Join a group for this fantastic 12 day tour of Japan's historic wonders. Begin in Japan's old capital of Kyoto; let this ancient city fascinate you with its traditional narrow streets. Admire Kurashiki's historical area and experience a tatami-mat workshop and traditional "shamisen" local folk music. Travel to Yunotsu on the Japan Sea Coast, one of the oldest hot spring towns in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Enjoy soaking in the mineral water before leaving for Tsuwano, a charming town known as the 'little Kyoto of San'in' with its picturesque streets lined with Edo-era buildings and Koi carp ponds. The journey continues through the former castle town of Hagi, famous for its pottery, then to Hiroshima and the famous Miyajima Island as well as Sensui-jima Island, a secret paradise on the Seto Inland Sea. We will arrive in energetic Osaka, where neon and crowds welcome you back to the modern side of Japan.
Day 1 - Kyoto
- Welcome to your Guided Group tour, In the Shadows of Mountains
- Arrival transfer from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto - by shared vehicle
- Welcome to Kyoto
- Welcome dinner in Kyoto (Group)
Day 2 - Kurashiki, Okayama
- Travel from Kyoto to Kurashiki by train (Group)
- Explore Kurashiki (Group)
- Travel from Kurashiki to Kojima by train (Group)
Day 3 - Kurashiki, Tokyo, Okayama
- Sight-seeing in Kojima (Group)
- Create tatami-mats in Kojima (Group)
- Walk Washuzan Hill (Optional)
- BLANK
Day 4 - Yunotsu
- Travel from Kurashiki to Yunotsu by train and bus (Group)
- Explore Yunotsu hot spring town (Group)
Day 5 - Omori, Yunotsu
- Travel from Yunotsu to Omori-cho by shared taxi (Group)
- Visit Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Group)
- At leisure in Omori-cho
Day 6 - Tsuwano
- Tour of Tsuwano (Group)
Day 7 - Hagi
- Travel from Tsuwano to Hagi by local bus (Group)
- Tour of Hagi (Group)
Day 8 - Hagi
- Second day exploring Hagi (Group)
- Traditional hagi-yaki pottery making class (Group)
Day 9 - Miyajima Island, Hiroshima
- Travel from Hagi to Miyajima Island by bus, bullet train and ferry (Group)
- Welcome to Miyajima
- Visit Itsukushima Shrine (Group)
- Visit Daisho-in Temple (Group)
- Travel from Miyajima Island to Hiroshima (Group)
Day 10 - Hiroshima, Sensui-jima
- Welcome to Hiroshima
- A few hours at leisure in Hiroshima (Group)
- Travel from Hiroshima to Tomonoura by train then bus (Group)
- Ferry transfer from Tomonoura to Sensui-jima Island (Group)
- Stay in traditional Ryokan, Sensui-jima (Group)
Day 11 - Tomonoura, Osaka
- Half-day tour of Tomonoura (Group)
- Travel from Tomonoura to Osaka (Group)
- Welcome to Osaka - 'Japan's Kitchen'
- At leisure in Osaka
- Farewell Dinner in Osaka (Group)
Day 12 - Kansai Airport
- End of tour (Group)
- Departure transfer from Osaka to Kansai Airport
The Spring months of March, April and May are generally considered the best for visiting Japan, both in terms of climate and the arrival of its famed pink sakura (cherry blossoms). Another fine time to visit is Autumn, specifically October and November, which is when the landscape is on fire with the colourful leaves turning on the maple trees. Anybody intending to make use of Japan's legendary snow sports infrastructure should obviously plan a visit during the winter ski season: December to February. Bear in mind that Japan's latitudinal range means that the climate is not consistent all over the country, but the flipside is that you can usually find good weather somewhere at any time of year.
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