Photo: © Shintani
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Japan and seeing the country in a completely new way? If so, then consider joining one of the following three expert-guided tours, for a totally unique and memorable experience in some of the country’s finest nature and culture spots. At ancient Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, enjoy the soothing tones of a classical concert themed around nature and tranquility. Alternatively, head to Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, and discover the island’s fascinating local history and be dazzled by the sunset views at the world-famous Itsukushima Shrine. Or for something completely different, venture north to Tokachi area, Hokkaido, and experience its many winter delights such as snowshoeing and winter glamping. So get ready for something different, as we delve more deeply into what these special one-of-a-kind tours have to offer!
Be Moved by Serene Music and Culture in Kamakura
Enjoy the tranquil tones of a classical concert at Kenchoji Temple, Kamakura.
Photo: cmcj
Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a small, attractive coastal city brimming with history. It is located about an hour by train south of Tokyo. Its many sacred temples and Great Buddha statue have drawn visitors for centuries, while its wonderful beaches near Enoshima are a highlight of summer. As autumn approaches, experience the soothing tones of a classical concert at Kenchoji Temple, Kamakura City’s oldest Zen temple.
Indulge in a sumptuous dinner and dine with the musicians after the concert at Kenchoji Temple.
Photo: cmcj
This special tour includes a welcome speech by the temple’s head priest and then a concert encompassing the themes of nature and calmness. Lose yourself in the music while sipping cocktails, and then join the musicians at a sumptuous after-show dinner for an unforgettable evening of world-class music and culture.
Experience tranquillity and beauty in a world of bamboo at Hokokuji Temple.
While in Kamakura City, don’t miss its numerous other attractions and cultural spots, including the famed Hokokuji Temple. Also known as the ‘Bamboo Temple,’ here you can experience the peaceful serenity of its bamboo grove and magnificently manicured gardens for a soul-enriching end to your time in the city.
Discover the Deep History and Scenic Views of Miyajima, Hiroshima
Sunset views of the iconic ‘floating’ red torii gate at Miyajima’s Itsu.
Photo: Hiroshima Prefecture
A short ferry ride across the water and less than an hour from Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyajima is a small island with many big draws. Chief amongst these is Itsukushima Shrine, a remarkable and sacred World Heritage site, packed to the rafters with national treasures and registered important cultural properties. Founded in 593, it stands on stilts over the water and is home to an enormous red torii gate that seems to float just offshore – a truly remarkable sight, especially at sunset, and one of the country’s most famous landmarks.
For views of a different kind, why not climb or take the ropeway to the 535-meter-high summit of Mt. Misen and soak in the panoramic vista from up high?
Delve into Miyajima’s rich history at the Miyajima History and Folklore Museum.
And don’t forget to say hello to Miyajima’s sizeable herd of deer that wander freely along the streets (just be sure not to feed them). When you take a guided tour, you can of course see Miyajima's famous sights, but you can also experience so much more. For instance, enjoy a splendid lunch incorporating local Hiroshima ingredients, stay the night at a long-established and beautiful ryokan (which famously hosted high-ranking officials during the Hiroshima G7 summit) and learn all about the island’s fascinating past at the Miyajima History and Folklore Museum. Here, you can see various artifacts and artworks from the Edo period (1603-1867) and walk through several historic buildings, including an early 19th-century merchant family house. With so much to see and do, your trip to Miyajima is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Winter Delights and Snowy Sights in Obihiro, Hokkaido
Hike above the clouds in Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido.
The northernmost of Japan’s four main islands, Hokkaido, is transformed into a spectacular snowy wonderland between December and March in the cold winter months. Our third and final tour takes us to Kamishihoro near Obihiro city in central Hokkaido, where you can experience many magical winter activities which you can’t do anywhere else!
Traipse through pristine snowscapes on a snowshoe tour at Naitai Highland Farm.
Kamishihoro lies on the vast Tokachi plain, and is the home of the Naitai Highland Farm, a remote pastoral landscape and ranchland situated in the Daisetsuzan National Park. It is the perfect place to embark on a private guided snow safari tour through remarkable winter snow scenes.
Traverse through wild, snowy landscapes on a caterpillar-wheeled 4WD vehicle.
One of the biggest thrills of the tour is riding in a caterpillar-equipped 4WD vehicle to the farm’s summit at an altitude of 800 meters. After enjoying activities such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling, indulge in a wagyu beef sukiyaki lunch inside a glamping tent to taste the region’s stunning produce.
Winter marvels - witness the ‘ice bubbles’ on the frozen surface of Lake Nukabira.
Next, venture to the icy expanse of Lake Nukabira, where in deep winter you might witness the rare phenomenon of ‘ice bubbles’ on the surface of the frozen lake. These form when gases from below the lake freeze before reaching the air, creating a mesmerizing scene unique to Japan’s northernmost lands. Or hop over to nearby Lake Shikaribetsu, where you can visit an astonishing igloo village built on top of the lake, and then warm yourself up in the igloo hot springs or perhaps grab a drink at the ice bar.
Whichever of these unique expert-guided tours you choose – whether it is classical music in Kamakura, ancient treasures in Miyajima, or snowy fun around Obihiro - you are in for the trip of a lifetime!
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About the author
Author: Tom Fay
Profile: Tom Fay is a British travel and outdoors writer who has been living in Japan since 2007 and is now based in rural Kyoto. He is the author of numerous guidebooks to Japan and has written articles on Japan’s outdoors for various publications.
