Japan, From Osaka to Tokyo

Kyoto - Hakone - Tokyo Tour 4^*

On arrival at Osaka airport, you will be directed to the taxi departure point.

You will then take a shared shuttle bus to your hotel in Kyoto. The journey is estimated to take between 2 hrs 30 and 3 hours.

Kyoto, former capital of Japan until 1868, was the country's cultural centre for almost a thousand years. Spared from the bombardments of the Second World War, it has preserved its rich heritage, with numerous temples and UNESCO-listed sites. A historic town, it remains dynamic, changing with the seasons and festivals.

Luggage drop-off.

Check-in possible from 2 p.m.

Make your own arrangements for the rest of the day and for meals.

Suggested tours:

• Nijo Castle, former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, is a must-see in Kyoto. Surrounded by magnificent gardens, it is home to a number of artistic treasures, including murals from the Kano school. Don't miss the "nightingale floor", designed to detect intruders. Currently under renovation, it is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August and December (or on Wednesdays if Tuesday is a public holiday).
• Take a stroll through the Gion district, once dedicated to pilgrims and now famous for being a ward synonymous with geisha, known as geiko in Kyoto. Admire the machiyas, the traditional wooden houses that give the district its charm. Some are still home to geiko and maiko, their apprentices, although it is rare to see them in the street today.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Day at leisure. No meals are included.

Suggested visits:

The Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Buddhist temple famous for its gold-leaf covered walls. Rebuilt in 1955 after being burnt down, the temple exudes serenity, its golden walls reflecting in the peaceful pond. Walking around the lake, you will be treated to superb scenery, with rocky islets arranged according to Zen aesthetics to create an unforgettable experience.

The Nishiki Market, nicknamed the 'Kitchen of Kyoto', is a vibrant celebration of aromas and tastes. Dating back to the 14th century, this popular market now boasts around a hundred stalls, many of which are family-run. Here, fish, seafood and local produce take pride of place. This high-quality market is popular with the city's gourmets and chefs.

The city of Nara: Meet the sacred deer and explore ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji and Kasuga Taisha. Immerse yourself in the city's history and spirituality by exploring its unique cultural treasures. An authentic and unforgettable experience awaits you in Nara, where natural beauty and tranquillity converge to create an extraordinary setting.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day - make your own dining arrangements.

Suggested tours:

• The Ryoan-ji, a monastery of the Rinzai school, is famous for its zen rock garden, where fifteen stones are laid out on gravel, but only fourteen are visible at any one time, from any angle. This masterpiece invites you to meditate in a peaceful atmosphere. In contrast, the surrounding parkland boasts lush plantlife, providing a magnificent setting for a stroll.
• The Kiyomizu-dera, founded in 780 and rebuilt in 1633, stretches across the mountains to the east of Kyoto. Its main building, perched on a mountainside and supported by eighteen enormous stilts, offers a breathtaking view of the city. Pilgrims also come here to drink the pure water of the Otowa waterfall, reputed to grant the drinker longevity, academic success and a successful love life.
• Wakayama: Explore picturesque coastal landscapes, historic castles, and hiking trails through the lush green mountains of Wakayama.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Day at leisure. No meals are included.

Suggested visits:

The Fushimi Inari-taisha temple is famous for the thousands of red torii gates that wind their way up Inari Mountain. This Shinto shrine, founded in 711, is dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity. As they climb to the top, visitors can follow the torii-lined paths, discover lesser-known shrines, and enjoy breathtaking views over Kyoto.

Kyoto's Imperial Palace is a symbol of Japanese history and culture. Formerly the residence of the emperor, the palace complex extends over vast gardens and magnificent traditional buildings. Visitors can explore the palace's opulent rooms and admire the beauty of the landscaped gardens while learning about Japan's imperial heritage.

Koyasan: Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of this ancient Buddhist site, home to mystical pagodas and the perfect setting for meditation and contemplation.

Mie: Discover the prefecture of Mie, home to sacred shrines such as the Ise Shrine, pristine natural parks, and a rich culinary tradition.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

One suitcase per person sent to Tokyo. Arriving the following day, make sure you have packed for a night's stay in Hakone.

Transfer to Kyoto station and Shinkansen (high-speed train) to Odawara.

Hakone is a famous spa resort in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, popular with Tokyoites looking for a pleasant getaway. Sited on an ancient volcano, it boasts magnificent scenery, with a lake surrounded by mountains and Mount Fuji as a backdrop. Enjoy the onsens and hiking trails for a revitalising experience in the heart of nature.

Start using the 2-day Hakone Free Pass from Odawara.

Transfer by train with your pass to Tonosawa (25 mins, with one change).

Drop off your belongings.

Check-in possible from 3 p.m.

Free day, make your own lunch arrangements.

Suggested tours:

• The Hakone cable car has spectacular panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding valley. On the way up to the summit, visitors can admire the changing landscapes, from lakes to mountains, while enjoying a pleasant stroll. At the top station, you can explore the hiking trails or sample local food in the surrounding restaurants.
• The Hakone open-air museum is a unique space combining art and nature. With its contemporary sculptures, installations and gardens, it is an immersive artistic experience in the midst of the region's picturesque landscapes. Don't miss the famous sculpture "The Symphonic Sculpture", an invitation to contemplate and explore.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Ryokan, traditional Japanese accommodation.

Please note that the room does not have a private toilet or bathroom.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out before 10 a.m.

Transfer by yourself to Odawara station (using your Hakone Free Pass).

Shinkansen train to Tokyo.

Tokyo, formerly Edo, is the capital and economic heart of Japan, with over 40 million inhabitants in the world's largest megalopolis. The city bustles with activity day and night, and modern skyscrapers soar up right next to old Japanese houses, with high-tech buildings are just round the corner from ancient sanctuaries and their peaceful gardens. This architectural diversity makes it a fascinating place to explore.

Transfer to your hotel in Tokyo, check-in from 3 p.m.

Make your own arrangements for the rest of the day and for meals.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day - make your own dining arrangements.

Suggested tours:

• Akihabara is a district with two faces, a combination of high-end electronics and popular culture, with numerous electronics shops and department stores. Famous for its maid cafés, where young girls in maid costumes serve customers, Akihabara is a unique and often surprising experience. This fusion of modern technology and otaku culture makes the area a must-see.
• The Asakusa district, known as the Old Town or Old Edo, is the site of the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. The adjoining streets, particularly the famous Rue Nakamise, are lined with traditional shops selling Japanese handicrafts and various souvenirs. This blend of history and culture makes it a must-see destination in Tokyo.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day - make your own dining arrangements.

Suggested tours:

• Take a stroll through the Ameyoko Market, a historic area spared from the American bombardments that became a black market after the war. Today, more than 180 shops stretch over 500 metres, offering an incredible variety of products. This is one of the few places in Japan where you can haggle over prices, adding a dynamic touch to your shopping experience.
• The Meiji Jingu is Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Nestling in the heart of a forest of over a hundred thousand trees from all over Japan, this location is known for itscalm atmosphere in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. Currently undergoing renovation, it remains a must for those seeking serenity and a spiritual experience.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day - make your own dining arrangements.

Suggested tours:

• The Shibuya district is famous for being one of the most densely populated in the world, with around 45,000 people passing through in 30 minutes. It is also renowned for its many restaurants, karaoke bars and nightclubs. In front of the station, the statue of Hachiko pays tribute to the a dog who was famously loyal to his master, a touching story that continues to move Japan.
• Stroll around Harajuku, a fashion hotspot for teenagers. Rue Takeshita is packed with a variety of shops, where you'll see every style from gothic to punk, attracting many visitors. Making your way through this bustling street can be a real challenge, but it's a must for any fashion enthusiast.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

*Check-out before 11 a.m.

You can leave your suitcases at reception until your transfer by group shuttle (1 suitcase + 1 piece of hand luggage per person).

Departure for your return flight.

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

Minors must have their own passport. We strongly recommend that minors who are not accompanied by their legal representatives bring a copy of their family record book.

CURRENCY: The currency used is the yen (JPY). As of 15 October 2024, 1 Euro is equivalent to 162.8 Japanese yen.

TRANSFERS:

Airport/hotel transfer: on arrival at Kyoto airport, you will be met by our representative at the taxi rank and transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle.

Kyoto - Odawara (day 5) and Odawara - Tokyo (day 6) transfers are included and operated by Shinkansen (high-speed train), second class.

You will be entitled to a 2-day Hakone Free Pass, for travel between Odawara and Hakone as well as within Hakone (including your train transfer to Tonosawa).

Please note: transfers not mentioned in the programme on free days are not included and will be charged to the customer.