Discover the spiritual and cultural side of Japan, aspects that make this country so unique and intriguing. Enlightenment Japan offers an insider's view into spiritual practices and beliefs from masters in their fields. Begin your enlightening experience in Tokyo where you shall witness a traditional Tea Ceremony and take a relaxing cruise down the Sumida River.

Learn the basics of Shiatsu massage from a grand master before boarding the enthralling bullet train to Nagano where exploration of Zenkoji Temple awaits you. Here visitors can look for the 'key to paradise' in complete darkness. It's believed that anyone who touches it is granted enlightenment.

In nearby Yudanaka you come face to face with the famous Snow Monkeys that bathe in steaming hot water rising from cracks in the frozen ground. We take some time to also explore the local town where a visit to the Masuichi sake brewery allows for some delicious sampling.

Next stop is Kyoto where an eclectic combination of influences has formed a fun loving and vibrant city. Here guests can experience the quintessential enlightening experience of Zazen (Zen meditation). Afterwards head to Chion-in temple, head of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism.

A short train journey takes you to Nara, where we can stand in awe at the Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building housing the world's largest Buddha in Japan. Take a scenic passage from Nara through the mountains to Mt Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism. Explore the local temples, of which some date back to 805AD. Witness the monks chanting morning prayers in Koya-san before moving on to Osaka, also known as Japan's kitchen. Enjoy some delicious cuisine while exploring the restaurant mecca of Dotonburi before heading back to Kansai Airport the following day.

Arrive in Tokyo where our representative will assist you in transferring to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to either relax or explore Tokyo.

Overnight in Tokyo

Take a stroll through Hama-Rikyu Teien, a private garden of an Edo Period lord. Witness a traditional tea ceremony and take a boat cruise along the Sumida River. Visit Tokyo's old town of Asakusa before continuing on to Omotesando, the city's high end fashion zone.

Overnight in Tokyo

Spend the morning learning the basics of Shiatsu massage before boarding the famous Shinkansen bullet train to Nagano. Explore Zenkoji temple then take a local train to Yudanaka where you will stay in a traditional ryokan

Overnight in Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen

Head to the Jigokudani Yaen Koen to see the famous Snow Monkeys bathing in steaming hot baths formed from crevices in the frozen ground. In the afternoon we recommend a visit to the charming town of Obuse where traditional Japanese gardens and shops can be explored. Stop at the Masuichi sake brewery for a taste of delicious sake.

Overnight in Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen

Head to the cultural capital of Kyoto on the bullet train. Kyoto is home to an astonishing 2000 shrines and Temples including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring this fascinating City.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Experience the enlightening experience of Zen meditation. Afterwards head to Chion-in, head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. From here walk through Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine, finishing the day with a Tea Ceremony in a Gion tea house.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Today we take you by train to Nara. For 74 years during the 8^th century Nara was Japan's capital and many of the termples and shrines from this period still remain. We recommend a visit to Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha. The afternoon is free for you to explore either Nara or Kyoto at your leisure.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Make the scenic journey to holy Mt Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi. Koya-san. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with our knowledgeable guide. Stay at a shukubo, an authentic Japanese temple lodge. Dinner will be shojin ryori, traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine. 

Overnight in Koya-san

After an early wake up you can witness the monks chanting their morning prayers. Follow this spiritual experience with a traditional shojin ryori breakfast. We then continue on to Osaka, a city renowned for flamboyance, fun loving and outstanding cuisine. In the afternoon we take a wander down Dontonbori.

Overnight in Osaka.

Spend the day at your leisure before transferring to the airport. Alternatively stay an extra few days to explore fascinating Tokyo a little further.