12-Nights Whispers of the Ancients: A Luxe Pilgrimage Through Japan – President’s Pick

Big Five Tours & Expeditions · 12 days

12-Nights Whispers of the Ancients: A Luxe Pilgrimage Through Japan – President’s Pick
Luxury
This 13-day luxury journey takes travelers from the vibrant streets of Osaka and Nagoya into the spiritual heart of Japan, featuring sacred mountain trails along the ancient Kumano Kodo, traditional temple lodgings, and deep-rooted samurai heritage. Seamlessly blending high-end modern comforts with centuries-old traditions, it offers an immersive exploration of Japan’s most revered cultural and natural sanctuaries.

  • Osaka Evening Food Experience – You’ll explore one of Osaka’s lively local neighborhoods with a guide, sampling street food, standing bars, and cozy izakaya while learning about the city’s famous kuidaore culture.
  • Spiritual Stay on Mt. Koyasan – A two-night immersion in Japan’s most sacred mountain: walking historic pilgrimage trails, visiting Okunoin, staying in a shukubo temple lodging, and joining early morning prayers and a fire ceremony.
  • Multi-day Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Hikes – You’ll walk the Nakahechi trail, visit all three grand Kumano shrines, see Nachi Falls, and experience ancient oji shrines, cedar forests, and sacred mountains — a full immersion into Japan’s most storied pilgrimage route.
  • Cultural Highlights in Nagoya & Inuyama – Visits to Nagoya Castle, Osu Kannon Temple, and a full-day excursion to Inuyama Castle, Urakuen Garden, and Jo-an teahouse — blending samurai history, architecture, and traditional tea culture.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • Some meals
  • Sightseeing per itinerary
  • Airport transfers and much more

Air

Call for airfares from your city.

Itinerary

Nagoya
Ise
Katsuura
Tanabe
Koyasan (Mt. Koya)
Osaka
Excursions

Kobe - Osaka Day Tour — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:

  • Osaka Castle
  • Umeda Sky Building
  • Shitennoji Temple
  • Dontonbori
Tour Duration: Approx. 6 hours (13:00 – 19:00)

Tour can operate:  Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible:  No – due to the nature of the sites and the transportation

Physical Activity Level:  Moderate – involves walking and exploring multiple sites

Inclusions: (include any info regarding transportation to/from the Cruise ship in this section)
  • Transfers and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary by private vehicle
  • Services of driver and private English-speaking guide during sightseeing and transfers (different guide and driver in each city)
  • Local restaurant lunches including 1 drink per person (soft drink, local beer, bottled water, tea or coffee)
  • Pier permits
  • Complimentary local bottled water during sightseeing/transfers
  • Entrance fees while sightseeing
 Not Included:
  • Any accommodations/ meals/ flights/ sightseeing/ transfers other than specified
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Gratuities to the local guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Any expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, minibar charges, telephone charges, etc.
  • Any visa

Terms & Additional Information

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

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