Temples and shrines

Itinéraire voyage

Les étapes du voyage

Pour toute personnalisation des jours de départ & d'arrivée, ou de la durée de ce programme, merci de contacter nos agents ou de laisser un commentaire dans la demande de devis.

Carte

Aperçu de votre itinéraire
Jour 1
London / Tokyo
En savoir +
Scheduled flight to Tokyo, possibility of a stopover in an Asian, European or Middle-Eastern city
Jour 2
Tokyo
En savoir +
Start by visiting the Shibuya district
Jour 3
Tokyo
En savoir +
Visit Senso-ji Temple and the Asakusa district
Jour 4
Nikko
En savoir +
Discover the sacred Toshogu shrine
Jour 5
Nikko / Tokyo
En savoir +
Visit the region of Lake Chuzenji-ko
Jour 6
Kamakura
En savoir +
Admire the Daibutsu: a giant bronze statue of Buddha
Jour 7
Ise
En savoir +
Discover the most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan: Ise-jingû
Jour 8
Toba / Meoto Iwa
En savoir +
Pearl culture in Ago Bay
Jour 9
Yoshino / Hase
En savoir +
Visit the 5th-century Hase monastery
Jour 10
Mount Koya
En savoir +
Visit the most important and most iconic temples on Mount Koya: Kondo and Kongobuji
Jour 11
Shirahama
En savoir +
Bathe in the tiny Saki no yu onsen, one of the most ancient and most famous in Japan
Jour 12
Nachi No Taki
En savoir +
Discover Nachi no Taki Falls, which are 133 metres high
Jour 13
Yunomine Onsen
En savoir +
Taste eggs that you can cook in a pool filled with 90C° spring water
Jour 14
Yunomine Onsen / Osaka
En savoir +
Visit Osaka Castle
Jour 15
Kyoto
En savoir +
Discover the famous Kinkaku-ji temple; better known as the Golden Pavilion
Jour 16
Kyoto
En savoir +
Do not miss the amazing Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Jour 17
Kyoto
En savoir +
You will love the Kyoto Handicraft Centre, which sells a large choice of local handicrafts.
Jour 18
Kyoto
En savoir +
Climb up Iwatayama mountain in the Arashiyama district and observe monkeys.
Jour 19
Nara
En savoir +
Stroll through the forest until you reach Kasuga shrine
Jour 20
Miyajima
En savoir +
Look for the famous Floating Torii
Jour 21
Hiroshima / Osaka
En savoir +
Stroll around the Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Jour 22
Osaka / London
En savoir +
Back to UK

Scheduled flight to Tokyo, possibility of a stopover in an Asian, European or Middle-Eastern city Jour 1 - London / Tokyo

Jour 1 - London / Tokyo Scheduled flight to Tokyo, possibility of a stopover in an Asian, European or Middle-Eastern city

Leave London for Tokyo – Narita International Airport on a scheduled flight in economy class.
Night and meal on board.
Do not forget that it is entirely possible to stopover in Asia, Europe or the Middle-East for one or more nights to spice things up, relax and discover a new destination, on the way there or on the way back.
Depending on your preferences, choose from our partner airlines:
- Asiana via Seoul
- Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
- Eva Air via Taipei
- Finnairvia Helsinki
- Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Munich

Start by visiting the Shibuya district Jour 2 – Tokyo

Jour 2 – Tokyo Start by visiting the Shibuya district

Arrive at Tokyo.
You will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant who will explain how your JR Pass works. Once you have reached your hotel in the town centre and have had some time to relax, head out for a first glimpse of Tokyo.
Start by marvelling at the bustling heart of Tokyo: Shibuya district, which is famous for having the biggest intersection in the world! You will be stunned by the giant TV screens, but also charmed by the little pedestrian streets where you will find many shops selling fashionable clothes for young people! Continue towards Harajuku, the fashionable youth district: do not miss Takeshita-Dori pedestrian street , which your children will love if they like fashion! Finally, if you are looking for a haven of tranquillity in this urban jungle, walk around Yoyogi Park, the largest park in Tokyo. In this forest inside the city, you will find Meiji-jingu shrine, one of the most sacred places in Tokyo.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure
Spend the night in the 4* Pacific Tokyo Hotel in Tokyo (or similar).

Visit Senso-ji Temple and the Asakusa district Jour 3 – Tokyo

Jour 3 – Tokyo Visit Senso-ji Temple and the Asakusa district

After having seen the bustling city of Tokyo up close the previous evening, make the most of today to soak up the atmosphere of this unique city, between green spaces and skyscrapers. Start the day by visiting the Buddhist temple of Senso-ji and the lively Asakusa district, which is lined with tiny shops selling traditional wares and colourful sweets. Continue your tour with Ueno Park, which is very popular with Tokyoites on the weekend when they like to unwind on the banks of the Lake, which is covered with beautiful water lilies. The children will enjoy visiting Ueno Zoo, the oldest and most famous zoo in Japan, which houses over 450 different species.
If you are fond of computers and electronics, do not miss Akibahara, also known as Electric Town, where you will find state-of-the-art electronics as well as huge manga stores where you can buy figurines and other merchandise. If you feel like relaxing, sit down in a Maid cafe where a charming waitress dressed up as a manga character will welcome you to its futuristic atmosphere.
In the evening, go to the artificial island of Odaiba where you can enjoy an incredible view of the night lights of Tokyo. Experience Japanese Onsen
For dinner, choose a restaurant overlooking Tokyo Bay, studded with islands and shining brightly, and the Rainbow Bridge.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* Pacific Tokyo Hotel in Tokyo (or similar).

Discover the sacred Toshogu shrine Jour 4 – Nikko

Jour 4 – Nikko Discover the sacred Toshogu shrine

This morning, take the train to the small town of Nikko, located in the north of Tokyo. The small town of Nikko has been an important site for Japanese Buddhism for over a thousand years and houses wonderful temples and shrines, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This trip to the countryside will allow you to discover an exceptional site: in the heart of a forest of giant Japanese cedars, five sacred temples and shrines are hidden, including the Baroque Toshogu, which is probably the most ornate temple in the country.
Take the time to stroll around the site and admire the other wonderful temples and shrines it houses. As you enter the forest, do not miss the picturesque sacred bridge of Shinkyo, which strides across the river Daya.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure
Spend the night in the 4* Senhime Monogatari Hotel in Nikko (or similar).

Visit the region of Lake Chuzenji-ko Jour 5 – Nikko / Tokyo

Jour 5 – Nikko / Tokyo Visit the region of Lake Chuzenji-ko

In the afternoon, set off for the region of Lake Chuzenji-ko, which offers a beautiful panorama of Mount Nantai in the background. Stroll along the side of the lake and admire the two beautiful temples built on its banks.
Admire Kegon Falls, one of the tallest and most famous waterfalls in Japan. Walk around Ryuzu no Taki Falls , at the foot of which you can take a beautiful stroll in the forest.
In the evening, you will take the train back to Tokyo.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* Pacific Tokyo Hotel in Tokyo (or similar).

Admire the Daibutsu: a giant bronze statue of Buddha Jour 6 – Kamakura

Jour 6 – Kamakura Admire the Daibutsu: a giant bronze statue of Buddha

Take the train to discover Kamakura, a small seaside town, south of Tokyo. The former capital of the Shogun from 1185 to 1333 is far from the bustling capital. Walk around this small coastal town, and enjoy wonderful temples and shrines in a hushed atmosphere. Engaku-ji is one of the most famous Zen Buddhist temples in Japan. It was built in 1282, but now only 17 of the 40 original buildings still remain.
We will also visit Hachiman-gu shrine. Originally built by the water, this temple, which dates back to 1063, was moved to its current location in 1191. Consecrated to Hachiman, the God of War, this is the most important Shinto shrine in Japan.
Admire the Daibutsu, a giant bronze statue of Buddha, which was cast and sculpted in 1252. It is 13 metres high, which makes it the second tallest Buddha in Japan after the one in Nara. The Buddha is sitting in the lotus position and has been meditating under the skies for over 700 years.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure
Spend the night in the 4* Pacific Tokyo Hotel in Tokyo (or similar).

Discover the most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan: Ise-jingû Jour 7 – Ise

Jour 7 – Ise Discover the most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan: Ise-jingû

This morning, discover the most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan: Ise-jingû, which is actually made up of two separate sites, five kilometres (about 3 miles) apart: Gekû and Naiku.
According to official Japanese history, Nihon Shoki, dates back to 720. It is said that the goddess Amaterasu Omikami, the mythical ancestor of the Imperial Family lived there when it was first built. That is why some buildings are surrounded by a wall and can only be entered by the Imperial Family. Nevertheless, the shrines are built in a wonderful setting.
In the heart of a thick forest of cypress trees and cedars, the buildings were built entirely out of wood, following the pre-Buddhist architectural style, making them appear stern and forbidding but also quite imposing. Naikû stretches out along the banks of Isuzugawa river, which you will cross as you enter on Uji bashi bridge.
The specificity of Ise is that, every twenty years, all the buildings (approximately 200) are precisely rebuilt in neighbouring locations. This is done following the ancient techniques to the letter: no nails are used, only wooden dowels and interlocking joints. Once the buildings have been rebuilt, the God of the shrine is taken to his new house during a secret ceremony. The current buildings were erected in 1993 and will be rebuilt, for the 62nd time, in 2013.
You can also visit the historical village of Oharai machi, built alongside the Isuzu river, which has flourished since the Edo Period by housing pilgrims on their way to Naiku.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure
Spend the night in the 3* Hoshidekan Ryokan in Ise (or similar).

Pearl culture in Ago Bay Jour 8 – Toba / Meoto Iwa

Jour 8 – Toba / Meoto Iwa Pearl culture in Ago Bay

Visit the Shima Peninsula and its shores studded with islands. You can start with the small town of Toba, which is renowned for pearl culture. Indeed, a Japanese man, Mikimoto Kokichi, built Pearl Island, which you can visit, here. After this visit, you will know everything about pearl culture: from choosing oysters to fishing, which is done by women: the Ama.
Then continue along the coast until you reach the town of Futami, which houses the famous Wedded Rocks, connected by a sacred rope: the Meoto Iwa. Every year, on the 5th of January, this cord, which symbolises marriage, is replaced during a grand ceremony. Finally, you can take a lovely trip to Yokoyama Observatory, which offers a remarkable panoramic view of the 60 islands of Ago Bay.
In the evening, you will take a train to the small town of Yoshino, where you will spend the night.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* Sakoya Ryokan in Yoshino (or similar).

Visit the 5th-century Hase monastery Jour 9 – Yoshino / Hase

Jour 9 – Yoshino / Hase Visit the 5th-century Hase monastery

Perched on the top of mountain, the little village of Yoshino is extremely popular in spring for its beautiful cherry blossoms. Visit Kinpusen-ji temple and its main pavilion Zao-dô, which is one of the most imposing wooden buildings in Japan. Continue with Yoshimizu-jinja temple, the former residence of the Emperor Go-Daigo., which explains why its architecture resembles that of a 14th century palace. Inside, you can admire a collection of armour and partition screens. Take the time to stroll around Gunpô-en, a delicate garden, designed in the 14th century by tea master Sen no Rikyû.
In the afternoon, visit Hase monastery, which dates back to the 5th century. A very long staircase lined with lanterns will take you all the way up to this impressive Buddhist site. It is comprised of 30 pavilions of the Shingon and Buzan Buddhist sects, which stretch out on the side of the mountain. In a beautiful natural setting, admire the terraces on stilts, the statue of Kannon and the bright red pavilion, which all contribute to making this monastery an exceptional site.
In the afternoon, you will leave for Nara, where you will spend the night.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure
Spend the night in the 4* Nara Hotel in Nara (or similar).

Visit the most important and most iconic temples on Mount Koya: Kondo and Kongobuji Jour 10 – Mount Koya

Jour 10 – Mount Koya Visit the most important and most iconic temples on Mount Koya: Kondo and Kongobuji

This morning, you will take the train to one of the most sacred sites for Japanese spirituality: Mount Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a hill 900 metres above sea level, surrounded by eight mountains, the bonze Kukai built the first religious community in Japan in the 8th century. Mount Koya grew until it became the main centre of the Shingon Buddhist sect who believe that spiritual enlightenment can be reached during life. Mount Koya now represents over more than 110 temples. Visit the most important and most iconic temples: Kondo and Kongobuji which manages the 3,600 temples of the Shingon sect. But we will also stroll around the vast Okuno-in Cemetery, where you will find over 200,000 tombstones of samurai and famous people resting in the shadows of a dense forest of age-old cedars.
Spend the night in a monastery, a shukubo, where you will share the monks’ vegetarian meal. Spending the night in the monastery is a unique experience: sleep in the Japanese style on a futon and tatami mats, in a relaxing atmosphere.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* Rengejo-in Monastery on Mount Koya (or similar).

Bathe in the tiny Saki no yu onsen, one of the most ancient and most famous in Japan Jour 11 – Shirahama

Jour 11 – Shirahama Bathe in the tiny Saki no yu onsen, one of the most ancient and most famous in Japan

Get up bright and early to attend the monks’ prayers in your monastery. Then share their vegetarian breakfast before leaving to explore the southernmost point of the Kii Peninsula. There, the rugged coasts of the Kumano create a series of small ports and wild creeks in the blue waters of the Pacific. Stop off in Shirahama, an ideal gateway to the region of Kumano, which is renowned for its beautiful white sandy beach. Facing the sea, take a bath in the small Saki no yu onsen, one of the oldest and most famous in Japan, which was built in a basin on a rocky cliff and is directly filled by a hot spring. These open-air pools are set in an idyllic setting as they open up on the Pacific Ocean, which spreads out as far as the eye can see.
In the main street, Ginza Dori, enjoy lunch in the little Ashi yokochô restaurant, where the tables are laid over a shallow pool of water. You will eat with your shoes off and your feet in the water!
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* Seamore Hotel in Shirahama (or similar).

Discover Nachi no Taki Falls, which are 133 metres high Jour 12 – Nachi No Taki

Jour 12 – Nachi No Taki Discover Nachi no Taki Falls, which are 133 metres high

Today, adventure inland into the Kii Pensinsula to discover the sacred shrines along the pilgrimage trail of the Kii Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site connects the Kumano shrines to Mount Koya. After having walked under a torii, a sign of the sacred nature of this place, discover Nachi no Taki Falls. This waterfall is 133 metres high and 16 metres wide and seems to be born from the mountain covered with black cedars. At the top, admire Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, built to honour the deity of the falls and the mountain kamis. In the little village of Shingû, you will discover Kumano Hayatama taisha shrine and its incredible bright-red buildings.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* Fujiya Ryokan in Kawayu Onsen (or similar).

Taste eggs that you can cook in a pool filled with 90C° spring water Jour 13 – Yunomine Onsen

Jour 13 – Yunomine Onsen Taste eggs that you can cook in a pool filled with 90C° spring water

This village is one of the oldest in the region and is built near a torrent in a wooded vale. You can visit Kumano Hongû Taisha shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is reached by a series of big stone stairs. Located on the edge of a mountain, this shrine’s architecture is typical of Shinto shrines: it is built with natural materials, with no finishings, and blends into its natural surroundings. Spend the afternoon in the baths of Yunomine Onsen, which are filled by the region’s many hot springs. In the main street, taste eggs that you can cook yourself in a pool of 90°C water from a hot spring.
You can also enjoy a bath in the Tsuboyu, a 12th century hut. The water in this onsen is said to change colour seven times a day. From the bath, you can enjoy a lovely view of the river, on your own or with your partner, for 30 minutes
Lunch and dinner at your leisure
Spend the night in the 4* Adumaya Ryokan in Yunomine Onsen (or similar).

Visit Osaka Castle Jour 14 – Yunomine Onsen / Osaka

Jour 14 – Yunomine Onsen / Osaka Visit Osaka Castle

Fall in love with this bustling, friendly city that is a pleasure to stroll around.
Start by visiting Osaka Castle, a beautiful white building surrounded by lovely gardens.
Then, walk around the lively district of Umeda. Do not miss the incredible panoramic view from the top of the famous Floating Observatory on the roof of the Umeda Sky Building
The most futuristic building in the city. You will find many shops and delicious restaurants in this neighbourhood.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* Granvia Hotel in Osaka (or similar).

Discover the famous Kinkaku-ji temple; better known as the Golden Pavilion Jour 15 – Kyoto

Jour 15 – Kyoto Discover the famous Kinkaku-ji temple; better known as the Golden Pavilion

Spend three wonderful days in the queen of Japanese cities, just enough to scratch the surface of the immense historical and cultural heritage of the former capital of Japan.
On the first day, we recommend you visit the most beautiful temple in Kyoto, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site: the famous Kinkaku-ji, better known as theGolden Pavilion as this elegant structure is entirely covered with gold leaf. A short distance away, Ryoan-ji temple, famous for its Zen garden, is an invitation to pause and to meditate.
A little further, Ninna-ji houses beautiful structures: a palace surrounded by nature as well as a small pagoda. In the eastern part of the city, visit the most impressive temple in Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, a beautiful wooden structure, perched on the side of a cliff and propped up by giant wooden stilts.
Finally, as night falls, walk around narrow alleyways of Gion, the historical district of Kyoto where you will find beautiful wooden teahouses hosting extremely refined dinners. You may be lucky enough to glimpse one of the Geisha, who still live and work in this district. On the other side of the river, in a parallel street, you will find plenty of places to eat in the charming Pontocho district.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto (or similar).

Do not miss the amazing Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Jour 16 – Kyoto

Jour 16 – Kyoto Do not miss the amazing Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Les jours suivants, il vous reste encore beaucoup de trésors à découvrir !
Si vous aimez les temples, sanctuaires et jardins, bonne nouvelle : Kyoto en compte plus de 2000! En centre ville, nous vous recommandons le sanctuaire Heian, dont l’entrée est marquée d’>
- During the days to come, Kyoto still has many wonders in store for you!
- If you like temples, shrines and gardens, you are in luck: Kyoto has over 2,000 of them! In the town centre, we recommend Heian shrine, which boasts an immense red torii at the entrance and one of the most beautiful gardens in Kyoto, as well as the Silver Pavilion and its lovely moss garden. In the outskirts of the city, visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine where thousands of red torii straddle a network of trails over a few kilometres in the midst of a thick forest.
- We offer an optional choice of fun and cultural activities: discover them in our “Activities” section.
- Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
- Spend the night in the 4* New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto (or similar).
un immense Torii rouge et dont le jardin est un des plus beaux de Kyoto. Ou encore le Pavillon d’argent, dont le jardin de mousses est sublime. En dehors de la ville, visitez le très célèbre sanctuaire Fushimi Inari dont les milliers de torii rouges se succèdent sur plusieurs kilomètres au cœur d’une épaisse forêt.
Nous vous proposons un choix d’activités ludiques et culturelles en option à découvrir dans notre rubrique « Activités ».
Déjeuner et dîner libres.
Nuit à l’hôtel New Miyako 4* à Kyoto (ou similaire).

You will love the Kyoto Handicraft Centre, which sells a large choice of local handicrafts. Jour 17 – Kyoto

Jour 17 – Kyoto You will love the Kyoto Handicraft Centre, which sells a large choice of local handicrafts.

During the days to come, Kyoto still has many wonders in store for you!
If you like temples, shrines and gardens, you are in luck: Kyoto has over 2,000 of them! In the town centre, we recommend Heian shrine, which boasts an immense Red torii at the entrance and one of the most beautiful gardens in Kyoto, as well as the Silver Pavilion and its lovely moss garden. In the outskirts of the city, visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine where thousands of red torii straddle a network of trails over a few kilometres in the midst of a thick forest.
We offer an optional choice of fun and cultural activities: discover them in our “Activities” section.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto (or similar).

Climb up Iwatayama mountain in the Arashiyama district and observe monkeys. Jour 18 – Kyoto

Jour 18 – Kyoto Climb up Iwatayama mountain in the Arashiyama district and observe monkeys.

If you like animals, climb upIwatayama mountain in the Arashiyama district, where hundreds of monkeys roam freely. Admire an exceptional view of Kyoto!
If you like shopping, go to the Kyoto Handicraft Centre , which sells a wide range of local handicrafts: you will find prints and fans as well as high-quality kimono and yukata. Furthermore, the town centre is full of modern boutiques, in particular in and around the Teramachi shopping street.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto (or similar).

Stroll through the forest until you reach Kasuga shrine Jour 19 – Nara

Jour 19 – Nara Stroll through the forest until you reach Kasuga shrine

Spend a pleasant day in the small town of Nara. Founded in the 8th century, Nara was the first real capital of Japan from 710 to 784. Forty kilometres from Kyoto (about 25 miles), Nara is also a cultural hotspot that houses many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stroll around Nara Park, where thousands of tame deer roam freely. As you enter the Park, do not miss Kôfuku-ji temple, which is comprised of ten buildings including a beautiful five-storey pagoda dating back to 1426.
Next, visit Todaiji temple where you can see the largest bronze Buddha in Japan.
Then, walk through the forest until you reach the great Kasuga shrine. Erected in 768, its bright-red lacquered buildings create a strikingly beautiful contrast with the surrounding greenery. Wrapped in light, the shrine shines brightly thanks to the 1,800 stone lanterns all around it and the thousands of metal lanterns hanging from the corridors’ eaves.
In the town centre, the Nara-machidistrict is a lovely place for a stroll. Its maze of small, narrow streets houses local craft shops. Make the most of this time and visit Gango-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* Nara Hotel in Nara (or similar).

Look for the famous Floating Torii Jour 20 – Miyajima

Jour 20 – Miyajima Look for the famous Floating Torii

In the morning, leave for the sacred island of Miyajima a thirty minute car drive and ten minute ferry ride from Hiroshima. This lush island houses one of Japan’s most famous treasures: the famous Floating Torii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the amazing bright-red shrine of Itsukushima, built on a pier-like structure over the bay, to which the torii is the entrance. You will spend the whole day on the island, which houses many other wonders: follow the small forest paths that will lead you to the banks of clear-blue streams in which you can dip your feet.
Make the most of the island’s famous natural beauty: not only will you see deer roaming freely, you will probably also run into a few monkeys! To admire the beautiful panorama, take the ropeway to the top of Mount Misen. From there, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the lovely scenery spread out before your eyes!
As a fit end to this lovely day, spend the night in a beautiful ryokan,a Japanese-style guesthouse, where you can enjoy Japanese hot baths! The perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* Arimoto Ryokan in Miyajima (or similar).

Stroll around the Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Jour 21 – Hiroshima / Osaka

Jour 21 – Hiroshima / Osaka Stroll around the Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This morning, after a filling, traditional Japanese breakfast, take a trip to the town of Hiroshima. Stroll around the ; Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the A-bomb Dome – the former Industrial Promotion Hall located at the point of impact of the explosion – , which was preserved to bear witness to that event.
You can also visit the remarkable Peace Memorial Museum, designed by architect Kenzo Tange and devoted to the atomic bomb.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Spend the night in the 4* Granvia Hotel in Osaka (or similar).

Back to UK Jour 22 - Osaka / London

Jour 22 - Osaka / London Back to UK

The day of departure has arrived.
Transfer to Osaka Airport, where you will take a scheduled flight for London in economy class filled with unforgettable memories!

Voir la suite

Activités du voyage

Notre sélection d'activités

Un condensé d'activités pour agrémenter votre voyage et vous laisser des souvenirs inoubliables. N'hésitez pas à consulter nos spécialistes pour plus d'informations !

Activities included

One night in a Buddhist monastery in a shukubo

What experience could be more exceptional and unforgettable than spending the night in a UNESCO World Heritage Site? When you visit Mount Koya, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, you will have the opportunity to spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, a shukubo, where you will experience the daily life of a monastery first hand. You will eat the same vegetarian food as the monks and will sleep on tatami mats and futons in a typical Japanese setting. Finally, at dawn, you will attend the monks’ morning prayers, as they rise with the sun.

One night in a ryokan in Miyajima

Spend a magical night in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese guesthouse with all the charm and tranquillity of Japanese architecture, from sliding doors to rice-paper windows ! You will sleep on a very comfortable futon on traditional tatami mats! You can also wear yukata— indoor kimonos – to relax or to go to the hotel’s indoor hot baths! Finally, you will taste delicious homemade traditional Japanese dishes prepared by your hosts with fresh, seasonal ingredients! A real treat !

Activities recommended in Tokyo

Watch a Kabuki performance

Watch a Kabuki performance, a theatrical art typical to Japan. In beautiful sets representing traditional Japanese landscapes, the actors – all men – wear extremely elaborate costumes and make-up and act, sing, dance and play musical instruments to the delight of the crowd. This show is rich in colour and full of poetry – let it transport you to another world!

Odaiba Ferris Wheel

Go up on the Ferris Wheel on the artificial island of Odaiba! You will have an amazing view of the city of Tokyo and Tokyo Bay! In the evening, you will be delighted by the beauty of Rainbow Bridge.

Dinner and Cruise in Tokyo Bay

Cruise Tokyo Bay in the evening aboard a Yakatabune, a Japanese-style boat dating back centuries, and admire the lights of the Odaiba district, on an artificial island, as well as those of the Rainbow Bridge, which light up the bay and its little islands. You will be served a traditional Japanese tempura dinner: vegetables, seafood or meat fried in a delicate batter that literally melt in your mouth. A delight for the taste buds!

Tea ceremony and Kaiseki dinner

Experience an authentic three-hour tea ceremony performed by tea master Soryu Maruyama. Discover all the steps of the ceremony, from preparing the tea to drinking it, Kaiseki-style. An incredible experience that will bring you closer to one of the most traditional Japanese arts following a meticulously codified ritual that enhances the beauty of each movement.

Cruise on the river Sumida in Tokyo

Discover Tokyo in a different way by taking a cruise on the river Sumida that flows through Tokyo! For 40 minutes, you will enjoy a unique panorama of the city and will be able to observe all the buildings that make Tokyo an incredible city! The river Sumida is 27 kilometres long and is crossed by 26 bridges, which are all built in a different architectural style. Keep your camera close at hand for stunning pictures of the city and its bay.

Ghibli Museum in Mitaka

Enter into the wonderful world of the greatest manga artist in Japan: Hayao Miyazaki, father of the adorable Totoro and mischievous Chihiro. Take a look behind the scenes of a manga production and walk into the master’s office where you can view beautiful original drawings. In a giant Cat Bus, the children will enjoy viewing an original, unaired twenty-minute animated film. A must-see! This activity is also offered with an English-speaking guide on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:40 p.m. to 6 p.m. – 62 Euros (about 53 GBP)

Watch a sumo match in Tokyo

Experience a unique holiday by watching a sumo match, a traditional Japanese sport which is extremely popular in the island chain. These fights were born almost 1,500 years ago as part of a Shinto ceremony. They were dedicated to the Gods along with songs and dances to ensure a good harvest. This sport is particularly impressive as it still contains religious rituals that are performed before and after the game, and the matches themselves are incredible! It is possible to follow this activity with a Japanese dinner: discover the meal of sumo wrestlers, Chanko Nabe – 42 Euros (about 38 GBP).

Watch sumo training and meet champions!

Experience an enriching, incredible moment as you meet sumo champions! They are highly respected and even worshipped in Japan! You will watch them train and then share a traditional meal with them: Chanko Nabe. A genuine, unique experience!

Learn how to make sushi and visit the Tsukiji fish market

Walk around the incredible Tsukiji market, the largest fish market in the world, where thousands of different kinds of fish and seafood are sold. Then take a cooking class and learn how to make the most popular Japanese food in the world: sushi. To top it all off, enjoy the results of your cooking class for lunch!

Watch a baseball match

Did you know that, sumo wrestling aside, the most popular sport in Japan is baseball? This typical American sport has taken over the island chain that passionately supports the different teams! In fact, the Japanese became the baseball world champions this year for the second time in a row, beating the American and Korean teams ! Outside of the US, the most famous baseball team in the world is the Tokyo Giants whose home stadium Tokyo dome is nicknamed “the Big Egg”. Attend a match and watch the crowd go wild!

Visit Tokyo

Visit Meiji shrine in the heart of Yoyogi Park, walk in the Imperial Palace Park, wander around the colourful Asakusa district and admire its beautiful temple. Then, take a lunch cruise on the Sumida all the way to Tokyo Bay. Finally, visit the artificial island of Odaiba.

Visit Tokyo by Night and have dinner in a Japanese restaurant

Have dinner in a typical Japanese restaurant where you can choose from a selection of Japanese delicacies from Tempura to Sashimi and Sukiyaki. Then discover Tokyo by night and visit the artificial island of Odaiba and the Ginza district, famous for its multi-coloured neon lights, and admire the view from the observatory in Roppongi Hills.

Tokyo morning visit

The Asakusa district and its beautiful temple, walk in the Imperial Palace Park, tour of the Ginza district and visit of Meiji shrine in the scenic Yoyogi park.

Tokyo afternoon visit

Take in the incredible view of Tokyo from the top of Tokyo Tower. Visit the lively Asakusa district, wander around the Imperial Palace Park and walk down Ginza avenue.

Activities recommended around Tokyo

Guided tour of Kamakura

Discover one of the most famous towns in Japan, renowned for its rich heritage! Kamakura was the Shogun’s capital in the 12th century and still has some amazing remnants of its past. You will visit some of the town’s temples and shrines: Hachiman-gu and Hase-dera and their beautiful gardens. After lunch, you will go and admire the second largest Buddha in Japan, after the one in Nara, who has been meditating under the sky for hundreds of years. A rickshaw version of this tour is also possible: visit the town in a human-powered tricycle.

Guided tour of Nikko

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko is a must-see. This small mountain town houses incredible baroque temples. Visit the renowned Toshogu temple that shines brightly in the heart of a forest of giant Japanese cedars. After lunch, you will go to the shores of Lake Chuzenji, in the shade of Mount Nantai. You will admire Kegon Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Japan!

Visit Hakone and Mount Fuji

Spend a day visiting the region of Mount Fuji and Hakone. The symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji is 3776 metres high and is the highest mountain in the country. A perfect cone volcano, it is religiously worshipped as the refuge of the kami, mountain spirits. You will take the bus to the fifth station to admire the view. After lunch, you will go to Hakone, the famous spa resort, where you will take a cruise on Lake Ashi. Finally, you will walk on the side of Mount Komagatake, where you will see steam rising from the fumaroles!

Activities recommended in Kyoto

Dine in Gion and watch a traditional Japanese show

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the narrow streets of Gion – Kyoto’s historical district. Dine in a Japanese restaurant where you will have the opportunity to taste tempura. Visit Gion Corner, the Geisha school, where you will attend a show presenting different traditional Japanese arts : a dance performed by Maiko dancers (apprentice Geisha), a piece of music played on the Koto (Japanese harp), Kado (a style of flower arrangement), Kyogen (traditional theatre) and Bunkaru (puppet theatre). There will also be a tea ceremony where you will learn to prepare matcha, Japanese green tea. A shorter version of this activity is also offered from 5:20 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from March to December – 115 Euros (about 100 GBP).

Japanese dinner with Maiko dance show

Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner in the Hatoya Zuihoukaku restaurant, near Kyoto station. You will have the opportunity to sample various traditional Japanese dishes. After that, you will watch Maiko, apprentice Geisha, perform traditional dances for the crowd’s delight. At the end of the show, you will be able to meet the Maiko and talk with her.

Sake-tasting in Fushimi

Sake is a typical Japanese rice-based alcoholic beverage. Come and discover the secrets of sake production in the small town of Fushimi in the south of Kyoto, with an English-speaking guide. You will have the opportunity to taste some of the region’s best sake and, who knows, maybe bring some back for your own parties.

Renting a bicycle in Kyoto

Discover the charming town of Kyoto and its secret passageways by bicycle! A quiet, wide town built in a valley, Kyoto is the perfect place for a nice bike ride! You will have the bicycle for the day and can choose where you want to go.

Half-day visit of Kyoto by bicycle

Kyoto is full of charming, secret passageways that are fun to discover by bicycle. With an English-speaking guide, you will bike around the Gion district and its teahouses where Geisha perform. You will then ride along the river Shirakawa before discovering the vast park of the former Imperial Palace, a peaceful retreat in the city centre.

Learn how to make Japanese desserts and enjoy a Kaiseki lunch

Enjoy a delicious traditional Japanese meal in the Kaiseki style. This refined cuisine is famous for the way it is beautifully presented. The ingredients are always fresh and seasonal. Then, with an English-speaking guide, you will take a Japanese cooking course to learn how to make Japanese desserts, traditionally served with green tea.

Visit of Sagano and Arashiyama

All those who enjoy nature walks will love discovering the district of Arashiyama with an English-speaking guide. You will visit its famous bamboo grove – Sagano forest – as well as Tenryû-ji temple, one of the five main Zen temples of Kyoto. Its garden represents a dry waterfall of rocks throwing themselves into a pool and forming the Chinese character “heart”. You will also visit Jojakkoji temple, which is less known but well worth discovering. Finally, you will walk on the famous Togetsukyo bridge that connects both banks of the river and offers a beautiful view of this part of Kyoto.

Zazen meditation and Hiei Garden

Experience spiritual Japan by attending a session of Zazen meditation in the UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple of Enryakuji, on Mount Hiei. After meditating, you will partake of the same vegetarian meal as the temple’s monks. You will then visit the truly beautiful Hiei Garden.

Tofu cooking course

Tofu is a soft, white block produced by coagulating soy milk by adding lemon juice, salt and vinegar. It is a common ingredient in Asian dishes and is renowned for its health benefits. During this class, you will learn how to cook tofu with an English-speaking guide. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to eat the food you have prepared

One-day guided tour of Kyoto and Nara

In the morning, visit the most beautiful temples of Kyoto with an English-speaking guide: the Golden Pavilion or Kinkakuji. You will then walk around the Imperial Palace Park. In the afternoon, after lunch, you will leave for the small town of Nara, the first capital of Japan, which also houses many treasures. You will walk around Nara Park and discover the impressive Todai-ji temple and the bright-red Kasuga shrine, famous for its thousands of lanterns.

One-day visit of Kyoto

Discover one of the most beautiful historical towns of Japan with an English speaking guide! The former capital is full of treasures and your guide will share with you many stories about Kyoto and its wonders! Visit some of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto : Kinkakuji, more commonly known as the Golden Pavilion, as well as Ryoanji that houses one of the most famous Zen gardens in Japan . After lunch, you will walk around the Imperial Palace Park.

Afternoon guided tour of Kyoto

Discover some of Kyoto’s most beautiful temples with an English-speaking guide ! You will start by visiting Heian jingu shrine and its beautiful Japanese landscape garden. You will then walk around the traditional neighbourhood of Higashiyama. After that, you will visit Sanjusangendo temple, which is 125 metres long and famous for its hundreds of statues of the goddess Kannon. Finally, you will go to one of the most popular and most impressive temples of Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera.

Have lunch with a Maiko in Gion

Maiko are apprentice Geishas in the Gion district. They wear beautiful coloured kimonos and have elaborate hairstyles with Kanzashi – lovely ornaments usually shaped like flowers – in the image of traditional Japanese dolls with porcelain complexions. You will have the opportunity to share a meal with one of these generally inaccessible artists. An English-speaking guide will come to pick you up at the hotel around noon and will take you to see the Gion district. You will be served a traditional Japanese meal in a charming restaurant overlooking the Shirakawa river. At the end of the meal, a young Maiko will come and join you. You will have the opportunity to take pictures with her and then she will dance for you.

Morning visit of Kyoto

Take your first steps in the cultural capital of Japan with an English-speaking guide! You will discover the town’s most famous temple : Kinkakuji or the Golden Pavilion. You will then visit Nijo Castle. You will amble around the park of the former Imperial Palace before visiting the Kyoto Handicraft Centre, which displays many local traditional handicrafts.

Hôtels de ce voyage

Notre sélection d'hôtels

Voici les hébergements que nous vous proposons pour votre circuit. Ils sont communiqués à titre indicatif et pourront être remplacés par des hôtels de catégorie similaire.

Hotels included

New Miyako - Kyoto

New Miyako - Kyoto

With 986 Western and Japanese-style rooms, the 4* New Miyako hotel is located a few steps away from JR Kyoto station, which offers easy access to different sites in the town by bus or metro. Each room is equipped with television, hair-dryer and refrigerator. The hotel has four restaurants: French, Japanese, Chinese and a buffet of international cuisine where you will surely find dishes you will enjoy. Finally, the hotel offers various boutiques and services: traditional Japanese objects, as well as a beauty salon and photo studio.

Ryokan Arimoto - Miyajima

Ryokan Arimoto - Miyajima

In the heart of the sacred island of Miyajima, a stone's throw from the famous Torii and Itsukushima Shrine, experience Japanese luxury at the 4* Arimoto ryokan. This beautiful, charming hotel offers Japanese-style rooms with an elegant, refined decor. You can relax in the various indoor and outdoor baths filled with hot, natural spring water. Finally, for your enjoyment, this ryokan offers two Japanese-style restaurants as well as a karaoke room and a small night-club.

Granvia - Osaka

Granvia - Osaka

Located in the centre of Osaka, in the Umeda district, a few minutes away from JR Osaka station, the 4* Granvia Hotel offers Western-style rooms with a simple, refined decor. All the rooms are equipped with television, mini-bar and coffee/tea service. The hotel houses ten restaurants that serve international and Japanese cuisine in a refined, richly decorated setting. It also offers many leisure amenities: an indoor swimming pool, a mini-golf course and a tennis court.

Renge-jo In Shukubo - Mount Koya

Renge-jo In Shukubo - Mount Koya

Staying the night in a shukubo, a rest house inside a temple, is a rare, exceptional experience that will leave you with amazing memories! The Renge-jo Inn is a large Buddhist monastery in a unique setting : the rooms, decorated in the Japanese style, are simple yet comfortable and you will be delighted by the indoor garden! The Renge-jo Inn houses different types of gardens : landscape gardens with small ornamental lakes where the famous Japanese carps live and dry gardens with rocks, pebbles and gravel that encourage meditation as you gaze upon them. You will be served a vegetarian meal in your room, the same traditional cuisine that the monks eat. Finally, to complete the experience, do not miss the monks’ morning prayers at 6 a.m.!

Nara Hotel - Nara

Offering an amazing view of the most famous sites and temples of Nara Park, the 4* Nara Hotel welcomes you to its friendly, warm setting. The rooms are all decorated in a classical, elegant fashion and equipped with television and A/C. The hotel houses a Japanese restaurant, the Mikasa, which serves high-quality seasonal cuisine.

Pacific - Tokyo

Pacific - Tokyo

Ideally located a three-minute walk from JR Shinagawa station and on the JR Yamanote Line that connects the main sites of the town, the 4*Le Pacific Hotel welcomes you to its elegant, refined setting. All the rooms are equipped with television, A/C and tea/coffee service. Inside the hotel, you will find a large selection of bars and restaurants serving Japanese and Western cuisine. The hotel also provides a wide number of services and boutiques: a French bakery, a jeweller’s, a souvenir shop, a small supermarket, a beauty parlour, a photo studio, as well as a relaxation and massage parlour. You can also enjoy the beautiful Takanawa-no-mori Japanese garden.

Senhime Monogatari - Nikko

Senhime Monogatari - Nikko

The 4* Senhime Monogatari Hotel is located in downtown Nikko, a ten-minute walk from the station. Behind its modern façade, this hotel offers Japanese-style rooms with an amazing view of the river. You can unwind indoors and outdoors in one of the hotel’s many hot baths. You can also choose between two restaurants serving Japanese cuisine, including one with excellent Ramen noodles. Finally, the hotel also houses a souvenir shop, a karaoke room and a video game room.

Ryokan Hoshidekan - Ise

Ryokan Hoshidekan - Ise

Located in Ise, a few minutes’ walk from Iseshi station, the 3* Hoshidekan Ryokan welcomes you to its magnificent historical building. The rooms are simple yet comfortable and are all equipped with television, A/C and tea/coffee service. In the centre of this family home lies an amazing Japanese landscape garden. Hoshidekan Ryokan is an ideal base for discovering Ise and its surroundings.

Ryokan Sakoya - Yoshino

Ryokan Sakoya - Yoshino

The Sakoya Ryokan is built entirely in the traditional Japanese architectural style using only cypress and cedar wood from Yoshino. You will stay in beautiful Japanese-style rooms where you will sleep on futons and tatami mats. After visiting the charming little town of Yoshino and its many temples, relax in the many indoor and outdoor hot springs that will help you unwind while providing health benefits.

Seamore - Shirahama

Seamore - Shirahama

This beautiful modern hotel offers 164 Western and Japanese-style rooms on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. You will have an incredible view of the ocean stretching off into the distance as far as the eye can see. The rooms are all elegantly decorated and equipped with tea/coffee service. You can enjoy the many indoor and outdoor hot baths as well as the swimming pool. Do not miss the traditional wooden baths that overlook the sea. A true change of scenery!

Ryokan Fujiya - Kawayu Onsen

Throw open the windows of your room and breathe in the fresh mountain air! You are now in Kawayu Onsen, a beautiful spa resort in the heart of the Kii mountain range. This lovely ryokan welcomes you to its elegantly decorated Japanese-style rooms. If you feel like unwinding and relaxing, you can choose between different indoor and outdoor onsen, some of which overlook the river. You will be served a traditional Japanese dinner in your room.

Ryokan Azumaya - Yunomine Onsen

Ryokan Azumaya - Yunomine Onsen

This beautiful building, which offers Japanese architecture with a Western twist, welcomes you to its typical Japanese-style rooms that are all equipped with television, safe and yukata. Take the time to enjoy this historical ryokan’s eight different indoor and outdoor hot baths. Indeed, Yunomine is one of the oldest and most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. Many famous Japanese authors, including the poet Kyoshi Takahama, have enjoyed the ryokan’s hot baths. Make the most of this exceptional moment and let the sound of the water lull you to sleep.

Bon à savoir

Additional Information

Hotels and meals
- If a hotel mentioned in the program is not available, a hotel in a similar category will be booked.
- The visits mentioned in this program are merely suggestions. Of course, you can allocate your free time as you wish and visit other towns near Tokyo and Kyoto apart from those mentioned in the itinerary.
- Most of the lunches and dinners in this tour are at your leisure to allow you can appreciate the diversity of Japanese cuisine according to your tastes and wishes. Please note that it is very easy to find food in Japan as there are many little restaurants offering a wide variety of dishes. Furthermore, simple, filling meals are inexpensive. Bon appetit!
Climate
- Are you coming to Japan in winter?
  Bring warm clothes as the winter temperatures in Tokyo are similar to those in Paris.
  If you are travelling to the north of Japan in winter, to the west coast or to the Japanese Alps, bring clothes adapted to extreme temperatures since cold winds from Siberia often blow over Japan!
  A real Northern experience!
- Are you going to Japan in summer?
  Please note that the weather will be very hot and humid! Pack your summer clothes but do not forget to bring an umbrella, especially in June and September, as well as warmer clothes for the cool evenings or for the north of Japan. Do not forget your sunglasses, hats and swimming costumes!
- Are you going to Japan during the intermediary seasons: spring and autumn?
  Do not hesitate to bring summer clothes (shorts, swimming costumes, T-shirts, light shoes) as well as winter clothes (umbrella, jeans, jumpers, jackets and closed shoes) as the temperatures are mild in the south of Japan but cooler in Tokyo and the north.
- Are you stopping off in Asia on the way there or on the way back?
  In this case, to avoid standing out in Hong Kong in your ski-suit or winter jacket, pack T-shirts, shorts and light shoes.
International flights and stopovers in Asia

Depending on the period of travel, we have purposely calculated our prices with one of the partner airlines mentioned below so that you can always enjoy the best possible prices.
As soon as you ask us for a quote, we will select the cheapest company by default (depending on your dates of travel).
However, if you would prefer to fly with a specific partner airline or if you would like to stop over in a specific Asian city (among those mentioned below), please let us know!
Please note that the price will be adjusted accordingly.
- Our partner airlines, which offer flights to and from Tokyo and Osaka:
  - Asiana via Seoul
  - Air France (nonstop flights)
  - Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
  - Eva Air via Taipei
  - Finnair via Helsinki
  - Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Munich
- Stopovers in Asia, Europe or the Middle-East, base price for 1 night, in a double room :
  - Hong Kong, 3* Hotel + transfers + breakfast : from 45€ (about 37 GBP) per person
  - Seoul, 3* Hotel + transfer + breakfast : from 60€ (about 50 GBP) per person
  - Taiwan, 3* Hotel + transfer + breakfast : from 60€ (about 50 GBP) per person
  - Europe, 3* Hotel + transfer + breakfast : from 90€ (about 74 GBP) per person

Prix du Voyage

Le prix comprend

International flights LONDON/ TOKYO and OSAKA / LONDON on scheduled flights in economy class
Airport taxes (including fuel surcharge) and the Solidarity Tax.
20 nights’ accommodation in a standard double room in the 3* or 4* hotels mentioned in the itinerary, including one night in a monastery on Mount Koya. If one of these hotels is not available, similar quality accommodation will be booked
Meals: all breakfasts and dinners in the ryokan, Gassho-Zukuri and shukubo.
The 21-day JR Pass allowing unlimited travel on all JR bus, subway and train lines
The services of an English-speaking assistant on Day 2 to meet you at the airport and explain how the JR Pass works

Le prix ne comprend pas

Insurance
Personal expenses
Drinks and meals not included in the programme
Activities and transport not included in the programme
Stopover in Asia or Europe (optional)

Temples and shrines 22 Jours | 20 Nuits

Tokyo - Nikko - Kamakura - Ise - Toba - Meoto Iwa - Yoshino - Hase - Mount Koya - Shirahama - Nac...

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* prix à partir de sur une base 2 personnes