DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN JAPAN
Welcome to Osaka!

Upon arrival at the airport, an English-speaking assistant will meet you on the arrival lobby. A private transfer will take you from the airport to your hotel via private vehicle.

Please note that you can bring max 1 suitcase per person, since additional luggage requires a larger vehicle to be quoted at an additional cost.

To ensure smooth entry, all visitors should register on the Visit Japan Web portal before departure: Visit Japan Web.

• Enter your flight details and intended address in Japan.
• Fill out the digital Disembarkation Card and Customs Declaration.
• The system generates QR codes. Save these as screenshots or print them to show at airport kiosks and e-gates.

Osaka is Japan’s most unapologetic, vibrant, and soul-stirring metropolis. Often cast in the shadow of Tokyo’s sheer scale and Kyoto’s quiet templates, Osaka is a destination where pretension is stripped away, leaving an authentic, high-octane celebration of life, flavor, and cutting-edge design. Historically known as the Tenka no Daidokoro (the Nation’s Kitchen), modern Osaka has masterfully elevated its legendary epicurean roots into a world-class playground of luxury.
PATINA OSAKA –  (B)

DAY 2: OSAKA
Osaka’s Epicurean Soul: Street Food and Merchant Heritage

Enjoy a morning and afternoon at leisure.

Osaka is the third largest metropolis in Japan, and it has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region for centuries. It first gained prominence when a powerful warlord built the country’s most magnificent castle in the 16th century. To develop resources for his castle town, the ruler persuaded merchants from other parts of the nation to resettle in Osaka and it became an important distribution center. As the merchant class prospered, the town grew and traditional arts such as kabuki and bunraku flourished. With the legacy of the city’s commercial beginnings still intact, Osaka is renowned as a hub for international business. It is also famous for its local cuisine, large aquarium, underground shopping arcade, and its popular Universal Studios amusement park.

This evening, you will make your own way to and from the venue where the Evening Osaka Food Experience will take place. Location details will be provided prior to the day.

Meet your guide in one of Osaka’s local neighborhoods, where residents of all ages go out to enjoy the culinary pleasures of the nation’s soul food kitchen. It’s the perfect place to sample authentic comfort food from a mix of street stalls, standing bars and atmospheric izakaya while listening to stories from Japan’s foodie capital. Your guide will introduce you to the wonders of Osaka’s casual cuisine and the culture of ‘kuidaore’ – literally, ‘eating oneself to bankruptcy’! (3 hours).
PATINA OSAKA –  (B)

DAY 3: OSAKA / KOYASAN
Sacred Ascent: Journey to the Spiritual Heights of Mt. Koyasan

Today, explore Mt. Koyasan.

After breakfast, travel by train on a scenic journey of approximately 90 minutes to Mt. Koyasan, one of Japan’s most revered spiritual destinations. Upon arrival, begin your walk with your guide along a historic pilgrimage trail that follows the perimeter of Koyasan and was originally established for women. Until 1872, this sacred ascetic training ground was closed to women, and the dramatic mountain path offered sweeping views of Koyasan’s most important sites without requiring entry into the restricted areas. As you walk, your guide will bring the area’s history and traditions to life, sharing insight into the mountain’s deep connection to Shingon Buddhism and centuries of pilgrimage. Continue to Koyasan’s Okunoin, the atmospheric inner sanctum that includes the mausoleum of Kobo-Daishi, founder of the Shingon Buddhist sect, and one of the most sacred places in Japan.

This evening, settle into a comfortable shukubo, a traditional pilgrim lodging that offers a meaningful introduction to the spiritual rhythms of Koyasan. Enjoy beautifully prepared shojin-ryori vegetarian temple cuisine, created with seasonal ingredients and presented with quiet elegance. The experience provides a memorable opportunity to slow down, connect with the peaceful surroundings, and gain a deeper appreciation for daily life within this sacred mountain community.
SHUKUBO PILGRIM LODGING (B,D)

DAY 4: KOYASAN
Mystical Dawn: Monastic Devotion and Fire Ceremonies on Mt. Koyasan

Today, experience early morning prayers and a fire ceremony.

Located in Wakayama Prefecture, Mount Koya (Koyasan) boasts a history of more than 1,200 years. Within this sacred religious town, surrounded by tranquility and a mystical atmosphere, nature and spiritual devotion exist in harmony, allowing you to experience the depth of Japanese culture.

Koyasan was founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, as the sacred center of Shingon Buddhism. Today, the area is home to 117 temples, and in 2004, Koyasan was registered as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.

SHUKUBO PILGRIM LODGING (B,D)

DAY 5: KOYASAN / KUMANO HONGU ONSEN-KYO
Pathways to Healing: Journey to the Hot Springs of Kumano Hongu Onsen-Kyo

Today, transfer to Tanabe via train, and then to Kumano Hongu Onsen-Kyo.

This morning, you will transfer to the train station to travel to Tanabe.

Upon arrival, continue with your guide to Kumano Hongu Onsen-Kyo, a tranquil hot spring area where you will spend the night at a traditional Japanese Inn. Take time to stroll through the quaint town and unwind in the soothing waters of a historic bathhouse, believed to offer healing properties.

Dating back over a millennium, the Kumano Kodo has long been a sacred path where pilgrims sought connection with the divine. Nestled in the lush southern reaches of the Kii Peninsula, “Kumano” translates to “the place where deities reside,” while “Kodo” refers to the ancient trails still paved with timeworn stones. Among the six routes, the Nakahechi trail is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, weaving through serene mountains, dense forests, and tranquil rivers, traversing the peninsula from one side to the other.

Enjoy a hike in the afternoon.

Your stay at the hotel includes dinner.
WATARASE ONSEN, YAMAYURI –  (B,D)

DAY 6: KUMANO HONGU ONSEN-KYO / YAMAYURI
Footsteps of the Ancients: Trekking the Sacred Nakahechi Trail

Today, explore the Nakahechi trail.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast and a bento lunchbox to fuel your walk along the Nakahechi trail. A short bus ride will take you to Hosshinmon-oji with your private guide, the starting point of today’s spiritual trek toward Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of Kumano’s three main shrines.

This 5 mile trail offers a harmonious blend of nature and culture, with ancient oji shrines scattered along your path. Stroll under towering trees, take in panoramic views at scenic rest spots, and feel the presence of centuries of devotion as you approach Kumano Hongu Taisha, which is sure to leave you in awe with its striking architecture.

After exploring the shrine, visit the nearby Kumano Hongu Heritage Center to deepen your understanding of the trail’s rich spiritual and historical significance.

Return to your onsen accommodation to relax in the rejuvenating hot springs and enjoy a sumptuous Japanese dinner, a perfect reward for today’s journey.
WATARASE ONSEN, YAMAYURI –  (B, D)

DAY 7: YAMAYURI / NACHI TAISHA
Waterfalls and Shrines: Journey to Nachi Taisha and Japan’s Tallest Falls

Today, enjoy a full day of hikes.

Your first hike will be to Shingu, home to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, another one of the three grand Kumano shrines, you will be accompanied by your private guide. Nestled near the Kumano River, this shrine holds deep significance as it is believed the deities of Kumano first descended to earth here. Explore its serene grounds, learn about its role in the pilgrimage, and savor a leisurely lunch in town.

Continue by train to Kii-Katsuura and then by bus to Daimonzaka, where you will begin an enchanting walk up a cobblestone staircase flanked by towering cedar trees. This path leads to Kumano Nachi Taisha, a magnificent shrine perched high in the mountains. From here, gaze upon the iconic Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall at 133 metres, revered as a sacred site for centuries. Close to the shrine is Seigantoji Temple, making Nachi a rare example of Shinto and Buddhist structures coexisting on the same grounds.

Your stay at this hotel includes breakfast and dinner.
KUMANO-BETTEI NAKANOSHIMA –  (B, D)

DAY 8: NACHI / TAISHA / ISE
Sacred Rites and Mountaintop Deities: From Tuna Auctions to Ise

Today, enjoy a hike and transfer to Ise.

After breakfast, you will visit the local fish market, if it is open, to observe one of the largest tuna auctions in Japan. This visit is dependent on the weather, which can preclude fishing boats leaving harbor, and also on holidays.

A short stroll brings us to Kii Katsuura’s railway station, from where we ride the train to nearby Shingu. Here we make our final climb, a short but very steep ascent, of Mt. Gongen to Gotobiki Iwa, a giant rock revered as a natural deity.

Nearby is the last of the three Kumano Shrines, Hayatama Taisha, which you will visit before boarding a train to Ise, home to the most important shrine in Japan.

Following an exploration of the Geku, the impressive outer shrine, you will check into tonight’s accommodation, before venturing into town for your final evening meal.
TOBA HOTEL –  (B)

DAY 9: ISE
Bay Views and Cultural Treasures: A Leisurely Day in Toba

Today, a day at leisure to enjoy your hotel.

The Toba Hotel International directly overlooks the Toba Bay, and it’s conveniently located near several sightseeing places that you can quickly access by taxi, such as Ise Shrine, the Toba Aquarium, Mikimoto Pearl Island, Okage Yokocho, and Meoto Iwa (Husband and Wife Rocks).
TOBA HOTEL –  (B)

DAY 10: ISE / NAGOYA
From Coastal Shrines to Samurai Legacy: Transfer to Nagoya

Today, transfer to Nagoya.

An English-speaking assistant will meet you at your hotel and will escort you to the train station by private car, where you will board the train to Nagoya (Green Class).

Before departure, you will be assisted with forwarding your luggage to your accommodation in Nagoya.

One piece per person is included. Please note that the luggage may take up to 2 days to arrive. We recommend you bring a small bag for the overnight stays.

Upon arrival in Nagoya, your driver will meet you at the arrival platform and escort you to your accommodation by private car.

Nestled in Japan’s central heartland, Nagoya is a city where historic samurai legacy seamlessly fuses with high-tech ingenuity. As the birthplace of Japan’s three legendary unifiers—Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu—Nagoya boasts a noble heritage that predates modern Tokyo. Today, it stands as the nation’s epicenter of monozukuri (the art of making things), blending ancestral craft with sleek, world-class luxury.
TIAD AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION –  (B)

DAY 11: NAGOYA
Samurai Splendor and Feudal Roots: Nagoya Highlights and Historic Temples

Today, enjoy a half-day Nagoya Highlights excursion.

Nagoya Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of its feudal past. Originally built in the early 1600s, the castle was an important seat of power for the ruling Tokugawa clan. While much of the original structure was destroyed during World War II, the reconstructed keep, with its striking golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish) ornaments, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Edo-period architecture. The surrounding castle grounds are equally impressive, with spacious gardens, stone walls, and moats that evoke the atmosphere of Japan’s samurai era. The area also includes recently restored palace buildings that showcase beautifully preserved interiors and intricate artwork.

Next, visit Osu Kannon Temple, which has watched over the city since the Edo period. The temple was originally constructed in nearby Gifu Prefecture during Japan’s Kamakura period (1192 – 1333) but was moved to its current location in 1612 by the Tokugawa warlords to save it from repeated flooding. Enter the shrine to see the impressive Kannon statue, devoted to the goddess of mercy and carved by a monk named Kobo Daishi, one of the most important figures in Japanese Buddhist history.

After admiring the temple, take a stroll through Osu’s covered shopping arcade. Many shops here sell everything from vintage kimonos to rice crackers.

Notes:
The main castle keep is currently closed to the public and cannot be entered.

Your afternoon is at leisure.
TIAD AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION –  (B)

DAY 12: NAGOYA / INUYAMA / NAGOYA
Castles and Tea Houses: Exploring the Historic Feudal Town of Inuyama

Today, experience a full day Inuyama Highlights excursion.

Depart from Nagoya in the morning and prepare for a full day of exploration and discovery in Inuyama, a historic city nestled on the banks of the Kiso River. Renowned for its well-preserved castle and vibrant cultural scene, Inuyama offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past and modern-day charm.

At the heart of this enchanting destination lies Inuyama Castle, the smallest of Japan’s original castles, yet brimming with grandeur and charm. Marvel at the elegant exterior and explore the fascinating interior of this architectural gem, while soaking in panoramic views of the picturesque Kiso River and surrounding landscapes.

Next, explore the vibrant street food scene of Inuyama. From local delicacies to national favourites, the town offers a delectable array of savoury and sweet treats to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re craving Instagram-worthy sweets or savoury snacks, there’s something for every palate on this culinary adventure through the scenic streets of Inuyama castle town.

Venture beyond the castle walls and discover the serene beauty of Urakuen Garden, a hidden oasis beloved by samurai and art enthusiasts alike. Stroll through meticulously landscaped gardens and admire the tranquil beauty of traditional tea houses, including Jo-an, renowned as one of the country’s finest. Here, amidst the serene surroundings, savour a cup of matcha green tea, embracing the essence of Japanese culture and tranquillity in every sip.
TIAD AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION –  (B)

DAY 13: NAGOYA / DEPART
Homeward Bound: Final Farewell and Departure from Nagoya

Meet your driver in the hotel lobby and transfer to the airport to fly home.

(B)

$1,200.00: Price per person per day, Land Only. Double Occupancy

Price may increase due to market conditions; please call for current pricing.

Trains are included in Green Class when available.

Travel Advisories: Certain seasonal conditions may apply. We recommend avoiding travel in July and August (excessive heat) as well as December and January (potential snow).