Welcome to Tokyo! Meet at the designated hotel in central Tokyo in the evening. We will enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby local restaurant.

We begin our journey through Japan with a walking tour of Tokyo, the world’s most populous metropolis. Our first stop is the Yanaka District, a charming area near Ueno Park that feels like stepping into Old Tokyo, with quaint temples, small businesses, and traditional homes.

Next, we head to Asakusa to visit the iconic Asakusa Kannon Temple, home to Japan’s largest paper lantern. From there, we’ll board a sightseeing boat to cruise down the Sumida River, enjoying views of the skyline and bridges, ending at Hamarikyu Garden—a beautiful landscape garden with seawater ponds that shift with the tides.

In the morning, we head north of Tokyo to Nikko, a town renowned for its stunning landscapes of mountains and forests. Located at the entrance of Nikko National Park, this area is a popular destination for experiencing Japan's natural beauty.

Here, we’ll visit the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. We’ll take a walking tour through the shrine complex nestled within a serene forest.

To end the day, we’ll stay at a Ryokan (traditional inn), where we’ll enjoy a delicious, traditional Japanese dinner prepared by the welcoming staff.

In the morning, we bid farewell to Nikko and travel two hours through scenic mountain roads to reach the Oze Marshland for a hike. This expansive park, spanning four prefectures, is a popular spot for hikers. Depending on the season, you’ll encounter unique plants and wildflowers: white skunk cabbages in spring, yellow alpine lilies in summer, and vibrant red and yellow foliage in fall.

In the evening, we’ll stay in a cozy mountain lodge near the beautiful Oze-numa Lake.

At first light, we continue our hike through the Oze Marshland toward Ozegahara, following wooden planks that guide us safely through the wetlands without detracting from the area’s natural beauty. At the end of the trail, we board a bus to Okutadami Lake, a man-made reservoir supporting Japan's largest hydro-electric power plant. Here, we’ll enjoy a scenic cruise across the lake, followed by a quick bus ride to the Tochiomata hot spring area. In the evening, unwind in an open-air onsen and savor a traditional Japanese dinner at the ryokan.

Today, we continue our journey through Tohoku by bus and shinkansen (bullet train) to Dewa Sanzan, the three sacred mountains symbolizing stages of life. First is Haguro-san ("Birth"), open year-round and easily accessible. Next is Gas-san ("Death"), the tallest of the three, with a stunning mountaintop shrine. Finally, we reach Yudono-san ("Rebirth"), the most sacred, where visitors complete a purifying rite at the shrine.

We’ll also visit Gyokusenji Temple, originally built in 1251, to participate in a Green Tea Ceremony overlooking its beautiful garden. Tonight, experience a unique stay at a Temple Lodging (Shukubo) and enjoy Shojin Ryori (Monk’s Food), a delightful vegetarian meal using seasonal ingredients.

After breakfast, we travel to the base of Gas-san, the highest of the three mountains, often snow-covered and closed much of the year. We’ll hike to the summit, enjoying stunning views, small ponds from melting snow, and alpine flowers along the way. After a lunch break, we’ll retrace our steps and head to Haguro-san. Here, we pass a towering five-story pagoda, walk among massive cedar trees, and ascend the renowned 2,446-step stone staircase to Haguro-san’s main shrine, boasting Japan's thickest thatched roof. At day's end, we return to our Shukubo for dinner and relaxation, with the option to visit a nearby hot spring.

In the morning, we head to Kakunodate, once home to around 80 samurai families and renowned for its samurai architecture and historic residences. Stroll through the former samurai district and visit one of the elegant homes. Next, we travel to Nyuto Onsen, known for its unique milky white spring water. In the evening, we stay in a ryokan, unwinding in the onsen and enjoying dinner around a traditional sunken hearth, or irori.

Today, we hike up Mount Nyuto for breathtaking views of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park and, to the southwest, Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest caldera lake. For those opting out of the hike, you may relax and soak in the onsen at your ryokan or explore one of the seven other hot springs in Nyuto Onsen. Shorter walking paths are also available for a leisurely stroll around the valley.

Today, we take a break from hiking to explore the rural town of Tono and its rich folklore, passed down through generations. A popular character in Tono's tales is the Kappa—child-sized, turtle-like creatures said to live in ponds and rivers, enjoy cucumbers, and love sumo wrestling. Statues of these legendary beings are scattered around town, celebrating their place in local culture.

This morning, we wrap up our time in Tohoku with a bike ride through the Tono countryside, passing traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and, if the season allows, seeing farmers busy harvesting rice. In the afternoon, we say farewell to Tono and head to Shin-Hanamaki to board our bullet train back to Tokyo.

After breakfast, enjoy free time to explore Tokyo at your leisure—perfect for last-minute shopping or visiting additional sights and museums. In the evening, conclude your final night with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your guide.

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Your guide will be there to offer assistance and advice for your journey to the airport or onward travel in Japan.