Tsubosaka-dera Temple and its statues
@Japan Experience

Oldest Japan

Duration : 3 days
Locations : South of Kyoto, Kansai Region

This three-day excursion by car will take you to little-known sites that are nonetheless classified as treasures by UNESCO. You will trace the origins of Japanese Buddhism to a time when capitals were abandoned after the death of each emperor.

You will spend the night in an astonishing temple, an unlikely haven of tranquillity in the heart of a sprawling urban area. You'll travel along cliff roads with views stretching as far as the ocean, and others through the lovely scenery of the Japanese countryside.

You'll spend your second night in a traditional inn surrounded by wild nature, where you'll sample excellent local cuisine and the incomparable pleasure of the Japanese baths.

A short hike leads to impressive waterfalls, or you can try your hand at ninjutsu training in the nearby fiefdom of one of the two major clans practicing this art. A feudal castle, one last legendary temple and you're back in Kyoto.

3 days / 2 nights road trip itinerary throughout the Kii Peninsula

Departure city : Kyoto
Uji
Asuka
Iga
Return city : Kyoto

Please find detailed itinerary information below.

Departure from Kyoto at 8AM on day 1 and return around 6AM on day 3.

IMPORTANT: If your driving license was issued in France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, or Taiwan, it is not valid in Japan, so you will need a certified Japanese translation, available in option.

Why choose this excursion to Japan ?

Discover prestigious sites off the beaten tracks.
Ride through magnificent countryside and hike in the heart of nature.
Experience traditional Japanese inn and monastery and their inimitable comfort.
Learn the true story of the 'ninjas’ beyond the legend.
Many recommendations available in your digital travel guidebook.

Your excursion in detail

Itinerary

Day 1 : Tea fields and hidden temple

Fuel up with your rental car and follow the precise directions on your GPS as you leave Kyoto. Your first stop is the car park of an ancient temple, boasting the oldest buildings in the former capital.
After soaking in its history, another marvel awaits in a charming town nestled near a rushing river at the foot of majestic mountains. Enjoy lunch here after your visit at one of the many restaurants lining the pedestrian street leading to the temple.
You will then drive through the countryside on a narrow road and, after a small pass, you will be able to admire the rows of terraced tea fields as you stroll along or drink tea on the terrace of a charming, panoramic café. Then it's back on to the road for the longest journey of the day.
Drive through the modern city and over a small pass to reach a scenic overlook of Osaka. Finally, you'll arrive a surprising complex of vermilion temples along a maze of staircases set in the greenery of a mountain.
You will spend a night in one of these temples and enjoy a traditional vegetarian meal known as 'shôjin ryôri', the refined vegetarian cuisine of the Japanese monks.
Day 2 : The Origins of Buddhism

The more courageous can attend the fire ceremony and morning prayer at 5am before breakfast. Next, we visit a temple with the world's oldest wooden building and the famous Kudara Kannon statue, which was displayed at the Louvre Museum in 1997.
Venture into the peaceful countryside to see a second extraordinary statue, the oldest known bronze Buddha statue in Japan.
You can have lunch in this pretty, unspoilt village and why not visit another temple on foot, reputed to have inspired the author of a famous manga and for housing a huge mud statue dating from the 8th century.
Admire a third monumental statue in a mountain temple before driving through a forested valley to reach the gorges. Your traditional Japanese inn or ryôkan will welcome you with its hot baths and excellent local cuisine.
Day 3 : Waterfalls and ninjutsu

After a hearty Japanese breakfast, you're off for a short hike of around 2 hours and a half along a well-marked path that takes you upstream along the river. Discover a series of impressive waterfalls, some as high as 30 meters, cascading into crystal-clear pools.
See the biodiversity of Japan's waterways, including the giant salamander, at the aquarium near the trailhead. Youngsters may prefer (reservation required) to learn the techniques of ninjutsu with an experienced instructor.
Visit the town and castle of a famous samurai clan known for its ninja warriors. The castle features impressive walls from the feudal era and a collection of armour. At the far end of the park, a ninja warrior's house has been rebuilt, complete with traps and where you can watch a demonstration that should delight young and old alike.
On the way back to Kyoto, we suggest you visit a lesser-known temple located on the shores of Lake Biwa.

Included in your self-guided excursion

Accommodations
- 1 night in a traditional Japanese shukubô (temple-lodging)
- 1 night in 3-star Japanese traditional inn
The base rate includes a twin room.
Transportation
- 3-day car rental starting from Kyoto Station
Visits & meals
- All breakfasts and dinners are included

Other services

Other services
- 7/7 telephone assistance in English and Japanese bilingual
- Complete digital travel diary before your departure
Not included in the price of your excursion
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses, including lunches (you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack)
- Entrance fees to museums, gardens or temples
- Access to internet (with a e-SIM card, available in option)
- Everything not included in the "Included in your excursion" section

More information about your trip

Your excursion:

- Please note that at least one person taking part in the trip must have a driving licence valid in their country.

- The prices shown on this page may vary according to the Japanese ¥ exchange rate.

- Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

- Children aged 3 and over are accepted. Child rates available for children ages 3 to 11 included.

- Pets are not accepted.

- This program may be subject to changes due to imperatives such as weather conditions or other force majeure events. Please note that due to the current situation, all mentioned information is subject to change or adaptation.

- In order to benefit from an internet connection, book a e-SIM card with Japan Experience.

- This tour must be booked at least 45 days before the start date of the tour.

- Your travel documents will be sent to you by email before your departure.

Your accommodation:

- Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the town and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the cost of the reservation. It generally amounts to ¥200/night/person (about €1.60) but may be a little higher in 4-star hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception.

- Single room: People travelling alone and/or wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. Please note that a single room supplement for an order of more than 2 people will be applied in all accommodation except ryokans (3 and 4*). As this is traditional accommodation, people with the same reservation are grouped together in spacious rooms that can accommodate up to 5 people.

- 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, you will be allocated a triple room.

- Hotel names: The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled.

Your transport:

- Car rental takes place in Kyoto, near Kyoto Station. The location might change in case of unavailability.

- In Japan, most cars are automatic.

- Costs related to gasoline and possible tolls are not included in the tour price.

- If your driving license was issued in France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, or Taiwan, it is not valid in Japan, so you will need a certified Japanese translation, available as an option.

Your meals:

- All breakfasts and dinners are included.

- For other meals, you will find addresses selected by us in your travel diary.