Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK - Osaka

  Fly to Osaka and join your group and CEO for a welcome meeting in the evening.

• Day 2 • Osaka - Kōyasan

  Today journey to Mount Koya, a religious centre founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kobo and often referred to as the centre of Buddhism in Japan. Tonight enjoy an overnight stay in the mountain temples, witnessing for yourself the routines of the monks.

• Day 3 • Kōyasan - Hiroshima

  This morning, watch the monks pray and enjoy a traditional breakfast. Take time to enjoy Kōyasan, before you 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

  This morning, walk through the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima, a living memorial commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan’s most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore at your own pace.

• Day 5 • Hiroshima - Kyoto

  Today, travel to Kyoto via bullet train and get ready to start exploring. Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on CEO-led walking tour.

• Day 6 • Kyoto

  Continue your exploration of Kyoto, visiting the gorgeous Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates. With the afternoon to be spent at your leisure, choose to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto’s many temples.

• Day 7 • Kyoto - Hakone

  Travel to Hakone, a town nestled in the hills famous for its natural hot springs. Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko and hopefully catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Fuji. In the evening, savour a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal, followed by a soak in the famed hot springs.

• Day 8 • Hakone - Tokyo

  Arrive to Tokyo in the early afternoon, leaving plenty time to explore this vibrant metropolis. From walking the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden to shopping in Ginza, spend the time exploring at your own leisure.

• Day 9 • Tokyo - UK

  Today, you’ll fly back home to the UK.