Japan, From Osaka to Tokyo

Treasures of Japan 3^*

Your first day in Japan will begin with your arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX). You will then travel to your hotel in Osaka using a combination of transport options included in your JR Rail Pass: the JR Haruka Express to reach the city's main JR stations, followed by the Osaka Metro and Bus Pass to complete your journey. Once you have settled in, you will have a free day to relax after your flight or explore the area around your hotel at your own pace.

Meals not included. Overnight at the hotel.

Your second day begins with breakfast at the hotel. Then it's all about exploring, with a tour of Osaka and a fascinating excursion to Nara. In Osaka, you'll visit the iconic Osaka Castle and explore the vibrant Dotonbori district, renowned for its lively atmosphere and neon signs. In the afternoon, head to Nara to admire the majestic Todai-ji, home to the Great Buddha, and take a walk in Nara Park, where free-roaming deer await you. At the end of the day, you will return to Osaka.

Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight at the hotel.

On your third day, after breakfast at the hotel, you will head for Hiroshima, with some notable stops along the way. Your first stop will be in Himeji, where you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, a true marvel of Japanese architecture. After this enriching visit, you will continue your journey by Shinkansen to Hiroshima, a journey that will take around 1h30.

Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight at the hotel.

Your fourth day will begin with breakfast at the hotel. You will spend the day discovering Hiroshima and the magnificent island of Miyajima. In Hiroshima, you will visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, both of which are steeped in history and offer moments of reflection. Afterwards, you will take the JR ferry to Miyajima Island, where you will have the chance to explore the famous Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate.

Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight at the hotel.

On your fifth day, you will drive to Kurashiki after breakfast at the hotel, stopping in Okayama en route. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Korakuen Garden, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. After this green break, you will continue on to Kurashiki, a town renowned for its beautifully preserved historic district and picturesque canals, which are perfect for a charming stroll.

Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight at the hotel.

Your sixth day begins with breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, you can choose to take a half-day excursion to Naoshima, also known as the 'Island of Contemporary Art'. Here, you can visit iconic museums such as the Chichu Art Museum. Please note that the ferry is not included in the JR Pass for this excursion. After this artistic interlude, you will continue your journey by JR train to the magnificent city of Kyoto.

Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight at the hotel.

On your seventh day, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will set off to explore Kyoto's most famous sites. First, you will visit the famous Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, whose splendour is reflected in the water. Next, you will visit Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple renowned for its iconic dry garden, which invites contemplation. Next, you will head to Arashiyama, where you can marvel at the majestic bamboo grove and cross the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge.

Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight at the hotel.

On your eighth day in Kyoto, after breakfast at the hotel, you will continue exploring this heritage-rich city. You will devote the morning to visiting the impressive Fushimi Inari Taisha, which is famous for its thousands of red torii gates forming mystical tunnels. Next, you will go to the remarkable Kiyomizu-dera temple, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto. You will then end the day with a stroll through the traditional district of Gion, where you can soak up the unique atmosphere and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha.

Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight at the hotel.

Your ninth day begins with breakfast at the hotel. Then you will travel to Hakone via Odawara on the Shinkansen, which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Once you arrive, you will have the chance to enjoy the region's famous onsen (hot springs) and embark on a tour of Hakone. This tour includes a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi, which, weather permitting, offers breathtaking views of the majestic Mount Fuji. Next, you will take the cable car up Mount Owakudani to admire its volcanic landscapes.

Dinner included in your ryokan. Overnight at the hotel (ryokan).

On your tenth day, you'll have breakfast at the hotel before heading to Tokyo on the JR train, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once you arrive in the Japanese capital, you'll be swept up in the hustle and bustle of city life. You will explore the iconic districts of Shibuya, home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, and Harajuku, renowned for its unique fashion scene. You will also have the chance to visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, which offers a peaceful retreat amidst the city's buzz.

Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight at the hotel.

Your eleventh day begins with breakfast at the hotel. You will have a choice of two excursions for the day, depending on your preferences.

Option 1: Kamakura. Just 1 hour from Tokyo, you can explore the coastal city of Kamakura. Here you can visit the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a monumental bronze statue, and the majestic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, an important Shinto shrine.

Option 2: Nikko. If you prefer a more remote excursion (around 2 hours from Tokyo), you can head to Nikko. There, you'll have the chance to visit the sumptuous Toshogu Shrine, a beautifully decorated complex of temples and shrines listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whichever you choose, you will return to Tokyo at the end of the day.

Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight at the hotel.

On your twelfth day, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will have a whole day to explore Tokyo at your own pace, allowing you to tailor your itinerary to your preferences. You could immerse yourself in the historic district of Asakusa and visit its iconic Senso-ji temple. Fans of technology and pop culture will love the Akihabara district, a hotbed of geek culture. Alternatively, if you're looking for some luxury shopping, head to Ginza. Or, if you're in need of some relaxation and serenity, visit the magnificent Shinjuku Gyoen Park.

Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight at the hotel.

Your thirteenth and final day will begin with breakfast at the hotel. Then it's time for your transfer from the hotel to the airport for your return flight. This transfer will be made by combining the Narita Express or Tokyo Monorail, both included in your JR Rail Pass, and if necessary, you will complete the journey with the Tokyo Metro Ticket. Finally, you will take your return flight from Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airport.

ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES FOR TRAVELLING TO JAPAN

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

As government restrictions are constantly changing, we advise you to consult the following website regularly, right up to the day of departure:

• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan

It is the traveller's responsibility to find out about any changes to entry formalities in the destination country. As a general rule, travellers should always carry a mask and hydro-alcoholic gel.

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. Passengers with connecting flights should check the access conditions at the airports where they have a stopover.

Upon arrival, travellers must present a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their planned 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, including fingerprints and a photographic portrait. Non-UK nationals or dual nationals are advised to contact the consulate or embassy of their destination country. Minors: Minors must have their own passport. We strongly recommend that unaccompanied minors carry a copy of their family records. Specific formalities: Minors who are residents of the UK and who are travelling unaccompanied by their legal guardians must bring an identity document and authorisation to leave the country.

Health

Covid-19 health crisis: travellers with a complete vaccination schedule are no longer required to undergo a PCR test less than 72 hours before the flight. It is still compulsory if the schedule is incomplete. Remember to check the latest information. No vaccination is compulsory. Don't forget to check that your vaccination record is up to date (DTP Coq). Health standards are equivalent to those in Western Europe. Natural and climatic risks are high in Japan, so make sure you keep informed.