Traditional Japan and north of Japan- End Sapporo

Traditional Japan and north of Japan- End Sapporo

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11 Days From

$2590

$2201

Traditional Japan and north of Japan- End Sapporo

11 Days Starting in Osaka, Japan and ending in Sapporo, Japan

Visiting: Osaka, Mount Koya, Kyoto, Tokyo, Nikko, Matsushima, Hakodate, Sapporo

Tour operator:

Europamundo

Tour code:

2503396

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

36 - 72

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

3-85

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $2590 $2201 Operator discount: -$388 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan, starting in the vibrant city of Osaka and culminating in the northern capital of Sapporo. This tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the spiritual serenity of Mount Koya's Buddhist monasteries to the historical grandeur of Kyoto's Imperial Palace and the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Discover the natural beauty of Matsushima's "Thousand Islands" and the volcanic wonders of Noboribetsu. Enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, Zen meditation, and the unique cultural blend of Hokkaido. With visits to iconic sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Meiji Temple, and the Hill of Buddha, this tour promises a deep dive into Japan's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, leaving you with cherished memories of this enchanting land.

Highlights

  • Explore the sacred Mount Koya, home to 120 temples and monasteries, and experience Zen meditation.

  • Discover Kyoto's rich heritage with visits to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and the Kinkakuji Temple.

  • Experience the bustling nightlife of Tokyo's Shinjuku district and explore the city's modern and traditional areas.

  • Visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum in the city of Nikko.

  • Cruise the "Thousand Islands" Bay in Matsushima, one of Japan's most attractive cities.

  • Admire the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle and learn about traditional Japanese festivals at the Nebuta Museum in Aomori.

  • Walk amidst geysers and hot springs in Noboribetsu's Jigoku Dani (Hell’s Valley).

  • Tour Sapporo, including the Hill of Buddha and the European-inspired city of Otaru.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Osaka

Location: Osaka

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we´ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of the tour.

Day 2 : Osaka, Mount Koya

Location: Mount Koya

Accommodation Name: Buddhist monastery

Meals Included: Dinner

At 11:30 a.m., we’ll depart from the city and head to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with more than 200,000 graves. We’ll also explore 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). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.Notes: - During winter, due to earlier nightfall, there won’t be enough time to visit the interior of Kongobuji Temple.- Staying in the monastery is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.- We cannot guarantee meditation sessions during busy tourist periods. Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, we may arrange for groups to stay in nearby hotels (half board provided).

Day 3 : Mount Koya, Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Japanese breakfast at the temple. Then we leave early for KYOTO, to spend the whole day in the city, which was the capital of Japan between 794 and 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. During World War II the city was the only major Japanese to escape the bombardments, and so it still preserves its wealth of artistic heritage; the famous protocol restricting greenhouse gas emissions was signed in Kyoto in 1997. The visit includes a trip to one of the most important parts of the city. We will see the marvellous Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji temple, “the golden pavilion” and its wonderful gardens. Free time before visiting GION, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha. Free time. Note: If you already visited Kyoto on your circuit, our guide will offer you information and advice on visiting the other parts of the city unaccompanied.

Day 4 : Kyoto, Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast transfer to the station to take the BULLET TRAIN to Tokyo. Arrival to Tokyo after almost 500 km in just over two hours.Late in the afternoon, we will pay a visit to this fascinating city by taking a trip on the metro (tickets included) to the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. Dinner included and return to hotel.

Day 5 : Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we take part in a 5-hour trip with our guide to see this amazing city, with its hustle and bustle and extremely modern districts that coexist with quiet, peaceful areas. Brief stop at the Zojoji Temple to make a beautiful photograph of the Tokyo Tower. Pay attention to the hundred of Jizos, stone traditional protecting deities who guide us on our travels, give power to those who are weak (such children) and those in dangerous places, and who are dressed including hats, robes and windmills. Then we head to the junction of Shibuya, a junction that is said to be the most crowded in the world. The Meiji Temple is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, his wife, and their spirits. We continue on our bus along the elegant street of Omotesando. We will edge the most beautiful part of the Imperial Palace and the gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We will pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric town” with icons from the popular Japanese Manga and Anime culture and then see Kokugikan, the Sumo stadium, home of this Japanese sport. We will also visit the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo, with its 55-metre high pagoda. Then we will have some free time to visit the traditional commercial street of Nakamise in the district of Asakusa. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Return to hotel.Free time in the afternoon.Late in the afternoon, we will pay a visit to this fascinating country by taking a trip on the metro (tickets included) to the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. Dinner included and return to hotel by metro with our guide.

Day 6 : Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai

Location: Nikko

Accommodation Name: hotel

We leave for NIKKO and arrive at this fantastic city at 10.30am. There we visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine with the room of the crying dragon. We will also visit the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in an impressive, peaceful site, followed by a walk near the river, in Kannanga Fuchi, under the watchful eye of hundreds of Jizo statues! Free time in the city centre before leaving for SENDAI, a modern, bustling city with over 1 million inhabitants. Passengers can explore the city and have dinner in its busy, thriving centre.

Day 7 : Sendai, Matsushima, Hiraizumi, Morioka

Location: Matsushima

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

We depart for the marvellous city of MATSHUSHIMA, on the “Thousand Islands” Bay in the Pacific Ocean and considered one of the most attractive cities in Japan. After arriving, we will visit a magnificent “tea house” overlooking the sea and enjoy a cup of traditional tea while our guide tells us about the city. Then we will go on a 50-minute cruise (included). Lunch included. We continue to HIRAIZUMI to visit its temples and the UNESCO World Heritage. In a first step we visit the magnificent Buddhist temples of Chusonji. We take time to relax in the gardens of Motsuiji temple, where passengers can take part in a Zen ceremony (admission included). Finally, we will know Site of Takkoku no Iwaya, carved in the rock in 801. We then carry on to MORIOKA, the pleasant capital of Iwate province, where we settle in at our hotel and have some free time to explore.

Day 8 : Morioka, Hirosaki, Aomori, Hakodate

Location: Hakodate

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

In a region of beautiful scenery, we travel to HIROSAKI, where we will visit its castle in a beautiful park where more than 2,500 cherry trees blossom in the spring. After this we go on to AOMORI, the provincial capital of the Bay of Mutsu. We will see the Nebuta Museum where we will learn about the Japanese traditional parties that remind us of carnival, with their painted and lit up floats. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Then we board the ferry to HOKKAIDO Island. The crossing takes just over three and a half hours. HAKODATE –Arrival-. Time in the beautiful city pedestrian centre in which to admire the influence of other cultures in the city (Russian Orthodox and Christian churches).

Day 9 : Hakodate, Onuma, Noboribetsu, Sapporo

Location: Sapporo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

In the morning we visit the impressive and busy fish market. Then we climb the GORYOKAKU Tower with its impressive views, from where we can make out the star-shaped fortress of Hakodate. Then we will take a stroll through the castle area before continuing to ONUMA. Free time in this wonderful tourist site, with its countless small islands in which to explore the islands, go on a boat trip and have lunch included. In the afternoon our journey takes us towards the ocean and NOBORIBETSU, an impressive volcano site, where we can walk amidst geysers in Jigoku Dani (Hell’s Valley), admire the hot spring lake of Oyunuma and follow the path next to the hot spring to the site of the footbath.- Then we carry on to SAPPORO.- At the end of the day, we arrive at this beautiful city, the capital of North Japan.-

Day 10 : Sapporo

Location: Sapporo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

City tour (included) stopping at the clock tower and Odori Koen avenue-park, dominated by the telecommunications tower. We will see the beautiful Shinto shrine of Hokkaido Jingu. The visit includes a ceremonial Kito (prayer session) in which we give thanks for the journey. We will leave Sapporo, we know the HILL OF BUDDHA, new center of avant-garde architecture opened in 2015, the hill covered with lavenders keeps the giant statue of Buddha, in the complex we will also see the replica of the statues Moai (Easter Island). We then continue to OTARU, a small city with a European air and streets filled with shops, an old canal and tiny museums. Lunch included. We return to Sapporo at about 4.30 hrs. Free time in the afternoon.

Day 11 : Sapporo

Location: Sapporo

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, our services will come to an end, hoping to leave you with wonderful lasting memories.

What's Included

  • Transfer to hotel in Osaka

    Upon arrival in Osaka, a transfer to the hotel is provided.

  • Dinner at Buddhist monastery

    Dinner is included during the stay at the Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya.

  • Japanese breakfast at the temple

    A traditional Japanese breakfast is provided at the temple in Mount Koya.

  • Bullet train to Tokyo

    Transfer to the station and bullet train tickets to Tokyo are included.

  • Metro tickets in Tokyo

    Metro tickets for a trip to the Shinjuku district in Tokyo are included.

  • Lunch in Tokyo

    Lunch is included in a local restaurant in Tokyo.

  • Visit to Nikko Toshogu Shrine

    The visit to the Nikko Toshogu Shrine is included.

  • Cruise in Matsushima

    A 50-minute cruise in Matsushima is included.

  • Lunch in Matsushima

    Lunch is included in Matsushima.

  • Ferry to Hokkaido Island

    Ferry crossing to Hokkaido Island is included.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Private bathrooms in monastery

    Rooms in the Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya do not have private bathrooms; bathrooms are shared.

  • Guaranteed meditation sessions

    Meditation sessions at the monastery on Mount Koya cannot be guaranteed during busy tourist periods.

  • Accommodation in temples on Mount Koya

    Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, groups may be arranged to stay in nearby hotels.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Japan with ease, including a thrilling ride on the bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo, and a scenic ferry crossing to Hokkaido Island. Explore cities and sites with convenient transfers and guided tours, ensuring a seamless journey.

Accommodation

Experience a unique stay in a Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya, where rooms are simple with shared bathrooms, offering a traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Enjoy the enriching experience of Zen meditation and the serene atmosphere of the monastery.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on Mount Koya?

    On Mount Koya, you will stay in a Buddhist monastery, which is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.

  • Will there be any meditation sessions during the stay at Mount Koya?

    The monks at the Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya will guide you through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). However, meditation sessions cannot be guaranteed during busy tourist periods.

  • What is included in the visit to Kyoto?

    In Kyoto, the visit includes a trip to the Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as 'the golden pavilion,' along with its wonderful gardens. You will also have free time to explore the traditional quarter of Gion.

  • How will we travel from Kyoto to Tokyo?

    You will travel from Kyoto to Tokyo by bullet train, covering almost 500 km in just over two hours.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Tokyo?

    In Tokyo, you will take part in a 5-hour guided trip to see the city's modern districts and peaceful areas. Highlights include the Zojoji Temple, Shibuya crossing, Meiji Temple, the Imperial Palace gardens, Akihabara district, and Sensoji Temple. You will also have free time to explore the Nakamise street in Asakusa.

  • What activities are planned in Matsushima?

    In Matsushima, you will visit a traditional tea house overlooking the sea, enjoy a cup of tea, and go on a 50-minute cruise in the 'Thousand Islands' Bay.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Hakodate?

    In Hakodate, you will visit the busy fish market, climb the Goryokaku Tower for impressive views, and explore the pedestrian center to admire the influence of other cultures, including Russian Orthodox and Christian churches.

  • What unique experience is offered in Noboribetsu?

    In Noboribetsu, you will walk amidst geysers in Jigoku Dani (Hell's Valley), admire the hot spring lake of Oyunuma, and follow the path next to the hot spring to the site of the footbath.

  • What is included in the city tour of Sapporo?

    The city tour of Sapporo includes stops at the clock tower, Odori Koen avenue-park, the Shinto shrine of Hokkaido Jingu, and a ceremonial Kito (prayer session). You will also visit the Hill of Buddha and the city of Otaru.

Reviews of this operator

Mauro Grasso García (Google Reviewer)  

I have taken a trip...

02-Apr-2024

I have taken a trip with them through Spain and Portugal and everything was very organized. Professional guides and wonderful places. Without a doubt, I will return.

alejandra gonzalez (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic trip...

27-Jun-2023

We had a fantastic trip with EuropaMundo. We visited France, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco and Spain. Gonzalo our guide was incredibly knowledgable and friendly, gave us a fantastic tour throughout the whole trip. We learned about history, art, culture and much more. He kept us entertained, was happy to answer all of our questions, also offered recommendations of things to do, see and places to eat during the tour. Also want to thank our drivers Narciso and Olivier both did a fantastic job driving us safe. Money and time well invested. Highly recommended.

Nimar Sekhon (Google Reviewer)  

I want to let you...

16-Jul-2024

I want to let you guys know your tour guides were excellent Frey, Julie and Alba was very professional. Also hotels in Spain quite clean. Only think you guys need to improve on giving accurate times guides bus because told 8:30 am because told I would little more accurate timings of the tour. I was wondering if guys tours in Greece or Israel plan another vacation next year asking if guys have any tours available in Greece or Israel.

Paul Quan (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished a 3 week...

22-Oct-2023

Just finished a 3 week tour not do long ago. Most of it was great, I couldn't ask for a better experience. Except for 1 tour guide (Maria). First of she and the driver was over an hour late to our hotel to pick every one up, which is fair enough, unexpected things happen. Then I thought that everyone was punished due to them being late. We were rushed everywhere we went. She made us pay for a toilet only to walk us down to the city centre to only allow us 45 minutes to find a restaurant to have so called lunch at around 3:00pm. Then we drove for at least 6 hours with very little breaks, not even to allow everyone to have toilet breaks. I would recommend eurpomando but not Maria as a tour guide. Every other tour guide we had were fantastic.

Julia Macapagal (Google Reviewer)  

We are three from the...

20-Aug-2024

We are three from the Philippines and were set to tour the Czech Republic (June 10). Overall, the tour was satisfactory except we would like to suggest giving more time to the highlights of each city. For instance, we were able to see the exterior of Versailles - but even if we wanted to get in to see more of its beauty, we could not as we were pressured by time to be at the meeting place at a certain point. That is exactly what happened to us during our Eiffel Tower experience as well. The Louvre museum was optional but we finished the cruise at 3:00 PM and the museum would close at 5:00 PM. This schedule was literally just like a tick the box list. Another important thing I would like to say is regarding William or Guillermo. He was our tour guide on June 12 from Pilsen to Germany. We understand that this is a group tour and that time is a big factor such that our punctuality is required. But it is also inevitable that sometimes you get late, you can get lost, but that was not intentional. That is exactly what happened to us, we got lost in Rothenburg and caused us to be late, meters away from the bus, he was yelling at us at the peak of his lungs. Very discourteous and very unethical! He was unlike other guides. Not to mention that he is not so knowledgeable in the topics he was discussing, again, unlike the other tour guides. To think that he has been doing his job for several years “with passion”, it was such a disappointment. His attitude did not show any passion for his work.

Glenn (Google Reviewer)  

We had an incredible time...

12-Dec-2023

We had an incredible time visiting Switzerland and Paris, and there was no need to worry about anything. The organization was perfect, and the hotels were booked and all this was at a resonable cost. But an issue arose with an extremely rude and unpleasant driver(Andres) for one of the days, who abruptly slammed the brakes on a high-speed bus because he was angry at kids talking. This could have been very dangerous for the passengers also. Would have given 5 stars if it wasbt for the driver

Talia Rodriguez (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible agency, total scammers. Booked...

08-Oct-2024

Terrible agency, total scammers. Booked a trip to Europe and didn’t received what was promised. We didn’t have free time (10-30 min in most cases) the whole trip felt rushed, we ate at every gas stations in Europe, not restaurants , we had to drag mas suitcases, couldn’t watch a show/performance because we had to book it advance and according to them this was included until we got to the places and they said “we couldn’t book the show” money was returned. This is false advertisement. Hotels were pure garbage, at some point we found bugs in our bed. To many lies, to many scams, I hated the whole thing. Our group was a gem, they handpicked the most annoying people ever and had to be together from 6 am until 12 pm in the mornings, we couldn’t visit or watch anything in Europe because we were busy 12 h on a bus crossing borders, so what they put in the paper example: “The alps” was literally the view of the alps from a bus, never visited anything that was stated in the world. We were to supposed to visit Switzerland, one of the bests countries and most beautiful places on earth but we were there 1 h, San Sebastián Spain 10 min, what the hell is that? Tourist guides are terrible, while on the bus they won’t tell you the history. We visited France and stayed ij burdeaux (for some reason burdeaux was included but never saw it. Nasty hotels in the middle of nowhere , felt like I was working the whole trip

Pete F (Google Reviewer)  

Poorly organized tours - no...

19-May-2024

Poorly organized tours - no continuity or directions to people on tours. Drivers and guides are often late and, while nice people, are also very disorganized with little support from the home office. We are missing our Versailles tour because the bus driver did not show up. One hotel had no water for the entire hotel. The company is about churning as many people through their tours than providing quality experiences. I plan to report them through our travel agent to prevent more people from using them.

Pedro Rascon (Google Reviewer)  

I had travelled with Europamundo...

24-Jul-2024

I had travelled with Europamundo twice back in 2013 and 2014. This year I decided to repeat a trip with them (Prague-Budapest-Vienna-Innsbruck). In the last 10 years I’ve done about 10 trips to Europe, but this time I decided to go back with them so I could worry less about transportation, hotels, guided tours, etc. I regret so much going with them. After spending about $20K on this trip my vacation got totally ruined by Europamundo. I am never traveling with Europamundo ever again. Rest of my review in screenshots attached...

Arielle Nicole (Google Reviewer)  

The absolute worst. They do...

02-Sep-2023

The absolute worst. They do not follow the itinerary provided. When we arrived in Versailles, tickets are sold out since instead of morning, they changed it to 3-4pm where all the tickets are sold out. Whole day wasted. Most of the museums/sights they state in their itinerary, they will just bring you there, entrance fee is not included. They will only bring you to free places, so just be aware that you will not be getting your money’s worth. Bus is ALWAYS late, today our meetup time is 7:45am, the bus arrived 8:25am, since they had to pick up other guest from a totally different hotel. They frequently change buses, it is a hit or miss. There are times where the airconditioner is good, leg space is acceptable. There are also times, they would rent a bus from a different company, where it is very cramped. Guide: they know the basics but not the nitty gritty details. For example they would just point you “Oh this is blah building, without any further explanation.” Hotels are mostly 4 star hotels with really shitty customer service. Once I had a room (cant remember the hotel in Lyon, France) assigned to me where the room has not been cleaned up. GROSS. One of the other hotel (Dormero Hotel, Zurich), did not have a reception staff at night, so when we were a defective bath tub, we had no one to complain to.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Europamundo requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of europamundo charges.

    Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 10 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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