West Japan Experience
Learn about a monk’s lifestyle with a stay in a Shukubo temple lodge, one of the original temples atop Mt Koya. Wander the pathway through the Fushimi Inari, a shrine dedicated to the gods of rice and sake by the Hata family. Enjoy dining on famous oysters and a glass of chilled white wine on the tranquil island of Miyajima.
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Osaka
On arrival in Osaka, meet your local representative who will assist you with your hotel transfer.
DAY 2
Explore Osaka CIty
Meet with your concierge to gain valuable insider knowledge so you can explore Osaka independently. Uncover the culinary delights of Osaka with a tour of its Dotombori area. Wander a neon-lit street and sample intriguing local dishes and snacks.
DAY 3
Osaka to Mt Koya
Check-out of your hotel and travel by train, cable car and local bus to Mt Koya to your Shukubo (temple stay). Check-in to your basic yet clean lodgings. Relax and experience the temple, its lifestyle and Buddhism. Enjoy a tasty vegetarian dinner.
DAY 4
Mt Koya to Kyoto
Rise early to listen to the monks chanting, an enlightening experience. Following breakfast, travel to Kyoto. The rest of the day is free to explore Kyoto’s shops and nightlife. Enjoy a night walking tour to explore the world of the Geisha and Kyoto’s famed Gion entertainment district.
DAY 5-6
Kyoto and Nara
Meet with your concierge to gain valuable insider knowledge so you can explore Kyoto independently. Travel to Nara. Visit the World Heritage listed 8th century Kasuga-taisha shrine, the most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara which features 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns. Continue on foot to the stunning Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. Travel by train back to Kyoto and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. On your last day in Kyoto, spend time exploring independently.
DAY 7
Kyoto
Visit the breathtaking mountain complex of Fushimi Inari. Sample sake and choose to experience a calligraphy, ikebana, origami class or a tea ceremony.
DAY 8-9
Kyoto to Hiroshima
Travel to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Museum. See the Peace Memorial Park, a cenotaph honouring Hiroshima bomb victims, and the eerie A-Bomb Dome. Take the fast ferry to the tranquil island of Miyajima which is home to the Itsukushima Shrine and its famous red ‘torii’ gate. Dine on local oysters and white wine before returning to Hiroshima.
DAY 10
Hiroshima to Osaka
Travel back to Osaka by train and enjoy the rest of your time free at leisure.
DAY 11
Osaka Departure
Enjoy free time until your departure transfer.
Hotel Description
Day 1, 2 and 10
Day 3
Osaka
Mt Koya
Cross Hotel Osaka
Hojo-In
3/5
3/5
Day 4,5,6 and 7
Day 8 and 9
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Royal Park Hotel Kyoto
Mitsui Garden Hiroshima
3.5/5
3.5/5
What´s included
- Nine Nights Hotel accommdation
- One-night basic temple accommodation
- Daily Breakfast and one dinner
- Seven-day rail pass and day trains
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- Concierge service (Days 2 & 5)
- Tailored welcome kit
- Luggage forwarding service
- Touring and entrance fees
- Local English-speaking guides
- Return transfer
Excluded
- Any Personal Expenses
- Tips and Gratitudes
- Any other meals than mentioned
- Tourist tax (payment in the hotel)
Additional Information
All prices exclude airfares (unless specified), visa fees, travel insurance and any additional personal expenses.
Prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and triple rooms rates are available upon request.
Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative and subject to change based on the season.
Hotels mentioned in the itinerary may change due to availability, but will always be of equivalent or higher category.
Some countries charge additional destination taxes per person or per night that can only be paid directly at the location.
All displayed tour maps are originated from Google Maps and are only indicative. They are not representative of the exact travel routes of the itinerary.
For more details please visit our booking conditions page.
