Between Manga and Tradition

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

Welcome after passing 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 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.

For your first day in Tokyo, we recommend you discover:

• Harajuku, the trendy neighbourhood for young people
• Meiji Jingu, the great imperial shrine
• Takeshita-dori, Tokyo's must-see street
• Omotesando, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
• Shibuya and its famous crossroads

For your second day of visiting, we suggest you visit:

• Ginza, the chic district
• Tsukiji, the food market
• Hama-rikyu, a Japanese garden nestled between skyscrapers
• Asakusa, the traditional district of the capital
• The Buddhist temple Senso-ji
• Tokyo Skytree, the panoramic tower

Why not travel back in time?

• Discover the nostalgic charm of Yanaka Ginza, with its narrow streets and traditional shops
• Stroll through Nakano to explore the manga and second-hand figurine district, and Ikebukuro Sunshine for its many related shops
• Explore Akihabara, the "electric town", famous for its video game shops, manga bookshops and themed cafés.
• Head to Odaiba, the lively artificial island home to the life-size Gundam statue, a Ferris wheel and shopping centres.

In the morning, unleash your creativity during a manga drawing workshop. The instructor will tailor the session to your level, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist. Get ready to bring your favourite characters to life!

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Osaka so you can travel light for your day in Hakone.

Pass through Shinjuku to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train bound for Hakone. You will arrive in the afternoon.

Let yourself be charmed by the magnificent landscapes of the spa resort, Lake Ashi with its view of Mount Fuji, and the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car.

Return to the ryôkan in the late afternoon, where your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you at around 6.30pm, before spending a night in Japanese style!

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan.

Head to Hakone Yumoto Station, then Odawara Station to board one of the fastest trains in the world: the Shinkansen!

What to do in Osaka in 2 days?

We recommend starting your visit to Osaka gently, in the northern and eastern districts, including:

• Osaka Castle, popular for its many plum and cherry trees;
• The city centre and Nakanoshima Island, famous for its rose garden surrounded by skyscrapers;
• Mandarake to immerse yourself in manga culture and otaku treasures;
• Amemura for its pop, young and alternative atmosphere inspired by the world of anime;
• Shinsekai for a complete change of scenery in a retro and timeless Japan.
• Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping;
• Finish with the Umeda Sky Building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!).

One of our many experienced French-speaking guides can also accompany you during the day.

This tour offers optional tickets to Universal Studios Japan, located near the centre of Osaka. Immerse yourself in the world of your favourite films and discover breathtaking rides.

Would you rather visit Osaka? No problem! Spend the day exploring the city at your own pace. Immerse yourself in its bustling streets, discover hidden gems or savour the local cuisine - the choice is yours!

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

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

Travel to Okayama by Shinkansen. We recommend leaving early so you can explore the castle and its magnificent Kôraku-en Park, one of Japan's three great gardens, at your own pace before setting off in the mid-afternoon for the romantic town of Kurashiki, on the outskirts of Okayama.

Kurashiki, an ancient commercial metropolis lined with canals, is sure to charm you:

• Bikan, a neighbourhood with typical architecture;
• Art Ohara Museum, where paintings by Monet, Matisse, Renoir, among others, are on display;
• The Museum of Popular Arts dedicated to the history of the region.

Breakfast at the hotel

Venture off the beaten track and discover Tomonoura, a charming coastal village nestled near Okayama. This train journey, included in your Kansai Hiroshima Pass, takes you through the Japanese countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, to a timeless setting. In recent years, this historic port has served as a filming location for international productions, including 'The Wolverine', but it is best known for inspiring Hayao Miyazaki in the creation of the film Ponyo on the Cliff. Explore the village at your own pace, soak up its traditional architecture, peaceful atmosphere and sea air, before returning to Okayama at the end of the day via the same bucolic route.

Breakfast at the hotel

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Kyoto (details in your travel journal, check with the hotel reception) so you can travel light for your night in Miyajima. Head to your ryôkan, located near the island's ferry terminal.

It's time to explore the island! The Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its grand Ôtorii gate* standing in the sea are a must-see.

Take the cable car up Mount Misen and walk back down. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you!

At the ryôkan, you will enjoy a delicious traditional Japanese dinner before retiring to your tatami room.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan.

In the morning, make a brief stop in Hiroshima (included in your Kansai Hiroshima Pass) to visit Peace Park and its memorial.

From Hiroshima, head to the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, and settle in once you arrive.

You have three days to visit Kyoto.

Start in the afternoon with its historic district, the Gion district, close to your accommodation:

• Kiyomizu-Dera, the great water temple;
• The historic alleys of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka;
• Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.

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

• The Zen garden at Ryôan-ji;
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion);
• Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
• The enchanting Philosopher's Walk;
• Nanzen-ji Temple.

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

Manga fans, rejoice!

The Kyoto International Manga Museum awaits you in the heart of the city. This treasure trove houses an impressive collection of over 300,000 manga. Prepare to immerse yourself in the world of your favourite stories and discover the rich history of manga.

For your last day in Kyoto, we recommend travelling to Nara, which is a 50-minute journey included in your package.

Visit Nara, Japan's first permanent capital in the 8th century.

Discover:

• The Shinto shrine Kasuga-taisha and its thousands of lanterns;
• Tôdai-ji, its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate;
• Kôfuku-ji temple and its charming pagoda

Return to Kyoto for sunset at Fushimi Inari-taisha, the immense shrine with 10,000 torii gates in Kyoto.

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

Direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but unaccompanied).

Return flight to your home country, but feel free to extend your stay for a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... we will be happy to help!