Japan, From Osaka to Osaka

The grand tour of the Kii Peninsula

Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Activate your JR Pass at the JR counter in the airport by presenting the Exchange Order provided.

Then transfer to the Yodogawa district, which is located north of Osaka and near Shin-Osaka Station. Check in to your hotel in the early afternoon.

Then travel to the iconic Dotonbori district, famous for its giant neon signs and okonomiyaki and takoyaki restaurants, which is 15 minutes away by train. Take a stroll along the Dotonbori Canal and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Namba, Osaka's vibrant heart renowned for its nightlife and gastronomy.

Have dinner at a local izakaya to sample Osaka's specialities.

The morning is dedicated to visiting Osaka Castle, one of the city's most famous landmarks. This historic castle is surrounded by moats and magnificent gardens and offers panoramic views from its keep.

In the early afternoon, take a short train ride to Nara, the former imperial capital. After checking into your hotel, take a stroll through Nara Park to meet the sacred deer (shika) that roam freely. They will bow to you if you buy them some senbei crackers, which cost JPY200 per packet. Next, visit the famous Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is renowned for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns that create a mystical atmosphere (admission: JPY500).

The morning is dedicated to exploring the architectural and spiritual treasures of Nara. Visit Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a 15-metre-high bronze statue, and one of the largest wooden structures in the world.

Take a stroll through the gardens of the Kofuku-ji Temple, which features a five-storey pagoda (free admission to the exterior). In the early afternoon, depart for Mount Koya (Koyasan), the sacred mountain of Shingon Buddhism, which is located at an altitude of 900 metres. The journey involves a combination of train and funicular for a spectacular ascent.

Check into a temple guesthouse (shukubo) for an authentic monastic experience. A vegetarian shojin ryori dinner will be served in your room.

Wake up early at 6:00am to attend the morning Gongyo prayers in the temple's main hall. Take part in the fire ceremony (Goma), where monks burn wooden sticks to purify the prayers of the faithful. A traditional vegetarian breakfast will be served in your room.

The morning is then dedicated to exploring Mount Koya, the spiritual centre of Shingon Buddhism. Visit the sacred Danjo Garan complex, home to the vermilion-coloured Konpon Daito pagoda (entrance fee: JPY500), the Kongobu-ji temple (the main temple, with magnificent stone gardens; entrance fee: JPY1,000), and the mystical Okunoin necropolis (free entrance).

Take a meditative 2 km walk amongst more than 200,000 moss-covered tombs and steles lit by thousands of lanterns. The path leads to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, where monks still bring two daily meals to the master, who is believed to be in eternal meditation.

In the early afternoon, depart for the Kumano region. Travel by funicular, train and bus to Yunomine Onsen. Arrive in the late afternoon. Check in at a traditional ryokan.

Enjoy a relaxing evening in the hot springs. There is an option to bathe in the Tsuboyu public bath, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (reservations required, 30 minutes, ¥800).

Enjoy a relaxing morning at the ryokan and take a dip in the onsen. Begin the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, a network of sacred paths listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike along an accessible section of the trail, such as the route from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (approximately 7 km, a 2–3 hour walk through the cedar forest).

Visit the impressive Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, one of the three sacred shrines of Kumano, which is characterised by its black buildings (free admission). Discover the huge 34-metre-high Oyunohara torii gate, the largest in Japan, which is located in the middle of rice fields.

Return to Yunomine Onsen to enjoy the hot springs. Explore the hot spring village. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the ryokan with a traditional kaiseki dinner.

Enjoy a last relaxing morning at the ryokan and take a dip in the onsen.

We depart mid-morning for the seaside resort of Shirahama, which is located on the west coast of the Kii Peninsula. We will travel by bus and then train. Check in to the hotel in the early afternoon.

Our first stop is the famous Shirahama beach, renowned for its fine white sand imported from Australia (swimming is possible from June to September). Next, visit the spectacular rock formations of Senjojiki, also known as the "thousand tatami mats plateau", a sedimentary rock platform sculpted by marine erosion which offers panoramic views (entrance fee: JPY500). Then explore Sandanbeki, with its impressive 50-metre-high cliffs and cave, which is accessible by lift (admission: ¥1,500).

Watch the sunset on the beach. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a free day at the seaside resort of Shirahama. Spend the morning on the famous Shirahama beach, where you can swim and relax (swimming is possible from June to September). Take an in-depth exploration of the natural sites, such as the spectacular rock formations at Senjojiki (the "thousand tatami mats plateau"), a sedimentary rock platform sculpted by marine erosion which offers panoramic views (admission: JPY500). Next, visit the impressive 50-metre-high Sandanbeki cliffs, which feature a cave that can be accessed by lift (admission fee: ¥1,500). Next, visit the Shirahama Shrine, which is located on a rocky promontory and has free admission.

Relax in the hotel's onsen.

Watch the sunset on the beach. We recommend a fresh seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a free morning at Shirahama Beach. Depart for the Kumano region mid-morning. We will travel by train and then bus to Shingu, where we will visit the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, which is located near the mouth of the Kumano River. This shrine is home to a sacred cypress tree that is over 800 years old and admission is free. Then continue to Nachi to discover the spectacular Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, which is perched on a mountainside and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean (admission: JPY500). Next, visit the vermilion-coloured Seiganto-ji pagoda (admission ¥500). Then discover the majestic Nachi no Taki waterfall, the tallest in Japan at 133 metres. This waterfall is revered as a Shinto deity (observation platform: ¥300).

Then descend to Kii-Katsuura, a port town renowned for its seaside onsen and tuna market.

Check in to your hotel, which is accessible by ferry. Relax in the thermal baths and enjoy the ocean views.

You have a free morning to enjoy the hotel's onsen or visit the Katsuura tuna market, which starts early in the morning at around 7:00am. This market is one of the largest tuna markets in Japan. There is an opportunity to taste ultra-fresh sushi at the market.

In the afternoon, take a scenic train ride along the Pacific coast to the Ise-Shima region, the birthplace of Shintoism and sacred land for over 2,000 years. The JR Kisei Line train offers spectacular ocean views.

Arrive in Toba in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and explore Toba Bay, which is renowned for pearl farming.

Enjoy dinner featuring local seafood specialities.

A day dedicated to exploring the Ise Shrine (Ise Jingu), the most sacred site of Japanese Shintoism, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the mythical ancestor of the imperial family. Visit the Naiku (inner shrine), located in the heart of an ancient cedar forest (free admission). Cross the Uji-bashi Bridge over the Isuzu River for purification. Visit the Geku (outer shrine), dedicated to Toyouke, goddess of agriculture and food (free admission).

Stroll through the historic district of Oharai-machi, a shopping street lined with traditional houses, and its Okage-yokocho street recreating the Edo period atmosphere with its craft shops and local specialties (mochi, tea).

In the afternoon, visit the Meoto Iwa rocks in Futami, two sacred rocks connected by a shimenawa rope symbolising union and harmony (free admission).

Return to Toba to visit Mikimoto Pearl Island, a museum dedicated to the history of pearl cultivation (admission: 1,650 JPY). Demonstration of diving by the Ama (traditional female divers).

Evening at leisure.

Morning at leisure for a final visit to Ise or to explore Toba. An optional cruise around Toba Bay is available to discover the pearl farms and surrounding islands (approx JPY 3,000).

In the afternoon, travel by train to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. The Kintetsu Limited Express train offers a comfortable and direct journey.

Check-in at the hotel in the Gojo district, south of the city centre. Free evening for a first exploration of the Gion geisha district with its traditional tea houses, cobbled alleys, and paper lanterns. With a bit of luck, you might spot maikos (apprentice geishas) heading to their appointments.

Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Pontocho, a narrow alley lined with restaurants with terraces overlooking the Kamo River.

Free day to explore the invaluable treasures of Kyoto, a city with 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Suggested visits for a first day: in the morning, visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a Zen temple covered in gold leaf reflecting in the mirror pond (admission: 500 JPY). Discover the Ryoan-ji temple and its famous rock garden, a masterpiece of Japanese minimalist aesthetics (admission: 500 JPY).

In the afternoon, explore the Arashiyama district with its giant bamboo forest (Sagano Bamboo Grove, free admission), stroll along the Hozu River, and visit the Tenryu-ji temple with its magnificent garden (admission: 500 JPY garden, 800 JPY temple + garden). Option to cross the Togetsukyo Bridge.

In the late afternoon, visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii forming tunnels along the paths leading to the summit of Mount Inari (2-3 hour hike for the complete circuit, free admission).

Dinner in the Gion district.

The last morning will depend on the flight schedule. There is an opportunity to purchase souvenirs in the Kyoto Station area, which has many shops, or to visit an additional temple or garden near the hotel. Check out of the hotel.

Transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your return flight.

Please note that you are responsible for your own transport during the tour.

During their stay, guests will benefit from a 14-day JR Pass (unlimited travel on JR lines throughout Japan); an Osaka Metro/Bus Pass; the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket (return travel and local transport to Mount Koya) and the Ryujin Bus 4-Day Pass (unlimited travel on the Ryujin Bus regional line).

Day by day details:

Day 1: Osaka

Transfer from Kansai Airport (KIX) to Shin-Osaka station: JR Haruka Limited Express train (approx. 50 minutes) using the provided JR PASS (activation on day 1 at the JR PASS counter at the airport).

Transfer from Shin-Osaka station to the hotel: approx. 5 minutes walk from the station.

Transfers within Osaka city possible with the Metro and Bus Pass.

Day 2: Osaka - Nara

Transfer Hotel → Osaka Castle: Midosuji Line Metro: Shin-Osaka → Umeda + Metro → Tanimachi Yonchome - covered by the Osaka Metro Pass.

Transfer Osaka → Nara: JR Yamatoji Rapid Train: Osaka Station → JR Nara Station (approx. 50 minutes) covered by the JR Pass.

Day 3: Nara - Koyasan

Nara → Osaka-Namba: JR Yamatoji Rapid Train: JR Nara → JR Namba (via Tennoji) (approx. 40 minutes): covered by the JR Pass.

Osaka-Namba → Koyasan: Nankai Koya Line Train → Gokurakubashi (approx. 90-100 minutes) Funicular → Koyasan (approx. 5 minutes).

Local Bus → Temple: approx. 10 minutes: Covered by the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket (provided) NOT covered by the JR Pass (private company Nankai).

Total estimated travel time: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours.

Day 4: Koyasan - Yunomine Onsen

Morning transfers: Local buses between sites. Unlimited trips included in the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket (included).

Koyasan → Gokurakubashi: Local bus to Koyasan Station (approx. 10 min); Cable car to Gokurakubashi (approx. 5 min): Included in the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket (return trip included)

Gokurakubashi → Hashimoto: Nankai Koya Line Train (approx 40 minutes): Included in the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket (round-trip included).

Hashimoto → Kii-Tanabe: JR Wakayama Line Train to Wakayama (approx. 1 hour); then JR Kuroshio train to Kii-Tanabe (approx. 30 minutes): Included in the Japan Rail Pass.

Kii-Tanabe → Hongu Taisha: Ryujin Express Bus (approx. 2 hours): Included in the Ryujin Bus 4-Day Pass (provided).

Hongu Taisha → Yunomine Onsen: Local bus (approx. 15 minutes): Included in the Ryujin Bus 4-Day Pass.

Total estimated travel time: about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.

Day 5: Yunomine Onsen

Local buses for Kumano Kodo hike: Covered by the Ryujin Bus 4-Day Pass.

Day 6: Yunomine Onsen - Shirahama

Yunomine Onsen → Hongu: Local bus (approx. 15 minutes): Included in the Ryujin Bus 4-Day Pass.

Hongu → Kii-Tanabe: Ryujin Express Bus (approx. 2 hours): Included in the Ryujin Bus 4-Day Pass.

Kii-Tanabe → Shirahama: JR Kuroshio Train (approx. 15 minutes): Included in the Japan Rail Pass.

Total estimated travel time: about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Day 7: Shirahama: Free day.

Day 8: Shirahama - Kii Katsuura

Shirahama → Kii-Tanabe : JR Kuroshio Train (approx. 15 minutes): Included in the Japan Rail Pass.

Kii-Tanabe → Shingu : JR Kuroshio Train (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes): Included in the Japan Rail Pass.

Shingu → Nachi: Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus (approx. 30 minutes): Not covered by the Ryujin Bus Pass (different company / Individual payment: around 600 JPY).

Nachi → Kii-Katsuura: Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus (approx. 20 minutes): Not covered by the Ryujin Bus Pass (Individual payment: around 400 JPY).

Katsuura Port → Urashima Hotel Ferry (approx. 5 minutes): Free for hotel guests.

Total estimated travel time: about 3 hours (excluding visits).

Cost without pass: around 1,000 JPY.

Day 9: Kii Katsuura - Toba

Urashima Hotel → Katsuura Port: by Ferry (approx. 5 minutes): Free for hotel guests.

Kii-Katsuura → Taki: JR Kisei Line Train (approx. 2 hours): Included in the Japan Rail Pass.

Taki → Toba: Kintetsu Train (approx. 40 minutes): Not covered by the Japan Rail Pass (Individual payment: around 600 JPY) (Private company, no JR alternative).

Total estimated travel time: about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours.

Day 10: Ise Shima

Toba → Ise: Kintetsu Train (approx. 15 minutes): Not covered by the Japan Rail Pass (Individual payment: around 280 JPY).

Local transportation: Ise and Futami: CAN Bus serving Naiku, Geku, and Futami (Individual payment: around 200 JPY per trip) - Plan for 3 to 4 trips - Estimated total: around 600 to 800 JPY.

Day 11: Ise - Kyoto

Iseshi / Ujiyamada → Kyoto: Kintetsu Limited Express Train (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours) - Direct or with a transfer at Yamato-Yagi: Not covered by the Japan Rail Pass (Individual payment: around 3,500 to 4,000 JPY - private company, no direct JR alternative).

Day 12: Kyoto

Iseshi / Ujiyamada → Kyoto: Kintetsu Limited Express Train – around 2 to 2.5 hours Direct or with a transfer at Yamato-Yagi Not covered by the Japan Rail Pass Individual payment: around 3,500 to 4,000 JPY (private company, no direct JR alternative).

Day 13: Kyoto - Kansai Airport (KIX)

City centre - airport: JR Haruka Limited Express Train (approx. 80 minutes): Covered by the Japan Rail Pass.