Towns and Islands of Japan
- Duration : 13 days
- Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuiji, Kyoto, Okayama, Miyajima, Fukuoka
Take a first trip to Japan to visit its cities - Tokyo and Kyoto - and discover the nature located on its islands : Naoshima the artistic one, Miyajima the sacred one or Kyushu the volcanic one.
This privately organised tour includes accommodation, of which 2 nights in a ryôkan, local transport, a guided night tour and a WiFi pass.
A great way to travel from city to island with a free mind!
13-day itinerary
- Departure city/Airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
- Tokyo (4 nights)
- Hakone - Mount Fuji (1 night)
- Kyoto (3 nights)
- Okayama (2 nights)
- Miyajima Island and Hiroshima (1 night)
- Fukuoka - Kyushu Island (1 night)
- Return city/Airport : Fukuoka (Fukuoka International Airport : FUK)
Please find below the itinerary details.
Tour length : 12 nights / 13 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)
PLEASE NOTE: The departure and end dates shown on this page only apply to your stay in Japan. You must therefore leave Europe the day before the first day of your tour. The date of your return flight and that of your return to Europe are identical due to the time difference.
Example :
- Departure from Europe : January 1st
- Arrival in Tokyo (= the date to be selected in the calendar when booking) : January 2nd
- Return flight from Fukuoka International Airport FUK / Return to Europe : January 14th
Please note that flights are not included in the price of your tour.
This tour information was last updated on May 2, 2024.
Like this tour but you are also drawn to the Japanese Alps? Instead, we recommend our tour Highlights of Japan.
Why this trip to Japan ?
- Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Tokyo by shuttle bus
- Head to the edge of Mount Fuji for an unforgettable dinner and overnight stay in a ryokan
- Travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto : a guided tour of the traditional geisha quarter awaits you
- The ancient city of Okayama and the artists' island of Naoshima will take your breath away
- Reach Hiroshima and the island of Miyajima where you will spend a second night in a ryokan
- Finish with Fukuoka, the capital of Kyushu Island and continue with an optional tour extension
- Take advantage of your transport passes : Kansai Hiroshima Pass, Hakone Free Pass...
- Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
- If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
- A number of guided days or other optional activities are available
- Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, European leading travel agency in Japan.
Your trip in detail
Itinerary
Day 1 : Wake up in Tokyo 東京
Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!Welcome through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.
If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.
Check in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).
Day 2 : First steps in the capital
What to do in Tokyo on your first day
We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly by visiting the following districts:
- Harajuku, the avant-garde district ;
- Meiji Jingû, the imperial sanctuary ;
- Takeshita-Dôri, a must-see street in the capital ;
- Omotesandô, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées ;
- Shibuya and its impressive crossroads.One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).
Day 3 : The big loop
For this second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".
Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then head off to visit :
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district ;
- Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market ;
- Hama-rikyû, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings ;
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river ;
- Sensô-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital ;
- Tokyo Sky Tree, 643 metres high, with its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset.Between Hama-rikyû Garden and Asakusa, why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River ?
End your day in style with an evening stroll through Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most important districts.
Meet your guide at 7 p.m. for an unique walk lasting around 2 hours, during which you will pass through Kabukichô and the Golden Gai, among others.
More details on the exact day and meeting place in your travel diary.Day 4 : Follow the guide
There are still many places to discover according to your taste ! Ueno, Yanaka, Odaiba...
Don't hesitate to book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to visit Tokyo off the beaten path!
Make the most of our many optional activities:
- Are you looking more for fun? Ghibli Museum, Disneyland or Hello Kitty Park are waiting for you!
- Do you prefer a themed activity? Book a visit on an architecture tour, gardens, home cooking or Noh's theatre.
- Chasing thrills? Let yourself be tempted by a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)!Day 5 : At the heart of the Japanese soul
In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Kyoto (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Hakone.
Go to Shinjuku station to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train for Hakone Yumoto (1h30 journey, details in your travel guide, included in your package). The train leaves the Japanese megalopolis and gradually winds its way through the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Hakone in the late morning. Reach Ichinoyu Shinkan ryôkan or equivalent to drop off your small bag and explore the region.
You'll be charmed by the beautiful scenery of this spa resort, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (on a clear day!). Not forgetting the Owakudani volcanic site, accessible by cable car. All transport (train, bus, cable car and funicular) is included in your package.
If you wish to be accompanied during this day, one of our English-speaking guides can help reveal the secrets of the Mount Fuji region (optional).Come back to your ryôkan at the end of the afternoon, as your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you at around 6.30pm, before enjoying a Japanese-style night!
More details below on the features of the night in a ryôkan.
Day 6 : The former capital
Head to Hakone Yumoto station and then Odawara station to board one of the fastest trains in the world : the Shinkansen ! Shinkansen journey to Kyoto (direct, approx. 2h, including reserved tickets). We'll do our best to reserve seats for you so you can get a last look at Mount Fuji at the very beginning of the journey!
Check into the RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS or equivalent (rooms available from 3pm).
You have 3 days to visit Kyoto.
Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation :
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple ;
- The historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka ;
- Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.
Finish your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset.
Meet your guide at 7 p.m. to start your evening walk around Gion, Kyoto's historic district.
More details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide.At the end of this 1h30 walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat dinner!
Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion.Day 7 : Gold and Silver Treasures
For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:
- The Zen garden of Ryôan-ji ;
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ;
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The enchanting Philosopher's Path ;
- Nanzen-ji temple;One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).
Day 8 : Between temples and deer
For the last day, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, included in your package.
Visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century.
Discover :
- The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns ;
- Tôdai-ji, with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate ;
- Kôfuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda.Return to Kyoto and stop to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii.
If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).
Day 9 : A crossroads between two islands
Head to Okayama by shinkansen (about 1 hour 30, included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass). Check into your hotel located between the station and the castle.
We advise you to head out early to explore the castle and its magnificent Kôraku-en park, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before leaving in the middle of the afternoon for the romantic town of Kurashiki, a 17-minute train ride from Okayama (included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass).
Kurashiki, an old commercial metropolis lined with canals will certainly seduce you :
- Bikan, a district with typical architecture ;
- The Ohara Museum, keeper of paintings by Monet, Matisse, Renoir, among others ;
- The Museum of Popular Arts dedicated to regional history.Day 10 : The Art Island
Breakfast at the hotel.
We recommend you to spend the day visiting Naoshima Island, located 1 hour from Okayama : 45 minutes by train (1 change, included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass) and 15 minutes by boat (not included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass, about €4.50/pers for a one-way ticket). Details in your travel diary.
Naoshima Island is world-famous for its modern art museums, the architecture of some of its buildings, and the scattered outdoor sculptures throughout its territory. These numerous museums and buildings were designed by the architect Andô Tadao. You will be impressed, among other things, by Monet's Water Lilies, displayed in a simple room where you enter without shoes!
Please note that a reservation is required in order to access the Chichu Art Museum.
Return to Okayama at the end of the day by the same route as in the morning, in the middle of the Japanese countryside.
Day 11 : The Sacred Island
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Fukuoka (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Miyajima.
Take the shinkansen to Miyajima (about 1 hour 15, 1 change) then then boat (20 minutes), both included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass.
Reach your ryôkan near the island's ferry terminal. The time to explore the island has come ! Its Itsukushima-jinja shrine and the great Ôtorii gate built into the sea are definitely a must-see.
Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then descend on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you!
At the ryôkan, you will be treated to a tasty traditional Japanese dinner before retiring to your tatami room.
Day 12 : Make way for history
Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryôkan.
In the morning, make a brief stop in Hiroshima (30 minutes by train from Miyajimaguchi Ferry Station, included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass) and visit the Peace Park and its memorial.
From Hiroshima, head to the island of Kyushu and its capital, Fukuoka, just 1 hour away by shinkansen (included in the price of your tour).
Arrive in the centre of the vibrant city of Fukuoka and check into your hotel located near the central station.
With its 2000 years of history, the capital of Kyushu has always been the gateway to Asia (Korea and China) and Western culture (Portugal and its Jesuits, Holland). Another Japan, further away from Tokyo, awaits you.
Capital of a booming region, Fukuoka is now one of the most dynamic cities in Japan with its many high-tech companies and the hosting of a global event : the Rugby World Cup in October 2019.
Visit the lively Nakasu and Tenjin districts and their hundreds of delicious and welcoming open-air restaurants at low prices "yatai". A great way to spend one final evening!
Day 13 : Sayonara, and see you next time!
Transfer to Fukuoka International Airport (Japan's 4th largest airport, located in the heart of the city) in 5 minutes by metro from Hakata Central Station, see details below.
Return flight to Europe with a change in Tokyo, Helsinki or one of the major Asian cities.
Don't hesitate to extend your trip by one or more days, to Fukuoka or Kyushu Island : Nagasaki, Beppu, Kagoshima, Aso volcano... We will be able to advise you!
Accommodation
- 4 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport
- 1 night in a 3* ryôkan in Hakone Mount Fuji, traditional half-board
- 3 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Kyoto, close to public transport
- 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Okayama, near the train station
- 1 night in a 3* ryôkan in Miyajima (on or opposite the island), traditional half-board
- 1 night in a 3* hotel in Fukuoka, near the train station
The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.
Transport
- Airport transfer to Tokyo HND or NRT
- Prepaid public transport card
- Hakone Free pass for 2 days
- Shinkansen Odawara (Hakone) > Kyoto, seats reserved in standard class
- Shinkansen Hiroshima > Fukuoka, seats reserved in standard class
- Kansai Hiroshima pass for 5 days
Experiences and meals
- Airport meet and greet
- Traditional dinner and breakfast included at the ryôkan in Hakone and Miyajima
- Discounts at many of Hakone tourist sites
- The 2 breakfasts in Okayama
- Night guided tour of Shinjuku, Tokyo and Gion, Kyoto
Included in your self-guided tour
Additional services
- Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi
- Complete digital travel guide sent before your departure
- Luggage transfer between your hotels in Tokyo > Kyoto and Okayama > Fukuoka
- Telephone assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese bilingual. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. This phone number is valid for telephone calls and also for WhatsApp.
Not included in the price of your trip
- Flights Europe <> Japan
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses, including meals (breakfasts can sometimes be added as an option at your hotel reception, see details). For other meals, you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack.
- Public transport once your transport cards have run out (see details)
- Everything not mentioned in the section "Included in your tour".
When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:
Japan Experience Flex :
Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.
Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions.
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