TakeTours > Asia > Japan > 9-Day Eternal and Traditional Japan Tour from Osaka, ends in Tokyo

9-Day Eternal and Traditional Japan Tour from Osaka, ends in Tokyo Tour Code: 038-19976

Overview
Visit Osaka, Tokyo (Akihabara, Nijubashi, Senso-ji, Shibuya), Fukui (Eihei-ji), Gokayama (Ainokura), Hida Furukawa (Hida Crafts Museum), Kanazawa (Kenrokuen, Omicho Market), Katsuyama (Daishizan Seidaiji Temple, Dinosaur Museum, Heisenji Hakusan Shrine), Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Taisha, Gion, Kinkaku-ji), Lake Biwa (Shirahige Shrine), Matsumoto (Matsumoto Castle), Mount Koya, Shirakawa (Ogimachi), Takayama (Hida Folk Village Museum).
Price In USD (Price per person based on double occupancy)
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2025
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2025
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2025
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Price (/Person)
    Single $3082
    Share Room $2358
    Double $2319
    3rd Person
    Adult $2201
    Child $2201
Price (/Person)
    Single $3074
    Share Room $2350
    Double $2311
    3rd Person
    Adult $2197
    Child $2197
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  • Overview
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9
Day 1 Osaka
Day 2 Osaka - Mount Koya (300 km)
Day 3 Mount Koya - Kyoto (260 km)
Day 4 Kyoto - Lake Biwa - Fukui - Katsuyama - Kanazawa (214 km)
Day 5 Kanazawa
Day 6 Kanazawa - Gokayama - Shirakawa - Takayama (81 km)
Day 7 Takayama - Hida Furukawa - Matsumoto - Tokyo (245 km)
Day 8 Tokyo
Day 9 Tokyo

Day 1: Osaka

Deluxe Hotel: Candeo Osaka Namba or Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji or similar
Meal: Excluded
After gathering in Osaka, we will transfer to hotel and then have free time. You will receive information about the start of the circuit during the afternoon. 
  • Osaka, JAPAN

    Osaka is a designated city in the Kansai region of Japan. It is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Japan.

Day 2: Osaka - Mount Koya (300 km)

Standard Hotel: Buddhist monastery (limited, and in some cases, we may arrange to stay in nearby hotels like Monasterio Hojoin instead)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Vegetarian)
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. Here, 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). A vegetarian dinner will be included. 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 instead (half board provided).
  • Mount Koya, JAPAN

    Mount Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi in 805, houses over 100 temples, including Kongobuji (head temple) and Okunoin (his mausoleum). Visitors can stay in shukubo (temple lodgings), experience shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine), and join morning prayers. A key pilgrimage site and UNESCO World Heritage location.

Day 3: Mount Koya - Kyoto (260 km)

Deluxe Hotel: Miyako Kioto Hachijyo or similar
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
We'll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Early in the morning, we'll depart for Kyoto. Our visit will take us to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. We'll admire the magnificent Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, explore the historic Imperial Palace, and marvel at the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” with its stunning gardens.

You'll have free time to explore before we visit Gion, a bustling traditional district renowned for its Geisha culture. Here, you'll have additional free time to soak in the unique atmosphere.

Note: If you've already visited Kyoto as part of your tour, our guide will provide tips and recommendations to help you explore other parts of the city on your own.
  • Kyoto, JAPAN

    For over 1,000 years, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan. Today, its economy is based around information technology. It is home to the Nintendo headquarters, one of the world's most popular video game corporations.

    Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilions torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought the Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds.

    Kinkaku-ji

    The name of this Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto translates to the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion." It sits on a beautiful, tranquil lake. It was originally built in 1397 and rebuilt after a 1950 arson.

    Duration: Approx. 40 Minutes

    Gion

    Gion is the most famous district of Kyoto which reserves many old streets and architectures to feel the old Japanese culture.

Day 4: Kyoto - Lake Biwa - Fukui - Katsuyama - Kanazawa (214 km)

Deluxe Hotel: MyStays Premier Kanazawa or similar
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
We'll start our day with breakfast before departing along Lake Biwa. Our first stop will be at Shirahige Ginra, a small shrine located by the lake. We'll then head to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet. Next, in Katsuyama, we'll visit three key sites. First, the Dinosaur Museum, located at the largest dinosaur fossil site in Japan, where you'll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons. Then, we'll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy panoramic views. Finally, we'll immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature with a walk through the towering cedar forest at the Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine, founded in 717 at the base of a sacred mountain. We'll arrive in Kanazawa by evening.
  • Lake Biwa, JAPAN

    Lake Biwa is Japan's largest freshwater lake. With a history spanning 4 million years, it's one of the world's oldest lakes and a vital ecological and cultural landmark.

    Shirahige Shrine

    Standing in the northwestern part of Lake Biwa is the oldest Shinto shrine in Omi, which is said to be over 2,000 years old. The symbol of the shrine is a vermilion-lacquered Otorii gate stands in the middle of the lake across Route 161, which is known as a power spot with a spectacular view.
  • Fukui, JAPAN

    Fukui Prefecture is a hidden gem in Japan's Hokuriku region, known for its rich history, stunning nature, and unique cultural experiences.

    Eihei-ji

    Eiheiji is one of Japan's two head temples of Soto Zen Buddhism, renowned for its deep spiritual atmosphere and rigorous monastic training. Founded in 1244 by Zen Master Dogen, the temple is nestled in the quiet mountains of Fukui Prefecture, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic Zen practice.
  • Katsuyama, JAPAN

    Katsuyama is known for its rich natural beauty, dinosaur fossils, and hot springs. It serves as a gateway to the sacred Mount Haku (Hakusan) and offers a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

    Dinosaur Museum

    Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the leading dinosaur museums in the world. The spacious museum building without pillars is filled of various dinosaur skeletons, fossils of other animals and plants, diorama with dinosaur life reconstruction models, and so forth.

    Daishizan Seidaiji Temple

    Seidaiji Temple, founded in 1987 by businessman Kiyoshi Tada, features Japan's largest five-tiered pagoda and a 17m seated Great Buddha modeled after China's Longmen Grottoes. Its Butsuden Hall houses 1,281 smaller Buddha statues within expansive 22-hectare grounds.

    Heisenji Hakusan Shrine

    Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is a historic Fukui shrine famed for its mystical moss-covered paths and 10,000 stone lanterns. Founded in 717, this former temple-shrine complex offers serene forest walks, best enjoyed in summer's lush greenery or autumn's vibrant foliage.

Day 5: Kanazawa

Deluxe Hotel: MyStays Premier Kanazawa or similar
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
We'll spend a full day in Kanazawa, beginning with a guided city tour in the morning. We'll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and take a stroll through the historic Nagamachi neighborhood, where samurai and their families once lived. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We'll also include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The tour will end at Omicho, a lively traditional market with many options for lunch. The afternoon will be free for you to explore.
  • Kanazawa, JAPAN

    Kanazawa is a historic city in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, traditional crafts, and stunning gardens.

    Kenrokuen

    Ranked among Japan's "Three Great Gardens," this 17th-century landscape garden in Kanazawa features seasonal beauty, iconic pine trees, and traditional teahouses. Famous for yukitsuri (winter snow supports) and illuminated night views.

    Omicho Market

    Kanazawa's bustling 280-year-old food market with 170+ stalls selling fresh seafood, sushi, and local produce. A must-visit for food lovers.

Day 6: Kanazawa - Gokayama - Shirakawa - Takayama (81 km)

Deluxe Hotel: Mercure Hida Takayama or similar
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Today, we'll journey through beautiful mountain landscapes, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We'll stop in Ainokura, a charming small village, and in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, a larger, more popular village. There will be time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Afterward, we'll continue to Takayama, where we'll visit the Hida Folk Village Museum, nestled in a peaceful setting. We'll then have free time to explore the old town, with its wooden houses and traditional shops.
  • Gokayama, JAPAN

    Gokayama is a hidden gem in Toyama Prefecture, famous for its UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. It offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Japanese mountain life.

    Ainokura

    Ainokura is a serene thatched-roof village in Gokayama (Toyama). This UNESCO-listed gem features 23 traditional gassho-zukuri houses, some converted into cozy minshuku inns and craft workshops.
  • Shirakawa, JAPAN

    Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gifu Prefecture, enchants visitors with its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses - steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow. A perfect blend of tradition and breathtaking landscapes.

    Ogimachi

    Ogimachi, the heart of Shirakawa-go, is a picturesque village famed for its UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Stroll past historic homes, visit the open-air museum, and climb to the panoramic viewpoint for iconic vistas. Seasonal charms include cherry blossoms, lush rice fields, and magical winter illuminations - a perfect blend of tradition and natural beauty.
  • Takayama, JAPAN

    Takayama enchants with its Edo-period charm - wander Sanmachi's wooden merchant houses, sample premium sake, and savor melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef. Don't miss the morning markets or the breathtaking Takayama Festival floats.

    Hida Folk Village Museum

    Hida Folk Village is an open air museum exhibiting over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region, the mountainous district of Gifu Prefecture around Takayama. The houses were built during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and were relocated from their original locations to create the museum in 1971.

Day 7: Takayama - Hida Furukawa - Matsumoto - Tokyo (245 km)

Deluxe Hotel: Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, we'll depart for Hida Furukawa, where we'll stroll through its charming old town. The city's festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We'll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival's floats, costumes, and drums. We'll then continue our journey across the Japanese Alps, renowned for their snow-covered landscapes for much of the year. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we'll visit the city's impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. Afterward, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town. In the afternoon, we'll depart for Tokyo, arriving by the end of the day.
  • Hida Furukawa, JAPAN

    Hida Furukawa enchants visitors with its well-preserved Edo-era streets, tranquil canals, and historic sake breweries. Don't miss the stunning Furukawa Festival with its majestic floats and lively performances.

    Hida Crafts Museum

    Hida Crafts Museum showcases the exquisite woodworking traditions of the Hida region. Discover intricate carpentry techniques, handmade furniture, and folk artifacts in a charming timber-framed building. Watch local artisans demonstrate traditional skills, and browse unique wooden souvenirs - a perfect stop to appreciate Japan’s rural craftsmanship.
  • Matsumoto, JAPAN

    Matsumoto City is located in the middle of Nagano Prefecture where the 1998 Winter Olympics were hosted. It sits at the foot of the Japanese Alps, nestled between the mountains in the heart of Japan.

    Matsumoto Castle

    Crow Castle - Japan’s oldest surviving feudal fortress, nicknamed for its striking black exterior. Climb its wooden keep for panoramic mountain views, explore hidden samurai defenses, and stroll the cherry blossom-lined moat. A masterpiece of 16th-century architecture, blending wartime grit with understated elegance.

Day 8: Tokyo

Deluxe Hotel: Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Included (Kyoto style grilled chicken, pickle, rice, fried escado and chicken karaage, sashimi, salad, chicken stew.)|Dinner: Included

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.
At 6:30 p.m., we'll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. Here, we'll enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for dinner (included). Afterward, we'll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

NOTE: With 5 passengers or less than 5 passengers, the city tour will be done by a tourist bus "Hop On-Hop Off" bus that passes through the most interesting parts of Tokyo, in which passengers can hop off, visit the site of their choice and then hop on the next bus
  • Tokyo, JAPAN

    Tokyo, JAPAN
    One of the 47 prefectures of Japan and has been the capital since 1869. The Greater Tokyo Area is the most populous metropolitan area in the world. It is the seat of the Emperor of Japan, the Japanese government and the National Diet.

    Senso-ji

    Senso-ji
    Founded in approximately 628 AD, this Buddhist temple in Tokyo is the city's oldest as well as one of its most important. The street leading to the temple is called the Nakamise-dori and features many retail shops and kiosks.

    Duration: Approx. 40 Minutes

    Nijubashi

    Meaning "Double Bridge" in Japanese, this bridge is one of the most famous in Japan. Though there are two separate bridges, when you look at them from the right angle, they appear to be a single two-storied bridge,

    Akihabara

    This district in the Chiyoda Ward of Tokyo became the city's major shopping center for household electronic goods, giving it the nickname "Electric Town." It is a center of otaku culture and seeks to replicate the anime world.

    Duration: Approx. 1 Hour

    Shibuya

    Shibuya is a popular shopping and entertainment area found around Shibuya Station. In this regard, Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts, packed with shopping, dining and nightclubs. Shibuya is also a center for youth fashion and culture. Its streets are the birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends. Numerous department stores and shopping malls can be found around the area catering to all types of shoppers.

Day 9: Tokyo

Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
After the breakfast, the tour will come to an end. Please arrange the transportation on your own for your next trip plan.

Price Includes

  • City tour in: Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo
  • Evening transfer: Traditional quarter of Gion
  • Ticket admission: Okuno Mausoleum,Kongobuji Temple and Ajikan or Zazen meditation in Mount Koya, Shrine of Fushimi Inari, Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji Temple , Shirahige Ginra Shrine and Temple-monastery of Eihei-Ji , Dinosaur Museum, Great Buddha and Echizen Pagoda, Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine , Kenrokuen Garden , Small village , Village of Shirakawa-go Oguimachi , Hida Folk Village Museum , Museum , Castle , Zojoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Sensoji Temple
  • 1 Lunch Included in: Tokyo
  • 2 dinner included in: Mount Koya, Tokyo
  • Airport pickup
  • 8 nights hotel accomodation
  • Travel by bus with English speaking guide
  • Basic travel insurance
  • Breakfast buffet

Price Excludes

  • Optional items
  • Personal expenses

Additional Note

  • The luggage allowed for each passenger on our tours is limited to one piece of a maximum of 30 kg. per person (note airlines and trains have their own limits, normally lower, to be respected).

Confirmation

  • All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book airline tickets until you have received the confirmation.

Redemption

  • Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.

Terms & Condition

  • Cancellation of Orders and Penalty
    Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to TakeTours by email or through web mail at Contact Us .
  • All cancellations or changes of date must comply with the following details: (Notification day and departure day are not counted)
    118 dollars will be charged if cancel or change within or more than 31 days before departure date (not including departure date).
    10% of total fee and 118 dollars will be charged if cancel or change within 30 days before departure date (not including departure date).
    50% of total fee and 118 dollars will be charged if cancel or change within 15 days before departure date (not including departure date).
    75% of total fee and 118 dollars will be charged if cancel or change within 7 days before departure date (not including departure date).
    Absolutely NO refund on all cancellations or postponements within 1 day prior to departure (not including departure date).
    The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
  • Itinerary Variations
    We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
  • Tour Cancellation:
    We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, TakeTours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or similar tour.. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers.
  • We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.

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