Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo

4.9Based on
9 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
15 peopleMaximum group size
12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

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

Itinerary

Dive into the contrasts of ancient tradition and modern dynamism on the Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo tour, a 9-day journey through Japan’s cultural heartlands. Begin in Osaka, savoring local delicacies, then explore Kyoto’s temples, the sacred peaks of Mount Koya, and the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Experience the serenity of a mountain temple stay and unwind in natural onsen hot springs, blending the best of Japan’s spiritual and contemporary sides. The tour’s unique selling point is its immersive approach—sleep in traditional accommodations, witness the majesty of Mt Fuji, and enjoy curated cultural encounters, perfect for travelers craving both depth and diversity on their trip to Japan.

day 1 - Osaka

Arrive at any time and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your CEO can collect the required information for your train tickets. Refer to your voucher for the most up to date welcome meeting time.

Accomodation:City Route Hotel (or similar)
Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

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).
Journey to Mt Koya, 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.

In the evening, dine on shojin-ryori, typical vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata, or kimono.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation:Sekishoin (or similar)
Transport:Train Duration : 3.0 hr
Included Activity:Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple

day 3 - Kōyasan/Hiroshima

Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast. Have some time to enjoy Koyasan this morning, before travelling to Hiroshima this afternoon.
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.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi Ⅱ (or similar)
Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 5.0 hr
Included Activity:Oku-no-in Cemetery Visit

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.

Accomodation:Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi Ⅱ (or similar)
Transport:Ferry
Included Activities:Hiroshima Park and Peace Memorial, Miyajima Island Visit
Optional Activities:Mt. Misen Visit Set out for the summit of Mt. Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak at 500m (1,640 ft) above sea level. Opt to hike one of three trails through the forest and keep an eye out for wild deer or catch a ride on the ropeway and walk the remaining distance to the top. Take in great views of the Seto Inland Sea and on a clear day see as far as the city of Hiroshima.

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 CEO-led walking tour.

Accomodation:Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo (or similar)
Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 1.5 hr, Local Train Duration : 1.0 hr
Included Activities:Gion Walk, Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit

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.

Accomodation:Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo (or similar)
Included Activity:Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit
Optional Activities:Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji The Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond.

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 traditional Japanese kaiseki meal then soak in the natural hot springs.
Travel to Hakone, a town in the hills famous for its onsens, or natural hot springs.

In the evening, enjoy savouring a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, followed by a recommended soak in the onsen.

Meal:Dinner
Accomodation:Hotel Kagetsuen (or similar)
Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 3.0 hr, Local Bus Duration : 0.5 hr
Included Activities:Lake Ashino-ko Boat Ride Duration : 0.5 hr, Traditional Kaiseki Meal

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.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:The B Akasaka (or similar)
Transport:Local Train
Optional Activities:Ginza Shopping The Ginza district is Tokyo’s equivalent of Fifth Avenue in New York. Window shop at Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, then check out the latest electronics at the Sony showroom or Apple store. Visit the Wako department store with its historic clock tower, housed in a building that dates back to 1894. If you are there on a weekend, head to Ginza’s main street where pedestrians rule without Tokyo’s traffic. , Imperial Palace East Gardens Walk The Imperial Palace in Tokyo’s city centre is home to Japan’s Emperor and Empress. It is surrounded by a moat and three gardens, all open to the public. Stroll throughout the grounds, admire the azaleas and hydrangeas (when in season), discover the original stone wall that surrounded the palace back in 17th to 19th centuries during the days when samurai warriors defended the ruler. Visit nearby Sannomaru-Shozo-kan museum and see exquisite kimonos and Japanese paintings., Sensō-ji Temple Visit Explore Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs. , Ueno Park Visit Park entrance is free, as are many of the shrines. However, some shrines and museums charge an entry fee of 500JPY., Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit Entry to the shrine is free. Entry to the Treasure House is 500yen, and the Inner Garden is an additional 500yen.

day 9 - Tokyo

Depart at any time.

Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo

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What's Included

Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts), mountain monastery (1 nt, shared facilities).
Meals
3 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Note: Allow USD390-510 for meals not included.
Transport
Bullet train, local train, subway, tram, ferry, public bus, cable car, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Included activities
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Local Living Moment: Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple, KōyasanHiroshima Peace Park and Museum visitMiyajima Island excursionNijo Castle and gardens visitGion walkFushimi Inari shrine visitLake Ashino-ko boat rideTraditional kaiseki mealJapan Rail Pass

What's Excluded

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation
Payment
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions relating to this tour or destination.

    Is it possible to choose or remove the hotels in some areas?
    Are the optional activities guided tours or self-guided?

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.
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