Japan, From Tokyo to Osaka

Japanese paradise: hotel stays in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and the beaches of Okinawa 3^*

Welcome to Japan! When you arrive in Tokyo, take a shared shuttle to your hotel. Once you arrive, collect your Pocket WiFi from reception to stay connected throughout your stay. You can then use the rest of the day to either relax after your flight or start exploring the area around the hotel at your own pace.

Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at leisure to discover Tokyo at your own pace.

We suggest starting in the Akihabara district, a true paradise for fans of video games, action figures and electronic gadgets. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of its specialist shops and huge arcades, where you'll find a mix of vintage machines and the latest innovations. For an artistic and technological immersion, TeamLab Planets offers fascinating interactive digital exhibitions. If you're looking for a thrill, Sega Joypolis, an indoor theme park, offers a fun experience combining virtual reality and video games. Finally, for a magical getaway, Tokyo DisneySea is a unique alternative to traditional parks, with attractions inspired by Disney's maritime worlds.

Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at leisure to explore Tokyo at your own pace.

We suggest you discover the lively Shibuya district, famous for its impressive crossroads where thousands of pedestrians cross at every traffic light, and its emblematic Shibuya 109 shopping centre, the temple of Japanese fashion. Continue your stroll in Harajuku, where Takeshita Street draws you into a colourful world of eccentric boutiques and cosplayers. For a more refined experience, the Ginza district will seduce you with its luxury boutiques and elegant department stores. If you are passionate about Japanese history and culture, the unspoilt backstreets of Yanaka and Kagurazaka offer a journey back in time through their traditional houses and typical little shops. Lovers of spirituality can visit the majestic Senso-ji temple, the Meiji-jingu shrine, nestling in the heart of the Yoyogi forest, or the Nezu-Jinja, famous for its magnificent rows of red torii. Finally, the Nezu Museum will delight those who love Asian art with its collection of ancient objects and its superb Japanese garden.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Please note: A complimentary audio guide in English is available for tours of Senso-ji Temple and the Asakusa district.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at leisure to discover Tokyo at your own pace.

We suggest taking a nature break at the Tokyo Imperial Garden, a lush green setting where carefully landscaped paths and tranquil ponds provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing stroll. Another haven of tranquillity is Ueno Park, renowned for its vast green spaces, ancient temples and celebrated museums. For a taste of the local cuisine, the lively alleyways of Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku are perfect for sampling Japanese specialities such as yakitori (grilled kebabs) and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes). You can also wander around the iconic markets such as Ameya Yokocho and Nakamise Dori, where stalls are packed with local produce and handmade souvenirs. A morning visit to the Tsukiji outdoor food market will reveal an incredible variety of fresh fish and seafood. Finally, to make the most of Tokyo's nightlife, treat yourself to an evening in an izakaya, a typical Japanese bar, or try your hand at karaoke in the city's lively districts.

Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred by limousine bus from Tokyo city centre to the airport for your flight to Okinawa.

On arrival in Naha, the capital of the archipelago, you can enjoy some free time to start exploring this city of tropical charm. Stroll along Kokusai Dori, Naha's bustling main thoroughfare, lined with shops, restaurants and local markets. For a first taste of the island's rich heritage, a visit to Shuri Castle, a former royal residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent option. You can also sample local culinary specialities such as rafute (stewed pork) or goya champuru (stir-fried vegetables and tofu), typical of Okinawan cuisine.

Overnight in Naha.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day to explore Naha, a city with a tropical atmosphere and unique cultural influences.

We suggest starting your visit at Kokusai Dori, the main avenue lined with traditional shops and restaurants, where you can sample local specialities and pick up a few souvenirs. Nearby, the Makishi Ichiba Market is an ideal stop-off for authentic regional products. Follow this up with a visit to Shuri Castle, the former seat of Ryukyu royalty and one of the archipelago's most emblematic sites. For a more spiritual experience, the Okino-gu Shrine, one of the largest in Okinawa, offers a peaceful setting for contemplation. If you like handicrafts, take a stroll through the Tsuboya district, famous for its traditional pottery and picturesque alleyways adorned with shisa, the mythological guardians typical of Okinawa. To round off the day in style, we recommend relaxing in the soothing waters of the Ryujin Onsen, offering a magnificent view of the sea.

Overnight in Naha.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day to explore the natural wonders of the Naha area.

We suggest an excursion to the Kerama archipelago, a tropical paradise made up of several islands, including Tokashiki-jima and Zamami, which can be reached in less than an hour by ferry from Naha harbour. These islands are renowned for their idyllic beaches, turquoise waters and rich marine biodiversity. You can enjoy a range of water sports including snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing and kayaking, with spectacular views of the coral reefs and exceptional aquatic fauna. If you prefer to relax, simply settle back on one of the white sandy beaches and let the calm of the ocean soothe you.

Overnight in Naha.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day to explore Naha at your own pace. You can choose to soak up the local atmosphere by strolling through the lively lanes, discovering historic sites or simply relaxing on the nearby beaches.

Suggestions include a stroll along Kokusai Dori, Naha's main street, where you can admire local crafts and sample Okinawan specialities. For a more cultural experience, a visit to Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will transport you back into the history of the Ryukyu kingdom. Finally, if you wish to extend your discovery of the tropical landscapes, the peaceful beaches in the vicinity offer the perfect setting for a moment of relaxation.

Overnight in Naha.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time before making your own way to Naha airport for your flight to Osaka.

On arrival in Osaka, you will be transferred by limousine bus to the city centre of Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, where you will spend the night. Enjoy the rest of the day settling in and soaking up the calm and cultural atmosphere of this historic city, brimming with temples, gardens and traditions.

Overnight in Kyoto.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will activate your Kansai Mini Pass, which allows you to discover Kyoto and the surrounding area in complete freedom. You'll have the whole day to explore this historic city at your leisure. Among the must-see sites, start with a Zen walk in the Arashiyama bamboo grove and visit Tenryu-ji temple, a masterpiece of Zen architecture. Then head to the Gion district, famous for its geishas and traditional streets, or stroll through the Nishiki market, renowned for its colourful stalls and variety of local produce.

For culture buffs, don't miss the Fushimi Inari Shinto shrine and its thousands of red toriis, as well as Kiyomizu-dera temple and its splendid panoramic view over Kyoto. Maruyama-koen park and Chion-in temple are also well worth a visit. Further north, visit Nanzen-ji, one of the city's most famous Zen temples, before heading to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discovering Ninna-ji temple and its magnificent stone garden.

With your Kansai Mini Pass, you will also have the opportunity to visit other fascinating cities in the surrounding area, such as Kobe, Himeji, Nara or Wakayama.

Overnight in Kyoto.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the train to Osaka, Japan's culinary and shopping capital, using your Kansai Mini Pass. You will then have the day to explore the city at your leisure.

Among the suggested visits, don't miss Osaka Castle, one of the most iconic in the country, bearing witness to the many eras of Japanese history. If you have a little more time, you can also explore the Osaka History Museum to learn more about the city's fascinating past.

For an authentic Osaka experience, stroll through the bustling districts of Umeda, Namba, and Shinsaibashi, perfect for shopping. In the evening, head to Dotombori, one of Osaka's most vibrant districts, where you can enjoy local specialities such as kushikatsu (breaded kebabs) and takoyaki (octopus dumplings), while soaking up the unique atmosphere created by the neon lights and eccentric bars.

Overnight in Osaka.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will have a free day to explore Osaka at your own pace.

If you want to discover traditional Japan, we suggest a visit to the Sumiyoshi Shrine, an emblematic site of Japanese culture, or the Osaka Tenmangu, a shrine located near the Tenma Pulala market, famous for its craft stalls and Tenjinbashisuji shopping street.

For a quieter, more natural outing, head for Minoh, located to the north of the city, where you can stroll along a path lined with rivers and Japanese maples leading to a beautiful waterfall. Finish your walk with a visit to Katsuo-ji temple, famous for its thousands of daruma, small dolls symbolising perseverance.

Overnight in Osaka.

After enjoying your final breakfast at the hotel, you will travel to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) by train or limousine bus, depending on your flight schedule. This is a quick and convenient way to travel from the city centre to the airport for your return flight.

We hope you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Japan and that this trip will have allowed you to discover this fascinating country's many facets.

Accommodation

Check-in is usually in the mid-afternoon (3 p.m. – 4 p.m.).

Minimum occupancy per room: 1 person.

Maximum occupancy: 2 people (2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child).

Age of children: 2–11 years / babies cannot be accommodated.

Single rooms are available at an additional cost.

Please note: The type of bed – a double bed or twin beds – cannot be guaranteed. Any specific requests regarding the type of bed (double bed/twin beds) are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by similar accommodation and the itinerary may be reversed.

In Japan, hotel rooms are often quite small and the beds are compact. Therefore, the accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Please note that some hotels offer an eco-stay package. Bed linen and room cleaning are carried out approximately every 3 days, depending on the establishment.

Meals

If, due to schedules imposed by airlines, the first and last days are shortened by a late arrival or early departure, no refund will be given. Similarly, any meals included in the board package that cannot be taken due to these schedules will not be refunded. Furthermore, depending on the timings of any optional activities and excursions, meals that cannot be taken at the hotel remain the responsibility of the guests.

Transport

Airport–hotel shuttle transfer in Tokyo: The transfer is by shared shuttle. This will drop you off in front of your hotel and may make several stops along the way. 1 piece of luggage per person is included; if you have additional luggage, please contact us before your departure.

Limousine bus transfer from city centre to Tokyo Airport: The Limousine Bus (public transport) runs between the city centre and the airport. The stops closest to your accommodation will be indicated in your travel booklet. The journey from the Limousine Bus stop to your accommodation is often on foot, but may also be by underground or bus depending on the location of your hotel.

Flights Tokyo – Naha – Osaka: The flight between Tokyo and Naha takes approximately 4 hours, and the flight between Naha and Osaka takes approximately 3 hours. Please note that the maximum permitted weight for checked-in luggage is 15kg. A surcharge will apply for any additional luggage added at the time of booking.

Transfer from Osaka Airport (KIX or ITM) to Kyoto city centre: The transfer is by limousine bus (public transport) or train. The limousine bus runs between the airport and the city centre. The stops closest to your accommodation will be indicated in your travel booklet. The journey from the limousine bus stop to your accommodation is often on foot, but can also be made by underground or bus depending on the location of your hotel.

Kyoto – Osaka transfer: The transfer will be by train or limousine bus. In Japan, the train is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get around quickly and easily. The train journey from Kyoto to Osaka takes 30 to 40 minutes.

3-Day Kansai Mini Pass: The Kansai Mini Pass gives you unlimited access for 3 days to various trains on the JR rail network in the Kansai region, as well as to JR buses. It also gives you one day’s access to certain Keihan, Hankyu and Kyoto Metro lines.

Osaka City Centre – Osaka Airport Transfer: The transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX) is by limousine bus or train. If returning from Kobe (UKB) or Itami (ITM) Airport, transfers will be at your own expense. In the case of a morning flight (scheduled to depart before 10 a.m.), you will need to make your own way to the airport using a means of transport other than your Pass, as train timetables do not allow you to reach the airport at these times. A supplement for a private transfer may be offered to you.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of your travel vouchers may be sent to you by post. We advise you to check your mailbox carefully before you set off on your trip.