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

Trip Type

Small Group

Enjoy an intimate journey with a close-knit group, blending personalized experiences with social connections.

Travel Style

Classic

Embark on a timeless journey where iconic destinations, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures create a well-rounded and enduring trip.

Service Level

Contemporary

Experience modern comfort without compromise, where affordability meets quality. Typically <$500 pp/day.

Departure Dates

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.

Book This Trip

This sample itinerary is meant to inspire your next trip. Love what you see? Reach out to us and make it your own! Gilded Travels can quickly offer you information about availability, customization, and pricing.