Japan, From Tokyo to Osaka

Japan: From megacities to sacred mountains 3^*

Welcome to Japan!

Let's start with the must-see capital: Tokyo.

Transfer from the airport to your hotel by shared shuttle.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements. Overnight stay at your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested sightseeing : Start your adventure by discovering the trendy districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. Pose in front of the statue of Hachiko, Japan's most famous dog, and immerse yourself in the world of Japanese fashion. The eccentric looks on the famous Takeshita Street are sure to surprise you. After a visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace to immerse yourself in Japanese history, enjoy the greenery of Ueno Park.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested sightseeing: Discover Tokyo's nightlife through the bustling streets of Shinjuku and the neon lights of Kabukichô. Dine in one of the many izakaya and restaurants dotted between the illuminated billboards and karaoke bars. For fans of Japanese pop culture and retro gaming, seek out bargains and cult items in the electronics district of Akihabara. Explore the various shops spread over several floors, where consoles, video games, goodies, Pokémon cards, and more provide a healthy dose of nostalgia for all generations.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested visits: A stroll through the Asakusa district will take you to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. Here, you'll be introduced to Japanese traditions and spiritual practices. It's the perfect place to have your photo taken in a kimono and purchase some fantastic souvenirs. Don't miss the Skytree Tower for a panoramic view of Tokyo. Now all you have to do is discover the other surprises Tokyo has to offer!

Breakfast at the hotel.

Bus transfer to the city of Matsumoto.

Transfer by bus to the town of Hirayu Onsen.

Make your own lunch arrangements.

Relaxation, traditional dinner and overnight at a Japanese inn, a "Ryokan", in Hirayu Onsen.

Suggested sightseeing: Hidden away in the mountains of the Gifu Prefecture, the village Okuhida is home to many secret and authentic traditional inns. Enjoy the typical Japanese experience of a night in a Ryokan: after a delicious traditional meal, take advantage of this venture off-the-beaten-track to recharge your batteries in the inn's indoor and outdoor hot springs, known as onsen.

Breakfast at the Ryokan.

Transfer by bus to the city of Takayama.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay in Takayama.

Suggested sightseeing: Takayama is an ancient city in the Gifu Prefecture, in the heart of the Japanese Alps. For a journey back in time, wander through the old craft and shopping districts and stroll through the thatched-roof village of Hida no Sato. Continue your journey with a visit to one of the city's two retro museums, which perfectly capture the atmosphere of Japan in days gone by. If your consider yourself a gourmet, don't miss the regional specialities: hida beef and local sake. Renowned for its seasonal festivals, the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Musem houses some impressive floats used during the festivities.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the village of Shirakawago.

Transfer by bus to the town of Kanazawa.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Kanazawa.

Suggested sightseeing: Shirakawago, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is as if suspended in time on account of its old buildings - some of which are over 250 years old. Discover the daily life of the people who lived here all those years ago and the unique architecture of the thatched roofs. Explore the silk museum and the village's former monks' residence. Take in the views from the vantage point and admire the picture-perfect scenery, guaranteed to make an impression whatever the season!

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay in Kanazawa.

Suggested sightseeing: In Kanazawa, immerse yourself in feudal Japan. In the traditional Higashi Chaya district, admire the Edo period buildings that once housed the teahouses of the geishas. Its old-world charm is still intact, and it's the perfect place to discover Japanese craftsmanship. Indulge in a dessert covered in gold leaf or one of the many local specialities at the Omicho fish market.

Explore the Nagamachi district and its labyrinth of narrow streets lined with former samurai residences. Then take in the splendour of one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, the Kenrokuen. This garden is a must-see, even for the Japanese. Stroll around its lake and admire the beauty of its flora in every season. Visit Kanazawa Castle, an important site in the town's feudal history.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer by train to the city of Kyoto.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Suggested sightseeing: Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital, is a treasure trove of Japanese history with its ancient temples and sanctuaries. Start your exploration at must-see spiritual sites such as the Kiyomizu-dera temple, famous for its wooden terrace offering panoramic views over the city, and the dazzling Golden Pavilion.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested sightseeing: Don't miss the shrine with over ten thousand red gates winding through the mountain, the Fushimi Inari-taisha. The majestic Yasaka pagoda welcomes you into a maze of streets - ideal for discovering Japanese crafts. This pedestrianised district offers a glimpse of the Japan of yesteryear, the atmosphere of which is even more special at night when the lanterns are lit.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested sightseeing: In the picturesque district of Gion, discover the unique atmosphere of the cobbled streets and tea houses with entertainment provided by the graceful geishas. For an immersion in Japanese culture, enjoy a show of traditional dances performed by geishas. Learn the customs and traditions of the tea ceremony and then relax by the river.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested visits: For an escape from the temples, immerse yourself in the sublime scenery of the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Add a touch of fun to your visit by watching the monkeys at Iwakayama Park before taking a boat trip on the Hozu River. If you have a sweet tooth, sample a delicious tayaki with red bean paste and discover a whole host of culinary specialities at the century-old Nishiki Market!

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer by coach to Osaka Itami International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) depending on your return flight.

**To avoid queuing at the airport and to save time, we recommend that you register individually on the Visit Japan website (https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/) before your departure.

As government restrictions are constantly changing, we advise consulting the following websites regularly right up to the day of departure:

https://www.pasteur.fr/fr

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/

We recommend that you register on the Ariane website:

https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fildariane/dyn/public/login.html

It is the traveller's responsibility to find out about any changes to entry formalities in the destination country.

Please note that airlines reserve the right to modify and reinforce their boarding conditions more strictly than the formalities and regulations of the destination country, at any time and without prior notice. Travellers with connecting flights should look into the conditions of access to the airports where they have a stopover.

On arrival, travellers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return. A visa is only required for stays of more than 3 months. Non-Japanese nationals entering Japan are required to provide 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: Minors must have their own passport. We strongly recommend that minors who are not accompanied by their legal representatives bring a copy of their family record book. Specific formalities: If you are travelling abroad as a minor, please note that minors resident in France and travelling unaccompanied by their legal guardians must bring with them, in addition to their ID, a form authorising them to leave the country: CERFA no. 15646*01 downloadable here: https://www.formulaires.modernisation.gouv.fr/gf/cerfa_15646.do

Health

Covid-19 public health emergency: travellers with a complete vaccination schedule are no longer required to carry out a PCR test less than 72 hours before the flight. However, a PCR test is still compulsory if your vaccination schedule is incomplete. Don't forget to check the latest information on diplomatie.gouv. No vaccination is compulsory. Don't forget to check that your vaccination record is up to date (DTP). Health level is equivalent to that of Western Europe. Natural and climatic risks are high in Japan, so make sure you keep informed. As a general rule, travellers should always carry a mask and hand sanitiser.

**Currency

The currency used is the yen (JPY). As of June 17, 2024, 1 euro is equivalent to 169 Japanese yen.

**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 it's still possible to visit the country, especially in mountainous areas. Autumn (September to November) is mild and colorful, adding to the charm of the landscape, but 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!

**Language

Japanese people don't all speak English very well, especially outside the big cities, so take a small lexicon with you to help you.

**Time difference

From March to October, Japan is 7 hours ahead of France, and 8 hours ahead from October to March.

Onsens

If you'd like to try out the Onsens (traditional baths) experience, it's customary to go in completely naked (men and women separated). Similarly, tattoos are not always accepted at onsens.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is not available everywhere in Japan. The ideal solution is to travel with a small "Pocket Wi-fi" box, so you can get a fast connection wherever you are during your stay. This makes it much easier to consult simple information or communicate with friends and family.

**Gratuities

It is not necessary to leave tips in restaurants, to guides, drivers... this is not part of the custom. If you wish to thank your hosts, a gift is preferable.

**Driving

In Japan, driving is on the left, with the steering wheel on the right. The gearbox is automatic. The Japanese drive rather quietly and are very respectful of traffic regulations. Highways are well maintained. To drive in Japan, you need your French driving license and a translation of the same license into Japanese.

**Excursions

Excursions may be modified or cancelled depending on local constraints.

The order of the stages and the itinerary may be modified according to any local constraints.

Hotels:

For technical or unforeseen reasons, the hotels mentioned may be replaced with other accommodation of the same category.

Any specific requests concerning bed type (double bed, separate beds) are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

In Japan, hotel rooms are often rather narrow and the beds small.

Check-in is usually in the mid-afternoon (3 - 4 p.m.). Check-out is usually in the morning (10 a.m.). The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or babies (0-2). For more information, please contact customer services.

Ryokan accommodation: Access to the communal onsens (Japanese thermal baths) is generally prohibited for people with tattoos.

Tourist tax: not included, payable locally. Approximate amount to be paid today (intended only as a guideline): Three-star hotel = €2/room/night.

TOKYO AIRPORT - TOKYO HOTEL TRANSFER:

Transfer from Tokyo airport by shared shuttle bus. It will transfer you directly to your hotel. Please note that the shuttle may make several stops along the way.

RAIL TRANSPORT:

In Japan, the train is the most practical means of travel. Major cities and villages alike are well served, and Japan's rail network is diverse and highly functional. You can travel on the famous Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed train, with its 320 km per hour speed!

Please note that some transfers on this tour are by bus

TRANSFER KYOTO - OSAKA AIRPORT:

Transfer to Itami (ITM) or Kansai (KIX) airport for your return flight by limousine bus (shared shuttle). Please note that the shuttle may make several stops along the way.

Note: Transfers to Itami airport may incur additional charges

PLEASE NOTE:Some of your travel documents (vouchers) may be sent to your postal address. We advise you to check your post box carefully before you travel.