Nature and Tradition of Japan

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Welcome through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.

Check in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

What to do in Tokyo on your first day

We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly by visiting the following districts:
- Harajuku, the avant-garde district ; 
- Meiji Jingû, the imperial sanctuary ;
- Takeshita-Dôri, a must-see street in the capital ; 
- Omotesandô, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées ; 
- Shibuya and its impressive crossroads.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

For this second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".

Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then head off to visit :
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district ;
- Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market ;
- Hama-rikyû, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings ;
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river ;
- Sensô-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital ;
- Tokyo Sky Tree, 643 metres high, with its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset.

Between Hama-rikyû Garden and Asakusa, why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River ?

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Kyoto (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Nikko.

Go to Tokyo station and board a shinkansen for Nikko (1h30 journey, details in your travel guide, included in your package). As the train pulls away from the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo, it begins a scenic climb, snaking through a verdant valley nestled amidst the majestic mountains of Japan. 

You will arrive in Nikko in the late morning. Reach your ryôkan, Kozuchi no Yado Tsurukame Daikichi or equivalent, located in the heart of the valley. 

In the afternoon, visit Nikko, with its many UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Tôshôgû and Futarasan-jinja shrines and the Buddhist temple Rinnô-ji located in the heart of an outstanding natural setting.

Return to your ryôkan in the early evening, where a traditional Japanese dinner awaits you around 6:30pm. Savor the exquisite meal and then unwind for a relaxing Japanese-style night.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan.

Embark on a morning adventure through the scenic Nikko region. Immerse yourself in Japanese history and natural beauty as you visit:
- Tamozawa Imperial Villa, explore the opulent retreat of the Japanese Imperial family ;
- Kegon Waterfall, witness the awe-inspiring power and majesty of this cascading waterfall ;
- Lake Chûzenji, take in the serene beauty of the lake surrounded by mountains ;
- Former European Embassies, discover a unique blend of architectural styles along the lakeshore !

In the early afternoon, bid farewell to Nikko and embark on a scenic journey to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan for over a millennium. Glide through verdant forests and past majestic mountains on your comfortable train ride, which takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes (2 changes, included in your package).

Before 8:00 pm, immerse yourself in true Japanese living as you arrive at your traditional Japan Experience house. Your friendly Travel Angel will greet you warmly and unveil the unique features of your home away from home. This spacious haven, much larger than a hotel room, boasts a fully equipped kitchen, allowing you to whip up delicious Japanese meals and experience the authentic way of life in Kyoto for the next few days.

You have 3 days to visit Kyoto.
Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation :
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple ;
- The historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka ;
- Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.

Then, step into a serene tea room and be graciously welcomed by a tea master for a traditional tea ceremony. Witness the meticulous preparation and presentation of matcha, a vibrant green tea, served in exquisite handcrafted pottery. Savor the delicate flavors of wagashi, a traditional Japanese sweet, alongside the frothy tea. This enchanting experience promises a glimpse into the heart of Japanese culture.

Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion.

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:
- The Zen garden of Ryôan-ji ;
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ;
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The enchanting Philosopher's Path ;
- Nanzen-ji temple;

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).

Craving a deeper connection to Japanese culture? Embark on an optional overnight adventure into the heart of the Japanese countryside! Just an hour away by train (not included in your package), a charming village awaits. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of rural life by staying at a traditional farm for a night or two. Your welcoming hosts, some even speaking English and French, will share their way of life and offer a glimpse into authentic Japanese culture. Worried about luggage? No problem! Leave it safely at your Kyoto accommodation and pick it up upon your return.

If this excursion does not appeal to you, continue your visit to Kyoto by heading west :
- Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market ;
- Nijô Castle, former residence of the shogun ;
- Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and monkey mountain.

This is your last full day to visit Kyoto, so why not make the most of our many optional activities :
- Want to enjoy nature? Discover our cycling activities along the Kamo-gawa river or hiking in the Takao gorges!
- If you're more into the Japanese arts, you'll love our tea ceremony, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens!
- If you're in the mood for the Japanese countryside, let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara or try our popular activity: on the Tea Road!

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Toba - Ise (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Nara.

For the last day, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, included in your package.

Visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century.
Discover :
- The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns ; 
- Tôdai-ji, with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate ; 
- Kôfuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda.

If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).

Breakfast at the hotel.

Unveil the tranquility of Nara Park with an early morning stroll. By 10:00 am, board a special sightseeing train bound for Ise. Settle into the luxurious comfort of your carriage, complete with massaging seats, and prepare to be captivated by the passing Japanese countryside. Expansive windows, observation decks, and a double-decker bar-restaurant offering panoramic views ensure an unforgettable journey.

After a relaxing 1.5-hour train ride, arrive in Ise, a haven for lovers of the open sea. Your ryôkan awaits, nestled between the charming towns of Ise and Toba, offering the soothing embrace of the ocean breeze. Take advantage of the included local bus pass to explore the surroundings conveniently.

In the afternoon, embark on a spiritual adventure at Ise-jingû, one of Shintô religion's most sacred shrines. Dedicated to the sun deity, this awe-inspiring sanctuary nestled amidst a dense, serene forest with flowing streams attracts pilgrims from across Asia seeking purification and enlightenment.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan.

Start your morning immersed in the history of pearl cultivation at the Mikimoto Pearl Museum. Witness a traditional (though undeniably popular with tourists) demonstration by the Ama, the legendary female free divers who have carried on their thousand-year-old practice.

Later, Japan Experience whisks you away for an exclusive afternoon adventure! Escape the usual tourist trail and delve into the captivating world of Japanese fishing. Your English-speaking guide will lead you on a short 25-minute journey to a hidden gem - a small offshore island rarely visited by travelers. 

Here, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring a bustling fish market, witnessing a thrilling auction, and sharing a delightful lunch with a real Ama! To cap off this unforgettable experience, take a leisurely stroll around the island and connect with its friendly inhabitants. As the afternoon draws to a close, return to the mainland with a treasure trove of memories.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan.

Kick off your morning with a seaside stroll to the Married Rocks, a 30-minute bus ride from Ise (included in your package).

After a delicious lunch savored amidst the charming ambiance of Ise's historic streets, whisk yourself away to the vibrant city of Osaka on a high-speed shinkansen (approx. 2h30, included in your package). Once arrived, check-in at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

What is there to do in Osaka in 2 days ?

We recommend that you start your visit to Osaka slowly, in the northern and eastern districts :

- Osaka's medieval castle, with its park full of plum and cherry trees ;
- The city centre and Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park surrounded by buildings ;
- Utsubo Park, a cool oasis in the business district ;
- Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping ;
- Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!).

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Osaka (optional, from 9am to 5pm). 

For your second day in Osaka, we recommend the following itinerary :

- Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium in terms of volume ;
- The Tennôji district and its Shitennô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan ;
- Spa World, Japan's largest thermal baths (onsen) ;
- Shinseikai, with its retro charm ;
- DenDen machi, the technologeek village ;
- Finish off with Dôtonbori, the liveliest district in Japan.

Take a direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.

If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private Taxi to Airport" option.

Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in the Kansai area or elsewhere... Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!