The Japanese Odyssey: A Grand Exploration Journey 3*

Deal negotiated for you

17-day / 16-night tour in the accommodation as mentioned (or similar)
1 night in a traditional ryokan in Hakone on a half board basis
Breakfast included from day 2 to day 17.
Flights departing from the city of your choice
Airport-hotel transfers in Osaka and Tokyo: Transfers can be made by combining the JR Rail Pass 14 days and local underground passes in Osaka and Tokyo.
14-day JR Rail Pass allowing unlimited travel on JR lines throughout Japan, including Shinkansen, local trains and JR ferries.
Ōsaka Metro and Ōsaka City Bus Pass - 2 days, offering unlimited travel on the Ōsaka metro and bus network.
Tokyo Subway Ticket - Unlimited journeys (Tokyo Subway Ticket - 3 days) for unlimited travel on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks
English-language travel guide for visits and recommendations
24/7 emergency telephone assistance

Customise your trip on the Options page.

Your stay starts here

Welcome to Japan, a country where the harmony between cultural heritage and innovation is experienced daily. This 17-day itinerary takes you on a journey through the Japanese archipelago, from the lively districts of Osaka to the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, passing through the peaceful temples of Kyoto, the serene landscapes of Hakone, and the artistic island of Naoshima. Each stage offers an immersion into a unique facet of Japan: spirituality, history, nature, gastronomy, or technology.

A balanced itinerary combining major cities, cultural escapades, zen gardens, iconic shrines, and moments of relaxation in traditional ryokan. Prepare for an unforgettable journey between past and future, where each day reveals a new aspect of Japan.

Your day-by-day itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

Day 2: Free day in Osaka

Day 3: Excursion to Nara

Day 4: Himeji and Hiroshima

Day 5: Free day in Hiroshima

Day 6: Miyajima Island

Day 7: Okayama and Kurashiki

Day 8: Excursion to Naoshima

Day 9: Free day in Kyoto

Day 10: Free day in Kyoto

Day 11: Departure for Nagoya

Day 12: On the way to Hakone

Day 13: Arrival in Tokyo

Day 14: Free day in Tokyo

Day 15: Free day in Tokyo

Day 16: Free day in Tokyo

Day 17: Departure from Tokyo

Your detailed itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Osaka

Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Transfer to the hotel using the JR Haruka Express (included in your JR Rail Pass) to the main JR stations in Osaka, then use the metro and bus pass to reach the accommodation.

Lunch and dinner are at your leisure.

Overnight in Osaka.

Day 2 | Free day in Osaka

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day to explore Osaka, a vibrant city blending modernity and tradition.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Overnight in Osaka.

Visit suggestions: the retro district of Shinsekai with the Tsutenkaku Tower and its popular restaurants, the Umeda district and the Umeda Sky Building for a spectacular view of the city, the open-air museum of old Edo-era houses to delve into traditional rural Japan, the Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of the largest in the world and family-friendly, and an evening in the lively Dotonbori district famous for its neon signs and culinary specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Day 3 | Excursion to Nara

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day to continue exploring Osaka and take a trip to Nara.

Lunch and dinner are on your own.

Overnight in Osaka.

Visit suggestions: Osaka Castle and its lush park for a dive into feudal history, Dotonbori district with its bright signs and lively atmosphere. In Nara, discover the Todai-ji Temple housing the Great Buddha, and stroll through Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer and peaceful atmosphere.

Day 4 | Himeji and Hiroshima

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure by train to Hiroshima via Himeji.

Lunch and dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Hiroshima.

Visit suggestions: in Himeji, visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle considered one of Japan's most beautiful, then continue to Hiroshima by Shinkansen for the rest of your day.

Day 5 | Free day in Hiroshima

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day to explore Hiroshima at your own pace. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight stay in Hiroshima.

Visit suggestions: explore the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle with its museum dedicated to feudal history, take a stroll in the Shukkeien Garden, a true haven of peace in the heart of the city, wander along Hondori shopping street for shopping and street food, and end the day by enjoying an okonomiyaki, a signature dish of Hiroshima.

Day 6 | Miyajima Island

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day to explore Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.

Lunch and dinner on your own.

Overnight in Hiroshima.

Visit suggestions: start with the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, essential memorial sites, continue with the included JR ferry crossing to the sacred island of Miyajima, explore the Itsukushima Shrine famous for its floating torii at high tide, stroll through traditional alleys and taste local specialties like oysters or momiji manju.

Day 7 | Okayama and Kurashiki

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart by train to Kurashiki, with a stop in Okayama to visit the famous Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful landscaped gardens.

Continue to Kurashiki, a charming town known for its historic Bikan district, willow-lined canals, and traditional warehouses converted into museums and galleries.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Overnight in Kurashiki.

Day 8 | Excursion to Naoshima

Breakfast at the hotel.

Option: Enjoy a half-day excursion to Naoshima, the iconic island of contemporary art, where you can visit must-see places like the Chichu Art Museum or the Benesse House Museum (ferry not included in the JR Pass).

Continue your journey by JR train towards Kyoto, the former imperial capital and cultural heart of Japan.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 9 | Free day in Kyoto

Breakfast at the hotel.

Day dedicated to exploring the must-see sights of Kyoto, the former imperial capital and cradle of traditional Japanese culture.

Suggested visits: Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Pavilion, a symbol of Zen elegance; Ryoan-ji, renowned for its iconic dry garden; Arashiyama, a tranquil district with natural landscapes, including its bamboo grove and the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 10 | Free day in Kyoto

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day to continue exploring Kyoto at your own pace.

Suggested visits: Fushimi Inari Taisha, an iconic shrine with thousands of red torii gates forming mystical paths. Kiyomizu-dera, a temple perched with panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. Gion District, the heart of traditional Kyoto with its preserved alleys, tea houses, and the elusive silhouette of geishas.

Lunch and dinner on your own.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 11 | Departure for Nagoya

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure by Shinkansen for Nagoya (approximately 1 hour).

Free day to explore the city at your own pace.

Suggestions for visits: Free visit to the Ghibli Park, located at Expo 2005 Aichi Park, to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli films such as My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, or Howl's Moving Castle. Nagoya Castle, an iconic monument known for its golden dolphins (kinshachi) perched on the roof. Toyota Commemorative Museum, tracing the evolution of the automobile and Japanese industrial innovation. Sakae district, a lively centre for shopping and relaxation, featuring the Nagoya TV Tower and the futuristic Oasis 21.

Lunch and dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Nagoya.

Day 12 | On the way to Hakone

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure for Hakone via Odawara on the Shinkansen (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes).

Free time to explore Hakone and enjoy its hot springs.

Suggestions for visits: Cruise on Lake Ashi offering, in clear weather, an exceptional view of Mount Fuji. Cable car to Owakudani, an active volcanic valley known for its fumaroles and black eggs cooked in sulphur springs. Hakone Open-Air Museum, combining modern sculptures and natural landscapes.

Lunch on your own.

Dinner included at the ryokan.

Overnight stay in Hakone.

Day 13 | Arrival in Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure for Tokyo by JR train (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).

Free day in Tokyo.

Suggestions for visits: Explore the lively districts of Shibuya with its famous crossing and Harajuku, a hub of fashion and pop culture. Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in a peaceful forest in the heart of the city. Stroll through Yoyogi Park or discover the trendy shops on Takeshita Street.

Lunch and dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 14 | Free day in Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day in Tokyo or a day trip according to your preferences.

Suggestions for visits:

Kamakura Option: About 1 hour from Tokyo, discover the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu), an impressive bronze statue emblematic of the city, and stroll along the path leading to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the spiritual heart of Kamakura.

Nikko Option: About 2 hours from Tokyo, explore the Toshogu Shrine, an architectural masterpiece surrounded by forest, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and richly decorated with carvings and gilding.

Lunch and dinner are at your leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 15 | Free day in Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day to explore Tokyo at your own pace.

Suggestions for visits:

Start with Asakusa, where the Senso-ji temple, the oldest in the city, will immerse you in the atmosphere of old Tokyo with its traditional shopping streets.

Continue to Akihabara, famous for its shops dedicated to geek culture, video games, and electronics.

End the day in Ginza for some high-end shopping or opt for a nature break in Shinjuku Gyoen park, a true haven of peace in the heart of the city.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 16 | Free day in Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel.

Last day in Tokyo to fully enjoy the Japanese capital.

Suggestions for visits:

Start with TeamLab Planets in Toyosu, an immersive experience blending art, light, and technology.

Ascend the Tokyo Skytree or the observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a panoramic view of the city.

Delve into local history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum (if reopened).

Stroll through the stylish streets of Omotesando or explore the picturesque alleys of Daikanyama.

Take a moment to relax in a Japanese garden such as Hamarikyu Garden or Kiyosumi Teien.

End the day with some last-minute souvenir shopping at Nakamise-dori in Asakusa or in the department stores of Ginza.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 17 | Departure from Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport to be done with:

The Narita Express or the Tokyo Monorail

Complete the journey with the Tokyo Metro Ticket, if necessary

Return flight from Narita or Haneda airport.

Your accommodations

During your tour, you will be accommodated for 16 nights in the following 3-star hotels (local standards) (or similar):

Osaka: 3 nights at the Plaza Osaka 3-star hotel
Hiroshima: 3 nights at the Vista Hiroshima 3-star hotel
Kurashiki: 1 night at the Kurashiki Ivy Square 3-star hotel
Kyoto: 3 nights at the Hotel Anteroom Kyoto 3-star hotel
Nagoya: 1 night at The Royal Park Canvas Nagoya 3-star hotel
Hakone: 1 night at the Ryokan Ichinoyu Honkan 3-star hotel
Tokyo: 4 nights at the Henna Hotel Tokyo Tawaramachi 3-star hotel

Please note:

The establishments are rated 3 stars according to local standards. The services provided may not be equivalent to the 3-star standards of European norms.

Hotels may be changed, depending on availability. However, we always strive to relocate you to hotels of a similar category.

Your accommodation

During your tour, you will enjoy the breakfast package as well as a dinner during your night in a ryokan in Hakone.

Good to know

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

As government regulations may change frequently, we advise you to regularly consult the following websites until your departure date:

https://www.pasteur.fr/en
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/

We also recommend registering on the Ariane platform:
https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fildariane/dyn/public/login.html (https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fildariane/dyn/public/login.html)

It is the traveler’s responsibility to stay informed about any changes to entry requirements in the destination country. In general, travelers should always carry a mask and hand sanitizer.

Please note that airlines reserve the right to modify and reinforce their boarding conditions at any time and without prior notice, which may be stricter than the destination country’s regulations. Travelers with connecting flights should check the transit airport conditions.

Upon arrival, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months after their return date. A visa is required only for stays exceeding 3 months. Non-Japanese nationals are subject to biometric data collection (fingerprints and a photo). Non-French citizens and dual nationals should consult the consulate or embassy of their destination country.

Minors: Children must have their own individual passport. It is strongly recommended that unaccompanied minors carry a copy of their family record book. For minors residing in France and traveling without their legal guardians, an official authorization to leave the country is also required: CERFA form No. 15646*01 available at: https://www.formulaires.modernisation.gouv.fr/gf/cerfa_15646.do (https://www.formulaires.modernisation.gouv.fr/gf/cerfa_15646.do)

Health

COVID-19: Travelers with a complete vaccination schedule are no longer required to take a PCR test within 72 hours before departure. It remains mandatory for those with incomplete vaccination. Please check the latest updates at diplomatie.gouv. No vaccination is required. Ensure your vaccination record is up to date (DTP, Pertussis). Health standards are equivalent to those in Western Europe. Be aware that Japan is subject to high natural and climatic risks—stay informed.

Useful information

Practical details

If you are travelling alone, you will be asked to pay a surcharge for a single room. This additional charge will be automatically included in your quote.

Child rates will be applied for children from 2 to 12 years old in the case where the child shares the room with two adults. If the child is travelling with just one adult, the surcharge may be applied on an adult basis. If your child or children do not fit into the age group mentioned above, the rate will be communicated to you at the time of processing your order. If the room is equipped with a bunk bed, the bed height is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.

For safety reasons, the wellbeing facilities of most establishments are not accessible to children under 16 years old. Similarly, it is possible that some amenities or services require an additional charge or are unavailable for exceptional reasons.

Unless otherwise stated in the service description, activities and any additional services available at destination are provided in the language of the destination country and in English.

The opening times and hours of the activities, restaurants and bars are provided as an indication only and may be subject to change. Contact the reception desk in order to be informed of any changes.

Appropriate dress is required. We remind you that gambling may involve risks of isolation, indebtedness, and dependency...

Any additional special requirements the traveller may request which are not included in the travel service description will be communicated to our service provider. Sending this information does not imply acceptance and PerfectStay.com cannot be held responsible for the fulfilment of these special requests. Only the service provider of PerfectStay.com can access this request on location and any additional costs may be paid locally by the traveller.

Unless expressly stated in the description of the services and accommodation, the hotel is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Travel documents

Once your reservation has been made, you will receive a confirmation e-mail before your travel documents are sent.

Regarding the transport documents (in the case of a reservation with transport included), we will provide you with all the information relating to check-in and luggage in the "Your travel documents" email, allowing you to leave with peace of mind.

To take advantage of all your reserved services (hotels, transfers, activities, etc.), you will receive one or more exchange vouchers to be presented to each supplier.

The contact details of the establishment will be specified in these documents, to help make your arrival at your destination as straight-forward as possible.

Transportation

Choose an offer and, according to your preferences, opt for a seat in economy, business or first class.

See the 'View flight info' section for details on each trip.

In order to best organise your time in the airport, we advise that you arrive 2 hours before boarding for a medium-haul flight, or 3 hours before boarding for a long-haul flight (more than 5 hours). Take advantage of your early arrival to pass through security and check your luggage.

You will be informed whether or not luggage is included at the time of your booking.

You will have the opportunity to add additional luggage for a fee.

There are several different cities that are typically offered as departure points. Your arrival destination will show in your travel documents.

Depending on the flight schedule, some arrivals or returns may be made at night with early arrival or late departure. You will not always be able to have your room available immediately and will need to refer to the check-in and check-out conditions of the hotel.

In the event that your transfer is not included in your hotel reservation, it may be offered at the time of your reservation as an additional option. Unless specifically mentioned, transfers may be made in groups of 15 to 55 people.

Important: the modification or the cancellation of a booking is only possible within the limits and including the fees outlined in our general conditions of sale.

Thank you for kindly taking note of the CO2 emissions produced by your means of transport: https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

Formalities

The following details apply to any British citizen who, during a trip sold by PerfectStay goes to a foreign country. The following is a resource directing you to information related to your travel formalities (identification documents, vaccines, VISA, safety, travel advice, etc.), and may be subject to change. Please note that Brexit negotiations are likely to include travel document modifications, therefore please regularly check most updated information. Please see official resource for British citizens wishing to travel:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

The official UK Foreign Travel site has updates on safety and security, including incidents such as pickpocketing and robbery, along with larger incidents such as measuring the risk of terrorism.
Detailed country by country here:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

If you are travelling with minors, please be sure to verify whether or not you will require a consent: https://www.gov.uk/permission-take-child-abroad

Please note that these details serve as a guiding resource in order to ensure that you have access to important information in order to pursue the necessary travel formalities required before travelling abroad with PerfectStay. Please note that PerfectStay will not engage in obtaining travel documents for you, such as visas, and you are solely responsible for knowing the potential health risks you may face in the course of your travels for which you may require vaccinations or medications. PerfectStay is not responsible for ensuring your travel formalities are properly undertaken and will only act as an intermediary directing you to resources which have been known to provide reliable information concerning travel formalities specific to British citizens.

Vaccination

For information concerning travel health requirements (vaccinations, health risks, etc.) please see the following resources:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/

Visa

For the latest information on which travel documents (visas, passports, etc.) British citizens will require by destination, please see the following resources:
https://visacentral.co.uk/visa-quick-check
https://www.passportindex.org/comparebyPassport.php?p1=uk&fl=&s=yes
https://www.travisa.com/Visa_Search

Identity

Please be sure to verify that your necessary Identification documents (passport and/or ID card dependent upon the country to which you will be travelling) have valid expiration dates, i.e. verify your ID documents have not yet expired. Also, be sure to remember to bring these necessary documents with you. It is also recommended to make copies of all travel documents in the event of an emergency.

Japan, From Osaka to Tokyo
The Japanese Odyssey: A Grand Exploration Journey 3^*

Deal negotiated for you

Your stay starts here

Your detailed itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Osaka

Day 2 | Free day in Osaka

Day 3 | Excursion to Nara

Day 4 | Himeji and Hiroshima

Day 5 | Free day in Hiroshima

Day 6 | Miyajima Island

Day 7 | Okayama and Kurashiki

Day 8 | Excursion to Naoshima

Day 9 | Free day in Kyoto

Day 10 | Free day in Kyoto

Day 11 | Departure for Nagoya

Day 12 | On the way to Hakone

Day 13 | Arrival in Tokyo

Day 14 | Free day in Tokyo

Day 15 | Free day in Tokyo

Day 16 | Free day in Tokyo

Day 17 | Departure from Tokyo

Your accommodations

Your accommodation

Good to know

Useful information

Useful information

Practical details

Travel documents

Transportation

Formalities

Vaccination

Visa

Identity

Why you'll love travelling with us

Japan, From Osaka to Tokyo The Japanese Odyssey: A Grand Exploration Journey 3*

Deal negotiated for you

Your stay starts here

Your detailed itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Osaka

Day 2 | Free day in Osaka

Day 3 | Excursion to Nara

Day 4 | Himeji and Hiroshima

Day 5 | Free day in Hiroshima

Day 6 | Miyajima Island

Day 7 | Okayama and Kurashiki

Day 8 | Excursion to Naoshima

Day 9 | Free day in Kyoto

Day 10 | Free day in Kyoto

Day 11 | Departure for Nagoya

Day 12 | On the way to Hakone

Day 13 | Arrival in Tokyo

Day 14 | Free day in Tokyo

Day 15 | Free day in Tokyo

Day 16 | Free day in Tokyo

Day 17 | Departure from Tokyo

Your accommodations

Your accommodation

Good to know

Useful information

Useful information

Practical details

Travel documents

Transportation

Formalities

Vaccination

Visa

Identity

Why you'll love travelling with us

Japan, From Osaka to Tokyo
The Japanese Odyssey: A Grand Exploration Journey 3^*