Japan, From Osaka to Tokyo

Japan's Treasures 3^*

Your first day in Japan will begin with your arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX).

You will then travel to your hotel in Osaka, first taking the JR Haruka Express (included in your JR Rail Pass) to reach the city's main JR stations and then using your Osaka Metro and Bus Pass to complete your journey.

Once you have settled in, you will have a free day to rest after your flight or to explore the area around your hotel at your leisure.

Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

On your second day, start with breakfast at the hotel. Then spend the day exploring Osaka before taking a fascinating trip to Nara. In Osaka, visit the iconic Osaka Castle and explore the vibrant Dotonbori district, which is renowned for its lively atmosphere and neon signs.

In the afternoon, travel to Nara to admire the majestic Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and take a stroll through Nara Park, where deer roam freely. At the end of the day, return to Osaka.

Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

On your third day, after breakfast at the hotel, head towards Hiroshima, stopping along the way at a notable location. Stop at Himeji to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, a true marvel of Japanese architecture. After this enriching visit, continue your journey to Hiroshima by Shinkansen (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes).

Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, spend the day exploring Hiroshima and the beautiful island of Miyajima. In Hiroshima, visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, both of which are steeped in history and contemplation. Then, take the JR ferry to Miyajima Island, where you can discover the famous Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate. It's a magical place!

Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

On your fifth day, after breakfast at the hotel, set off for Kurashiki, stopping in Okayama along the way.

Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Korakuen Garden, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. After this green break, continue your journey to Kurashiki, a town renowned for its beautifully preserved historic district and picturesque canals, which are perfect for a charming stroll.

Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Have breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for Kyoto.

En route, you can opt for a half-day excursion to Naoshima, also known as the "Island of Contemporary Art". There, you can visit iconic museums such as the Chichu Art Museum. Please note that the ferry is not included in the JR Pass for this excursion. After this artistic interlude, continue your journey to the magnificent city of Kyoto by JR train.

Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

On your seventh day, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, set off to explore Kyoto's most famous sights. First, visit the famous Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, whose splendour is reflected in the water. Next, visit the Ryoan-ji Zen temple, renowned for its iconic dry garden which invites contemplation.

Continue to Arashiyama, where you can wander through the majestic bamboo forest and cross the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge.

Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring this heritage-rich city. Spend the morning visiting the impressive Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, which is famous for its thousands of red torii gates that form mystical tunnels. Next, head to the remarkable Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto.

Finally, end the day with a stroll through the charming, traditional Gion district, where you can soak up the unique atmosphere and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha.

Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, set off for Hakone, a 2.5-hour journey from Odawara by Shinkansen. Once you arrive, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the region's famous onsen (hot springs) and take a tour of Hakone. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi, which offers breathtaking views of majestic Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Then, take the cable car up Mount Owakudani to admire its volcanic landscapes.

Dinner is included, as is an overnight stay in a ryokan, a traditional regional inn.

On your tenth day, have breakfast at the hotel before heading to Tokyo by JR train, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once you arrive in the Japanese capital, immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere: explore the iconic districts of Shibuya, home to the famous crossroads, and Harajuku, renowned for its unique fashion scene. You will also have the opportunity to visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, which offers a peaceful retreat from the city's bustling streets.

Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Have breakfast at the hotel. Make the most of this new day by going on an excursion! We suggest:

• Kamakura: Just one hour from Tokyo, discover the coastal city of Kamakura. Here, you can visit the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a monumental bronze statue, as well as the majestic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, an important Shinto shrine.
• Nikko: If you prefer a longer trip (about two hours from Tokyo), you can visit Nikko. There, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, a beautifully decorated complex of temples and shrines which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At the end of the day, return to Tokyo. Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

On your twelfth day, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making the most of your last full day to explore the capital at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the historic district of Asakusa and visit its iconic Senso-ji Temple.

If you're a fan of technology and pop culture, the Akihabara district, a mecca for geek culture, is a must-see.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a touch of luxury shopping, head to Ginza. Or, if you're in need of some relaxation and serenity, visit the magnificent Shinjuku Gyoen Park.

Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Have breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. You will travel using a combination of the Narita Express and the Tokyo Monorail, both of which are included in your JR Rail Pass. If necessary, you will complete the journey using the Tokyo Metro Ticket.

Finally, you will take your return flight from either Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND).

ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES FOR TRAVELLING TO JAPAN

To avoid queues at the airport and save time, we recommend registering individually on the Visit Japan Web website (https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/) before you depart.

As government restrictions are constantly changing, we recommend regularly checking the following websites until your departure date:

• https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/114/japan#Vaccine_Recommendations
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan

It is the traveller's responsibility to find out about any changes to entry formalities for their destination. In general, travellers should always carry a face mask and hand sanitiser with them.

Please note that airlines reserve the right to modify and tighten their boarding conditions, making them stricter than the destination country's formalities and regulations, at any time and without notice. Travellers with connecting flights should check the access conditions for the airports where they are stopping over.

Upon arrival, travellers must present a passport valid for at least six months after their intended return date. A visa is only required for stays of more than three months. Non-Japanese nationals entering Japan are subject to biometric data collection (fingerprinting and photographing). Non-UK nationals or dual nationals are advised to consult the consulate or embassy of their destination country. Minors: Minors must have their own passport. We strongly recommend that unaccompanied minors carry a copy of their family record book. Specific formalities: When travelling abroad, minors residing in the United Kingdom who are travelling without their legal guardians must carry an identity document and a Child Travel Permission form authorising them to leave the country, which can be downloaded from:
https://visaeta.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CHILD-TRAVEL-CONSENT.pdf

Health

Covid-19 health crisis update: travellers who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to take a PCR test within 72 hours of their flight. This remains mandatory for those who have not been fully vaccinated. Remember to check the latest information on travelhealthpro.org.uk. No vaccinations are mandatory. Make sure your vaccination record (DTaP-IPV) is up to date. The standard of healthcare in Japan is equivalent to that in Western Europe. Natural and climatic risks are high in Japan, so make sure you stay informed.