Today you fly overnight to Tokyo.

Welcome to the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo – “Konnichiwa”! On arrival at Narita airport, an airport assistant helps you organise your onward journey; at Haneda there is no assistant, but finding your way on your own is easy there too. You travel independently to the hotel by public transport or taxi; if you wish, you can book a transfer. The rest of the day is free to recover from the journey and get ready for the very active days ahead. 2 nights in Tokyo. (Distance by public transport: approx. 70 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs, depending on arrival time; walking time: approx. 30 min, approx. 1 km)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Via Inn Nihonbashi Ningyo-cho is located in the lively Nihonbashi business district with its mix of modern architecture and historic buildings. The modern hotel is simple but efficient; the rooms have comfortable beds, air purifier and TV.

On foot and by metro you experience Tokyo the way locals do every day – trains can be crowded, but everything runs remarkably smoothly. Your guide provides orientation and regular breaks, as a day in the metropolis can be demanding. The first stop is Meiji Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in the country, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort; on its shady paths the noise of the city seems far away. From the free observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (waiting times possible) you look out over the seemingly endless sea of buildings. Then you head to Shibuya, to the Hachiko statue and the famous crossing; lunch is up to you, perhaps together in a local restaurant. In the afternoon you experience traditional Tokyo in Asakusa around Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, and take a break on the riverbank by Azumabashi Bridge with a view of the Tokyo Skytree. Your guide is sure to have a restaurant tip for the evening. (B) (Distance by public transport: approx. 50 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 4 hrs, approx. 5.5 km)

In the morning you take the Shinkansen to Nagano and get a first impression of rural Japan on the way. Your suitcase travels separately and awaits you in Matsumoto the next day – pack a small bag for one night. After lunch on your own you visit Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sanctuaries, which has attracted pilgrims from all over the country for centuries. In the early evening a special experience awaits: in a shukubo, a temple lodging, you enjoy a shojin dinner – the traditional, purely plant-based cuisine of Buddhist monks. Afterwards you check into your hotel. 1 night in Nagano. (B/D) (Distance by public transport: approx. 225 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 2 hrs, approx. 2 km)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Hotel Metropolitan Nagano is centrally located near the station. A generous breakfast buffet is served in the morning, and in the evening you can choose between several restaurants and a bar on the top floor.

After breakfast you drive through rural areas towards the Japanese Alps. In the village of Takayama (Nagano Prefecture) you stop at a typical michi-no-eki roadside station, choose a small snack of local produce with the group and enjoy it at a quiet viewpoint. In Obuse you visit a traditional sake brewery, learn about the making of Japan’s national drink on a guided tour and taste selected varieties. In the afternoon you reach Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle, the “Crow Castle” – one of the few castles in Japan whose wooden structure has survived in its original form. Steep stairs and historic rooms give an impression of samurai-era architecture. Your suitcase awaits you at the hotel. 3 nights in Matsumoto. (B/S) (Distance by private bus: approx. 115 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 3.5 hrs, approx. 2 km)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast Alpico Plaza Hotel is centrally located about 2 minutes’ walk from Matsumoto station, with a supermarket, shops and izakayas in the same building; the city centre is about 10 minutes away. Guests have free access to the outdoor onsen in Utsukushigahara (shuttle bus). The breakfast buffet offers Japanese, Western and regional dishes. The 14–19 m² rooms have desk, TV, fridge, kettle, free Wi-Fi and bathroom with shower.

Today you take a day trip to the region around Mount Fuji, Japan’s sacred mountain, where lakes, open landscapes and wide views shape the scenery. Depending on the weather and the group’s wishes, you stop at Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park and at quiet Lake Motosu, which offers particularly impressive views of the volcanic cone on clear days. The schedule is deliberately flexible to leave enough time for nature and views (views of Fuji depend on the weather). In the late afternoon you return to Matsumoto; the evening is at your leisure. (B) (Distance by private bus: approx. 290 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs; walking time: approx. 2.5 hrs, approx. 1.5 km)

Today nature takes centre stage: a full-day excursion takes you into the highland landscape of Yatsugatake-Chushin-Kogen Park. Depending on the season you discover lakes, open plateaus and wide views of the mountain ranges – for example the area around Lake Suwa, viewpoints on the Kirigamine plateau, the scenic “Venus Line” road and Lake Shirakaba. On short, mostly easy walks and at viewpoints you get to know the landscape away from the well-known routes. In the late afternoon you return to Matsumoto. (B) (Distance by private bus: approx. 180 km; driving time: approx. 5.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 3.5 hrs, approx. 3 km)

Through increasingly alpine scenery you drive to Shinhotaka. The two-section ropeway takes you up into the higher Alps, and at the top station you enjoy wide views of the peaks. You then reach the onsen village of Hirayu, where steaming springs, wooded slopes and clear mountain air create a peaceful atmosphere. After lunch on your own you walk to Hirayu Falls, depending on the group’s wishes and fitness. In the afternoon you arrive in Takayama. Your hotel has an onsen bath where you can get to know Japanese bathing culture at your leisure. 2 nights in Takayama. (B) (Distance by private bus: approx. 120 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 1 hr, approx. 3 km)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The modern Hotel & Spa Gift Takayama is centrally located about 5 minutes’ walk from the station; the old town, Miyagawa morning market and Hida Kokubun-ji are within walking distance. It has a restaurant serving regional cuisine, a bar and a spa area with onsen and sauna. The rooms have air conditioning, TV, small fridge, free Wi-Fi and hairdryer.

By public express bus you travel through the mountains to Ogimachi, the largest village of Shirakawa-go (UNESCO World Heritage). The gassho houses with their steep thatched roofs are adapted to the snowy winters; some can be visited inside. Afterwards there is time to stroll and taste regional specialities, and if you like you can visit a viewpoint above the village (on foot or by shuttle). In the afternoon you return to Takayama. On a walk with your guide through the old town and Dekonaru Yokocho alley you taste one or two specialities of the Hida region at the stalls. (B/S) (Distance by public transport: approx. 100 km; travel time: approx. 2 hrs; walking time: approx. 2 hrs, approx. 2 km)

In the morning you visit one of the morning markets with regional produce and the Takayama Jinya, one of the few fully preserved historic government buildings in Japan. Afterwards there is time for a walk through the old town with its narrow lanes and wooden houses. In the early afternoon you take the train to Nagoya and continue by Shinkansen to Kyoto; a bento box is served on the way. Depending on your arrival time, you can start exploring the former imperial city in the evening. Your suitcase travels separately and awaits you at the hotel the next day. 2 nights in Kyoto. (B/P) (Distance by public transport: approx. 360 km; travel time: approx. 3.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 4 hrs, approx. 2.5 km)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Vessel Hotel Campana Gojo is centrally located in Kyoto on Gojo Street, not far from Kiyomizu-dera. It has a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a whirlpool and a sauna. The rooms combine Japanese style with modern comfort and have a private bathroom, air conditioning, fridge and kettle.

In the morning you visit Ryoan-ji with its famous Zen rock garden, where raked gravel and harmoniously arranged rocks create an atmosphere of deep calm. A short walk takes you to Kinkaku-ji, the “Golden Pavilion”, reflected in its pond; the interior is not accessible. By public transport you head to the centre; if you prefer more comfort and traffic allows, your guide orders a taxi. Along the way you have lunch on your own. In the afternoon you marvel at the hall of around 1,000 carved Kannon statues in Sanjusangen-do. Then you stroll along Kawaramachi-dori and the neighbouring shopping streets to Nishiki Market, where you can taste specialities. End the day in a café or return to the hotel with your guide. (B) (Distance by public transport: approx. 30 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 5 hrs, approx. 5.5 km)

On the last morning you visit Fushimi Inari Shrine with your guide, where countless vermilion torii stretch in long rows up Mount Inari. You decide how far to follow the path – the summit takes around three hours and is steep in places. Then the group programme ends and you travel by public transport to Kansai airport, from where you fly home in the evening. If you wish, you can book a transfer. (B) (Distance by public transport: approx. 50 km; travel time: approx. 1 hr; walking time: approx. 15 min, approx. 1 km)

With lots of memories in your luggage, you land back home today.