Japan, From Tokyo to Osaka

Authentic Japan with complimentary chopstick-making workshop 3^*

Arrival in Tokyo.

Shared shuttle transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, became the capital of Japan in 1868. Now the world’s largest metropolis, with a population of over 42 million, its neighbourhoods offer a variety of activities that allow you to experience the contrast between modern technology and historical sites.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Suggested sightseeing:

Start your adventure by exploring 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. Allow yourself to be surprised by the eccentric styles on display along the famous Takeshita Street.

After a visit to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to soak up some Japanese history, enjoy a green oasis in Ueno Park. Discover Tokyo’s nightlife through the bustling streets of Shinjuku and the neon lights of Kabukichô. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many izakayas and restaurants dotted amongst the bright lights and karaoke bars.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Suggested sightseeing:

For fans of Japanese pop culture and retro gaming, hunt for bargains and cult items in the electronics district of Akihabara. 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.

Train transfer to the town of Hakone using the Hakone Free Pass. Lunch is not included.

Overnight stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Hakone with a traditional dinner.

Suggested sightseeing:

Situated around Lake Ashi and renowned for its various traditional inns and their hot spring baths, Hakone offers views of the famous Mount Fuji.

Enjoy the quintessentially Japanese experience of a night in a ryokan: after a delicious ‘kaiseki’ meal, make the most of this getaway off the beaten track to unwind in the ryokan’s indoor and outdoor hot springs, known as onsen.

Breakfast at the ryokan.

Explore the city’s main attractions with the Hakone Free Pass.

Later, travel by train to the city of Kyoto.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Suggested attractions:

Set off to explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy a variety of experiences: take a boat trip on Lake Ashi to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji; take the funiculars up into the Owakudani Valley to observe its volcanic sulphur fumaroles; stroll along the lake shore and visit the Hakone-jinja Shrine.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, enjoy a unique experience and discover the art of Japanese craftsmanship in the heart of the traditional Gion district. During this immersive workshop, you will make your own pair of chopsticks. With the guidance of an English-speaking instructor, you will shape, smooth and polish your own pair of chopsticks made from natural Japanese wood. You will also learn about the history, symbolism and customs associated with this iconic Japanese everyday object. You can then have your chopsticks engraved to create a unique souvenir of Kyoto.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Kyoto.

Suggested places to visit:

Begin your exploration with unmissable spiritual sites such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its wooden terrace offering panoramic views of the city, or the dazzling Golden Pavilion. Don’t miss the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine, with its more than ten thousand red torii gates winding their way up the mountain. The majestic Yasaka Pagoda welcomes you into a maze of streets perfect for discovering Japanese craftsmanship. This pedestrianised district offers a glimpse of old-world Japan, with an atmosphere that is even more enchanting at night by the light of the lanterns.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Suggested sightseeing:

Discover the unique atmosphere of the cobbled alleyways and tea houses in the picturesque Gion district, where geishas move with grace. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture by enjoying a traditional dance performance by geishas.

For a change of pace from the temples, immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Add a touch of fun to your visit by watching the mischievous monkeys in Iwakayama Park before taking a boat trip on the Hozu River.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Train transfer to Mount Koya.

Lunch is not included.

Overnight stay and dinner at a monastery.

Suggested sightseeing:

Mount Koya is a major Buddhist spiritual retreat in Japan, home to around a hundred religious establishments. Stroll along the mountain’s ancient paths and explore the archipelago’s largest cemetery, Okuno-in.

Experience the heart of Japanese spirituality for yourself with a night in a Buddhist monastery. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of absolute serenity and enjoy exquisite vegetarian cuisine, prepared according to traditional 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 stay in Hiroshima.

Suggested sightseeing:

Hiroshima, a city scarred by the atomic bomb during the Second World War, blends modernity with historical remnants. The Genbaku Dome, a former exhibition hall of which only ruins remain, immerses you in a unique atmosphere. Extend your visit to the Peace Memorial Museum to see its poignant testimonies. Then, lift your spirits by savouring okonomiyaki, a local speciality, before visiting the Shukkei-en Garden and Hiroshima Castle. For a different atmosphere, head to Miyajima Island. Take a photo of yourself in front of the famous torii gate standing in the water at the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch the deer roaming freely around you. Admire the panoramic view of Mount Misen as well as the Daishō-in Temple and its Buddhist statues.

Breakfast at the hotel.

From Hiroshima, take the ferry to Miyajima Island using the Kansai Hiroshima Pass.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight stay in Hiroshima.

Suggested sightseeing:

For a change of scenery, head to Miyajima Island. Take a photo of yourself in front of the famous torii gate standing in the water at the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch the deer roaming freely around you. Take in the panoramic view of Mount Misen as well as the Daishō-in Temple and its Buddhist statues.

Breakfast at the hotel.

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

From Fukuyama, set off to explore the fishing village of Tomonoura by local bus (ticket to be paid for on the spot).

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight stay in Fukuyama.

Suggested sightseeing:

Discover Fukuyama and Tomonoura, two hidden gems off the beaten track, for a getaway combining history, culture and natural beauty. With its majestic castle, Fukuyama boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Not far away, delve into the timeless charm of Tomonoura, a picturesque port town and the historic cradle of local fishing. Stroll along the picturesque harbour, visit Fukuzen-ji Temple for a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea, and explore the ruins of Tomo Castle for a journey back in time.

Tomonoura, with its ancient streets and iconic lighthouse, promises an authentic and soothing glimpse into the Japan of yesteryear. Near Tomonoura, don’t miss the sublime Abuto Kannon Temple and its wooden terrace perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Travel by train to the city of Osaka using the Kansai Hiroshima Pass. On the way to Osaka, stop off in the city of Himeji using the Kansai Hiroshima Pass.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Overnight stay in Osaka.

Suggested sightseeing:

Start your adventure with a visit to Osaka Castle, with its imposing walls and natural park. Stroll through one of the many covered shopping arcades. Continue your evening along the banks of the Dotonbori River, with its giant screens and 3D wall murals featuring octopuses and crabs.

You’ve finally reached the heart of the city, where the nightlife is in full swing. Head further south to find yourself facing the famous Osaka Tsutenkaku Tower. At its foot, you’ll find an old-world atmosphere with illuminated alleyways and restaurants serving local specialities, each with its own extravagant façade. A word of advice: don’t hold back when it comes to the culinary delights the city has to offer!

Breakfast at the hotel, then, depending on your flight time, make your own way to ITM or KIX airports using your Kansai Hiroshima Pass.

ACCOMMODATION

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by accommodation of the same category.

The order of the stops and the itinerary may be subject to change depending on conditions at the destination.

Any specific requests regarding the type of bed (double bed, twin beds) are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

Note: in Japan, hotel rooms are often quite small and the beds are on the small side.

Ryokan accommodation: Access to the communal onsen (Japanese hot spring) areas is generally prohibited for people with tattoos. Tourist tax not included; to be paid on site. Approximate amount to be paid to date (for guidance only): 3-star hotel = €2 per room per night.

Check-in is usually in the mid-afternoon (3 p.m. – 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 for babies (aged 0 to 1.99 years).

MEALS

Breakfast-only package: If, due to schedules imposed by the airlines, the first and last days are shortened by a late arrival or an early departure, no refund for meals will be given.

Depending on the timetables for excursions or transport at your destination (train, bus, transfer, ferry, etc.), any meals that cannot be taken at the hotel are at the guests’ own expense.

TRANSPORT

AIRPORT–HOTEL TRANSFER BY SHARED SHUTTLE: The shared shuttle takes you directly from the airport to your hotel and vice versa. The shuttle may make several stops along the route.

RAIL TRANSPORT: In Japan, the train is the most convenient means of transport for travelling. Both major cities and villages are well served; the Japanese rail network is extensive and highly efficient. It offers the chance to travel on the famous Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed train, which reaches speeds of 320km!

JR KANSAI HIROSHIMA PASS: Travel with greater flexibility using your JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass and plan your days as you wish! Access the JR network’s express trains (Shinkansen), regional trains and buses included in your pass, with no need for advance booking, to explore the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji and Kobe, as well as their surrounding areas. You can also take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi Port (near Hiroshima) to reach the island of Miyajima. The pass is valid for 5 days from the date of activation.

HAKONE FREE-PASS: It connects Tokyo (Shinjuku Station) to Hakone via the Odakyu Line in 2 hours. In addition to the train journey, this pass offers unlimited access to the Hakone Tozan buses and numerous tourist attractions in the town. For example, you could take a cruise on Lake Ashi and head up to the Hakone Ropeway to admire the Owakudani volcanic area. You’ll also benefit from discounts at participating retailers. The pass is valid for 2 days from the date of activation.

KOYASAN PASS: With the Koyasan Pass, enjoy train access to Mount Koya. Take the cable car to reach the summit of the mountain. Enjoy discounts at certain tourist sites such as the Kongobuji, Kondo and Konpon Daito temples, or the Reihokan Museum, to enhance your visit. The pass is valid for 2 days from the time of activation.

TRANSFER TO OSAKA AIRPORT: To get to Osaka Airport easily, take the train from Osaka Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. If your stay includes a JR Pass, please note that the journey is included directly in your pass. Otherwise, a train ticket will be provided.

AIRPORT TRANSFER BY LIMOUSINE BUS: The limousine bus runs between the airport and the bus stop nearest to your hotel, and vice versa. The bus makes several stops along the way.