Japan, From Tokyo to Osaka

Authentic Japan 3^*

Arrival in Tokyo.

Airport transfer. Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, became the capital of Japan in 1868. As the world's largest megalopolis, with over 42 million inhabitants, visit districts with a variety of activities that immerse you in the duality of modern technology and fragments 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. Make your own lunch arrangements.
Overnight stay in a Japanese inn in Hakone with a traditional dinner at your Ryokan.

Suggested tours:

Situated around Lake Ashi and renowned for its traditional inns and thermal baths, Hakone commands 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 getaway off the beaten track 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.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Suggested tours:

Discover the surrounding landscapes and enjoy a variety of experiences: sail on Lake Ashi to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji; take the funicular railway up the Owakudani Valley to see the volcanic sulphur fumaroles; wander along the shores of Lake Ashi to visit the Hakone-jinja sanctuary.

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

Suggested tours:

Start your exploration at must-see spiritual sites such as the Kiyomizu-dera temple, famous for its wooden terrace offering panoramic views over the city, and the dazzling Golden Pavilion. Don't miss the shrine with over ten thousand red doors winding through the mountain, the Fushimi Inari-taisha. The majestic Yasaka pagoda welcomes you into a maze of streets - ideal for discovering Japanese crafts. This pedestrianised district offers a glimpse of the Japan of yesteryear, the atmosphere of which is even more special at night when the lanterns are lit.

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

Suggested tours:

In the picturesque district of Gion, discover the unique atmosphere of the cobbled streets and teahouses where the geisha gracefully entertain. For total immersion in Japanese culture, enjoy a show with traditional dances performed by geisha.
If you want a change from the temples, immerse yourself in the sublime scenery of the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Add a touch of fun to your visit by watching the monkeys at Iwakayama Park before taking a boat trip on the Hozu River.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to Mount Koya.
Make your own lunch arrangements.
Overnight stay and dinner in a monastery.

Suggested tours:

Mount Koya is a major Buddhist spiritual retreat in Japan, with around a hundred religious establishments. Walk the ancient paths of Mount Okuno-in and explore the archipelago's largest cemetery.
Discover an enchanting experience of Japanese spirituality with an overnight stay in a Buddhist monastery. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of absolute serenity and savour exquisite vegetarian cuisine, carefully concocted according to age-old recipes to nourish your body and mind. Immerse yourself in the daily life of these monks and witness their religious rituals.

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

Our suggested visits: Hiroshima, a city scarred by the atomic bomb of the Second World War, combines modernity with historical memories. The Genbaku Dome, a former exhibition centre of which only the remains are left, boasts a unique atmosphere. Extend your visit to the Peace Memorial Museum for its poignant historical accounts. Time for a change of ambiance: sample okonomiyaki, a local speciality, before visiting the Shukkei-en garden and the Hiroshima Castle. For a change of scenery, head to the island of Miyajima and take a photo in front of the famous torii in the water at Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch the deer roam freely around you. Take in the panoramic view from Mount Misen 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.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Hiroshima.

Suggested tours:

For something a little different, head to the island of Miyajima. Take a photo in front of the famous torii in the water at Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch the deer roam freely around you. Take in the panorama of Mount Misen and the Daishō-in temple with its Buddhist statues.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to the town of Fukuyama with the Kansai Hiroshima Pass.
From Fukuyama, explore the fishing village of Tomonoura by local bus (pay on site).
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements. Overnight stay in Fukuyama.

Suggested tours:

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, has a rich historical and cultural heritage. Not far from there, immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Tomonoura, a picturesque port town and former birthplace of local fishing. Stroll along the picturesque harbour, 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. 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.
Transfer by train to the city of Osaka with the Kansai Hiroshima Pass. On the way to Osaka, stop off at Himeji on the Kansai Hiroshima Pass.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Osaka.

Suggested tours:

Start your adventure with a visit to Osaka Castle, with its great walls and nature park. Stroll down one of the many covered shopping streets. Continue your evening on the banks of the river Dotonbori, with its giant screens and 3D octopus and crab wall decorations.
You've finally arrived in the heart of the city, where the nightlife is in full swing. Head back down south to view the famous Tower of Osaka Tsutenkaku. Around the tower, there's an ambiance of yesteryear, with lighted alleyways and restaurants serving local specialities with extravagant façades. A word of advice: don't skimp on the culinary discoveries the city has to offer!

Breakfast at the hotel.

Self-transfer by train to Kansai Airport (KIX) with the Kansai Hiroshima JR Pass.

Conditions of entry

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). On 20 December 2022, 1 Euro is equivalent to 140.40 Japanese yen.

Tips

It is not necessary or customary to leave tips in restaurants, for guides, drivers, etc. If you want to thank your hosts, a gift is preferable.

Climate

Spring (March to May) is a very pleasant time to travel to Japan, as the flowers in bloom provide a stunning landscape, and the climate is mild, but it is also the peak tourist season; there are often many people visiting the places of interest.

Summer (June to August) is fairly hot and humid in most regions, with June being particularly rainy (rainy season), but temperatures are pleasant and it is still possible to visit the country, particularly the mountainous regions.

Autumn (September to November) is mild, with beautiful colours that make the landscape particularly charming, but it is also rainy: September is typhoon season in Japan. Rainfall can be heavy and is often accompanied by wind (if there is a violent typhoon, train services may be suspended). October and November are cool but sunny months, when you can admire the Momiji (the maple trees turning red).

Winter (December to February) is dry and often sunny, so it's a great time to take photos and admire the scenery without too many tourists. It's cold in most parts of the country (with snow in some areas), which is ideal for making the most of the famous 'Onsens', which will bring you a little warmth!

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by accommodation of the same category. The order of the stages and the itinerary may be modified according to any local constraints.

Any specific requests concerning bed type (double bed, separate beds) are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge. In Japan, hotel rooms are often rather narrow and the beds small. Ryokan accommodation: Access to the communal onsens (Japanese thermal baths) is generally prohibited for people with tattoos.

Tourist tax not included, payable locally. Approximate amount to be paid to date: three-star hotel = €2 a room a night Check-in is usually in the middle of the afternoon (3 - 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 babies (0-2). For more information, please contact customer services.

SHARED SHUTTLE AIRPORT - HOTEL TRANSFER
The shared shuttle bus will take you directly from the airport to your hotel and back. The shuttle may make several stops along the way.

HAKONE FREE-PASS
It links 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 and take advantage of the Hakone Ropeway to admire the view of the Owakudani volcanic zone. You'll also benefit from discounts with partner retailers. The pass is valid for 2 days after activation.

RAIL TRANSPORT
In Japan, the train is the most practical way to travel. Both large towns and villages are well covered, and the Japanese rail network is diverse and highly efficient. Travel on the famous Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed rail service, with 320 kilometres of tracks!

JR Kansai Hiroshima pass
Travel more flexibly with your JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass and organise your daily itinerary to suit you! Access the JR network's express train (Shinkansen), regional train, and bus lines is included with your pass, with no advance booking required; discover the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji, and Kobe and the 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 FROM OSAKA AIRPORT BY TRAIN
For easy access to Osaka airport, take the train from Osaka station. It takes around 1.5 hours to get to the airport. If your stay includes a JR Pass, the journey is included with your pass. If not, a train ticket will be provided.