAL VISIT TO ARASHIYAMA)

Breakfast. Free day with possibility of booking Optionally a visit to Arashiyama, one of the most picturesque districts of Kyoto, located west of the city and known for its natural environment and traditional atmosphere. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, we will begin the visit in the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a trail surrounded by tall bamboos that creates one of the most iconic images of Japan. Next, we will visit Tenryu-ji Temple, one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its elegant landscaped garden that seamlessly integrates nature and spirituality. The visit ends at the Togetsukyo Bridge, symbol of Arashiyama, from where you can get pleasant views of the Katsura River and the mountains that surround the area, especially beautiful in spring and autumn. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 5: OSAKA / KANAZAWA (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure in the morning without an assistant to Osaka Station. From there, departure by train to Kanazawa, making a connection in Tsuruga. The journey is first by express train (2nd class, approx. 1 hr 30 min) to Tsuruga and then by Shinkansen bullet train (2nd class, approx. 45 min) and then to Kanazawa, a city known for having preserved much of its historical and cultural heritage intact. Arrive in Kanazawa and free afternoon to start discovering the city on your own. It is recommended to walk through the Kenroku-en Garden, considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, or tour the traditional Higashi Chaya-gai, an old geisha district with perfectly preserved teahouses. You can also visit Kanazawa Castle, the former residence of the powerful Maeda clan, as well as the House of the Samurai Nomura, a representative example of samurai life in feudal times. To complete the local experience, a visit to the lively Omicho Ichiba Market, known for its fresh produce and authentic atmosphere, is suggested. Overnight in Kanazawa.

Day 6: KANAZAWA / SHIRAKAWA-GO / TAKAYAMA (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure in the morning without an assistant to Kanazawa Bus Station. From there, depart by express bus to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site  famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, built with gabled thatched roofs, adapted to the heavy snowfall in the region. Arrive in Shirakawa-go and free time to explore the village on your own, stroll among its traditional houses and enjoy one of the most authentic rural landscapes in Japan. Continue the express bus ride to Takayama, a charming alpine town known for its well-preserved historic old town and traditional atmosphere. Arrive in Takayama and free afternoon to start exploring the city. It is recommended to stroll through the traditional Sanmachi-suji neighborhood, the heart of the Old Town, where old merchant houses, sake distilleries, and artisan shops are preserved. Also visit the Takayama Jinya, an old government building from the feudal era, the only one of its kind that is preserved in Japan. In the morning, it is worth visiting the traditional local asaichi markets, which offer fresh products and typical handicrafts of the region. Overnight in Takayama.

Optionally, you can hire an upgrade to stay at Ryokan, traditional Japanese accommodation, with dinner included and a stay in tatami rooms. During your stay, you can enjoy the hot springs (onsen), one of the most authentic experiences of Japanese culture.

Day 7: TAKAYAMA / MATSUMOTO (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure in the morning without an assistant to Takayama Bus Station. From there, departure by express bus to Matsumoto, a city located in the Japanese Alps region and known for its historical and cultural heritage. Arrive in Matsumoto and free afternoon to explore the city on your own. visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the best-preserved feudal castles in the country, nicknamed the "Black Crow Castle" for its characteristic dark color and surrounded by a moat that enhances its imposing silhouette. It is also interesting to visit the Matsumoto Art Museum, which houses works by the renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, born in this city. To complete the visit, you can stroll along the traditional Nakamachi, a historic avenue with old warehouses, cafes and local craft shops. Overnight in Matsumoto.

Day 8: MATSUMOTO / TOKYO (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure on your own to Matsumoto Station. From there, departure by express train (2nd class, approx. 2 h 30 min) to Tokyo, enjoying the tour through the landscapes of the Japanese Alps and the central region of the country. Arrival at Shinjuku Station, one of the main transportation and activity centers of the Japanese capital. Then, transfer on your own to the hotel. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 9: TOKYO / CITY TOUR (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for a full-day tour of Tokyo, a city that combines millenary tradition and absolute modernity. Accompanied by our English-speaking guide, we will begin the visit at Meiji Jingu Shrine, one of the  most important Shinto shrines in the country, located in an extensive urban forest in the heart of the city. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji, it is a place of great spiritual and symbolic value for the Japanese. We will continue to the traditional neighborhood of Asakusa, where the Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple  in Tokyo, is located. We will access the temple through the lively Nakamise-dori, a pedestrian street lined with traditional shops where you can find souvenirs, local crafts,  and Japanese sweets. The visit continues with a walk through Harajuku, known for its youthful atmosphere, alternative fashion and cultural contrasts, very close to the elegant Omotesando Avenue. We will end the tour with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, from whose viewpoint you can get panoramic views of the city and, on clear days, Mount Fuji in the distance. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 10: TOKYO / AIRPORT (B)                                                       

Breakfast. At the indicated time, unattended transfer from your hotel to Narita/Haneda International Airport by Airport limousine Bus. End of services. Possibility of hiring Optionally a Spanish-speaking assistant service that will accompany you to the airport.