The hotel TOTO Seawind Awaji, by Tadao Andô
@Japan Experience

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, a suspension bridge which links the city of Kobe and Awaji Island

Hompuku-ji or The "Water Temple" by Ando Tadao on Awaji Island

Hompuku-ji or The "Water Temple" by Tadao Andô on Awaji Island

Architecture and Modern Art of the Inland Sea

4 days
Kobe, Okayama

This very pleasant 4-day excursion around the eastern part of the Inland Sea will give you the chance to magnificent views from the comfort of your hire car.

You will cross impressive bridges spanning the waves and take the boat several times to reach tiny islands. As well as the exceptional scenery, we've lined your route with contemporary art and architecture works by world-famous Japanese artists.

The hotels we've selected are just as good, and our selection of restaurants will delight gourmets. You'll finish your walk with a trip on the shinkansen to bring this lovely loop to a leisurely close.

This very pleasant 4-day excursion around the eastern part of the Inland Sea will give you the chance to magnificent views from the comfort of your hire car.

4 days / 3 nights itinerary by car throughout Hyogo Prefecture

Departure city : Osaka
Kobe
Awaji
Shikoku
Naoshima
Teshima
Return city : Osaka

Please find detailed itinerary information below.
Note: Departure from Osaka at 9 AM on day 1 and return to Osaka at around 5 PM on day 4.

IMPORTANT:
- If your driving license was issued in France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, or Taiwan, it is not valid in Japan, so you will need a certified Japanese translation, available in option.
- If your license was not issued in one of the countries listed above, please make sure to obtain an international driving permit in your home country, as it is required to drive a car in Japan.

Why choose this excursion to Japan ?

You will be able to travel in peace through a Japan that is still relatively untouched.
You can travel as you please and choose freely from the sites we recommend.
You will appreciate the modern comfort and design of your hotels.
You will enjoy a superb selection of modern buildings and original architecture.
You will benefit from the recommendations available in your digital travel diary.

Your excursion in detail

Itinerary

Day 1 : Over the waves

After picking up your hire car near Osaka high-speed train station, you'll head for Kobe, its famous neighbour. You'll have the chance to take a behind-the-scenes look at a gigantic bridge before crossing it yourself.
Once you arrive on the island on the other side, we particularly recommend an excellent restaurant before beginning your visit to two admirable sites designed by one of the greatest names in Japanese architecture. It is in a hotel designed by the same architect that you will be staying that evening.
Day 2 : Forms in purity

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before hitting the road again. On today's programme concrete and raw earth, whirlpools and fresh fish, sea views and a magnificent garden...
In the evening, after a visit to one last beautiful building, you can relax in your hotel and enjoy the bustle of a charming provincial capital.
Day 3 : Art on a tiny island

You'll get up a little earlier that morning to board your vehicle and take a ferry to the island of Naoshima. You'll have the whole morning to visit the various sites and museums that have made the island's worldwide reputation.
Everything can be done on foot. At around 2:30 PM you will head back to the harbour in your vehicle to make two more short crossings to a second, equally stunning island the next day.
Day 4 : Far from the world

The morning programme is light that day and you can enjoy the peace and quiet of your accommodation. We recommend a short hop by car, although walking is also an option. There are 4 main sites of modern art here, which you can visit at your own pace.
There aren't many restaurants on the island, but we'll be happy to recommend some for lunch before heading back to the mainland from the other port. In less than an hour, you'll reach the town where you'll return the vehicle to enjoy the inimitable comfort of the Japanese bullet train for the final leg of the journey.

Accommodation
- 3 nights in 3-star hotels or equivalent
The base rate includes a twin room.
Transportation
- 4-day car rental starting from Osaka
Visit & meals
- All breakfasts and dinners on day 1 & 2 are included

Other services
- Complete digital travel diary sent 10 days before your departure
- Bilingual English and Japanese telephone support is available 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 6 PM. The number will be provided in your travel diary.
Not included in the price of your excursion
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses, including lunches (you will find recommended restaurants selected by us in your travel pack)
- Entrance fees to museums, gardens or temples
- Internet access (i.e. with a an e-SIM card)
- Everything not included in the "Included in your excursion" section

Contact an advisor

More information about your trip

Your excursion:

- Please note that at least one person taking part in the trip must have a driving licence valid in their country.

- The prices shown on this page may vary according to the Japanese ¥ exchange rate.

- Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

- Children aged 3 and over may participate. Child rates available for children ages 3 to 11 included.

- Unfortunately, pets are not able to be brought onto this excursion.

- This program may be subject to changes due to imperatives such as weather conditions or other events. Please note that due to the current situation, all mentioned information is subject to change or adaptation.

- In order to benefit from an internet connection, reserve an e-SIM card with Japan Experience.

- This tour must be booked at least 45 days before the start date of the tour.

- Your travel documents will be sent to you by email before your departure.

Your accommodation:

- Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the town and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the cost of the reservation. It generally amounts to ¥200/night/person (about €1.60) but may be a little higher in 4-star hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception.

- Single room: People travelling alone and/or wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. Please note that a single room supplement for an order of more than 2 people will be applied in all accommodation except ryokans (3 and 4*). As this is traditional accommodation, people with the same reservation are grouped together in spacious rooms that can accommodate up to 5 people.

- 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, you will be allocated a triple room.

- Hotel names: The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled.

Your transport:

- 4-day car rental starting from Osaka.

- In Japan, most cars are automatic.

- Costs related to gasoline and possible tolls are not included in the tour price.

- If your driving license was issued in France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, or Taiwan, it is not valid in Japan, so you will need a certified Japanese translation, available as an option.

- Although the process may vary by country, be sure to apply for your international driving permit well in advance, as it typically takes time to be issued. Additionally, it is your responsibility to check the specific laws and regulations regarding international driving permits in your country.

Your meals:

- All breakfasts and dinners on day 1 & 2 are included.

- For other meals, you will find recommendations selected by us in your travel diary.

A 35% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 35 days before the departure date.

What kind of insurance coverage is available for your Japan trip ?

When you book with Japan Experience, you have the option of purchasing two types of coverage:

Japan Experience Flex : This insurance covers expenses related to trip cancellations for specific reasons (disease, accident, passing...)

Japan Experience Protect : This insurance provides overall coverage for various aspect of the trip. For instance: cancellation, flight delay or missing flight, lost luggage, travel incident and repatriation, assistance, etc...