Nature and Luxe | MTJ | The Japan Specialist

THE CHARME OF NATURE ACCORDING TO JAPANESE TRADITION

A refined journey with elegant and unique accommodations, surrounded by wonderful nature to meet the real soul of Japan!

The itinerary can also be planned independently since all destinations can be reached by public transportations from hotels and ryokan.

For complete information and prices contact us

13 Days/12 Nights

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Travel program

DAY 1: TOKYO

Arriving in Tokyo, after your hotel check-in, you meet with our local assistance for an initial journey overview.
In the evening, enjoy your dinner in a local Japanese restaurant followed by a pleasant walk among the most famous districts of Tokyo.
Overnight in Tokyo.

DAY 2: TOKYO

The entire day is dedicated to the visit to Tokyo. A vibrant capital made up of a patchwork of different neighborhoods, each distinct in identity and atmosphere, from ancient temples, kimono shops, and glowing lanterns to modern architectural buildings, art galleries, and charming café. Discover the pop culture, savor sushi, and stroll around colorful districts to capture the essence of this fantastic city, poised between the past and the future.

DAY 3: FROM TOKYO TO YAMANASHI

Departure towards Yamanashi Prefecture, a paradise destination for nature lovers and connoisseurs of craft beers, wines, and whisky.
Visit the “Nakamura Keith Haring Collection” art museum, entirely dedicated to this artist. Later, whisky tour at Suntory Hakushu distillery with great final tasting.
Typical dinner and overnight at our selected boutique resort hotel. You will certainly have the chance to taste the famous locally produced wine

DAY 4: MATSUMOTO

Departure towards Matsumoto town.
Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan’s original castles. Designated as ‘National Treasures of Japan’, the building is also known as the “Crow Castle”, due to its black exterior.
In the afternoon, transfer to the heart of Yatsugatake National Park, a luxuriant protected forest and accommodation in a refined and traditional onsen ryokan for un unforgettable and regenerating luxury stay.

DAY 5: NAGANO & YUDANAKA ONSEN

In the morning, pleasant walk in Jigokudani Yaen Koen a natural reserve, where you can watch the Japanese Macaques bathing in a natural hot spring.
Afterward visit Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, one of the most important and popular Buddhist temples in Japan, rich of energy and mystery.
Return to the ryokan in the heart of Yatsugatake National Park.

DAY 6: TAKAYAMA

Departure towards Takayama, beautifully preserved old town in Gifu prefecture, with wooden merchants’ houses dating to the Edo Period, along with shops, restaurants, sake breweries and cafes.
Overnight experience at luxurious 160-year-old Minka (house of the people) with ‘Gassho-zukuri’ roof construction. Taste traditional dishes and relax in natural hot spring.

DAY 7: SHIRAKAWAGO & KANAZAWA

Departure towards Kanazawa.
In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go with traditional gassho-zukuri thatched’ roof farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.
In the afternoon, we reach Kanazawa, one of the most important cultural and artistic centers of the Edo period. We recommend a visit to the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden and the Geisha District.
Transfer to beautiful ryokan, totally immersed in nature, near Kanazawa, to live an unforgettable experience.

DAY 8: FROM KANAZAWA TO KYOTO

A relaxed morning for you to enjoy the ryokan experience at its best: the source of the onsen has over 1300 years of history and healing properties; the surrounding environment is made of natural resources and craft activities managed for generations with the same method and love.
Before continuing, don’t forget to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art of the 21st century in Kanazawa: an innovative, interactive and futuristic museum.
In the afternoon, departure by train to Kyoto, the ancient capital, from over 1000 temples.

DAY 9: KYOTO & NARA

Visit the beautiful Nara town including the Todai-Ji temple, a Buddhist temple that hosts the Great Buddha of Nara and the famous park with numerous deer in freedom. Afterward, transfer to Sakurai visiting Ohmiwa-jinja Shrine, sacred for sake brewers.
You will spend the night in an enchanting villa surrounded by rice paddies, that celebrates the aesthetics and traditional Japanese lifestyle.

DAY 10: AKAME FALLS

We suggest the panoramic excursion to Akame Falls, one of the most scenic in the country, located in a place sacred to Buddhist ascetics Shugendo and training site for ninja Iga-ryu. It is a pleasant walk of about 4 km on footbridges along the river.
Time at your disposal to enjoy the traditional experiences. Training, meditation or a variety of culinary experiences: a “kaiseki” meal prepared by a Michelin chef or “shabu shabu” or even a pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven.

DAY 11: ISE JINGU

Today, we will visit Ise Jingu Shrine, chosen by Princess Yamatohime No Mikoto to venerate the goddess of the sun, Amaterasu-Omikami. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage routes in the world.
Transfer to Toba, accommodation in our selected boutique hotel. Situated in a panoramic position overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by primeval forest, it is one of the most charming places in Japan.

DAY 12: TOBA & AGO BAY

Excursion to Ago Bay to participate in the activity of the Ama women pearl fishers followed by tasting of oysters, scallops and lobsters, freshly caught and cooked by the Ama women.
Don’t miss the view from the Yokoyama observatory of Ago Bay and the 64 islands.
Return to Toba and enjoy your last night in our selected boutique hotel

DAY 13: FROM TOBA TO OSAKA

Our extraordinary journey comes to an end with the transfer to Kansai airport.
We fly home, taking with us the images of refined beauty of this unforgettable route.

Photo Credit: © JNTO • © Suntory • © 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art • © Akame Tourism • © Iseshima Kanko • © MTJ • © Nakamura Keith Haring Collection