The Land of Samurai

A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY ACCOMPANIED BY MTJ EXPERT UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR

This tour is for those fascinated by the history of the Samurai, hereditary military nobility and officer caste of Japan, from the 12th century to their abolition in 1870. During that time the old imperial institutions were abolished. The Emperor, historically alternated between divine symbol role and actual imperial ruler, has never been questioned. The power was held by three clans of warriors: Minamoto`s clan, who chose Kamakura as the capital of Japan; Ashigaka`s clan, who moved the capital in Muromachi, close to Kyoto and Tokugawa`s clan who established the capital in Edo, current Tokyo.

Under Tokugawa, from 1603 to 1867, the flourishing Japanese feudalism was reached. Over this period, many aspects of the classic Japanese tradition took shape, from No theater to Kabuki, tea ceremony, Ukiyo-e art and much more.

This journey will bring you to outstanding places where great warriors fought strategic battles for their country. Artisans, merchants, farmers have also left wonderful artworks often unknown, but with precious value ready to be discovered.

For complete information and prices contact us

12 Days/11 Nights

Travel Program

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO

Arriving at Haneda or Narita Airport in Tokyo. Hotel check-in.
In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Palace, originally the home of Tokugawa clan, Imperial Gardens, Sakuradamon gate, Nijubashi bridge, the statue of Kusunoki Masashige, one of the military strategists in Japanese history.
Free time in the evening.

DAY 2: TOKYO

Starting from Ueno district, visit the National Museum of Tokyo and Asakusa district with Sensoji temple followed by a Sumida boat ride from Asakusa to Hamarikyu. Later, visit the Sengakuji temple, famous for the graveyard where 47 Ronin are buried.
Free time in the evening.

DAY 3: NIKKO

Day trip to Nikko, Tochigi prefecture. Enjoy the beauty of the most lavishly decorated shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, surrounded by ancient cryptomeria trees. The landscape offers suggestive scenery among mountains, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs. We recommend suitable clothing and comfortable shoes.
Back to Tokyo in the evening.

DAY 4: KAMAKURA

Day trip to Kamakura, a coastal town full of history with breathtaking beauty. Kamakura was a political center and also the birthplace of the first samurai government, Minamoto Yoritomo, founded in 1192. In the following centuries, the town lost its political center becoming famous for its temples, shrines, historical monuments of worship linked to the Buddhist religion. Warriors, philosophers, poets, famous producers, like Akira Kurosawa and Ozu Yasujiro lived and are buried in Kamakura.
Back to Tokyo in the evening.

DAY 5: NAGOYA

Depart from Tokyo to Nagoya by shinkansen. Hotel check-in.
Visit Kiyosu Castle, Oda Nobunaga’ Castle with Samurai armor dress experience and the option to be registered as “International Samurai.”

DAY 6: NAKASENDO

Today we hike the Nakasendo trail, an ancient route along the Kiso Valley connecting Tokyo with Kyoto during the Edo Period, walking between Magome and Tsumago, two of the “juku” (post town) along the route. Both have many well-preserved and restored traditional buildings. The trail is about 9km and quite gentle. We recommend suitable clothing and comfortable shoes.
Back to Nagoya in the evening.

DAY 7: HIKONE

From Nagoya to Hikone via Maibara. Discover Hikone Castle, house of Hotta clan, and Historical Museum.
Enjoy a ryokan experience, a traditional Japanese style inn with natural hot springs along the shores of Biwa Lake. Bring your overnight bag just for one night; your luggage will be sent from Nagoya to Kyoto.

DAY 8: KYOTO

Departure from Biwa Lake to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Hotel check-in. Visit Nijo Castle, the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as the Imperial Palace.
After Nijo Castle, we will visit the Kinkakuji temple also known as Golden Pavillion, Kiyomizudera temple, Gion district.

DAY 9: HIMEJI

Today we visit Himeji, the most famous and beautiful surviving feudal castle, also known as White Heron. The Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site from 1993.
We return to Kyoto in the evening.

DAY 10: KYOTO

Today we explore Fushimi town, where an important battle marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. We visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of rice. The shrine is known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main building. The route is about 6km into the forest of the sacred Mount Inari. We recommend suitable clothing and comfortable shoes.
We return to Kyoto in the evening.

DAY 11: OSAKA

Transfer to Osaka. Hotel check-in. Visit Osaka Castle and National Theater enjoying the Bunraku show, a traditional puppet theater of Japan. It started as popular entertainment for commoners during the Edo Period in Osaka then evolved into an artistic theater during the late 17th century. Activity subject to availability.
Free time in the evening.

DAY 12: RETURN TO ITALY

Return to Italy from Osaka International airport.