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Couple walking on street while holding umbrella in Kyoto

Couple walking on street while holding umbrella in Kyoto

©Andre Benz/Unsplash

Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo
Indulge yourself with a move upmarket in an equivalent 4 * hotel (optional)
Mount Fuji at sunset
3* Hakone Ichinoyu Shinkan ryokan traditional Japanese room

Romantic tour in Japan

  • 13 days
  • Tokyo, Hakone, Okayama, Miyajima Island, Kyoto

Take a romantic trip for two to Japan!

This two-week trip takes you to Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and the sacred island of Miyajima. It ends in romantic Kurashiki, near the art island of Naoshima.

This tour includes various types of accommodation in ryokans and Japan Experience houses, transportation, plus 2 special activities for couples.

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Wake up in Tokyo 東京

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

    Welcome after 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 time, 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.

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

    You will have a double bed in your room for the entire stay, whereas most hotels in Japan only offer twin rooms with 2 single beds.

  • Day 2 : First steps in the capital

    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 center of youth fashion and cosplay culture
    - Meiji Jingu, the imperial shrine 
    - Takeshita-Dori, a must-see street full of trendy stores and crepe stands
    - Omotesando, a long, tree-lined avenue often called Tokyo's Champs-Élysées 
    - Shibuya and its iconic giant pedestrian crossing

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

  • Day 3 : The big loop

    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 seafood market 
    - Hama-rikyu, a 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 incredible panoramic views of Tokyo at sunset

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

  • Day 4 : Follow the guide

    There are so 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 explore 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 Land await!
    - Do you prefer a themed activity? Book an architecture tour, Japanese gardens tour, home cooking session or Noh theatre tickets...
    - Chasing thrills? Try a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)!

    Spice up your romantic journey with a night in a carefully selected Love Hotel in Tokyo (available as an option)!

  • Day 5 : On the way to visit the emblem of Japan: Mount Fuji!

    In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Okayama (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception staff) 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, fare included). 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 bag, and then explore the region.

    You'll be charmed by the beautiful scenery of this spa resort, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (on clear days). Not forgetting the Owakudani volcanic site, accessible by cable car. All transport (train, bus, cable car and funicular) is included in your tour.
    If you'd like to be accompanied during this day, one of our English-speaking guides can show you 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 Japanese-style night!

    More details below on the features of the night in a ryokan.
    Included: a Japanese-style bathroom in your room

  • Day 6 : The romantic Venice of Japan

    Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

    In the morning, head to Okayama by Shinkansen (about 4hrs, one transfer, fare included). Check into your hotel located between the station and the castle.

    We recommend that you head out early to explore the castle and the magnificent Koraku-en garden, 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 (fare included in your Kansai-Hiroshima Pass).

    Kurashiki, a former commercial town lined with picturesque canals will certainly charm you:
    - Bikan, the historical quarter with Edo-period storehouses, now converted into charming cafes, boutiques and souvenir shops
    - The Ohara Museum, displays paintings by Monet, Matisse, Renoir, and Picasso, among others
    - The Museum of Folkcraft, dedicated to regional history

  • Day 7 : The Art Island

    Have breakfast at the hotel.

    We recommend that you spend the day visiting Naoshima island, located 1 hour from Okayama: 45 minutes by train (1 change, included in your Kansai-Hiroshima Pass) and 15 minutes by boat (not included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass, 290 yen p/p for a one-way ticket). Details are in your travel diary.

    Naoshima Island is world-famous for its modern art museums, the architecture of some of its buildings, and the scattered outdoor sculptures throughout the island. Numerous museums and buildings were designed by the famed architect Ando Tadao. 

    Please note that a reservation is required in order to access the Chichu Art Museum, where you can see Monet's Water Lilies, displayed in a simple white room filled with natural light, that you must enter without shoes.

    Return to Okayama at the end of the day by the same route.

  • Day 8 : The Sacred Island

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Take the Shinkansen to Miyajima (about 1hr15m, one change) 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 not to be missed.

    Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then come down on foot. Take in the breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay!

    At your ryokan, you'll be treated to a tasty traditional Japanese dinner before retiring to your tatami room.

  • Day 9 : The former capital

    Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

    If you have time, make a brief stop in Hiroshima (30 minutes by train from Miyajimaguchi Station, included in your Kansai-Hiroshima Pass) and visit the Peace Park and its memorial.

    From Hiroshima, head to Kyoto by Shinkansen (about 2hr30m, fare included). From noon onwards, you can settle into your traditional Japan Experience house where a Travel Angel will welcome you. You will stay either in our Kizuna house or in Poem Box, two ideally situated cosy love nests! 

    You have 4 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

    Meet your guide at the beginning of your evening to start your evening walk around Gion, Kyoto's historic district (more details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide).
    More details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide.

    At the end of this 1h30m walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places for you to eat dinner.
    Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion.

  • Day 10 : Gold and Silver Treasures

    We recommend the following itinerary for this second day's visit to Kyoto:
    - Ryoan-ji Zen Garden 
    - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
    - The bewitching Philosopher's Path
    - Nanzen-ji temple

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these symbolic sites (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

    Indulge in a truly unique experience at the end of your day with a complimentary shiatsu massage in a traditional Kyoto house. Shiatsu, a cornerstone of traditional Japanese medicine, focuses on applying pressure to improve energy flow and promote relaxation. It's the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring Kyoto! 

  • Day 11 : Now for some activity...

    Imagine yourselves strolling hand-in-hand through Kyoto's historic districts, clad in beautiful kimonos (or yukata during the warmer months). This included activity lets you experience the charm of Kyoto's past, while creating unforgettable memories together.

    There are still so many places to discover in Kyoto:
    - Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Arashiyama bamboo grove
    - Discover the serene Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    - Unravel the peace and history of the Daitoku-ji temple complex 
    - For something more modern, take in the stunning Kyoto Station and its iconic tower

    Consider booking an English-speaking guide for a unique off-the-beaten-path adventure in Kyoto. 

  • Day 12 : Between temples and deer

    For your last day in Kyoto and its surroundings, we highly recommend a trip to Nara, a historic city just a 50-minute journey away using your prepaid transport card.

    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 the Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii gates that wind up the mountain.

    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).

  • Day 13 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

    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 can be made before you arrive at the airport.

    If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, 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... Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!

From
$1,856 per person - 2 weeks
Contact an advisor

  • Accommodation

    - 4 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport

    - 1 night in a 3* ryokan in Hakone Mount Fuji, traditional half-board

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Okayama, near the train station

    - 1 night in a 3* ryokan in Miyajima, traditional half-board

    - 4 nights in a traditional Kyoto house

    The basic rate includes a room with a double bed in the hotels.

  • Transport

    - Airport transfer to Tokyo HND or NRT

    - Return airport transfer Kyoto > Kansai International Airport KIX

    - Prepaid public transport card (Suica or Pasmo)

    - Hakone Free Pass 2 days

    - Shinkansen Odawara (Hakone) > Okayama, seats reserved in standard class

    - Kansai-Hiroshima Pass 5 days

  • Experiences and meals

    - Airport meet and greet 

    - Welcome to Kyoto by a Travel Angel

    - Traditional dinner and breakfast included at the 2 ryokan in Hakone and Miyajima

    - Discounts at many of Hakone tourist sites

    - Two breakfasts in Okayama

    - Night guided tour in Gion, Kyoto

    - Shiatsu massage in Kyoto

    - Kimono rental in Kyoto

  • Additional services

    - Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi

    - Complete digital travel guide sent before your departure

    - Luggage transfer between your hotels in Tokyo > Okayama

    - 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. This number can be used for both phone calls and WhatsApp messages.

  • Not included in the price of your trip

    - Flights between your country and Japan

    - Optional insurance

    - Personal expenses, including meals not listed (breakfasts can sometimes be added as an option at your hotel reception, see details). 

    - Public transport once your transport cards have run out (see details below)

    - Anything not mentioned in the "Included in your tour" section.

More about your trip

Your tour :

  • The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese Yen.
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
  • Children are not accepted, as it is a tour designed for couples.
  • This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
  • Your travel documents will be given to you as follows:
    • Travel diary by email 3 weeks before departure, and other electronic documents
    • Paper documents (train tickets, transportation card) and Pocket WiFi upon arrival at the airport by our airport assistant.
  • This tour is for all couples, for all ages and all genders: gay and lesbian included. For visitors, Japan is generally an open-minded country on this subject.
  • In very rare cases, mostly in very high season, the itinerary steps might be reversed. You will be informed in your travel-guide. Thank you for your kind understanding.

Your accommodation :

  • Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is ¥200/night/person (about £1/$1.30) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodation, it is included in the tour price.
  • Room size: in Japan, a densely populated country where everything is compact, 3-star hotels are of very good quality, but the rooms are often quite small (12 to 20m2/129 sq ft to 215 sq ft) depending on the hotel. Please note the size of the single room, between 10 and 16m2 (107sq ft and 172 fq ft). For more comfort, you can choose our luxury 4* accommodation upgrade option.
  • Double room: double bed by default in the hotels and houses of the tour. In the ryokan, however, you will sleep in 2 single futons.
  • Names of the hotels: The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, a hotel of equivalent standard will be provided. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be substituted for hotels of a similar category.
  • In the ryokan in Hakone, the room has a private sink, toilet, and a private Japanese bathroom (traditional or modern ofuro bath).
  • In the ryokan in Miyajima, the rooms all have a private sink and toilet. The single-sex shared Japanese baths ("onsen") act as shared bathrooms, with showers and hot spring baths. They are freely accessible, at the times decided by the ryokan. These baths are often not accessible to people with clearly visible tattoos.
  • Those with tattoos are invited to contact us to check the possibility of alternative accommodation with private baths, or shared baths that can be reserved.
  • The 4* ryokan (see 4* option) have comfortable futons raised on either western beds in a traditional tatami room. The bathrooms and toilets of the 4* ryokan are always private.
  • Traditional house in Kyoto: each house has been chosen for its location (transport, shops, temples...) to best facilitate your stay. Most of them are either located in the historical district of Gion, or on the edge of the Philosopher's Path and Silver Pavilion. All houses have at least one Japanese tatami room and are equipped with a minimum of 3 beds, either with single western beds (not double) or futons. Please let us know in advance if you want to sleep in a western bed.

Your transport :

  • Flights are not included in this tour. Please contact us if you would like to include flights in your booking: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
  • The tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and depart from Kansai airport (KIX, not Itami ITM). On departure, you will have to leave the day before Europe and land at 6:30 p.m. at the most to make the most of the airport services of your tour (reception and transfer to Tokyo).The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference. Please get in touch if you are uncertain or need advice on your choice of international flights.
  • If your flights have been purchased by you, independent of Japan Experience, you must inform us of your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) at least one month in advance to allow us to organize your welcome and airport transfer.
  • Airport Transfers: The shared limousine bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop within 1-15 minutes walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant in Tokyo will show you to the platform to take the airport transfer. The transfer to the hotel is unassisted. If you wish to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception, please choose the "Accompanied Airport Transfer" option when booking. This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other travelers leaving for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers leave between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel. If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to select the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option. Please note: due to the many changes in flight schedules by the airlines, if the airline notifies you of a change in arrival time less than 72 hours before your departure, and if it exceeds 45 minutes, we cannot guarantee your airport shuttle. You will then have to take a taxi at your own expense, requesting a refund from your airline for abusive schedule changes. The same applies to your return journey: 72 hours before your return flight, we cannot change the shuttle schedule. Similarly, you will have to take a taxi booked with the hotel, at your own expense, with reimbursement procedures with the airline company being the only solution. Japan Experience is not responsible for last minute schedule changes. On the way back, the shared shuttle bus leaves from your hotel, or very close by, to take you directly to Kansai (KIX) airport in 1 hour 30m.
  • Included in your tour is a transport card pre-charged with ¥1,500 (around £7 / $10) (Suica or Pasmo); a Hakone Free Pass for 2 days, a Kansai-Hiroshima Pass for 5 days and Shinkansen tickets for Odawara (Hakone) > Okayama, with seats reserved in standard class. These products will cover a large part of your trips during the stay. When the ¥1,500 credit on your transport card runs out, or if the line you are travelling on is not covered by your Japan Rail Pass, any travel will be at your own expense by recharging your pre-paid transport card (at ticket vending machines in all train stations and metro stations, cash only).

Your activities :

  • The airport reception is in English. Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit, holding a sign with the name you provided when booking. They will give you your travel documents, and show you to your airport transfer. They will not accompany you to Tokyo (this is possible, but optional).
  • An English-speaking Travel Angel who is a specialist in Japan will be there to welcome you to your traditional house in Kyoto. They will give you the keys, explain how the house and its facilities work, give you a quick tour of the area (tourist sites, supermarkets, bike rental...) and answer all your questions. They will be available throughout your stay in case of any problems or questions.
  • The guided tour in Gion lasts around 2 hours and starts at 7pm. Please note that the tour will be conducted in English if your group is made up of travellers of different nationalities. More details on the meeting point will be in your travel pack. Dinner is not included, but your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat.
  • The shiatsu massage in Kyoto is performed for both members of the couple at the same time, most of the time in the same room, though this is not always guaranteed.
  • The Kimono rental does not include make-up or a photographer (this can be added for an additional fee).

Your meals :

  • Breakfasts which are not included in your package can be added at the reception when you arrive at the hotel with payment on the spot. However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving good breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are usually savoury. If you would like to add breakfast to your booking when making your reservation, you can select it as an option on our site.
  • Traditional Japanese dinner and Japanese breakfast (savoury) are included in your Hakone and Miyajima stays. Please let us know any dietary requirements you may have, we will pass them on to the ryokan so that they can take them into account when planning the meals. If the ryokan cannot take any of these dietary requirements into account, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be issued.
  • Japan Experience houses come with a fully equipped kitchens, and are located close to supermarkets.

Your additional services:

  • A pocket wifi is included in your tour. It allows unlimited high-speed internet access. Your Pocket WiFi will be given to you at the airport upon arrival.
  • It comes with a small booklet to operate your device (don't panic, it's simple!) and a prepaid envelope to return your device to the supplier at the end of your stay. Your pocket wifi will work until the last day of your trip.
  • A maximum of 5 devices (phone, tablet, computer etc.) can be connected to one pocket wifi simultaneously.
  • A single pocket wifi is provided for a tour booking of 1 to 5 people. For a booking of 6 people or more, a second pocket wifi will be added automatically and at no extra cost to your reservation.

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.

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