Day 1: Wake Up In Tokyo 東京
Arrive 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.
Included, but 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 other 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 add the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option when booking.
Day 2: First Steps In The Capital
Breakfast at the hotel.
What should you do in Tokyo on your first day?
We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly, by visiting the following areas:
- Harajuku, the trendy youth district
- Meiji Jingu, the imperial shrine
- Takeshita-Dori, a must-see street in the capital
- Omotesando, often called Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
- Shibuya and its iconic crossroads
Day 3: The Big Loop
Breakfast at the hotel.
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 luxury shopping district
- Tsukiji, a well-known outdoor food market
- Hama-rikyu, a traditional Japanese garden between Tokyo's tall buildings
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river
- Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital
- Tokyo Sky Tree, 643 metres high, with a panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset
Why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River between Hama-rikyu garden and Asakusa?
Day 4: Follow The Guide
Breakfast at the hotel.
There are still many places to discover, depending on your interests: Ueno, Yanaka, Odaiba...
Make the most of our many optional activities:
- Are you looking more for fun? Ghibli Museum, Disneyland or Hello Kitty Park await!
- Do you prefer a themed activity? Book a visit on an architecture tour, gardens, home cooking or Noh's theatre.
- Chasing thrills? Try a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)!
Day 5: First Steps In The Capital Of Kansai
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, head to Osaka by shinkansen
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
The must see Church of the Light located in the city of Ibaraki and designed by Tadao Andô for achitecture lovers
Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai. One of our many experienced English-speaking assistant can slo guide you throughout your visit!
Day 6: A Condensed Version Of Japan
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, pick up your rental car near your Osaka hotel and set off on a scenic adventure to Awaji Island. Buckle up for a thrilling journey across the world's longest suspension bridge, an experience in itself!
Your travel diary serves as your personal roadmap, highlighting architectural gems and must-see sights along the way:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Kobe, known for its futuristic harbor and bustling Chinatown - Marvel at the unique "Paper Church" designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban
Relax on a stunning long sandy beach overlooking the Seto Inland Sea
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of a sprawling flower park, a Japanese favorite - Enjoy a meal with a view at an amphitheatre restaurant overlooking the sea
Pay your respects at a colossal Buddha statue standing guard over the coast
Long sandy beach on the inland sea.
Finally, arrive at your destination : Awaji Yumebutai, a stunning seaside complex designed by the acclaimed architect Tadao Andô. Park your car and unwind in your comfortable room at the on-site 4* hotel.
Day 7: Artistic Landing In Shikoku
Breakfast at the hotel.
A scenic drive takes you to Takamatsu (1h45, mainly on highways), a charming town on the Seto Inland Sea.
There are several stops along the way, including:
Visit Ise Grand Shrine, Japan's oldest
Witness the awe-inspiring Naruto Whirlpools
See a life-size Sistine Chapel replica
Explore Ryôzen-ji, the 88 Temples pilgrimage starting point ;
Delve into sculptor museums
Visit the unique teeth museum.
Choose wisely, you won't be able to do everything! By late afternoon, unwind at your comfy 3* hotel with parking in Takamatsu.
Day 8: Garden And Bonsai
Breakfast at the hotel.
Garden lover or not, prepare to be mesmerised by the exquisite Ritsurin Garden, one of the most beautiful garden in Japan, a sprawling 16-hectare masterpiece of Japanese landscaping.
You can use your car as it is located outside the city centre. This gives you the perfect opportunity to visit those fascinating museums you spotted on the outskirts of Takamatsu the day before.
Later, delve into Takamatsu's unique offerings. Discover the art of bonsai in the charming village south of the city, tantalise your taste buds at one of the many exciting restaurants or unwind with a beverage at a lively bar or café.
Finally, rest comfortably at your Takamatsu hotel, ready for your next adventure.
Day 9: The Art Island
Breakfast at your hotel.
We recommend spending the day exploring Naoshima Island. Bicycles are available as an option and are a great way to get around and enjoy the island’s unique atmosphere.
Naoshima is world-famous for its contemporary art museums, striking Tadao Ando architecture, and outdoor sculptures scattered across the landscape. One of the highlights is seeing Monet’s Water Lilies in a serene, minimalist room where visitors enter barefoot.
Expect something different today: a small, characterful island with a wilder feel, captivating museums, bold architecture, and remarkable collections.
At the end of the day, return to Takamatsu via the same route, passing through the peaceful Japanese countryside.
Day 10: The Romantic City Of Japan
Breakfast at the hotel.
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 Kurashiki. Prepare to cross a marvel of engineering, the world's longest bridge for both cars and trains as you arrive on Honshû Island before checking in at your ryôkan.
Kurashiki, an old commercial metropolis lined with canals will certainly seduce you :
Bikan, a district with typical architecture
The Ohara Museum, keeper of paintings by Monet, Matisse, Renoir, among others
The Museum of Popular Arts dedicated to regional history
In the evening, savor a delectable traditional Japanese dinner before unwinding in your tranquil tatami room.
Day 11: The White Heron Castle
Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan
In the morning, reach Kyoto. Halfway there, consider adding a stop in Himeji to marvel at its magnificent UNESCO-listed castle.
Upon you arrival in Kyoto, don't hesitate to admire the central station, a true glass and steel temple designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara in 1997.
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.
Day 12: The Former Capital
Breakfast at the hotel.
We advise you to start your visit to Kyoto slowly by visiting the city centre and the Gion district:
Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market
Nijô Castle, former residence of the shogun
Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and monkey mountain.
A captivating walk promises a fascinating journey through Japanese architectural history. Witness the evolution firsthand, from the charming "machiya" townhouses of the Heian period (794-1185) to the distinctive "kura" warehouses built during the Meiji era (1868-1912).
Day 13: Golden And Silver Treasures
Breakfast at the hotel.
For your last 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.
Day 14: Sayonara, And See You Next Time!
Breakfast at the hotel.
Take a direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).
Return flight to your home country but don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... we would be glad to help you!
