JAPAN EXPRESS
9 days, Osaka to Tokyo
From the Buddhist monks of Koyasan to the high rollers of Tokyo, capture the many faces of Japan on this condensed tour beginning in Osaka. Savour the region’s culinary delicacies and the beautiful views at Mt Fuji. You’ll stay in a traditional ryokan and really soak up local culture in onsen hot springs. A great combination of the traditional and the contemporary, this adventure provides a taste of the rich culture of Japan.
Day 1Osaka
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Osaka/Kōyasan
Depart early and travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Watch the monks pray in the morning.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Local Living Overnight in Mount Koya Temple
Meals included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 3Kōyasan/Hiroshima
Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast before travelling to Hiroshima.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 4Hiroshima
Visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum and take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate.
Day 5Hiroshima/Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour.
Day 6Kyoto
Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto’s many temples with free time.
Day 7Kyoto/Hakone
Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko and a walk along the Old Tokaido Highway, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a stay in traditional ryokan accommodation, feast on a Japanese multi-course kaiseki meal, soak in the natural hot springs, and sleep on a futon.
Meals included:
Dinner
Day 8Hakone/Tokyo
Head to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 9Tokyo
Depart at any time.
What’s Included
- Local Living: Overnight in Mount Koya Temple, Kōyasan
- Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
- Miyajima excursion with floating torii gate visit
- Nijo Castle and gardens visit (Kyoto)
- Gion walk
- Fushimi Inari shrine visit
- Lake Ashino-ko boat ride (Hakone)
- Traditional ryokan stay with kaiseki meal
- Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (6 nts), mountain monastery (1 nt, shared facilities), traditional inn (1 nt, shared facilities).
Meals
3 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transportation
Bullet train, tram, ferry, public bus, walking.
Staff & experts
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Why travel with us?
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