Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

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From the Buddhist monks of Kōyasan to the high rollers of Tokyo, see the many faces of Japan on this condensed tour beginning in Osaka. Savour the region’s culinary delicacies and the beautiful views at Mt Fuji. You’ll stay in a mountain temple and really soak up local culture in onsen hot springs. A great combination of the traditional and the contemporary, this adventure provides a taste of the rich culture of Japan.

  • Take in views of Mt Fuji
  • Stay in temple lodging and learn about Buddhism
  • Gaze at the famous floating torii gate in Miyajima
  • Explore Kyoto’s Nijo Castle

Travel Style: Classic

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 – Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 15, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

ITINERARY 

Map of the route for Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

Day 1 Osaka

Arrive at any time.

We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience this lively city.

Day 2 Osaka/Kōyasan

Depart early and travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Watch the monks pray in the morning.

Journey to Mt Koya, a religious centre founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The train ride up the mountain is possibly one of the finest rail journeys in Japan. For the final steep ascent, switch to funicular and then hop on a bus to reach the monastery.

In the evening, dine on shojin-ryori, typical vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata, or kimono.

Day 3 Kōyasan/Hiroshima

Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast before travelling to Hiroshima. This afternoon, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945.

Early morning offers the chance to observe the monks praying. Breathe in some fresh mountain air before a vegetarian breakfast, then start the journey back down the mountain via bus, train and funicular.

Later, board a train to Hiroshima, a historically significant city, marked by the explosion of the first atomic bomb in 1945.

Day 4 Hiroshima

Take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen.

Day 5 Hiroshima/Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour.

Day 6 Kyoto

Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto’s many temples with free time.

Day 7 Kyoto/Hakone

Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a feast on a Japanese multi-course kaiseki meal then soak in the natural hot springs.

Travel to Hakone, a town in the hills famous for its onsens, or natural hot springs.

In the evening, enjoy savouring a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, followed by a recommended soak in the onsen.

Day 8 Hakone/Tokyo

Head to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping.

Arrive before noon to Tokyo, with time to explore this energetic metropolis.

Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface.

Day 9 Tokyo

Depart at any time.

What’s Included

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting – Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple, Kōyasan. Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit. Miyajima Island excursion. Nijo Castle and gardens visit. Gion walk. Fushimi Inari shrine visit. Lake Ashino-ko boat ride. Traditional kaiseki meal. Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Images courtesy of G Adventures 

GADV – AJJR

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