Japan, From Tokyo to Osaka

Authentic Japan 3^*

Arrival in Tokyo.

Transfer from airport to hotel.
Lunch and dinner on your own.
Overnight in Tokyo.

Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, became Japan's capital in 1868. Now the world's largest megalopolis with over 42 million inhabitants, its districts offer a variety of activities immersing you in the duality of modern technology and bits of history.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Suggested tours:

Start your adventure by discovering 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. The eccentric looks on the famous Takeshita Street are sure to surprise you.
After a visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace to immerse yourself in Japanese history, enjoy the greenery of Ueno Park. Discover Tokyo's nightlife through the bustling streets of Shinjuku and the neon lights of Kabukichô. Dine in one of the many izakaya and restaurants dotted between the illuminated billboards and karaoke bars.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.

For fans of Japanese pop culture and retro gaming, seek out 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, where you can discover Japanese traditions and spiritual practices. Don't miss the Skytree Tower for a panoramic view of Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to the town of Hakone with the Hakone Free Pass. Lunch on your own.
Overnight at a Japanese inn in Hakone, with traditional dinner at your Ryokan.

Suggested sightseeing :

Situated around Lake Ashi** and renowned for its traditional inns and thermal baths, Hakone offers views of the famous Mount Fuji.
Enjoy the typical Japanese experience of a **night in a Ryokan: after a delicious "Kaiseki" meal, take advantage of this off-the-beaten-track getaway to recharge your batteries in the establishment's indoor and outdoor hot springs, known as onsen.

Breakfast at the Ryokan.
Discover the city's main attractions with the Hakone Free Pass.
Transfer by train to Kyoto.
Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight in Kyoto.

Suggested sightseeing :

Discover the surrounding landscapes and vary your experiences: sail on the Ashi Lake to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, take the funiculars up the Owakudani Valley to observe its volcanic sulfur fumaroles

Breakfast at the hotel.
Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Kyoto.

Suggested sightseeing :

Start your exploration with spiritual must-sees like the Kiyomizu-dera temple, famous for its wooden terrace offering a panoramic view of the city, or the dazzling Golden Pavilion. Don't miss the shrine of the Fushimi Inari-taisha, with its more than ten thousand red gates winding through the mountain. The majestic Yasaka pagoda welcomes you to a maze of streets ideal for discovering Japanese handicrafts. This pedestrian district offers a landscape of old Japan, whose atmosphere is even more singular at night under the glow of lanterns.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Kyoto.

Suggested sightseeing :

In the picturesque district of Gion, discover the unique atmosphere of cobblestone streets and teahouses where geishas gracefully move about. For an immersion in Japanese culture, enjoy a traditional dance performance by geishas.
For an escape from the temples, immerse yourself in the sublime scenery of the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Add a touch of fun to your visit by observing monkeys at Iwakayama Park before taking a boat ride on the Hozu River.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to Mount Koya.
Lunch on your own.
Night and dinner in a monastery.

Suggested visits:

Mount Koya is one of Japan's most important Buddhist spiritual retreats, with over a hundred religious establishments. Stroll the thousand-year-old paths of the mountain and explore the archipelago's largest cemetery, Okuno-in.
Discover an enchanting experience at the heart of Japanese spirituality with an overnight stay in a Buddhist monastery. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of absolute serenity and savor exquisite vegetarian cuisine, carefully prepared according to ancestral recipes to nourish your body and mind. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of these monks and witness their religious rituals.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Hiroshima.

Suggested sightseeing : Hiroshima, a city scarred by the atomic bomb of the Second World War, blends modernity with historical traces. The Genbaku Dome, a former exhibition palace of which only the remains remain, immerses you in a singular atmosphere. Extend your visit to the Peace Memorial museum for its poignant testimonies. Change the mood by savouring the local speciality, okonomiyaki, before visiting the **Shukkei-en garden and Hiroshima Castle. For a change of scenery, head for the island of Miyajima and take a photo in front of the famous torii in the water at the itsukushima shrine, a Unesco World Heritage site. Watch fallow deer roam freely around you. Take in the panoramic view from Misen Mountain** and the Daishō-in Temple** with its Buddhist statues.

Breakfast at the hotel.
From Hiroshima, take the ferry to the island of Miyajima with the Kansai Hiroshima Pass.
Lunch and dinner on your own.
Overnight in Hiroshima.

Suggested sightseeing :

For a change of scenery, head for the island of Miyajima. Take a photo in front of the famous torii in the water at the Itsukushima sanctuary, a Unesco World Heritage site. Watch the daims wander freely around you. Take in the panorama from Misen Mountain** and the Daishō-in Temple** with its Buddhist statues.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to Fukuyama with the Kansai Hiroshima Pass.
From Fukuyama, explore the fishing village of Tomonoura by local bus (payable locally).
Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight in Fukuyama.

Suggested sightseeing :

Discover Fukuyama and Tomonoura, two hidden gems off the beaten track, for a getaway that combines history, culture and natural beauty. Fukuyama, with its majestic castle, offers a rich historical and cultural heritage. Nearby, immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Tomonoura, a picturesque port town and former cradle of local fishing. Stroll along the picturesque harbor, visit the Fukuzen-ji temple for a spectacular view of the Seto inland sea, and explore the ruins of the Tomo Castle for a trip back in time.
Tomonoura, with its ancient streets and iconic lighthouse, promises an authentic and soothing immersion in the Japan of yesteryear. Don't miss Tomonoura's sublime Abuto kannon temple, with its wooden terrace perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to the city of Osaka with the Kansai Hiroshima Pass. On the way to Osaka, stop at Himeji with Kansai Hiroshima Pass.
Lunch and dinner on your own.
Overnight in Osaka.

Suggested sightseeing :

Start your adventure with a visit to Osaka Castle with its great walls and nature park. Stroll along one of the many covered shopping streets. Continue your evening on the quays of the Dotonbori river, with its giant screens and 3D octopus and crab wall decorations.
You've finally reached the heart of the city, where the nightlife is in full swing. Head back down south, to find yourself facing the famous Osaka Tsutenkaku Tower. At its foot, you'll find an old-fashioned atmosphere, with illuminated alleyways and restaurants serving local specialties with extravagant facades. A word of advice: don't skimp on the culinary discoveries the city has to offer!

Breakfast at hotel.
Independent train transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX) with Kansai Hiroshima JR Pass.

Entry conditions:

On arrival, travelers 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 take biometric data (fingerprints and photographic portrait).

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

Minors must have an individual passport. We strongly recommend that minors unaccompanied by their legal guardians carry a copy of their family record book.

Cash

The currency used is the yen (JPY). On December 20, 2022, 1 Euro is equivalent to 140.40 Japanese yen.

Tips

It's not necessary to leave tips in restaurants, to guides, drivers... it's not customary to do so. If you wish to thank your hosts, a gift is preferable.

Climate

Spring (March to May) is a very pleasant time of year to travel in Japan, as the blossoms make the landscape beautiful and the climate mild, but it's also the peak tourist season, as the sites to be visited are often very crowded.

Summer (June to August) is quite hot and humid in most regions, with June being particularly rainy (rainy season), but temperatures are pleasant and visiting the country is still quite feasible, especially in the mountainous regions.

Autumn (September to November) is mild and colorful, adding a new charm to the landscape, but it's also rainy: September is typhoon season in Japan. Rains can be heavy and often accompanied by wind (in the event of a violent typhoon, train lines may be suspended). October and November are cool but sunny months, when you can admire the Momiji (the blushing of the maple trees).

Winter (December to February) is dry and often sunny, a great time to take photos and admire the scenery in peace and quiet, without too many tourists. It's cold in most parts of the country (with snow in some areas), which is ideal for taking full advantage of the famous onsens that provide a little warmth!

Excursions : Excursions may be modified or cancelled
according to local constraints.

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by accommodation of the same category. The order of stages and the program may be modified according to constraints at destination.

Specific requests for sleeping arrangements (double bed, separate beds) are subject to availability and may incur a supplement.

Note: in Japan, hotel rooms are often quite narrow and beds small. The accommodations included in this trip are not suitable for people with reduced mobility or babies (0 to 1.99 years). For further information, please contact customer service.

Ryokan accommodation: half-board excluding drinks in Western or traditional Japanese rooms. Access to communal onsens (Japanese thermal baths) is generally forbidden to people with tattoos.

Monastery accommodation: half-board excluding drinks, futon bedding, shared bathroom and toilet.

Tourist tax not included, payable on site. Approximate amount payable to date as a guide: 3* hotel = €2/room/night Check-in is usually mid-afternoon (3pm-4pm). Check-out is usually in the morning (10am).

AIRPORT - HOTEL TRANSFER BY SHARED SHUTTLE BUS
The shared shuttle takes you directly from the airport to your hotel and vice versa. The shuttle can make several stops along the way.

HAKONE FREE-PASS
Connects Tokyo from Shinjuku station to Hakone via the Odakyu line in 2 hours. In addition to the train journey, this pass gives free access to the Hakone Tozan buses and many of the city's tourist attractions. Take a cruise on Lake Ashi, for example, and ride the Hakone Ropeway to admire the Owakudani volcanic area. You'll also enjoy discounts at partner retailers. The pass is valid for 2 days (days 4 and 5) after activation.

RAIL TRANSPORT
In Japan, the train is the most practical means of travel. Major cities and villages alike are well served, and Japan's rail network is diverse and highly functional. You can travel on the famous Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed train, with its 320 km per hour speed!

JR KANSAI HIROSHIMA PASS
Travel more flexibly with your JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass and organise your days as you please! Access the JR network's express train (Shinkansen), regional train and bus lines included in your pass, without booking in advance, to discover the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji and Kobe and their surrounding areas. You can also take the ferry from the port of Miyajimaguchi (near Hiroshima) to the island of Miyajima. The pass is valid for 5 days after activation.

TRANSFER TO OSAKA AIRPORT BY TRAIN OR LIMOUSINE BUS
For easy access to Osaka airport, take the train from Osaka station. It takes about 1h30 to reach the airport.

Please note: Transfers to Itami airport (ITM) may incur additional charges

PLEASE NOTE: some of your transport tickets (vouchers) may be sent by post to your home address. We advise you to check your mail carefully before leaving on your trip.