Japan
A stretch by car along the Seto Inland Sea, the art island of Naoshima and a ryokan in Kurashiki
Japan
An independent trip off the main routes: four nights in Tokyo with an architecture-themed tour, Osaka, then a hire car over the great Akashi bridge to Awaji island and on to Takamatsu, on Shikoku island (Ritsurin garden, Naoshima island and its museums), Kurashiki and a night in a ryokan, and four nights in Kyoto with a guided walk in Gion. Trains, car hire with licence translation and luggage forwarding included.
When
Mar-May, Oct-Nov
Price
From 3 139€ excl. flights
(based on 2 people sharing)
How long
13 nights
Ideal length
Days 1-6
The capital and its architecture, then Osaka.
Day 1
Flight to Japan
Flight to Japan. Night on board.
Day 2
Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome at the airport, your pocket wifi handed over and a shuttle transfer to the hotel.
Day 3
Tokyo, free day
A free day: Ginza, Tsukiji market, Hama-rikyu garden, Asakusa and Senso-ji temple.
Day 4
Tokyo, free day
A free day: Ginza, Tsukiji market, Hama-rikyu garden, Asakusa and Senso-ji temple.
Day 5
Tokyo and its architecture
A tour of Tokyo on the theme of architecture.
Day 6
Tokyo – Osaka by Shinkansen
Shinkansen to Osaka. A free day: the castle and its park.
Days 7-11
Driving along the Inland Sea, then the art island.
Day 7
Osaka – Awaji island
Pick up the car and cross the great Akashi suspension bridge to Awaji island.
Day 8
Awaji – Takamatsu
Drive to Takamatsu, on Shikoku island, by the Seto Inland Sea.
Day 9
Takamatsu
Drop off the car. Ritsurin garden and the art of bonsai.
Day 10
Naoshima island
A free day, ideal for Naoshima island and its contemporary art museums.
Day 11
Takamatsu – Kurashiki
Train to Kurashiki and its canals, then dinner and a night in a ryokan.
Days 12-16
Four nights to end with.
Day 12
Kurashiki – Kyoto
Train to Kyoto. A free day.
Day 13
Kyoto and Gion
A free day and a guided walk in the historic Gion quarter.
Day 14
Kyoto, free day
A free day: the Zen garden of Ryoan-ji, the Golden and Silver Pavilions, the Philosopher's Path, Nishiki market or the Arashiyama bamboo grove.
Day 15
Kyoto – flight home
Transfer to the airport and fly to France.
Day 16
Arrival in France
Arrival in France during the day.
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