Japan Between Tradition and Modernity

Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be welcomed at the airport by your airport assistant. They will provide your transport cards and guide you to your hotel, where you will activate your pocket Wi-Fi devices. Afterwards, enjoy a half-day at leisure depending on your arrival time. Depending on your arrival time, why not set out to start your discovery of this bustling metropolis or try some delicious ramen ?

After breakfast at your hotel, set off with your guide to discover one of Tokyo’s trendiest districts: Shibuya. Cross the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, and stroll along Harajuku Street. You will then head to Shinjuku, another vibrant district of Tokyo. Your guide will share recommendations before leaving you to explore the area independently. Spend the evening there and find a restaurant in the famous Omoide Yokocho alley.

Today, head to eastern Tokyo to visit the historic district of Asakusa. Pass through the Kaminarimon Gate and walk along Nakamise Street, which leads to Senso-ji Temple. Afterwards, make your way to Ueno Park for a relaxing nature break. End the day wandering through the lively streets of Akihabara, filled with video game, manga, and anime shops.

For your final day in Tokyo, explore the streets of Ginza, Tokyo’s famous shopping district, where you can browse boutiques or simply enjoy window shopping. Stop by the famous Tsukiji Market to taste local specialties. Nearby, the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens await. In the afternoon, admire the Rainbow Bridge from the island of Odaiba while enjoying the sea breeze. In the evening, stop by Tsukishima Monja Street to try one of Tokyo’s specialties: monjayaki.

After relaxing in the Japanese hot baths, you can enjoy gentle hikes in the park along the lake to reach one of the higlights of Japan: Owakudani Volcanic Valley. Admire its famous fumaroles, steam vents, hot springs and hot rivers. The experience is definitely one of the highlights of a holiday to Japan and definitely worth the detour, and on clear days you may have the chance to see a spectacular panoramic view of Mount Fuji.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast before boarding the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed train, bound for Kyoto. Upon arrival in the afternoon, explore the Gion district. Wander through the charming streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka and visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Afterwards, take part in a traditional tea ceremony and discover this ancient cultural art. At the end of the day, head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to more than 10,000 torii gates, and enjoy the view over Kyoto.

Today, set off with your guide to explore northeastern Kyoto, home to many remarkable temples. The Silver Pavilion, the Philosopher’s Path, Nanzen-ji Temple, and Heian-jingu Shrine are among the many sites you will visit. Nature, architecture, and spirituality blend together throughout this day of discovery.

After exploring the east, today you will discover the western side of the city. Head into nature toward the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. A short hike will take you to a park inhabited by monkeys and offering magnificent views over the city. In the afternoon, several temples await: Tenryu-ji, Jojakko-ji, Nison-in, and the famous Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple with its thousands of stone statues.

For your final day in Kyoto, end on a high note by exploring the city center and the northern districts. Begin your day at Nishiki Market, often called “Kyoto’s kitchen,” where you can sample many delicious local specialties. Then head north to visit the magnificent Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. Nearby, one of the city’s largest Zen temple complexes, Daitoku-ji, offers beautiful Zen gardens to admire. On the way back, stop by the impressive Nijo Castle.

It is time to leave the peaceful city of Kyoto and travel to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, remains of the tragedy of 1945. The Peace Memorial Museum presents a moving exhibition about the impact of the atomic bomb. Not far away, the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle offers panoramic views of the city. Afterwards, explore Hondori Street for shopping and local cuisine, and end the day with a cooking class featuring Hiroshima’s specialty: okonomiyaki.

Today, head to Miyajima Island to discover the Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk among the island’s wild deer and explore temples and pagodas set in a spectacular natural environment. Climb Mount Misen, which overlooks the island, following winding trails that lead to panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. In the evening, return to Hiroshima.

Today, travel to Osaka. Despite being a large and bustling city, Osaka is very easy to explore. Osaka Castle houses a museum where you can learn about the history of the final battle for the unification of Japan. In the afternoon, wander through the city and visit America-mura, the Shinsekai district, Namba Yasaka Shrine, and the famous Dotonbori area, where you can enjoy some of the most delicious Japanese street food.

Today, explore Nara, located just 45 minutes from Osaka. Wander through the vast Nara Park, home to freely roaming deer and many remarkable historic buildings surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Visit the immense Todai-ji Temple, famous for housing a giant Buddha statue. Discover Kasuga Taisha Shrine, surrounded by thousands of lanterns, and stroll through the charming streets of Naramachi, where traditional artisans and local restaurants coexist. Do not miss Yoshiki-en, a peaceful Japanese garden.

Today, travel to Himeji to visit the famous Himeji Castle, also known as the “White Heron Castle.” Admire its medieval architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its towers. Afterwards, explore the surrounding landscaped gardens, including Koko-en. Then climb Mount Shosha to discover the tranquil temple complex of Shoshazan Engyo-ji, offering a unique spiritual atmosphere and spectacular views over Himeji. In the evening, return to Osaka and take the opportunity to do some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Sadly, it is time to return home. After enjoying your final breakfast in Japan and depending on your departure time, make your way to the airport. This marks the end of your journey through Japan, between tradition and modernity. We wish you a pleasant flight home and hope to welcome you again soon on the roads of Asia.