Japan Culture & History Tour with Temple Stay - 15 Days

Day 2: Osaka City Tour & Dinner in Hozenji Yokocho

Rise and shine for a full-day city tour, meeting with your guide and starting with a visit to the iconic Osaka Castle. Here, you'll find a wealth of information on Japan's rich history, including dioramas depicting various battles, uniforms, helmets, and a large observation deck offering excellent city views. Then, it's off to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, dedicated to the city's urban growth and housing history. See re-creations of the city's buildings and streets during different time periods, including a replica of an Edo period townscape.

Next is the incredible Sumiyoshi Taisha, the head shrine of all Sumiyoshi Shrines in Japan. Initially founded in the third century, this history-rich site features classic sumiyoshi-zukuri architecture, with straight roofs and forked finials perfectly depicting that era. Get an insight into the shrine's history and religious significance, and capture beautiful shots of the Sorihashi Bridge arching across the water as your guide explains more about the shrine's history.

End in Hozenji Yokocho, a stone-paved alley tucked away in a quiet corner of the buzzy Dotonburi and Namba area. It's the go-to place for Edo-period atmosphere and local food. Stroll by traditional shops, stop at its namesake temple of Hozen-ji to wish for luck, and duck into the restaurants for a delectable meal of okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) or meoto zenzai (red bean soup with rice cakes).

Day 3: Day Trip to Kobe: Himeji Castle & Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum Tour

See more of Osaka's countryside as you meet your guide and make the two-hour drive to the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, nicknamed the White Heron Castle. This spectacular example of Japanese castle architecture has a network of 83 buildings and advanced defensive systems. You'll have time to explore the beautiful castle and grounds, where cherry blossoms bloom in spring before you're off to Kobe, home to the savory marbled beef of the same name.

Visit a local restaurant and enjoy a meal of this delicious meat alongside other delicacies. Afterward, you'll head with your guide to the Saké Brewery Museum for a tasting of different types of saké. Take a walk around Kobe Harborland, a waterfront area featuring shopping malls, boutiques, and restaurants, and end with a cable car ride up Mount Nunobiki, which takes you to the Nunobiki Herb Garden, a botanical garden and Japan's most extensive herb garden.

Day 4: Train to Mount Koya, Mount Koya Temples & Shukubo Experience

In the morning, you'll head to the train station and hop on board for a 2.5-hour train ride to Gokurakubashi Station and then a five-minute cable car up to Koyasan (Mount Koya), a large settlement just south of Osaka. Koyasan is considered the center of Shingon Buddhism and is home to one of Japan's leading schools of Buddhism. You'll find over 100 temples and monasteries here, alongside towering cedars lining stone walkways and a peaceful, spiritual vibe.

Upon arrival, you'll have time to explore the temples, take a light hike along the quiet trails, or visit Okunoin Cemetery to pay tribute to Kobo Daishi, the monk who introduced Shingon Buddhism to Japan. You'll check in for your shukubo (temple lodging) experience this afternoon. Meet the temple's resident monks, learn more about their lifestyle, and enjoy shojin ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) for dinner before spending the night at the temple. 

Day 5: Train to Kyoto, Self-Guided Tour to Nishiki Market

Join the monks in morning prayers and a Buddhist vegetarian breakfast at the temple, then set off on an invigorating walk to explore the sacred mountain and its serene surroundings a little more. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and embrace the tranquil atmosphere before you say goodbye to your new friends, board the cable car, and then catch the train to Kyoto, a three-hour journey. This cultural powerhouse of a city is known for its historic traditions, such as kaiseki (multicourse) dining and geisha entertainers, as well as its numerous temples, gardens, and palaces.

Once you've settled into your accommodation and had a chance to relax, step out on the town and explore Kyoto's 400-year-old Nishiki Ichiba market. More than 100 stalls and shops are crammed into this long, narrow street, selling anything and everything. Try delicious street food such as soy milk doughnuts, skewered baby octopus, sticky rice cake, or homegrown pickles, sating your appetite after your day's travels and immersing yourself in local life. Afterward, return to your hotel for a good night's sleep on a full stomach.

Day 6: Highlights of Kyoto Tour

Begin today with a full-day guided tour of Kyoto's top UNESCO World Heritage sites. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and travel to Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple with a large golden pavilion. Walk the peaceful grounds here, and be sure to visit the temple's two top floors, which are entirely covered in gold leaf. Then, head to the impressive Nijo Castle, built in 1603 CE. Take in the grand design and beautiful decor, and roam the lovely garden with its elegant water features and springtime cherry blossoms.

Visit Kiyomizu-Dera next, trekking the narrow uphill alleys of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to reach the temple's hilltop location. Featuring the impressive hondo (main hall), Jishu shrine, Okunoin temple, and a few smaller temples and shrines, Kiyomizu-Dera is considered a must-visit in Kyoto.

Your final stop is the captivating Fushimi Inari-taisha. Featured in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," this shrine has more than 10,000 picturesque red torii gates, all donated by individuals and businesses as a sign of appreciation to the god Inari for the blessings received. Take a light hike along the torii-lined route up the mountain for sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 7: Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple, Tea Ceremony & Samurai Museum

Today's tour takes you to Arashiyama, a scenic district located in the western outskirts of Kyoto. Your guide will meet you at your hotel, and you'll make the 25-minute drive to your first stop, Jojakko-ji, a small Buddhist temple in the middle of a quiet forest. If you're here in the fall, you'll see the gorgeous foliage of the changing maple leaves.

Then, head to Sagano Bamboo Grove, a natural bamboo forest encompassing more than 3,800 acres (1,537 ha) with walking paths and trails that take you through the serene greenery of the towering stalks. Visit the temple gardens of Tenryu-ji, a World Heritage Site considered one of Kyoto's best Zen temples, then finish the day on board a yakatabune, or traditional pleasure boat, which takes you by the beautiful Togetsukyo Bridge, or "moon crossing bridge." 

After stopping for lunch, learn more about the culture and traditions of the region at Maikoya Kyoto, a historic Kyoto townhouse in the Gion district, where you'll participate in a traditional kimono tea ceremony. Change into a kimono, learn about the Zen aspects of the ceremony, and try some traditional Japanese sweets during this quintessential Japanese experience. After the ceremony, make the five-minute walk to the Samurai & Ninja Museum. Try on full samurai armor for your souvenir pictures, and get a glimpse of what it was like to be one of old Japan's most prestigious ruling classes. 

Day 8: Train to Kanazawa, Kenrokuen Garden & Museum of Arts and Crafts

After checking out of your hotel this morning, make your way to the Kyoto train station for the two-hour trip to Kanazawa, a charming city that's home to historic Edo-era districts, museums, and a wealth of artisan handicrafts. After you've checked into your hotel and enjoyed some lunch, take a guided afternoon tour of some of the city's most important sights.

Meet with your guide and start at Kenrokuen Garden, constructed during the Edo period by the Maeda family, former rulers of the area. This beautifully preserved space features quiet pathways with bridges, fountains and other water features, teahouses, and flowers, all designed to reflect the traditional attributes of the perfect Japanese landscape garden. After your peaceful stroll, visit the adjacent Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts. 

See wajima-nuri lacquerware and wagasa umbrellas (a traditional Japanese umbrella made with a special paper) and learn about the art of kaga yuzen (silk dyeing and gold leaf-pasting). Prepare to be dazzled by this deep dive into the region's timeless art and the sophisticated skills required to create it. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight and explore more of the city on your own.

Day 9: Kanazawa Traditional Craft Lesson, Higashi Chayagai & Nagamachi District

With its 2009 UNESCO recognition as a City of Crafts and Folk Art, Kanazawa's Samurai-inspired arts and unique craftworks make it one of the best places to learn more about Japanese art and enjoy hands-on fun. Today, you'll have the option to choose from a myriad of creative activities on a half-day guided tour, all of which culminate in you bringing home a tangible reminder of your time in Japan. 

Visit NOSAKU Lacquerware, a shop that's been part of Kanazawa since the 1700s and offers lessons in lacquerware. Under the guidance of your instructor, learn how to color your own lacquer tray, choosing from a bright palette of colors and applying delicate gold dust. You can also try your hand at ceramics at Kutani Kosen Kiln, the only Kutani ceramics kiln in the city. With help from a local potter, sit down at a potter's wheel and see your art come to life under your own hands. Alternatively, you can learn how to paste gold leaf, explore the art of coloring silk, or see the intricacies of tying a mizuhiki knot.

Later, take a three-hour guided walk through the Higashi Chayagai district, an expansive area lined with cafés, shops, and teahouses. Rent a kimono and roam around the district to soak up the quiet, traditional vibe and snap some photos. Afterward, move on to the Nagamachi district, located near Kanazawa Castle. Once the residential area for samurai and their families, the district includes restored traditional residences with earthen exterior walls and wooden gates. 

Day 10: Bus to Takayama via Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go & Suganuma

You're off to the mountainous city of Takayama, located in Japan's Gifu region and known for its Edo-period homes and rural beauty. After departing your hotel, you'll head to the bus station for the 2.5-hour journey. Once you've disembarked and checked into your hotel, meet your guide and take a trip to the nearby historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Suganuma, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995 CE.

See the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, characterized by steep thatched roofs that resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. Some of these charming cottages date back more than 250 years, and you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the community's history and customs as your guide takes you through a relatively unspoiled landscape. After the tour, you'll be dropped back at your hotel in Takayama, where you can rest and regroup or see more of the city on your own.

Day 11: Cycling in Takayama, Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan & Sannomachi Street

Enjoy an in-depth exploration of Takayama with a three-hour cycling tour. Meet your guides in the morning, and after an equipment and safety briefing, start your cruise along the city streets. Stop at Asaichi Market (Morning Market) for snacks and local crafts, and take a minute to observe local residents as they go about their daily lives. You may want to purchase a few souvenirs here or grab a quick bite. 

Continue to Kokubun-ji, a Shingon-sect Buddhist temple built in the Muromachi period (1336-1573 CE). Its main hall is the oldest structure in the city, and the temple grounds also house the only three-story pagoda in the region and a ginkgo tree, said to be more than 1,250 years old. After your temple tour, follow your cycling crew back to your hotel.

Later, explore more city sights by touring the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan Museum. See the museum's exhibit of floats featured in the Takayama Matsuri festival, one of Japan's most beautiful events. Some of the floats are more than 22 feet (7 m) high and are exquisitely decorated with carvings, lanterns, and marionettes, showcasing the brilliant craftsmanship of Japan's artists. Finish the day at Sannomachi Street, located in the Old Town district. See the historic homes, take in the relaxing atmosphere, and stop at one of the saké breweries lining the narrow street. 

Day 12: Train & Bus to Fujikawaguchiko, Self-Guided Tour of Fujikawaguchiko 

Today's journey takes you to Fujikawaguchiko, a resort town in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji. You'll start by train and transfer to a bus for the final leg, with a total travel time of about five hours. After you've checked in at your hotel, you'll probably want to stretch your legs after the long train ride, so get out and see some of the town. 

Start in Iyashi no Sato, a historic village and open-air museum featuring traditional thatched-roof architecture that houses shops, restaurants, museums, and galleries. Roam around the area and see some incredible crafts by local artisans, including pottery, incense, and woven goods. Then, find a restaurant selling the local specialty, hoto noodles, a hearty miso-based noodle soup with savory broth and fresh veggies, before heading to the banks of Lake Kawaguchiko to watch the sunset over Mount Fuji.

Day 13:  Explore Mount Fuji, Train to Tokyo, Imperial Palace Gardens & Senso-ji

Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san as the locals call it, is the country's highest peak, stretching to more than 12,000 feet (3,776 m). A common pilgrimage site, Fuji is considered one of Japan's three sacred mountains. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and you'll be on your way, making your first stop at Arakurayama Sengen Park, where Mount Fuji views frame a monumental pagoda. Then, continue to Lake Kawaguchiko for the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. Hop in one of the glass-windowed cabins and ascend to more than 1,300 feet (400 m), where you'll reach an observation deck that offers sweeping views of Mount Fuji.

After your tour, it's off to the train station to depart for Tokyo, Japan's capital. Here, you'll find the perfect blend of modern and traditional, with neon-lit skyscrapers alongside historic temples and lush gardens. At your hotel, you'll be met by your guide for a tour of Tokyo's incredible Imperial Palace gardens and Senso-ji temple. Start at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only part of the palace open to the public. The garden features seasonal flowers, green lawns, fountains, and teahouses. You can also catch views of the impressive double-arched Nijubashi Bridge.

Afterward, visit Senso-ji, which dates back to the seventh century and is considered one of Tokyo's most significant Buddhist temples. Pass the giant lanterns on the outer gates, then walk the lively Nakamise-dori, a street lined with shops and food stands. Make your way to the temple's main hall, and if you like, you can pray to the goddess Kannon enshrined there just like the locals do or pick up an omikuji (fortunes written on strips of paper) and a temple seal stamp. 

Day 14: Sumo Experience with Chankonabe Hotpot, Nigiri Sushi Workshop

Start today with a glimpse into Tokyo's captivating sumo wrestling culture, led by a knowledgeable guide. Get a half-day behind-the-scenes look at the daily lives of these revered athletes, learn some of the history, and test out your skills on the mat with retired wrestlers. For lunch, savor some chankonabe (sumo wrestler's hot pot), a sumo specialty made of rich broth full of protein and vegetables, to complete your immersion in this fascinating subculture of Japan. 

Later in the day, dive into another treasured Japanese tradition—sushi! Discover the secrets of this iconic dish in a nigiri sushi workshop, made by molding rice into a bite-size shape and topping it with thin slices of fish. The expert instructor will guide you through the process, providing pro tips and sushi history from an insider's perspective. During the class, you'll also sample other types of sushi, such as inari, sushi rice stuffed into deep-fried tofu pockets, or maki, where the classic ingredients are rolled in seaweed.

Finally, make the most of your last night in Japan by having a street food dinner at one of the lively markets or tasting saké at a local bar.

Day 15: Depart Tokyo

Enjoy your last day in Japan, starting early in the morning to spot the sunrise over Tokyo before checking out of your hotel and catching a shuttle to the airport. Have a safe journey home or to your next destination!

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