- May 29th, 2023
Hidden Treasures of Western Japan in early summer emerald green - Kyoto/Tokushima/Kagawa/Okayama/Hiroshima/Hyogo, Japan
- Immerse yourself in Japan's ancient past and contrasting present.
The perfect tour for those in search of a richer travel experience.
- Price
- from JPY538,000
- Period
- 8nights 9days
- Date
- May 29th, 2023
Highlights
- Small group tour: maximum 6 participants (minimum 4 participants)
- Accompanied by English speaking guide
- Transportation: a combination of private van and bullet trains throughout journey. Also one local train ride experience in Kyoto.
- Visiting 6 prefectures of western Japan in the beautiful season of fresh verdure.
We will take you to the variety of spots to enjoy nature, remote villages, historical and religious sites including four UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will be immersed in the beauty of western Japan, with the chance to learn at deeper level about the sites.
■UNESCO World Heritage sites
1. Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
2. Himeji Castle, Hyogo
3. Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima
4. Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima
- Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan (3 nights)
Aside from famous Arashiyama and Fushimi-Inari shrine, but also we visit hidden rural places like Ohara, Kurama and Kibune which are largely unfamiliar to foreign tourists. These places are excellent choices to experience the spiritual atmosphere of ancient Kyoto!
Alternative: the spiritual atmosphere of #deepKyoto, the unique approach Saiyu Travel takes when helping overseas travelers explore Kyoto, making extra effort to avoid cliches, banalities and terrible crowds. - Hidden valley of Iya in Tokushima, Shikoku region (2 nights)
Explore the remote villages surrounded by steep mountains and gorges. Crossing the traditional woven vines suspension bridges, walking around picturesque historic village of Ochiai, being surprised by the stunning view of Hinoji valley as well as relaxing at onsen hot spring.
Hidden Beauty of the Iya Valley
The Iya valley is a remote valley located deep in the heart of the mountains of Tokushima prefecture, well known for its spectacular scenery and old-fashioned lifestyle. Selected as one of Japan's three most secluded places, it is a precious spot where you can see how harmoniously people and nature live together. It is difficult to reach without a car, since the village is immersed in lush forests of Shikoku island.
Itsukushima Shrine and Kintaikyo-bridge, Hiroshima
We will spend at Miyajima island approximately 5-6 hours to see the Itsukushima shrine and famous huge torii vermilion gate at both high and low tides. In the morning when you first visit Itsukushima shrine, there will be the high tide, and shrine will appear as if floating on the sea. When it starts changing to the low tide. you will be able to walk to the torii gate before you leave. Also, we take you to the Miyajima viewpoint by ropeway ride, and give you ample free time to stroll along the approach to the shrine.
In Hiroshima prefecture, we also visit beautiful five-arched wooden Bridge called “Kintaikyo Bridge” as well as Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
Natural wonder, historical town and the finest Japanese garden
Enjoy boat cruise to observe the whirlpools in the Strait of Naruto, this unique natural phenomena in the world.
Ritsurin garden in Takamatsu (Kagawa pref.) is the one of the Japan’s finest gardens awarded 3 stars by Michelin’s guide for Japan.
Kurashiki historical district (Okayama pref.) is one of the most picturesque old towns in entire country, known for the characteristically Japanese white walls of rich merchant residences and the willows trees along the canal. Walking around the town and feel medieval atmosphere – in the best season to visit here.
Itinerary
| City | Summary | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyoto | Meet your tour leader at JR Kyoto station at 13:00 or at the hotel in Kyoto (time tbc). In the afternoon, we kick off the tour at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the site of the famous numerous shrine gates. On the way back to the hotel, we take local trains to go back to our hotels to see and learn local life.
Overnight in Kyoto: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Meals Included:Dinner |
| 2 | Kyoto |
This morning we start from Nanzenji-temple, which is one of the most important and oldest Zen temples in Kyoto, located at the base of Higashiyama mountains. Visit its impressive, majestic Sanmon entrance gate, famous rock garden of Hojo as well as a century-old brick aqueduct that passes through the temple grounds. Then we drive up to rural Ohara village to visit Sanzenin temple. Tranquil atmosphere permeates the garden, and there are a number of amusing stone statues that peek out from the moss. In the afternoon, you will have a chance to experience traditional tea ceremony at an old machiya house. Dinner with a maiko (an apprentice geisha) in Gion district to learn about their lifestyle and enjoy a short performance.
Overnight in Kyoto: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| 3 | Kyoto | We leave hotel by 07:30 am to head to Arashiyama. Departure time is a little early to avoid crowds. In Arashiyama, visit Togetsukyō bridge, a symbol of the Arashiyama, bamboo forest of Sagano and Tenryuji temple’s beautiful landscape garden. Then we drive up to Kurama and Kibune area located to the north of Kyoto city. Mt. Kurama has a history steeped in mystical beliefs and tengu, mythical creatures from Japanese folklore, is believed to still haunt the area. We visit Kuramadera-temple then hiking to Kibune through spiritual mountain path, passing the place called "path of exposed trees’ roots". The roots are unable to penetrate the hard ground and have woven together in a mesmerizing pattern. After visiting Kibune shrine, we drive back to hotel in late afternoon. You will have the evening at your leisure.
Overnight in Kyoto: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch |
| 4 | Kyoto Awaji-shima Iya/Oboke region |
Early departure by 07:00. This day is a long day to Iya valley in Tokushima via Awajishima island. We drive cross Akashi Kaikyo Bridge,which is the second longest central span of any suspension bridge in the world. In Awajishima island, we take a cruise boat ride for observing unique natural phenomena, tidal whirlpools in the Naruto Strait. Then, we enter Tokushima prefecture and stop at Udatsu to stroll historical streets that date back to Edo period. Arriving at our hotel in Iya/Oboke region in the late afternoon, we enjoy local cuisine dinner and a dip in the hot spring.
Overnight in Iya/Oboke Hotel Sunriver Oboke Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner |
| 5 | Iya/Oboke region | We spend full day around Iya/Oboke region. Travel along the steep slopes of the Iya valley and stop for stunning landscapes, Biwa waterfall and kazurabashi, suspension bridge made of intertwined vines. Continue to Oku-Iya Village for the twin suspension bridges, Witness the village life in Ochiai, a community of traditional dwellings, some a few centuries old. Overnight in Iya/Oboke region: Hotel Sunriver Oboke Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner |
| 6 | Iya/Oboke region Takamatsu Kurashiki Okayama |
Depart for Takamatsu, capital of Kagawa prefecture, and visit Ritsurin garden. This strolling garden is considered as one of the Japan’s finest and awarded 3 stars rating by Michelin’s guide Japan. Enjoy famous Sanuki-udon noodles for lunch, known for its udon noodles. Then leave Kagawa and drive across the Great Seto Bridge to Kurashiki, Okayama prefecture. In the afternoon, walk around Bikan-historical quarters, a charming merchant district along a pretty canal lined with willow trees. We stay overnight in the center of Okayama city. Overnight in Okayama: Hotel Granvia Okayama Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch |
| 7 | Okayama Hiroshima Kintaikyo Miyajimaguchi |
We take a “shinkansen” bullet train to Hiroshima. Soon after arrival, we will visit Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which documents the atomic explosion that ravaged the city. After that, we will set off to Miyajima-guchi. En route we stop at Kintaikyo to see the five-arched wooden bridge.
Overnight in Miyajimaguchi: Grandvrio Hotel Miyajima Wakura Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| 8 | Miyajimaguchi Miyajima Himeji |
In the morning, we take a ferry to Miyajima island and visit World Heritage site “Itsukushima Shinto Shrine” with its "floating" tori gate – one of the most photographed sights in Japan. On this day, the highest tide is around 10:00am, and the shrine appears to be “floating” on the sea surface. Lunch is not included on this day, stroll the area near the shrine with its many shops, restaurants and cafes. We will also have the chance to take a ropeway to Mount Misen and enjoy view of Miyajima and Seto inland sea, weather permitting. In the afternoon, tide is getting low so you may be able to walk to the magnificent torii gates standing nearby. We leave Miyajima and head to Hiroshima station, continue to Himeji (Hyogo prefecture) by shinkansen bullet train. Overnight in Himeji: Monterey Himeji |
| 9 | Himeji Shin-Osaka |
In the morning, visit World Heritage Site “Himeji Castle” also known as White Heron Castle (Shira-sagi-jo) due to its elegant white appearance. This castle was never destroyed by war, earthquake or fire and survives to this day as one of the country's twelve original castles. Then we take shinkansen bullet train and arrive in Shin-Osaka station around 14:00. End of the tour. Meals Included: Breakfast |
Price
| Price | |
|---|---|
| [ 8nights 9days ] May 29th - Apr 6th, 2023 |
JPY 538,000 based on sharing twin rooms |
| JPY 60,000 Single room supplement |
Including :
8 Nights of Accommodations | English Speaking Tour guide throughout | Private Vehicle | Shinkansen tickets | Meals (8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners) | All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itineraryExclusive of :
Transportation to/from Japan | Domestic flight within Japan | Travel & Medical Insurance | Meals not included in the itinerary | Personal Expenses (Souvenirs and Beverages, etc.)■Fitness Level 2 out of 5
Suitable for people of all ages who are in fair condition.
There are several places to walk up and down stairs in temples and shrines.
On Day 3, we hike from Kurama to Kifune and it takes around 1 hour. It is also possible to transfer by our private vehicle if someone feels difficulty to hike.
■Climate
Maximum temperature: 25-30℃、Minimum: 15-20℃
There is possibility of rain so please bring own rain jackets or an umbrella. Walking shoes or sneakers are suitable for this tour. Walking shoes or sneakers are suitable for this tour.
■About Accommodation
Mostly 3 to 4 star standard class hotels.
Accommodation in Iya/Oboke region is Japanese style room, with futon style bedding, where people will sleep on a mattress laid out on the floor. Common hot spring facility is available.
Rest of the hotels are western style room with beds and private bathroom.
Rest of the hotels are western style room with beds and private bathroom.
■Luggage
As we use private van, and luggage space is limited, we allow everyone to bring up to 1 suitcase and a hand luggage per person. Also while we travel by Shinkansen, luggage space is limited and you might need to use, lifting your suitcase to upper luggage shelf by yourself, without assistance from the train staff.
Customize Your Tour?
If you wish to extend your stay or make domestic flight arrangements, contact us to start discussing your custom tour! We'll carefully create an itinerary based on your budget, your choice of destinations, accommodations, and focus it on your interests.
Contact us about this tour
3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda, jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan ｜Travel Agency Registration No. 607
