Essenza del Giappone (2027)

Welcome upon arrival by a local English-speaking assistant who will provide directions on how to reach central Tokyo by shuttle bus without boarding (or reserved taxi with mandatory surcharge, if the flight arrives at Narita/Haneda Airport between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.). Arrival at the coach station and independent transfer to the hotel (we recommend taking a taxi, approximately 15 minutes). Individual check-in at the hotel, without assistance. The room is available starting from 15. Tokyo is a unique, surprising, elusive city. Those who have never seen it and expect an exotic oriental city are disappointed: Tokyo appears as a modern and chaotic megalopolis, densely packed with buildings - space is precious - a true asphalt jungle without a common thread, without the monuments, avenues, and typical buildings of large cities. But appearances are deceiving. The history and atmosphere of Tokyo are revealed in the details of its neighborhoods; unexpected beauty is found in its interiors; vibrancy is found in its rich cultural life, in its museums among the best in the world, in the daily life of a constantly moving people. Accommodation Villa Fontaine Shiodome

Breakfast. Day dedicated to visiting the city with an Italian-speaking guide and public transportation. The tour starts at 9.30 and ends at 18. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: climbing up to the 45th floor of this building, one of the city's most iconic structures designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, offers breathtaking panoramic views. Meiji Jingu Shrine, located in the elegant Harajuku area, is a Shinto shrine nestled in an urban forest of about 70 hectares, planted with approximately 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan. Built in 1920 to honour Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it is an oasis of peace and reflection, just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the city. Walking along the path leading to the main shrine, you will feel a sense of contemplation and spirituality, ideal for understanding the cultural heart of modern Japan. Continuing through the traditional neighbourhood of Asakusa, you will arrive at Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. Its origins date back to the 7th century, when a sacred statue was found in the Sumida River. Rebuilt numerous times over the centuries and after the bombings of 1945, today it symbolises rebirth and spiritual tranquillity. At the entrance stands the famous Kaminarimon (‘Thunder Gate’) with its huge red lantern, followed by Nakamise-dōri, a lively street about 250 metres long with 90 shops selling traditional souvenirs, sweets, hand-painted fans and typical snacks. Many shops have been run by families for generations, keeping alive the artisanal charm of old Edo. The last stop of the day takes you to the Akihabara district, famous worldwide as a paradise for otaku culture: video games, anime, manga, electronics and maid cafés enliven its streets and buildings. Once a centre for the sale of low-cost electronic components, today it is the beating heart of Japanese pop culture. Here you can browse gadget megastores, retro hangouts such as Super Potato, cosplay-themed venues and arcades: a dynamic and lively stop, ideal for experiencing the contemporary spirit of Tokyo. Return to the hotel. Accommodation Villa Fontaine Shiodome

***OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES*** (see supplements).
IZAKAYA EXPERIENCE - An authentic Japanese experience. At 7.30 pm you meet your Italian-speaking guide at the hotel, who will walk you to an "izakaya" (a type of informal Japanese pub) serving excellent food and drink. The Italian-speaking guide will give you all the guidance you need to choose your first drinks and dishes. Then he or she will leave you on your own. The return to the hotel is without a guide.

Breakfast. Free day. Accommodation Villa Fontaine Shiodome.

***OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES*** (see supplements)
optional excursion (not included) to Kamakura
- From 9am to 6pm, including lunch. Meeting at the hotel with an Italian-speaking guide and transfer by public transportation to Kamakura (about one hour). Located south of Tokyo, between the sea and wooded hills, Kamakura is a city rich in history, with dozens of temples, shrines, and beautiful gardens. The most famous attraction is the Daibutsu, a large bronze statue of Buddha, but the ancient Zen temples are no less fascinating. In spring and autumn, the city is particularly picturesque due to the colors of the leaves and flowers. The visit also includes the city's most important shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū, the Kamakura Kannon temple, with its large statue of the goddess of mercy, and the Hokoku-ji temple, famous for its dense bamboo forest. Please note: the excursion is not available from November 09th, 2027 to February 15th, 2028. Return to the hotel. Available evening.

***OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES*** (see supplements)
Dinner at Hard Rock Café (Roppongi, Ueno or Yokohama): includes starter, main course and dessert.

Breakfast. Departure from the hotel at 8.10. An English language assistant will accompany you to the Tokyo station, but not during the train journey. The main luggage will be transported separately from Tokyo to Kyoto. The luggage is shipped via courier, with next-day delivery; it is necessary to have a carry-on bag with the essentials for the night. Departure by high-speed train to Kyoto. Duration 2:15 hours approximately. I will arrive at 11:15. Upon arrival, the skyscrapers will leave you perplexed: a modern city! Instead, the heart of Kyoto is the Japan you imagine: geishas and tea houses, zen gardens and cherry trees, a gateway to the mysterious past of the Land of the Rising Sun. Not only is this ancient capital significant for its history, but it is also the only major Japanese city spared from the destruction of World War II, and therefore it is rich in temples, shrines, imperial palaces, gardens, and traditional wooden houses: many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kyoto also has the highest concentration of artisans in the country. So, not only the temples, but also the scenes of everyday life make it an exceptional city. Welcome upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Lunch. The visit begins at Nijo-jo Castle, one of Kyoto’s most important historical sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early 17th century by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle is renowned for its beautifully preserved palaces, elegant gardens and famous “nightingale floors”, which were designed to produce a distinctive sound when walked upon, helping to detect potential intruders. The tour continues with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landmarks. Covered in gold leaf, the temple is beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond, creating a particularly enchanting scene in every season. The surrounding gardens complete the experience, showcasing the refined beauty of traditional Japanese landscape design. The itinerary then continues to Arashiyama and Sagano, with a visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is particularly renowned for its beautiful garden, designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape. After the temple visit, continue on foot through the famous Sagano Bamboo Grove, a peaceful path surrounded by towering bamboo stalks that creates a unique and atmospheric setting. The walk eventually leads to Togetsu-kyo Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in Arashiyama, offering beautiful views over the Katsura River and the surrounding mountains, especially spectacular during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage. At the end of the visit, transfer to the hotel. Available evening. Accommodation Kyoto Tokyu Hotel.

Breakfast. Day dedicated to visiting Kyoto and Nara with an Italian-speaking guide, using public transportation. The tour starts at 8:30 and ends at 18:30. Departure for the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, dedicated to the deity of the good harvest and of success in business; Fushimi Inari Taisha is the principal Inari shrine in all of Japan. The seemingly endless path of bright orange torii gates that lines the approach to Mount Inari makes for an impressive sight and is one of the most famous images of Japan. Later, departure for Nara, approximately 50 km from Kyoto, the oldest capital of Japan and cradle of Japanese civilisation, with magnificent temples and works of art that have remained intact over the centuries. The main attraction is without doubt the monumental bronze Buddha of Tōdai-ji; a pleasant stroll through the deer park and along a path lined with three thousand bronze and stone lanterns leads to Kasuga Taisha, the most sacred Shinto shrine. I return to the hotel and the evening is free. Accommodation Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or The Hotel Higashiyama.

Breakfast. Free day. Accommodation Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or The Hotel Higashiyama.

Breakfast. Check-out in the morning. Airport transfer with shared taxi without assistance. The exact time of departure from the hotel will be communicated to you the day before by the hotel staff. End of the tour.