12-Nights Whispers of the Ancients: A Luxe Pilgrimage Through Japan – President’s Pick — CALL
Big Five Tours & Expeditions
OFFER ID 1720435
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.
12 nights | Call for pricing
Featured Destinations
Nagoya
Nagoya is located at the head of Ise Bay on the south eastern coast of central Honshu. Sights of interest include Nagoya Castle (1610 rebuilt 1959), one of the largest of the Edo period, Tokugawa Art Museum, Citizen Hall, Aichi Cultural Centre, Chunichi Hall, and Misono Theatre. You can also visit the zoological and botanical gardens in Higashiyama Park. Further afield, the Atsuta Shrine and the Grand Shrine of Ise are the oldest and most highly esteemed Shinto shrines in Japan.
Koyasan (Mt. Koya)
Koya San or Mount Koya is the center of an important Buddhist sect. Secluded, the tiny village is surrounded by mountains where a 1,200 year long history of temples was established. Local and foreign visitors make their pilgrimage to Koya San and stay at temple lodgings. It is also the site of the Kobo Daishi mausoleum, the religious figure who introduced this nation's religious sect in 805.
Osaka
This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.
Excursions
Kobe - Osaka Day Tour
Kobe - Osaka Day Tour
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)
- 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
Vacation Details
Valid Date Ranges
09/08/2026 -
12/31/2027
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* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
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Vacation Rating
Luxury
The finest hotels in the world, luxury lodging is characterized by luxury accommodations, impeccable service and the highest standards of comfort and pampering. Luxury hotels and resorts are often found in the most desirable locations. Building from the amenities and guest services offered at a deluxe hotel or resort, the luxury establishment usually puts on the finishing touches - fresh flowers around the hotel and original works of art throughout. Hotel restaurants often employ world renowned chefs to create delectable dishes and a unique dining experience. Attention to detail and personalized service are the hallmarks of luxury hotels and resorts.
Remarks
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
OFFER ID
1720435
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