Japan from North to South

Arrival at Sapporo Airport.

Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport, a private taxi will be waiting to take you directly to your hotel, where you will find all your travel documents and Pocket WiFi.

Buried under a blanket of snow for much of the year, the city of Sapporo still bears traces of its colonial past.

Don't miss:

• Odori Park, a huge green belt stretching between the buildings and dividing the city in two
• The Sapporo Beer Museum, created in Japan's first brewery
• Nijo Seafood Market
• The former government headquarters and its botanical garden

For your second day in Sapporo, there are several options available to you:

• Continue exploring the city's main tourist attractions at your own pace, around your hotel, and soak up the local atmosphere.
• Explore the surrounding area by public transport, including Moerenuma Park, designed by the famous designer Isamu Noguchi.
• Or visit the impressive Takino Cemetery, where architect Tadao Ando designed monumental installations, including the spectacular 13-meter-high Buddha Hill, enveloped in lavender.

In the morning, we recommend having your luggage shipped to your hotel in Tokyo so you can travel light today and tomorrow.

On this first day of your Japan Rail Pass, head for the Sea of Japan, with the northern horizon and Russia in the distance as your backdrop.

• Otaru, a charming port town renowned for its historic canal, old brick buildings, famous music boxes (notably at the Otaru Music Box Museum), and handcrafted glassware, including the refined creations of Kitaichi Glass. (45 minutes by train.)
• Just 20 minutes further by JR train, discover the famous Nikka Whisky Distillery (Yoichi site), Japan's oldest whisky distillery, chosen for its climate similar to that of Scotland.

In the middle of the afternoon, head to Otaru Ferry Terminal, located about 2 km from the city center, to board a comfortable cruise ship (see details in the conditions).

After a night rocked by the waves along the Japanese coast of Tōhoku, you will see Niigata in the early morning. Dinner and/or breakfast on board are available as options.

After arriving at the port of Niigata, you can reach the city center, located 3 km away. We recommend spending the morning in this city, off the beaten track, strolling along the banks of the Shinanogawa River or in Hakusan City Park.

For lunch, visit one of the many bars and restaurants to sample Japan's most renowned rice and sake. In the afternoon, travel to Tokyo by shinkansen.

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 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

In the morning, you can send your luggage to your hotel in Takayama so that you can travel light for your visit to Hakone.

Let yourself be seduced by the magnificent landscapes of the spa resort, Lake Ashi with its view of Mount Fuji, not to mention the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car.

Return to the ryokan in the late afternoon, where your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you around 6:30 p.m., before spending a night in Japanese style.

In the morning, take the train from Odawara to Takayama. Enjoy the charm of the city at your own pace, with its century-old houses, temples, and museums.

We recommend visiting:

• The traditional Kusakabe and Yoshijima houses
• The Yatai Kaikan exhibition hall, where old religious festival floats are on display
• The picturesque Shôwa-kan, a museum about the 1940s to 1970s
• The old shopping district of Sannomachi
• The Fuji Folk Art Museum

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departing from Takayama, we offer a day trip to a typical mountain village: Shirakawago! Hop on a bus (about 50 minutes, tickets optional) and immerse yourself in this charming village nestled in the Japanese Alps.

Stroll through the village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the traditional gassho style farms with their iconic thatched roofs.

Consider visiting a minka, a traditional Japanese house, to get a glimpse of the local way of life. For those seeking spiritual serenity, a visit to Myôzen-ji Temple, the village's Zen temple, is a must.

In the middle of the afternoon, return to Takayama by the same coach.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, you will travel to Kyoto to meet your Travel Angel and settle into your Japan Experience house. There are two routes available, both covered by your Japan Rail Pass: one via Nagoya, the other via Kanazawa, on the coast of the Sea of Japan.

Start the tour 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;
• The Gion district.

End your day by meeting your guide in the early evening to begin your nighttime stroll through Gion, Kyoto's historic district.

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.).

For your last day in Kyoto, we recommend visiting 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 during this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).

Head to Okayama by Shinkansen. Settle into your hotel, located between the station and the castle.

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 leaving in the mid-afternoon for the romantic town of Kurashiki, 20 minutes by train from Okayama (included in your package).

Kurashiki, a former commercial metropolis lined with canals, is sure to charm you:

• Bikan, an iconic district with traditional architecture;
• The Ohara Museum of Art, which houses works by Monet, Matisse, Renoir, and others;
• A pleasant boat ride along the canals;
• The opportunity to find the perfect pair of jeans, a local pride, or taste the original denim ice cream in Kojima.

Breakfast at the hotel.

That morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Fukuoka so you can travel light for your night in Miyajima.

Take the bullet train to Miyajima and check into your ryokan, 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!

Don't miss the Daisho-in Buddhist temple, nestled among the trees at the foot of Mount Misen. The grounds are home to hundreds of Buddhist statues scattered throughout the pavilions and paths.

In the late afternoon, return to your ryokan and enjoy a delicious traditional Japanese dinner before retiring to your tatami room.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

In the morning, stop in Hiroshima to visit the park and peace memorial.

From Hiroshima, head to Kyushu Island and its capital, Fukuoka, just 1 hour away by shinkansen (included in your tour).

With its 2,000 years of history, the capital of Kyushu has always been a gateway to Asia and Western culture.

Capital of a booming region, Fukuoka is now one of Japan's most dynamic cities with its many high-tech companies.

In the evening, visit the lively districts of Nakasu and Tenjin with their hundreds of delicious and welcoming outdoor restaurants offering low prices, known as "yatai".

In the morning, take time to admire Fukuoka's picturesque little surprises, such as Shôfuku-ji temple, the oldest Zen temple in Japan, or the Asian Art Museum.

At noon, take a 5-minute subway ride from Hakata Central Station to Fukuoka International Airport, Japan's fourth largest airport, located in the heart of the city.

Fly to Naha! The capital of Okinawa Prefecture has many wonders to offer. Among them are Kokusai and Heiwa streets, lined with shops and restaurants where you can discover the local culture. Enjoy direct transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Kokusai and Heiwa streets offer a taste of authenticity amid the hustle and bustle of the Okinawan capital, surrounded by modern post-war architecture.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Nestled in the heart of the bustling city of Naha, the capital of Okinawa, lies a hidden gem that transports visitors to the heart of China. Fukushu-en Garden, also known as Fuzhou Garden, is a meticulously designed Chinese-style garden that offers a true escape.

This enchanting oasis, with its winding paths, tranquil ponds, and exquisite architecture, offers a unique opportunity to discover a symbol of the rich cultural exchanges between Okinawa and China.

Here, you will begin to discover another side of Japan, far from the crowds of Tokyo or the temples of Kyoto!

Breakfast at the hotel.

Naha is home to several beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. You can also visit Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic monument offering breathtaking views of the city.

Or discover traditional Okinawan music and dance, or visit a local museum to learn more about the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Naha Airport by limousine bus.

Return flight to your home country, but feel free to extend your stay for a few days—we'd be happy to help!