Japan & Taiwan, From Osaka to Taipei

The wonders of Japan and Taiwan

On arrival at Osaka airport, you will be directed to the cab departure point. You will then take a shared shuttle bus to your hotel in Kyoto**. The journey is estimated to take between 2h30 and 3h00.

Luggage drop-off. Check-in possible from 2:00 pm.
Rest of day and meals free.

Suggested visits:

Nijo Castle, built in 1603, was the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. A true symbol of their power, it sits amidst several magnificent gardens.

Stroll through the Gion district Formerly reserved for pilgrims on their way to the nearby Yasaka Shrine, the district soon became associated with the world of geishas, known as geiko in Kyoto.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day - make your own dining arrangements.

Suggested visits:

Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, as it's usually better known, is the Rokuon-ji Buddhist temple of the Rinzai Zen school. It earned its nickname because of its magnificent walls covered in gold leaf.

Ryoan-ji, monastery of the Rinzai school, is best known for its rock garden created in the classic Zen style: fifteen stones of different shapes and sizes are laid out on a bed of fine gravel in such a way that no matter where you stand, you can only see fourteen at a time.

Stroll through the Nishiki market, full of Kyoto street foot, where a festival of smells and flavours awaits.

Kiyomizu-dera, a complex located in the mountains to the east of Kyoto.

Breakfast at hotel.
(One suitcase per person sent to Tokyo).
Arriving the next day, please bring your overnight bag to Hakone.

Transfer to Kyoto station and Shinkansen (high-speed train) to Odawara.

Hakone is a famous spa in the heart of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and a popular resort for many Tokyoites seeking to escape the stress of the big city. Built on an ancient volcano housing a twelve-kilometer caldera, the town offers magnificent landscapes that change with the seasons, magnified by its lake surrounded by mountains and Mount Fuji in the background.

Start using the 2-day Hakone Free Pass from Odawara.

Transfer by train with your pass to Tonosawa (25min, with one change). Drop-off of your belongings. Check-in from 3pm.

Free day and lunch.

Overnight at the Ryokan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out before 10 a.m.
Transfer to Odawara station (using your Hakone Free Pass).
Shinkansen (high-speed train) to Tokyo.

Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, is the capital and economic heart of Japan, and its conurbation is the largest megalopolis in the world with over 40 million inhabitants. It's a city bursting with activity, day and night, where there are virtually no town planning regulations, and where you'll find skyscrapers right next to old Japanese houses, or state-of-the-art buildings just round the corner from ancient shrines and their gardens.

Transfer to your hotel in Tokyo, check-in from 3 p.m.
Make your own arrangements for the rest of the day and for meals.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day - make your own dining arrangements.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Suggested visits:

The Tokyo National Museum is Japan's oldest and largest museum.

Stroll through the Ameyoko market.

The Asakusa district, also known as the Old Town or Old Edo, is home to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple: Senso-ji.

Akihabara is a district of two halves: on the one hand, it's known for its electronics and the hundreds of small shops and big names competing for an ever-growing market, and on the other, its popular culture centred on cartoons, manga, and video games...

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Suggested visits:

• Tokyo City Hall
• The Meiji Jingu is Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine. The souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, are venerated at this shrine, which lies at the heart of a forest comprising over one hundred thousand trees from all over Japan.
• Stroll around Harajuku, a fashion hotspot for teenagers.
• Omotesando, a stone's throw from the eclectic Harajuku district, is commonly referred to as "Tokyo's Champs-Elysées". Along this avenue you can find the crème de la crème in terms of fashion and luxury in buildings designed by fashionable architects.
• The Shibuya district is reputed to be the most heavily populated in the world.

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, meet in the hotel lobby for an air-conditioned transfer to the airport.

Then board your flight to Taipei.

When you arrive in Taipei, you will be transferred privately to your hotel.

Free day.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Please arrive at your hotel in the lobby at 7:30 a.m.

On the first morning of your tour of the island of Taiwan, you will set off from the centre of Taipei and head to the heart of the island, in the national area of outstanding natural beauty known as the Lake of the Sun and Moon.

The Sun and Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake on the island, is split in half by the island of Lalu. The eastern side of the lake resembles the sun, while the western side resembles the waxing moon, giving the lake its unique name. This picturesque region is also the homeland of the Thao people, one of Taiwan's indigenous groups. With its incredible indigenous culture and abundant natural beauty, the Sun and Moon Lake has established itself as one of Taiwan's top must-see destinations.

After lunch, your journey continues with a visit to Ita Thao, an indigenous village where you can enjoy insights into the Thao people's culture and way of life. You will then admire the grandeur of the Ci'en pagoda, an iconic monument on the Lake of the Sun and Moon built by the late president Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother.

You will then arrive at the Xuanzang Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the venerable monk Xuanzang. Your journey will then take you to the Wenwu Temple, an imposing Taoist temple comprising three halls dedicated to the God of War and the God of Literature.

For the first night of your 5-day tour of Taiwan, enjoy a comfortable stay in a five-star hotel, either in the serene surroundings of Sun Moon Lake or in the vibrant heart of downtown Taichung.

Breakfast at the hotel. On this second day of your 5-day Taiwan adventure, you'll board the bus for Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city, renowned for its abundance of historic buildings and rich historical heritage.

Your adventure continues with a visit to Fort Zeelandia, built by the Dutch East India Company during its 38-year administration of western Taiwan. The original fortress was almost destroyed by the British army in the 19th century, but was later rebuilt by the Japanese.

Then take a leisurely stroll along the historic Anping Old Street. Located to the east of Fort Zeelandia, this historic street was established by the Dutch over 300 years ago and is known as the first officially named street in Taiwan.

Your next destination is the romantic port city of Kaohsiung, the most populous city in southern Taiwan. On arrival in Kaohsiung, your first visit will be to the famous Fo Guang Shan monastery (FGS), an important Buddhist monastery founded by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1967. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to talk to a learned monk who will provide you with insights into the doctrines and development of Buddhism, the most widely practised religion in Taiwan.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll set off on your journey south towards the border, where Taiwan's first national park awaits you.

The Kenting National Park is celebrated for its coastal geological formations, picturesque landscapes and rich marine biodiversity, fostered by a unique combination of crustal deformation and tropical climate. What's more, Kenting is a paradise for surfers and divers.

On the third day of your tour of Taiwan Island, you'll make stops at Maopitou, literally the cat's nose, so named because it resembles a colossal crouching cat when viewed from afar

Get ready for an immersive adventure as you discover the Chimei Museum's remarkable collection of Western artefacts and delve into the rich historical heritage of Tainan, the ancient capital.

Visits planned:

Chimei Museum: The Chimei Museum is proud to be home to a vast collection of Western artefacts, including a wide range of treasures such as captivating paintings and finely crafted musical instruments. The complex evokes the majestic atmosphere of the Louvre Museum, offering visitors a glimpse of the elegance of European palaces. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum hosts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year.

Fort Provintia: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the district to explore multiple historic relics dating back over 100 years. First, visit Fort Provintia, designated a national historic monument in 1983. Today, Fort Provintia is one of Tainan's most famous monuments.

Temple of Martial Sacrificial Rites: The Temple of Martial Sacrificial Rites, one of the premier temples in Guan Di, stands testament to the government's ancient sacrificial rites. It holds the prestigious status of a first-class national historic site, attracting countless devotees.

Great Mazu Temple: As you cross the threshold of the temple, your eyes will be drawn to a magnificent golden statue of Mazu. In keeping with the temple traditions of martial sacrificial rites, both men and women come to the Great Temple of Mazu to pay homage to Yue Lao, the God of Marriage. They come to ask his blessing, hoping that it will improve their chances of meeting their life partner.

In the evening, head to your accommodation in the vibrant heart of Tainan. You'll enjoy top-class amenities and the freedom to explore the city at your leisure. Bustling department stores' and a variety of boutiques are just a short walk away.

On the last day of your stay in Taiwan, you will explore the famous Confucius Temple in Tainan, immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage.

After this enriching experience, you'll head to Lukang, a historic old town with a timeless charm that evokes the beauty of ancient poetry and nostalgia and is renowned for its well-preserved cultural and historical heritage.

Lukang is renowned for its wide variety of street food and traditional Taiwanese desserts. Treat yourself and take the opportunity to stock up on gifts, bringing back a taste of this charming old town to share with friends and family.

After lunch at your own expense, you will return to Taipei and be transferred to the airport in the late afternoon.

For people booking the "hotel only " package (without international flight), please let us know your flight details as soon as possible via the contact form in "Help and contact" at the bottom of the page, so that we can organize your transfers.

**Suggested visits are not included in the price of the stay **

Some useful information before you arrive in Japan:

Currency:
The currency used is the yen (JPY). As of August 20, 2024, 1 euro is equivalent to approximately 162 Japanese yen.

Tipping:
It is not necessary to leave tips in restaurants, to guides, drivers... it is not customary to do so. If you wish to thank your hosts, a gift is preferable.

Climate:
Spring (March to May) is a very pleasant time of year to travel in Japan, as the blossoms make the landscape beautiful and the climate mild, but it's also the peak tourist season, as the sites to be visited are often very crowded.

Summer (June to August) is quite hot and humid in most regions, but visiting the country is still quite feasible, especially in mountainous areas.

Autumn (September to November) is mild and colorful, adding a new charm to the landscape, but it is also rainy.

Winter (December to February) is dry and often sunny, making it a great time to take photos and admire the scenery in peace and quiet, without too many tourists. It's cold in most parts of the country (with snow in some areas), which is ideal for taking full advantage of the famous onsens that provide a little warmth!

Entering the country:
On arrival, travellers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return. A visa is only required for stays of over 3 months.

Non-Japanese nationals entering Japan are required to take biometric data (fingerprints and photographic portrait).

Non-French nationals or dual nationals are advised to consult the consulate or embassy of their destination country.

Minors must have an individual passport. We strongly recommend that minors who are not accompanied by their legal guardians carry a copy of their family record book (livret de famille).

**Some useful information before you arrive in Taiwan:

Climate:**
Taiwan has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers (June to September) and mild winters (December to February). The typhoon season runs from June to October, so it's advisable to check the weather forecast if you're traveling during this period.

Language:
Mandarin is the official language. However, in big cities like Taipei, you'll find many people, especially young people, who speak a little English. Learning a few basic phrases in Mandarin can be very useful and appreciated.

Currency:
The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but cash is preferable for small shops or in rural areas.

Security:
Taiwan is one of the safest countries in Asia, with a very low crime rate. Visitors can generally walk around safely, even at night. However, as everywhere, it's always a good idea to remain vigilant.

Cuisine:
Food is a central aspect of Taiwanese culture. Don't miss the famous night markets where you can sample an incredible variety of local dishes, such as xiaolongbao (steamed ravioli) and the famous bubble tea.

Respect for local customs:
Taiwanese people are very polite and respectful. It's important to show courtesy, for example by removing your shoes when entering a house. When visiting temples, be sure to dress appropriately and respect local rules.

Internet connection:
Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, hotels and public spaces. You can also easily buy a local SIM card at the airport to stay connected.

Health:
Tap water is not always safe to drink. It's best to drink bottled water. Medical facilities are excellent, but it is advisable to take out travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

Electrical outlet:
Electrical outlets are type A or B, with a voltage of 110V. It is advisable to check whether you need an adapter for your appliances.

Accommodation in the accommodation mentioned (or similar if unavailable) in a twin room on a breakfast basis; dinner included on the night in Hakone.

JAPAN:

Airport - hotel transfer by grouped shuttle (1 suitcase + 1 piece of hand luggage per person)

Kyoto - Odawara by Shinkansen (high-speed train), second class

Odawara - Tokyo by second-class Shinkansen train

Hakone Free Pass valid for 2 days from Odawara

Luggage transfer between Kyoto and Tokyo (one item per person)

International flight from Tokyo to Taipei in economy class.

TAIWAN:

Private hotel - airport transfer

Local transfer by air-conditioned bus

Licensed professional tour guide (English-speaking)