Chugoku: Japan's secret

Arrival at Tokyo Airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).

Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Meet and Greet at the customs exit by our airport assistant, who will provide you with all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.

Transfer from the airport to Tokyo (unaccompanied).

This transfer is via a shared shuttle with other guests heading to the same hotel or a hotel near yours. These shuttles depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight’s scheduled arrival, and stops may be made before reaching your hotel.

If you would like a private transfer, with no stops and immediately after your flight’s actual arrival, please select the “Private Taxi from the Airport” option.

For your first day in Tokyo, we recommend visiting:

• Harajuku, the trendy neighborhood for young people
• Meiji Jingu, the grand imperial shrine
• Takeshita-dori, Tokyo’s must-see street
• Omotesando, Tokyo’s “Champs-Élysées”
• Shibuya and its famous intersection

For your second day of sightseeing, we suggest visiting:

• Ginza, the upscale district
• Tsukiji, the food market
• Hama-rikyu, a Japanese garden nestled among the skyscrapers
• Asakusa, the capital’s traditional district
• The Buddhist temple Senso-ji

• Tokyo Skytree, the observation tower

   

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

From Shinjuku, activate your Hakone Free Pass and take the train to this famous region of mountains and hot springs. You’ll arrive in the afternoon, surrounded by some of Japan’s most iconic natural landscapes.

Hakone then reveals its treasures: the peaceful Lake Ashi, where the view stretches all the way to Mount Fuji on clear days, and the volcanic valley of Owakudani, accessible by cable car, where the steam vents serve as a reminder of the region’s geothermal activity.

At the end of the day, return to your ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, for a well-deserved moment of relaxation. A refined, seasonal kaiseki dinner will be served around 6:30 p.m. You will then spend a night in the Japanese style, on a futon, lulled by the peaceful and elegant atmosphere of this unique place.

In the morning, travel to Kyoto by shinkansen.

Start your afternoon with:

• Kiyomizu-Dera, the Great Water Temple;
• The historic alleys of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka;
• Kôdai-ji, Kyoto’s temple of maple trees and bamboo.

End your day with a stroll and enjoy the sunset.

Meet your guide in the early evening to begin your evening stroll through Gion, the historic district of Kyoto (you’ll find more details on the exact date and meeting place in your travel guide).

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

• The Zen garden at Ryoan-ji;
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion);
• Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
• The enchanting Path of Philosophy;
• Nanzen-ji Temple.

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

For your last day in Kyoto, we suggest a trip to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital in the 8th century.

In the heart of a vast park populated by free-roaming deer, discover some of the country’s most iconic cultural treasures: the Shinto shrine Kasuga-taisha, famous for its thousands of lanterns, the majestic Tôdai-ji, home to the Great Bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate, not to mention the Kôfuku-ji temple and its elegant pagoda.

At the end of the day, return to Kyoto to admire the sunset at Fushimi Inari-taisha, the famous shrine with its thousands of vermilion torii forming a spectacular path through the mountains.

If you wish, this day can be enjoyed with an English-speaking guide who will reveal the history and secrets of the ancient capital (option includes round-trip transportation from Kyoto).

After leaving your Japan Experience accommodation, head to Amanohashidate.

Considered one of the three most beautiful landscapes in Japan, this spectacular sandbar stretching nearly 4 kilometers and covered in pine trees seems to connect the sky and the sea. You can explore it on foot or by bike—a wonderful experience we recommend saving for the next morning.

After dropping off your belongings at your 3-star ryokan, set out to explore the village of Ine. Accessible by bus (about 1 hour, not included), this charming fishing village, famous for its traditional houses on the water (funaya), is among the most authentic in Japan.

In the late afternoon, return to your ryokan in Amanohashidate to enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner in a peaceful atmosphere.

Traditional breakfast at the ryokan.

In the morning, set out to explore the famous Amanohashidate sandbar, considered one of the three most beautiful views in Japan. This nearly four-kilometer-long strip of sand, covered in pine trees, seems to connect the sky and the sea and offers some of the country’s most iconic scenery.

Then board a scenic train (included in your package) bound for Kinosaki Onsen, a charming hot spring village nestled in the mountains.

Upon arrival, let yourself be charmed by the peaceful atmosphere of Kinosaki. Enjoy the baths at your ryokan or set out to explore the seven public onsen that have made the village famous.

Dressed in a yukata, the traditional robe provided by your ryokan, stroll along the willow-lined canals, past small shops and charming alleyways, as you make your way from one bath to the next. Each onsen offers a different experience, ranging from soothing outdoor baths to panoramic views of the village and moments of relaxation.

In the evening, savor a traditional dinner at your ryokan, featuring local specialties.

Traditional breakfast at the ryokan.

Depart by train for Matsue. Watch the scenery roll by outside the window: on one side, the pristine beaches of the Sea of Japan; on the other, the majestic slopes of Mount Daisen, a sacred mountain and important spiritual site in the region.

The capital of Shimane Prefecture, Matsue offers a rare glimpse of authentic Japan, far from the major tourist routes:

• Matsue Castle: Explore one of Japan’s last remaining original feudal castles and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the lake. For an even more enjoyable experience, take a boat ride on the moat surrounding the castle.
• Lafcadio Hearn Museum: Discover the fascinating life of this Irish writer who chronicled Meiji-era Japan. The renovated museum offers an immersive and interactive experience.
• Samurai District: Stroll among well-preserved historic samurai residences and gardens.
• Shimane Art Museum: A must-visit destination to admire Japanese art, including magnificent Hokusai prints.

At sunset, head to the shores of Lake Shinji, renowned for offering one of the most beautiful panoramas in Japan at dusk.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Set out to explore some of the most beautiful gardens in the Matsue area.

• Yushien Peony Garden: Located on an island in Lake Nakaumi (25 min by bus from Matsue Station), this enchanting garden is famous for its magnificent peonies and flower-filled landscapes.
• Adachi Museum of Art and Garden: Considered the most beautiful garden in Japan, this exceptional site combines perfectly composed landscapes with a museum of 20th-century Japanese art.

Not a fan of gardens? There’s another excursion available:

• Izumo Taisha Shrine: One of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, accessible by public transportation from Matsue (about 1.5 hours, not included). The site is located near a beautiful beach, blending spirituality and nature.

Breakfast at the hotel.

We recommend setting out at dawn for this day filled with travel and discovery.

Iwami Ginzan is a former silver mine listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its peak in the 17th century, it accounted for up to one-third of the world’s silver production, providing employment for 250,000 people.

The well-preserved small mining town of Omori welcomes you on a roughly 2-kilometer walking tour. This route allows you to visit the major sites of this prosperous era: mine shafts, the remains of a silver refinery, the mining museum, and even a merchant’s residence dot the path.

In the early afternoon, you’ll return to the coast on the same bus, before taking the train to Tsuwano, a picturesque mountain village.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Set out to explore this small town and its residents with your local English-speaking guide.

From the former samurai district and castle ruins to the shrine overlooking the region and the church that once sheltered Nagasaki’s hidden Christians, our guide will share his passion for his city with you. He’ll also take you on a tour of the region, showcasing its forested hills and small farms.

In the evening, your ryokan will serve you a traditional dinner.

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel, after which your luggage will be sent directly to your hotel in Okayama. Next, head to Hiroshima, then take a ferry to Miyajima Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Japan. The Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and its large vermilion torii gate standing in the waters of the bay offer a sight like no other: an image that will remain etched in your memory. Next, take the cable car to the summit of Mount Misen, and walk back down to fully savor the breathtaking panorama of Hiroshima Bay that unfolds at every turn along the path. Along the way, don’t miss the Daisho-in Buddhist temple, nestled among the trees at the foot of Mount Misen. Its hundreds of Buddhist statues scattered along the pavilions and paths lend the place an atmosphere of serenity and mystery.

The day begins with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan, before setting off for Hiroshima. Once you’ve settled into your hotel, set out to explore the city: the Peace Park and Memorial, not to mention the famous okonomiyaki, Hiroshima’s must-try specialty, to round off your culinary adventure. As you immerse yourself in the captivating history of this legendary city, you’ll be moved by the resilience and human depth that make it an unforgettable place of remembrance. The journey then continues to Okayama, where you’ll spend the night.

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel, before heading to Naoshima, a stunning island just an hour’s drive from Okayama.

Naoshima enjoys a well-deserved global reputation: its modern art museums, bold architecture, and outdoor sculptures scattered across the island make it a destination in its own right.

Much of this artistic heritage bears the signature of the great architect Tadao Ando, whose genius is evident at every turn. The highlight of the visit? Monet’s Water Lilies, displayed in a minimalist room where visitors enter barefoot—an experience as intimate as it is unforgettable.

Note: Reservations are required to visit the Chichu Art Museum. At the end of the day, return to Okayama via the same route, passing through the serene landscapes of the Japanese countryside.

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel, before heading to Osaka, with a must-see stop in Himeji.

Take a moment to immerse yourself in Japan’s feudal history and discover the “White Heron Castle,” whose immaculate white exterior stands proudly against the landscape. One of the country’s most beautiful and famous castles, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a stop that’s a must.

The journey then continues to Osaka, to your hotel where you’ll spend your last two nights in Japan.

For your final day in Osaka, let us guide you with our selection of recommendations designed to help you discover all the facets of this fascinating city.

• The Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium, one of the largest in the world by volume
• The Tennoji district and Shitenno-ji Buddhist Temple, one of the oldest in Japan
• Spa World, the country’s largest hot spring complex, for a well-deserved moment of serenity
• Shinsekai and its captivating retro charm
• Den Den Town, Osaka’s tech and geek hub
• Dotonbori to end on a high note: the bustling epicenter of Osaka’s nightlife, amid neon signs and urban energy

For lunch, don’t miss takoyaki and okonomiyaki, the city’s two iconic specialties. A must-try for any self-respecting visitor!

Direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX).

If you prefer a private transfer, direct to the airport with no stops along the way, select the "Private Taxi to the Airport" option.

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