Japan, From Osaka to Tokyo

The Essence of Japan: Cities, Nature and Culture 3^*

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX), you will take a combination of transport options to reach your hotel: the JR Haruka Express, which is included in the JR Rail Pass, will take you to the main JR stations in Osaka, and the Osaka Metro and Bus Pass will allow you to easily reach your accommodation. You will have the rest of the day free to explore the area around your hotel or take a well-deserved rest after your flight.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to explore Osaka and take an excursion to Nara. We suggest starting with the famous Osaka Castle, before immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of the Dotonbori district. In the afternoon, travel to Nara to admire the majestic Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and enjoy a pleasant stroll through the park where deer roam freely. At the end of the day, you will return to Osaka to conclude this wonderful day of discovery.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will set off for Hiroshima, stopping in Himeji along the way. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, a true gem of Japanese architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, you will continue your journey to Hiroshima by Shinkansen, a trip of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to explore Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. Our recommended itinerary begins with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and the poignant Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), which are powerful symbols of the city's history. Next, you will take the JR ferry to Miyajima Island (included in the JR Rail Pass), where you can admire the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, a true symbol of Japan.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Kurashiki, stopping in Okayama along the way. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Korakuen Garden, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. You will then continue to Kurashiki, which is famous for its historic district, complete with traditional warehouses and charming canals perfect for strolling around.

You have two options for this day:

Free day:

After breakfast at your hotel in Kurashiki, you will have the day to explore the city at your own pace. You could stroll through the historic district, wander along the canals, or visit other local sites. In the evening, you will leave Kurashiki and take the JR train to Kyoto to continue your journey.

Excursion to Naoshima:

After breakfast at your hotel in Kurashiki, you will have the option of taking a half-day trip to Naoshima, an island renowned for its contemporary art. There, you can visit famous museums such as the Chichu Art Museum (ferry not included in the JR Pass). At the end of the day, you will take the JR train to Kyoto to continue exploring Japan.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend the day exploring Kyoto's most popular attractions. You will start with Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Pavilion, before heading to Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple renowned for its dry garden, a true symbol of serenity. In the afternoon, you will take a stroll through the majestic bamboo forest in Arashiyama, followed by a visit to Togetsukyo Bridge, which is emblematic of this enchanting neighbourhood.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to discover Kyoto's most famous sights. Our recommended itinerary begins with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its thousands of red torii gates which form a magical path through the mountains. Next, you will visit Kiyomizu-dera, a majestic temple offering stunning city views. Finally, you will have the opportunity to stroll through the historic Gion district, where the traditional atmosphere and wooden houses will transport you back in time to ancient Kyoto.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Hakone via Odawara. The journey by Shinkansen takes approximately 2.5 hours. Once you arrive, you can enjoy the region's famous onsen (hot springs) for a unique relaxation experience. Next, you will take a cruise on Lake Ashi, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Then, a cable car will take you up to Mount Owakudani. In the evening, a delicious dinner will be served at your ryokan, bringing this peaceful day to a close.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have the whole day to explore Tokyo. We suggest starting with a tour of the lively districts of Shibuya and Harajuku, which are famous for their unique energy, trendy shops and vibrant atmosphere. Next, you can visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, which is located in the heart of the city.

Three options are available for this day:

Free day:

After breakfast at your Tokyo hotel, you will have the day to explore the city at your own pace. You can stroll through lively neighbourhoods, visit museums, go shopping, or simply enjoy Tokyo's unique atmosphere. At the end of the day, you can unwind before continuing your travels.

Excursion to Kamakura:

After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart for Kamakura, which is about an hour from Tokyo. There, you will see the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu), an impressive statue dominating the region. You will then visit the historic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, surrounded by nature. At the end of the day, you will return to Tokyo, where you can either continue exploring the city or relax.

Excursion to Nikko:

After breakfast at your Tokyo hotel, you will travel to Nikko, which is located about two hours from the city. There, you will visit the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an impressive historical site. After immersing yourself in Japanese culture and architecture, you will return to Tokyo at the end of the day.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have a free day to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Why not start with a visit to the historic district of Asakusa and its famous Senso-ji temple? Next, head to Akihabara, the heart of geek culture, where you'll find shops dedicated to video games, anime, and electronic gadgets. Alternatively, if you would prefer to shop or relax, the Ginza district is home to many luxury boutiques, and Shinjuku Gyoen Park is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stroll in the heart of the city.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport. You will take the Narita Express or the Tokyo Monorail (both of which are included in the JR Rail Pass) to reach the airport. If necessary, you can complete the journey using the Tokyo Metro Ticket. Finally, you will take your return flight from Narita or Haneda Airport, bringing your adventure in Japan to a close.

ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES FOR TRAVELING TO JAPAN

To avoid queues at the airport and save time, we advise you to register individually on the Visit Japan Web site (https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/) before your departure.

As government restrictions are constantly changing, we recommend that you regularly check the following websites until the day of your departure:

• https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/114/japan#Vaccine_Recommendations
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan

It is the traveller's responsibility to find out about any changes to the entry formalities for the destination country. In general, travellers should always carry a mask and hand sanitiser with them.

Please note that airlines reserve the right to modify and enforce their boarding conditions more strictly than the formalities and regulations of the destination country, at any time and without notice. Travellers with connecting flights should check the conditions of access to the airports where they are stopping over.

Upon arrival, travellers must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their return date. A visa is only required for stays of more than 3 months. Non-Japanese nationals entering Japanese territory are subject to biometric data collection (fingerprinting and photographing). 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 travelling unaccompanied by their legal guardians carry a copy of their family record book.

Specific formalities: When travelling abroad, minors residing in the UK and travelling unaccompanied by their legal guardians must carry their identity document and a Child Travel Consent form, which can be downloaded from: https://visaeta.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CHILD-TRAVEL-CONSENT.pdf

Health
Covid-19 health crisis: travellers who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to take a PCR test less than 72 hours before their flight. It remains mandatory for those who have not been fully vaccinated. Remember to check the latest information on gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan. No vaccinations are mandatory. Remember to check that your vaccination record is up to date (DTP Coq).

The level of healthcare is equivalent to that in Western Europe. Natural and climatic risks are high in Japan, so make sure you stay informed.