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 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 select the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option when booking.

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

What should you do in Tokyo on your first day?

We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly by visiting the following districts:
- Harajuku, the trendy youth district 
- Meiji Jingu, the imperial shrine
- Takeshita-Dori, a must-see street in the capital 
- Omotesando, a tree-lined avenue often called Tokyo's Champs-Élysées 
- Shibuya and its iconic 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).

End your day in style with a late afternoon stroll through Akihabara, and dive into the heart of Tokyo's electric district on this otaku adventure. Unleash your inner fan as you browse towering stores overflowing with figurines, character goods, and the latest releases. 
The highlight? A break in a whimsical maid cafe, where friendly staff and delightful treats await. Want to push your experience further? We can incorporate virtual reality experiences or interactive games to truly make your day unforgettable! Meet your guide at 5pm for an unique walk lasting around 3 hours. More details on the exact day and meeting place will be in your travel diary.

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 high-end shopping district 
- Tsukiji, the bustling outdoor food market 
- Hama-rikyu, the 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 its panoramic views of Tokyo at sunset

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

There are still many places to discover depending on your interests! Ueno, Yanaka, Odaiba...

Don't hesitate to book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to see a more off the beaten path Tokyo!

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 themed activities? Book an architecture tour, gardens tour, home cooking session or Noh theatre visit.
- Chasing thrills? Go for a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (when in season)!

Level up your art skills! In the morning, unleash your creativity in a fun and informative manga drawing workshop. The expert instructor will tailor the session to your level, whether you're a complete beginner or a more seasoned artist. Get ready to bring your favorite characters to life!

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

Go to Shinjuku station to activate your Hakone Free Pass, and board a train for Hakone Yumoto (1h30 journey, details in your travel guide, included in your package). The train leaves the Japanese megalopolis and gradually winds its way through the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Hakone in the late morning. Reach Ichinoyu Shinkan ryokan (or equivalent) to drop off your small bag and explore the region.

You'll be charmed by the beautiful scenery of this spa resort, Lake Ashi and its views of Mount Fuji (on a clear day!). Not forgetting the Owakudani volcanic site, accessible by cable car. All transport (train, bus, cable car and funicular) is included in your package.
If you'd like to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides can help reveal the secrets of the Mount Fuji region (optional).

Come back to your ryokan at the end of the afternoon, as your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you at around 6.30pm, before enjoying a comfortable Japanese-style night!

More details on the features of the night in a ryokan are below.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan.

Head to Hakone Yumoto station and then Odawara station to board one of the fastest trains in the world: the Shinkansen ! Shinkansen journey to Osaka (direct, approx. 2h, including reserved tickets).

Check in to Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or a 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). 

Our tour offers optional tickets to thrilling Universal Studios Japan, conveniently located near central Osaka. Dive into blockbuster worlds and experience heart-pounding rides.

Craving a deeper Osaka experience? No problem! Spend the day exploring the city at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets, discover hidden gems, or savor the local cuisine – the choice is yours!

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

- Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium in terms of volume
- The Tennoji district and Shitenno-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan
- Spa World, with Japan's largest variety of thermal baths (onsen)
- Shinseikai, with its retro charm
- DenDen machi, the technologeek area, comparable to Akihabara in Tokyo
- Finish off with Dotonbori, the liveliest district in Japan, stuffed with bars and restaurants

Take the Shinkansen to Okayama (approx. 1h30 journey, included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass). Then check into your hotel, conveniently located between the station and the castle. 

We advise you to head out early to explore the castle and its magnificent Koraku-en park, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before leaving in the middle of the afternoon for the romantic town of Kurashiki, a 17-minute train ride from Okayama (included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass).

Kurashiki, an old commercial town lined with willow-lined canals has plenty to offer:
- Bikan, a district with traditional storehouses, now converted into speciality shops and cafes
- The Ohara Museum, keeper of paintings by Monet, Matisse, Renoir, among others 
- The Museum of Popular Arts, dedicated to regional history

Breakfast at the hotel.

Journey beyond the ordinary and discover Tomonoura, a charming seaside village nestled near Okayama. This 45-minute train ride (15 mins by train included in your Kansai Hiroshima Pass or 30 mins by bus using your prepaid travel card, more details in your travel diary) whisks you away from the city bustle, immersing you in the tranquility of the Japanese countryside.

Tomonoura boasts a picture-perfect harbor and a timeless atmosphere. Hayao Miyazaki stayed here for several moths while writing "Ponyo". And this hidden gem has even graced the silver screen, serving as a backdrop for international films like "The Wolverine" starring Hugh Jackman.

Explore the village at your own pace, soaking in the traditional architecture, friendly atmosphere and fresh sea air. 

Head back to Okayama at the end of the day by the same route as in the morning.

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 Miyajima.

Take the Shinkansen to Miyajima (about 1h15, 1 transfer) then then boat (20 minutes), both included in your Kansai Hiroshima Pass.

Reach your ryokan near the island's ferry terminal. The time to explore the island has come! Itsukushima-jinja shrine and the great Otorii gate built into the sea are definitely a must-see.

Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then descend on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you!

At the ryokan, you will be treated to a tasty traditional Japanese dinner before retiring to your tatami room for the night.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

In the morning, make a brief stop in Hiroshima (30 minutes by train from Miyajimaguchi Ferry Station, included in your Kansai Hiroshima Pass) and visit the Peace Park and its memorial.

From Hiroshima, head to the former capital of Japan, Kyoto (about 2h30, included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass) and check into the RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS or equivalent standard hotel (rooms available from 3pm) after arrival.

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 streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka 
- Kodai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:
- The Zen garden of Ryoan-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).

Manga fans, rejoice! The Kyoto International Manga Museum lies in the heart of the city. This treasure trove houses a staggering collection of over 300,000 manga books. Prepare to be immersed in the world of your favorite stories, and delve into the rich history and artistry of manga.

For your last day in Kyoto and its surroundings, 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:
- Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns 
- Todai-ji, with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate 
- Kofuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda

Return to Kyoto and stop to see the sunset at Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii.

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

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 may be made before you arrive at the airport.

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

Return flight to your home country...

Alternatively, don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... Please get in touch and we would be happy to advise you.