Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo
Travel Destinations: Japan
9 Day Itinerary | Noboribetsu, Hakodate, Lake Toya, Niseko, Otaru, Sapporo
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
Small Group
Enjoy an intimate journey with a close-knit group, blending personalized experiences with social connections.
Classic
Embark on a timeless journey where iconic destinations, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures create a well-rounded and enduring trip.
Contemporary
Experience modern comfort without compromise, where affordability meets quality for a stylish adventure.
Pre-Set
Please reach out to us for an up-to-date list of start dates for this trip.
At A Glance
Day 1 – Osaka
• Arrive in Osaka
• Meet & Greet with group and guide
Day 2 – Osaka/Kōyasan
• Journey to Mt. Kōya
• Overnight stay in a shukubo (Buddhist temple)
Day 3 – Kōyasan/Hiroshima
• Oku-no-in Cemetery Visit
• Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima
Day 4 – Hiroshima
• Hiroshima Park and Peace Memorial
• Miyajima Island Visit
Day 5 – Hiroshima/Kyoto
• Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto
• Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit
• Gion Walking Tour
Day 6 – Kyoto
• Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit
• Day at Leisure
Day 7 – Kyoto/Hakone
• Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hakone
• Lake Ashino-ko Boat Ride
• Kaiseki Meal and Onsen Soak
Day 8 – Hakone/Tokyo
• Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo
• Day at leisure
Day 9 – Tokyo
• Depart at any time
Itinerary
Day 1 – Osaka
Arrive at any time. Evening meet and greet with your tour leader and group. We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience this lively city.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 – Osaka/Kōyasan
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.
Mt Koya is 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. During the overnight stay in the mountain temple, witness the routines of the monks and dine on typical fare. Explore the temples and moss covered Oku-no-in cemetery in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Shukubo
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Kōyasan/Hiroshima
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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 – Hiroshima
This morning, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen.
Accommodation: Hotel
Optional Activities:
• Mt. Misen Visit
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 guide-led walking tour.
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Optional Activities:
• Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji
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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Activities:
• Ueno Park Visit
• Ginza Shopping
• Imperial Palace East Gardens Walk
• Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit
• Sensō-ji Temple Visit
Day 9 – Tokyo
Depart at any time.
Captivating Moments
Get captivated by a stunning collection of sample images from this trip.
Additional Information
This sample itinerary is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be booked pending dates and availability. Itinerary details and availability are subject to change, please inquire for up-to-date information and pricing.
What’s Included
• All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled (not optional) activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
• All meals listed on each day of the itinerary
• Two local guides that accompany you throughout your whole trip
• One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s Not Included
• Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
• Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
• Visas (unless noted)
• Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
• Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, optional tours, or local camera or video fees
• Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Book This Trip
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