Rural Japan Explorer

This two-week Japan tour will take you off the main tourist trail to discover rural Japan’s lush mountains, fascinating islands and tranquil onsen towns. Start in the ancient capital of Kyoto where you’ll enjoy a city tour with a private guide and visit the Gesshin-in Temple located at the foot of the Higashiyama Mountains for a private zazen meditation session and tea ceremony with a zen Buddhist monk.

Venture south to Hiroshima from Kyoto where you can visit the Peace Park, discover Hiroshima Castle (sometimes known as Carp Castle) and stroll around the beautiful Shukkei-en Garden before taking the ferry over to Miyajima Island, home of the iconic Itsukushima Shrine - a Unesco World Heritage site.

Your next destination is Matsuyama, located on Shikoku Island, where you can explore the city’s beautiful historic castle and visit Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs, before taking a train to Takamatsu, home to Ritsurin Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Japan.

A ferry ride from Takamatsu will take you to the quirky Naoshima Island which is famous for its art museums and galleries as well as Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin sculptures. Return to Takamatsu where you’ll pick up a hire car and embark on a self-drive tour of the dramatic Iya Valley region.

Exploring the spectacular Iya Valley before returning to Takamatsu again. Take a train to Himeji to see the
iconic feudal castle. Then make your way to the sacred pilgrimage destination of Mount Koya and receive an authentic insight into Japan’s Buddhist culture with a stay at Shojoshin-in, one of the oldest temples in the mountain.

Return to Osaka at the end of your trip and spend your last two nights at Osaka Marriott Miyako, a luxury hotel located in the tallest building in Japan. We will drive you to the airport for your flight home. Uncover another layer of Japan rarely seen by tourists and experience rural life in Japan.