THE MUST-HAVE IN ONE TRIP
Great Discovery of Japan Tour
This circuit will make you discover ultra-modern cities with their skyscrapers and large illuminated signs, superb temples and small traditional towns full of charm, passing through the landscapes of the "Japanese Alps". Each season transforms the sites into delightful prints: from scarlet maples in autumn to snowy hills in winter, to cherry blossoms in spring… You will discover the best of Japan!
Our "Best Seller"! A complete circuit to discover all the essentials of Japan with an incursion of a few days into the splendid region of the Japanese Alps.
TRAVELOGUE
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PARIS-OSAKA
Flight to Japan. Night in flight.
OSAKA-HIMEJI
190 km/approx. 3h
Arrival at the airport, welcome by your guide and transfer to Osaka. Lunch en route. You will visit Osaka Castle, the largest in Asia in its time, then the shopping districts of Kuromon Market, Namba and Dotonbori, among the liveliest in the city. Road to Himeji. Dinner and night at the Monterey Himeji 3* hotel.
HIMEJI - MIYAJIMA - HIROSHIMA
305 km/approx. 4h
Visit of Himeji Castle, whose white walls evoke the flight of a bird, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Road to Hiroshima. Arrival and lunch at a local restaurant, ferry crossing to Miyajima Island for a walking tour of the sanctuary: a sacred place built partly in the sea, with buildings on stilts and its "torii" a few dozen meters above large. Return to Hiroshima. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the Vista Hiroshima 3* hotel.
HIROSHIMA - KYOTO
360 km/approx. 4:30
Visit of Hiroshima with the Peace Memorial, its dome, the museum and the park. It was the only building to remain standing near the place where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945. Lunch, then departure for Kyoto. Upon arrival, accommodation for 3 nights at the Urban Hotel Kyoto Nijo Premium 3*. Dinner and night.
KYOTO
40km/approx. 1h30
Full day devoted to visiting Kyoto with the Kiyomizu-dera temple which will offer you a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto. Then, discover Nijo-jo Castle, a reflection of the power of the shoguns who ruled Japan for more than 200 years. Lunch, and visit of the Kinkaku-ji temple, the "golden pavilion", which is majestically reflected on the water of a pond. Finally, you will discover the Ryoan-ji temple, very famous for its "kare sansui", or rock garden, one of the most beautiful in Japan. You end this day with a walk in the old Gion district. Return by public transport. Dinner and night.
KYOTO - NARA - KYOTO
100 km/approx. 2 hours
Day dedicated to Nara and the temple of Todai-ji. The Daibutsuden Hall, which is the largest wooden building in the world, houses one of the largest bronze statues. The 5.25 ha Nara Park is famous for its not very shy deer, considered divine messengers from Kasuga's tomb. Visit the Kasuga sanctuary, founded in the 8th century to protect the capital. Lunch, then return to Kyoto. Arrival at the hotel and end of the day free. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.
KYOTO - MOUNT KOYA
118 km/approx. 2h40
Depart for Mount Koya. Upon arrival, lunch. Then, departure for the discovery of Mount Koya. You will visit its huge cemetery of almost 200,000 tombstones of samurai, celebrities and ordinary people, under a forest of centuries-old cedars. Discovery of Okunoin, considered the most sacred site of Mount Koya. Then, visit the Kongobu-ji temple, located in downtown Koya. Transfer for the night to the Buddhist temple at the top of a mountain to share the life of the monks. Vegetarian dinner.
MOUNT KOYA - TAKAYAMA
410 km/approx. 6am
Vegetarian breakfast at the temple, with the opportunity for early risers to participate in meditation. Then depart for Takayama. Lunch en route. Upon arrival, accommodation at the Tokyu stay Hida Takayama Musubi no Yu 3* hotel. Dinner in a local restaurant. Night at the hotel.
TAKAYAMA - SHIRAKAWAGO - KANAZAWA
163 km/approx. 2h50
You will start the day with the discovery of the open-air market of Miyagawa, stroll in the district of Kamisannomachi. Then, visit Takayama Jinya, the former residence of the governor of the province. Then depart for Shirakawago. To eat lunch. Stop at Shiroyama viewpoint, offering beautiful views of Ogimachi and its farms. Visit the old traditional Japanese village of Shirakawago, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its traditional rural architecture. Road to Kanazawa for a walk in the old district of Higashi Chaya, and its streets lined with geisha houses. Having dinner. Overnight at Vista Kanazawa 3* hotel.
KANAZAWA-MATSUMOTO
186 km/approx. 4h
Discovery on foot of the old feudal quarter of Kanazawa and the traditional atmosphere of samurai residences. A very unique district, with its cobbled streets, lined with cob walls, behind which hide luxurious residences. Then, visit one of the 3 most beautiful gardens in Japan, the Kenroku-en. Lunch and departure for Matsumoto. Having dinner. Overnight at the Matsumoto Mountain Hotel 3*.
MATSUMOTO - NARAI - LAKE KAWAGUCHI
192 km/approx. 3h15
You will visit Matsumoto Castle, a historical monument of national cultural heritage. Characteristic of the Sengoku period, its imposing and distinguished look is much appreciated by tourists and locals, who colloquially call it "the black crow". Road to Narai via the Kiso Valley. Stroll through Narai, a typical town of the Edo period, with picturesque wooden houses. Japanese lunch. Then departure for Lake Kawaguchi, on arrival, installation at the Fuji Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko 3*. Having dinner. Experience the night in a "ryokan", dressed in your "yukata", the cotton kimono, you will enjoy the "onsen", the boiling baths, and sleep on the tatami of your Japanese room.
LAKE KAWAGUCHI - HAKONE - KAMAKURA - TOKYO
250 km/approx. 4h50
Departure for Hakone, then you will take the cable car to the port and depart for a cruise on Lake Ashi formed in a volcanic crater. You will discover the Owakudani Valley, offering a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. The opportunity to admire crystal clear lakes, volcanic peaks, sulphurous upwellings and shady hills. Road to Kamakura. Upon arrival, lunch, then discovery of the Great Buddha at Kotokuin temple and the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu shrine, symbol of the old capital. Depart for Tokyo. Arrival, installation at the Monday Asakusa 3* hotel. Dinner in a local restaurant. Night.
TOKYO
Free day and meals. Recommended visit, optional and to be booked on site: day of discovery of Tokyo by public transport (lunch on your own). Departure for the discovery of the Asakusa district with the Senso ji temple and its Nakamise street. Passage through the square of the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, discover the “trendy” neighborhoods of Harajuku and Omotesando. You will end with the seat of the metropolitan government with a superb view of Tokyo. Night at the hotel.
TOKYO
Free day and meals. Visit recommended, optional and to be booked on site, discovery of Nikko including the magnificent Tosho-gu shrine and the Futarasan temple (by public transport). Night at the hotel.
TOKYO-PARIS
Transfer to the airport with English-speaking assistance (free meals) and flight to France. Arrival in Paris the same day.
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From :
4000€
15
days
Maximum 20 attendees
Accessible from 8 years old
3* hotel, 1 night in a Buddhist temple and 1 night in a ryokan
Air-conditioned bus or minibus depending on the number of passengers, ferry, boat
French-speaking local guides
To note
In case of food allergy, please specify it on the file when booking.
The order of visits or days may be reversed but all visits will be guaranteed.
Due to the crowds on the sites or traffic, some visits may also be provided on a different day.
At the Buddhist temple, the traditional bedding is a futon on the floor with a small collective bathroom. However, sharing the daily life of the monks is a memorable experience that is well worth some sacrifices.
Day 12, due to volcanic activity, the visit to Owakudani Valley may be replaced by another visit.
If less than 10 participants the visits will be by public transport.
Rooms are often small in Japan especially in Tokyo.
Please note that the Kiyomizu Dera temple in Kyoto has been under renovation since 2018. Some sections of the walls are covered with tarpaulins.
Price detail
the price includes
the flight Paris/Osaka - Tokyo/Paris on Lufthansa subject to availability
• air taxes + royalties of €135 and carrier surcharge of €200, subject to change
• English-speaking A/R airport transfers and internal transport, according to program
• accommodation in the establishments mentioned or similar in the region indicated, in a double room, one night in a Buddhist temple (shared bathroom) and one night in a ryokan
• full board (meals according to program)
• excursions and visits mentioned
• the services of local French-speaking guides from day 2 to day 12
the price does not include
service charges
• free meals and drinks
• optional excursions
• carrying luggage
• tips for guides and drivers
• expenses of a personal nature
• the flight supplement in the event of non-availability of the quota allocated for this circuit
• A/R airport/hotel transfers and first and last day visits for customers not traveling on the same flights as the group
• costs related to formalities
• repatriation assistance or multi-risk insurance
