Tokyo to Okinawa beaches

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

Our airport assistant will meet you at the customs exit and give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
Included but unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers travelling to the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart 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 transfer, with no stops and directly after your flight's actual arrival, please choose the ‘Private taxi from the airport’ option.

Check-in at the OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts hotel or equivalent (rooms available from 3 p.m.).

What to do in Tokyo on your first day?

We recommend starting your visit to Tokyo gently with the following neighbourhoods:
- Harajuku, the avant-garde district;
- Meiji Jingû, the imperial shrine;
- Takeshita-Dôri, a must-see street in the Japanese capital; 
- Omotesandô, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées; 
- Shibuya and its impressive crossroads.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you on a tour of Tokyo's classic sights (optional, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

End your day on a high note with a night-time stroll through Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most important districts.
Meet your guide at 7pm for an unusual 2-hour walk that will take you through Kabukichô, Golden Gai and other areas. 
More details on the exact day and meeting place can be found in your travel journal.

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

Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its unique architecture, then visit:
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district;
- Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market;
- Hama-rikyû, the Japanese garden nestled between Tokyo's skyscrapers;
- Asakusa, the traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida River;
- Sensô-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital;
- Tokyo Sky Tree, standing at 643 metres, and its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset.

Between Hama-rikyû Garden and Asakusa, enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River.

There are still many places to discover depending on your interests: Ueno Park, Yanaka, Odaiba... Feel free to book a French-speaking guide for the day (optional) to visit Tokyo off the beaten track!

We also offer optional activities:
- Are you more into entertainment? DisneyLand, DisneySea, TeamLab, or Harry Potter Park await you!
- Prefer themed activities? Book an architectural tour of Tokyo, its gardens, local cuisine, or even Noh theatre.

Leave your luggage at reception to be sent to Kyoto and head to Shinjuku Station to activate your Hakone Free Pass.

Board a train to Hakone-Yumoto (1.5-hour journey, details in your travel journal, included in your package). The train leaves the Japanese metropolis and gradually descends into the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Hakone at the end of the morning. Head to your Hidamari ryokan or equivalent to drop off your small bag and explore the area.

You will be charmed by the magnificent landscapes of this spa resort, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (in good weather!). Not to mention the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car. All transport (train, bus, cable car and funicular) is covered by your regional pass.
If you would like to be accompanied during this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of the Mount Fuji region (optional).

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

Details about the ryokan experience are provided below.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

Meet at Hakone Yumoto Station, then Odawara Station, to board one of the fastest trains in the world: the Shinkansen! Shinkansen journey to Kyoto (direct, approx. 2.5 hours, included in your package). We will endeavour to reserve seats for you so you can see Mount Fuji one last time at the very beginning of the journey!

Check in from 3pm at your traditional Japan Experience house, where you will be welcomed by a House Angel.

You have 4 days to visit Kyoto.
Start in the afternoon with its historic district Gion, close to your accommodation:
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the great water temple;
- The historic Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka alleys;
- Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.

End your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset.
Meet your guide at 7 p.m. to begin your night-time walk through Gion, Kyoto's historic district.
More details on the exact day and meeting place can be found in your travel journal.

At the end of this approximately 1.5-hour walk, your guide will be happy to recommend the best places to have dinner!
Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take photos in the historic Gion district.

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:
- Ryôan-ji Zen Garden;
- 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.).

Continue your visit to Kyoto by heading west:
- Nishiki, Kyoto's bustling culinary market
- Nijo Castle, former residence of the shogun
- Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and monkey mountain

This is your last full day to visit Kyoto, so why not make the most of our many optional activities :
- Want to enjoy nature? Discover our cycling activities along the Kamo-gawa river or hiking in the Takao gorges!
- If you're more into the Japanese arts, you'll love our tea ceremony, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens!
- If you're in the mood for the Japanese countryside, let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara or our popular activity: On the Tea Road!

For the last day of your tour, we recommend travelling to Nara, which takes 50 minutes and is included in your package.

Visit Nara, Japan's first permanent capital in the 8th century.
Discover:
- Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns;
- Tôdai-ji temple, its large bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate;
- Kôfuku-ji temple and its charming pagoda.

Return to Kyoto and stop for sunset at Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's huge shrine with 10,000 torii gates.

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).

After checking out of your Japan Experience accommodation, depart for Hiroshima by Shinkansen (approximately 2 hours, included in your package).

Consider stopping off at Himeji to admire its magnificent UNESCO-listed castle. You can also take a day trip to Naoshima Island, a paradise for contemporary art.

Once you arrive in Hiroshima, check into your Intergate Hiroshima hotel or equivalent. Visit the Peace Park and Memorial, the castle and its cherry blossom-filled park before sampling one of Hiroshima's specialities: okonomiyaki!

During the day, immerse yourself in Hiroshima's captivating history on our guided bike tour. Discover the moving stories and strong character traits that make this legendary city an unforgettable place. Accompanied by an experienced guide who will bring history to life with fascinating anecdotes and information, explore Hiroshima's iconic sites and discover the different facets of its past as you cycle through the city.

Breakfast at the hotel.

A short 30-minute train and boat journey to Miyajima Island, where you'll find Itsukushima-jinja shrine and the great Otorii gate built into the sea.

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

Return to Hiroshima in the late afternoon.

Breakfast at the hotel.

From Hiroshima, head to the island of Kyushu and its capital, Fukuoka, just 1 hour away by Shinkansen (included in your package).

Once you arrive in the bustling city centre of Fukuoka, check into your hotel located near Hakata Central Station.

With its 2,000 years of history, the capital of Kyushu has always been a gateway to Asia (Korea and China) and Western culture (Portugal and its Jesuits, Holland). Another Japan, further away from Tokyo, awaits you.

The capital of a booming region, Fukuoka is now one of Japan's most dynamic cities, home to numerous high-tech companies and host to a global event: the Rugby World Cup in October 2019.

In the afternoon, set off to explore Fukuoka's iconic sites: 
- Momochi district: Fukuoka Tower and other futuristic buildings - 22nd-century Japan;
- Canal City Hakata: a huge shopping centre harmoniously integrated into an urban park and charming canals;
- Museum of Asian Art: the world's first museum dedicated to modern Asian art;
- Shôfoku-ji Temple: the oldest Zen temple in Japan;
- Hakata Machiya: a captivating neighbourhood lined with traditional merchant houses.

In the evening, visit the lively Nakasu and Tenjin neighbourhoods and their hundreds of delicious and welcoming outdoor ‘yatai’ restaurants offering inexpensive fare. 

Fukuoka: your gateway to adventure!

Beyond the city lights, Fukuoka offers a multitude of experiences:

Beach fun: Relax on the sunny shores of Itoshima or Karatsu, just 45 minutes from Fukuoka.

Historic retreats: Explore the charming city of Kumamoto (50 minutes by train) and its majestic castle, both nestled under the watchful eye of Mount Aso.

Soak up the serenity: Relax at the legendary hot springs of Beppu (2 hours by train), which boast over 3,000 baths with unique mineral properties.

The delights of Nagasaki: Travel back in time in Nagasaki (2 hours by train). Explore Dejima Island with its European atmosphere, the lively Chinatown district and the poignant Peace Park.

Most of these destinations are accessible with your Japan Rail Pass, which will be valid for one last day.

In the evening, spend your second night at your hotel in Fukuoka.

A 5-minute transfer by underground from Hakata Central Station takes you to Fukuoka International Airport, in the heart of the city.

Your flight to Okinawa (Naha) is included.
Upon arrival, enjoy a transfer to your accommodation (limousine bus or shared taxi depending on the schedule).
You can then choose one of two options for your 4 nights in Okinawa:

1 — Stay in Naha: included, ideal for exploring
Accommodation in Naha. Discover the famous Kokusai and Heiwa streets, bustling with shops, restaurants and markets. Ideally located near the port, your accommodation also makes it easy to take trips to neighbouring islands.
This option is perfect for those who want to visit, discover the local culture, enjoy activities and easily explore the capital of Okinawa.

2 — Beach Resort upgrade: for a relaxing stay by the sea
Opt for an upgrade to a beach resort between Chatan and Nago, facing the ocean, ideal for those seeking a peaceful setting and a more tranquil pace.
We recommend hiring a car (with licence translation included) as this area is poorly served by public transport and the beach resort does not include the activities available in Naha. Please note that outdoor swimming pools are generally closed between December and February. 

Breakfast at the hotel.

Nestled in the heart of the bustling city of Naha, 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.

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.

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

Activities not available for guests who have selected the Beach Resort upgrade.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Naha offers beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy water sports.
To experience Okinawa's true tropical setting, take an excursion to Tokashiki Island: wild coves, crystal-clear water and postcard-perfect views, one of Okinawa's most famous snorkeling spots.

Optional day trip available.

Activities not available for guests who have selected the Beach Resort upgrade.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Last day in Naha: enjoy local specialities such as Goya Champuru or Okinawa soba.
In the afternoon, visit the Tamaudun Mausoleum or the Okinawa Prefectural Museum for a final glimpse of Ryukyu culture.

Optional:

Coral Dyeing Workshop: personalise a bag or T-shirt with ancient coral prints — a creative and fun activity suitable for all ages, and a unique souvenir of Okinawa.

Okinawan cooking class (in English): discover local flavours by learning how to prepare the archipelago's iconic dishes. (Limited availability, contact us!)

Activities not available for guests who have selected the Beach Resort upgrade.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Direct transfer to Naha Airport (unaccompanied).

Return flight to Europe.

Feel free to extend your stay for a few days, on the islands of Okinawa or elsewhere... Contact us and we will be happy to advise you!