Kyushu, Mount Koya, the Japanese Alps and Tokyo

This emblematic Shinto shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and scholarship. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and ponds, the site is famous for its over 6,000 plum trees, whose blossoms attract many visitors in late winter. The shrine is especially popular among students, who come to pray for academic success.

We arrive in this historic city, sadly known for being destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. We’ll begin by visiting Ōura Church, Japan’s oldest Christian church, dedicated to the 26 Martyrs of Nagasaki. This church, which blends Gothic architecture with local design elements, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region". Free time for lunch in Chukagai, Japan’s most vibrant Chinatown, with its colorful pedestrian street filled with restaurants and food stalls. After lunch, we’ll visit the Atomic Bomb Museum (admission included), offering a powerful reflection on the horrors of war. Next, we’ll head to the Peace Park, where we’ll admire moving sculptures donated by countries around the world as symbols of hope. Finally, we’ll visit the Dejima area, a former artificial island that, for centuries, served as Japan’s only gateway for international trade. We’ll explore its historical reconstruction (admission included).

We will walk “through the hells,” as this area is popularly known, which in the 17th century was the setting of Christian persecution, during which many were martyred through torture using volcanic steam.

Free time in the shopping area near the castle to stroll and have lunch. Afterwards, we will visit Kumamoto Castle (admission included), considered one of the three great castles of Japan, famous for its black towers and massive stone walls, some of which are still undergoing reconstruction following the 2016 earthquake. We will then visit Suizenji Jojuen (admission included), a landscaped garden from the Edo period that recreates mountains, lakes, and other elements of the Japanese landscape in miniature. Free time at the end of the visit in this modern city.

We will take a shuttle from the base of the volcano up to the crater. Its caldera, one of the largest in the world, measures approximately 25 km in diameter. Inside the caldera rise several volcanic peaks, the most active being Mount Nakadake, from which we can admire an impressive steaming sulfur lake surrounded by a dramatic volcanic landscape. Free time.

We will visit the well-known “Hells of Beppu” (admission included), starting with Umi Jigoku, renowned for its vivid blue water and beautifully landscaped gardens, and continuing to Kamado Jigoku, very popular with families for its ponds of varying colors and temperatures, decorated with demon figures. After the visit, transfer to the hotel and free time.

This shrine is the head of more than 40,000 Hachiman shrines found throughout Japan. Founded in the 8th century, it blends traditional architecture with expansive gardens surrounded by nature. We’ll stroll across its iconic red bridge and visit the main pavilions, set in a photogenic and deeply spiritual environment.

This magical mountain, a revered pilgrimage site, is home to 120 temples and monasteries. Here, we’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual site and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with over 200,000 tombs. Our visit will also include the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593. Tonight, we’ll stay in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). A vegetarian dinner will be included. If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.

We’ll spend the entire day exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was the seat of the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its incredible artistic and cultural heritage. The famous Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed here in 1997. Our tour will cover some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, including the Kinkakuji Temple—commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens and the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari. Transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.

A picturesque hot-spring town where we’ll stroll through its old center, famous for its traditional stone stairways. We’ll stay overnight in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we suggest relaxing and enjoying the hot-spring baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included.

This enchanting town is home to remarkable cultural and historical treasures. We’ll visit the magnificent Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famous for its elaborate architecture, and the Hall of the Crying Dragon, known for its acoustic marvels. Next, we’ll explore the peaceful Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, nestled in a serene setting. Later, you can enjoy a tranquil walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a riverside path guarded by hundreds of Jizo statues. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the city center.

From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.