Japan, From Tokyo to Osaka

Authentic Japan with complimentary tea ceremony 3^*

Arrival in Tokyo.

Transfer from airport to hotel.
Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight in Tokyo.

Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, became Japan's capital in 1868. Now home to over 42 million people, the world's largest megalopolis offers districts that immerse you in the duality of modern technology and historical sites.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Suggested visits:

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. Be surprised by the eccentric looks on the famous Takeshita Street.

After immersing yourself in Japanese history at Tokyo's Imperial Palace, enjoy some greenery at Ueno Park. Experience Tokyo's vibrant nightlife on the bustling streets of Shinjuku and under the neon lights of Kabukichō. Dine in one of the many izakayas and restaurants nestled amongst the spotlights and karaoke bars.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight in Tokyo.

For fans of Japanese pop culture and retro gaming, find bargains and cult items in the Akihabara electronics district. A stroll through the Asakusa district will take you to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. Here you can discover Japanese traditions and spiritual practices. Don't miss the Skytree Tower for a panoramic view of Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer by train to the town of Hakone with the Hakone Free Pass. Lunch not included.

Overnight in a Japanese inn in Hakone with traditional dinner at the Ryokan.

Suggested sightseeing:

Situated around Lake Ashi and renowned for its various traditional inns and their thermal water baths, Hakone offers a view of the famous Mount Fuji.

Enjoy the typical Japanese experience of a night in a Ryokan: after a delicious “ Kaiseki ” meal, take advantage of this off-the-beaten-track getaway to unwind in the establishment's indoor and outdoor hot springs, known as onsen.

Breakfast at the Ryokan.

Discover the city's main attractions with the Hakone Free Pass.

Transfer by train to Kyoto city.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Kyoto.

Suggested sightseeing:

Discover the surrounding countryside and enjoy a variety of experiences: sail on Lake Ashi to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, take the funicular railway up the Owakudani valley to see the volcanic sulphur fumes, stroll along the shores of Lake Ashi and visit the Hakone-jinja shrine.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Suggested sightseeing:

Start your exploration with spiritual highlights such as the Kiyomizu-dera temple, famous for its wooden terrace offering a panoramic view of the city, or the dazzling Golden Pavilion. Don't miss the shrine of Fushimi Inari-taisha, with its more than ten thousand red doors winding through the mountain. The majestic Yasaka pagoda welcomes you to 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 under the light of the lanterns.

THE TEA CEREMONY

Embrace the heart of Japan's age-old traditions by discovering the tea ceremony in Kyoto, where this practice originated. Observe the precise movements of Japanese tea masters during a demonstration of this tradition. Take home a lasting memory of this time-honoured experience and enjoy a tea tasting session.

Notes:

Included: demonstration, preparation and tasting.

Not included: return transfer to the meeting point, services not mentioned in the programme, snacks, personal expenses.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Suggested sightseeing:

In the picturesque district of Gion, discover the unique atmosphere of the cobbled streets and tea houses where the geishas gracefully move about. For an immersion in Japanese culture, enjoy a traditional dance show performed by geishas.

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 in Iwakayama Park before taking a boat trip on the Hozu River. For those with a sweet tooth, try a delicious red bean paste tayaki and discover a host of culinary specialities at the century-old Nishiki market!

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer by train to Mount Koya.

Lunch is not included.

Overnight and dinner in a monastery.

Suggested visits:

Mount Koya is one of Japan's most important Buddhist spiritual retreats, with over a hundred religious establishments. Walk the thousand-year-old paths of the mountain and explore the largest cemetery in the archipelago, Okuno-in.

Discover an enchanting experience at the heart of Japanese spirituality with a night in a Buddhist monastery. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of absolute serenity and enjoy exquisite vegetarian cuisine, prepared according to ancient recipes that nourish both body and mind. Observe the daily lives of the monks and witness their religious rituals.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight in Hiroshima.

Suggested sightseeing:

Hiroshima, a city scarred by the Second World War atomic bomb, combines modernity with historical traces. The Genbaku Dome, the remains of a former exhibition palace, immerses visitors in a unique atmosphere. Extend your visit to the Peace Memorial Museum to hear poignant first-hand accounts. Then, change the mood by savouring okonomiyaki, a local speciality, before exploring the serene Shukkei-en garden and the majestic Hiroshima Castle. To experience a different side of the city, head to the island of Miyajima. Take a photo in front of Itsukushima Shrine's famous torii gate in the water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch the fallow deer roaming freely around you. Enjoy the panoramic views from Mount Misen and the Daishō-in temple, which is home to Buddhist statues.

Breakfast at the hotel.

From Hiroshima take the ferry to the island of Miyajima with the Kansai Hiroshima Pass.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight in Hiroshima.

Suggested sightseeing:

For a change of scenery, head for the island of Miyajima. Take a photo in front of the famous torii in the water at Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch the fallow deer roam freely around you. Take in the panorama from Mount Misen and the Daishō-in temple with its Buddhist statues.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer by train to the town of Fukuyama using the Kansai Hiroshima Pass.

From Fukuyama, explore the fishing village of Tomonoura by local bus (payable locally).

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Fukuyama.

Suggested sightseeing:

Discover Fukuyama and Tomonoura, two hidden gems off the beaten track, for a getaway that combines history, culture and natural beauty. Fukuyama, with its majestic castle, offers a rich historical and cultural heritage. Nearby, immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Tomonoura, a picturesque port town that was once the cradle of local fishing. Stroll along the harbour, visit the Fukuzen-ji temple for a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea, and explore the ruins of Tomo Castle for a trip back in time.

Tomonoura, with its ancient streets and iconic lighthouse, promises an authentic and soothing immersion in the Japan of yesteryear. Nearby, don't miss the sublime Abuto kannon temple and its wooden terrace perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer by train to the city of Osaka with the Kansai Hiroshima Pass. On the way to Osaka make a stop in the town of Himeji with the Kansai Hiroshima Pass.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight in Osaka.

Suggested sightseeing:

Start your adventure with a visit to Osaka Castle with its great walls and nature park. Stroll along one of the many covered shopping streets. Continue your evening on the quays of the Dotonbori River, with its giant screens and 3D octopus and crab wall decorations.

You've finally reached the heart of the city, where the nightlife is in full swing. Head back down south to find yourself facing the famous Osaka Tsutenkaku Tower. At its foot, you'll find an old-fashioned atmosphere, with illuminated alleyways and restaurants serving local specialities with extravagant façades. A word of advice: don't skimp on the culinary discoveries the city has to offer!

Breakfast at the hotel.
Independent train transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX) with the Kansai Hiroshima JR Pass.

Entry requirements:

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 more than 3 months.

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

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

Under-age children must have an individual passport. We strongly recommend that minors who are not accompanied by their legal guardians carry a copy of their Family Register.

Currency:

The currency used is the yen (JPY). On 20 December 2022, 1 Euro is equivalent to 140.40 Japanese yen.

Tipping:

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.

Weather:

Spring (March to May) is a pleasant time to travel in Japan. The landscape is beautiful with flowers in bloom, and the weather is mild. However, it is also the peak tourist season, so popular sites can be crowded.

Summer (June to August) is fairly hot and humid in most regions, with June being particularly rainy (rainy season), but the temperatures are pleasant and it's still possible to visit the country, especially in the mountainous regions.

Autumn (September to November) is mild and colourful, giving the landscape a different charm, but it is also rainy: September is typhoon season in Japan. The rain can be heavy and often accompanied by wind (in the event of a violent typhoon, train services may be suspended). October and November are cool but sunny months, when you can admire the Momiji (the blushing of the maple trees).

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

Excursions: Excursions may be modified or cancelled depending on local constraints.

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced with accommodation of a similar standard. The order of the stopovers and the programme may change depending on local circumstances.

Any specific request concerning the type of sleeping accommodation (double bed, separate beds) is subject to availability and may incur a supplement.

Note: in Japan, hotel rooms are often quite narrow and beds small. The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or babies (0 to 1.99 years). For more information, please contact customer service.

Ryokan accommodation: half-board excluding drinks in a Western or traditional Japanese room. Tattooed people are generally not allowed access to the communal onsens (Japanese thermal baths).

Monastery accommodation: half-board excluding drinks, futon bedding, shared bathroom and toilet.

Tourist tax not included, payable on site. Approximate amount payable to date (for information only): 3-star hotel = €2/room/night Check-in is usually in the middle of the afternoon (3 pm-4 pm). Check-out is usually in the morning (10 am).

AIRPORT - HOTEL SHARED SHUTTLE TRANSFER

The shared shuttle will take you directly from the airport to your hotel and vice versa. The shuttle can make several stops along the way.

HAKONE FREE-PASS

This connects Tokyo from Shinjuku station to Hakone via the Odakyu line in 2 hours. In addition to the train journey, this pass gives free access to the Hakone Tozan buses and many of the city's tourist attractions. Take a cruise on Lake Ashi, for example, and climb the Hakone Ropeway to admire the Owakudani volcanic area. You'll also benefit from discounts at partner retailers. The pass is valid for 2 days (days 4 and 5) after activation.

RAIL TRAVEL

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

JR KANSAI HIROSHIMA PASS

Travel more flexibly with your JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass and organise your days as you please! Access the JR network's express train (Shinkansen), regional train and bus lines included in your pass, without booking in advance, to discover the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji and Kobe and their surrounding areas. You can also take the ferry from the port of Miyajimaguchi (near Hiroshima) to the island of Miyajima. The pass is valid for 5 days after activation.

TRANSFER TO OSAKA AIRPORT BY TRAIN OR LIMOUSINE BUS

To reach Osaka airport easily, take the train from Osaka station. It takes approximately 1h30 to reach the airport. Please note: Transfers to Itami airport (ITM) may incur additional charges.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of your tickets (vouchers) may be sent by post to your postal address. We advise you to check your mail box carefully before you leave on your holiday.

Breakfast package:
If, due to schedules imposed by airlines, the first and last days are shortened by a late arrival or early departure, no meal refunds will be given.
Depending on the time constraints of excursions or transport to the destination (train, bus, transfer, ferry, etc.), meals that cannot be taken at the hotel are at the customer's expense.