Slow Travel Japan

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso! 日本へようこそ！

Welcome after exiting customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and pocket wifi.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to your hotel in central Tokyo:

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers leave between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival time, and stops may be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to select the "Private taxi from the airport" option when booking.

Check into the OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts hotel or equivalent standard hotel.

Your prepaid travel card included in your package will allow you to explore the capital with ease!

What should you do in Tokyo on your first day?

We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly, by visiting the following areas:
- Harajuku, the center of youth fashion and cosplay culture
- Meiji Jingu, the imperial shrine
- Takeshita-Dori, a must-see street full of trendy stores and crepe stands
- Omotesando, a tree-lined shopping avenue known as Tokyo's Champs-Élysées 
- Shibuya and its impressive giant crossroads

Finish the day in style with an English-speaking guide who will reveal the secrets of Shinjuku, the district that never sleeps! Meet your guide at 7pm to start your evening stroll. 
More details on the exact day and meeting point will be in your digital travel guide.

*The day of the activity is subject to change.

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 high-end shopping district
- Tsukiji, the bustling outdoor food market
- Hamarikyu, the peaceful Japanese garden between Tokyo's tall buildings
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the River Sumida
- Senso-ji Buddhist temple
- Tokyo Sky Tree, 643m high, with its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset 

Why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River between Hamarikyu and Asakusa? (not included)

If you'd prefer a guide on this day, don't hesitate to book our Full Guided Day in Tokyo! 

If you want to get away from Tokyo's urban sprawl: 

- Kamakura: This small coastal town 45 minutes by train (no reservations required) from Tokyo was once the capital of the shoguns. The great Buddha of Kamakura is the symbol of the city. Our English-speaking guides can help you discover this city steeped in history (optional).

Don't hesitate to book a Full Guided Day in Kamakura! 

- Nikko: Set in a green setting, these religious complexes are a must-see on any visit to Japan and are much loved by Japanese and tourists alike. As proof, a Japanese saying goes, "Don't say 'magnificent' until you've seen Nikko" (Nikkō o mizushite kekkō toiū nakare). This is a place in the middle of nature, with many hiking trails. 

Feel free to have a look at our "Activities in Tokyo" page for an overview of all the activities we offer in the capital. You can book directly on our website.

In the morning, we recommend you to have your luggage sent to your hotel in Kyoto (check with the hotel reception staff) and bring a small bag for your nights 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 pack, all included).

The train gradually leaves Japan's megalopolis behind as it winds its way through the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Hakone in the late morning. Return to Ichinoyu Shinkan ryokan or a ryokan of the same standard to drop off your small bag and explore the region.

You'll be charmed by the magnificent scenery of this area, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (on a clear day!). Not forgetting Owakudani volcanic site, accessible by cable car. All transport (train, bus, cable car...) is included in your Hakone Free Pass.

Come back to the ryokan in the late afternoon. Your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you at around 6.30pm, before you spend the night Japanese-style!

See below for details of the ryokan overnight stay.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan.

Enjoy the view of the surrounding nature and prepare for a day of relaxation: 

- Start your exploration with a visit to a famous Japanese garden: Hakone Gora Park. Stroll through this magnificent green space, admiring the flowers and peaceful ponds.

- Visit the wonderful Hakone Fine Arts Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Japanese and Western art, presented in a serene and elegant setting. Take your time to enjoy the art exhibitions.

- Head to Chokoku no Mori, Hakone's open-air museum, which home to a collection of modern and contemporary art in a beautiful setting surrounded by mountains. Enjoy the outdoor sculptures and relax in the museum's outdoor thermal baths foot.

End your day in style by returning to your ryokan for dinner. Then relax in the communal or private hot spring baths (optional).

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

Make your way to Hakone Yumoto station and then Odawara station to board one of the fastest trains in the world: the Shinkansen ! Journey to Kyoto (direct, approx. 2 hours).

Check into the OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo or similar 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

Start the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation:
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the great water temple
- The historic streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka
- Kodai-ji, Kyoto's maple and bamboo temple

End your day in Gion at sunset.
Meet your guide at 7pm to start your evening tour of Gion, Kyoto's historic district.
More details on the exact day and meeting place will be in your travel guide.

At the end of this 1.5 hour walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to find dinner!
Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take photographs in the historic district of Gion.

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:
- Ryoan-ji zen temple, with Kyoto's most famous rock garden
- The iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The enchanting Philosopher's Path, especially stunning in spring and fall
- Nanzen-ji temple

If you'd prefer a guide to show you around, don't hesitate to book a Full Guided Day in Kyoto with us! 

Embark on a guided excursion to Uji, a town renowned for producing the best matcha (powdered green tea) in Japan. Tour the Japanese countryside in a minibus with a guide, passing through green tea fields and meeting the producers! 

Along the way, the first minka, or Japanese country houses, make their appearance as you take the small country road that runs alongside the river on its right bank. Signs of civilisation gradually disappear, and exuberant Japanese vegetation emerges.

You'll discover one of the most important Japanese green tea plantations. Strolling through endless Tuscan-like valleys is a unique and relaxing experience. Groups of monkeys can often be seen frolicking in the labyrinthine greenery.

You'll taste several types of tea from the surrounding fields, and learn about the subtleties of this drink. But more importantly, you'll experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality and the pleasure of sharing a moment with passionate people.

At the end of the day, return to Kyoto. After your escapade in the valleys that saw the birth of Japanese tea, you can bet that your next cup of tea will take on a whole new flavor... 

*The day of the Uji excursion is subject to change. It will be either on a Wednesday or a Sunday.

Here are a few ideas for excursions around Kyoto: 

- Hikone, a little marvel perched on Lake Biwa, it's home to one of the few original (and most delightful) Japanese castles still in existence (30min one-way train journey).

- Miyama, literally meaning "The Beautiful Mountain", has thatched houses, local crafts and rural recipes. It's a delightful getaway just a stone's throw from Kyoto (2hrs by train and bus).

- Lake Biwa is visited for its scenery and the shrines scattered along its shores. But the lake has another hidden treasure: its beaches! Located mainly on the western shore, they offer a lengths of clear sand in the shade of pine trees, as well as the promise of a swim in warm, clear water... without the inconvenience of salt water! (20 min by train)

We recommend a 50-minute journey to Nara by train, included in your JR Pass.

Visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century.
Discover:
- Kasuga Taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns
- Todaiji, with its large bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon Gate
- Kofukuji temple and its delightful pagoda

If you'd like to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides can reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional, return trip from Kyoto).

Return to Kyoto and make a sunset stop at Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii gates that wind up the mountain. 

There are still plenty of places to discover, depending on what interests you: the Arashiyama bamboo grove, the Shimogamo shrine or the Daitoku-ji temple complex... or even the famous manga museum !

Take a look at our "Activities in Kyoto" page for an overview of all the activities and excursions we offer in Kyoto. You can book directly on our website.

Take the 25-minute train ride to Osaka! 

Drop off your belongings at the Hotel Noum or equivalent. 

We recommend that you start your visit to Osaka slowly, visiting the northern and eastern districts:
- Osaka's medieval castle, with its park full of plum and cherry trees (depending on the season)
- The city centre and Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park surrounded by buildings
- Utsubo Park, a cool oasis in the business district
- Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping
- Finally, ascend the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai region (including Kyoto on a clear day!)

And if you'd like to sample a range of delicious local specialities, you can book a food  tour with a local guide directly on our website.

For your second day in Osaka, we recommend the following itinerary:
- Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium in terms of volume
- The Tennoji district and Shitenno-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan
- Spa World, Japan's largest variety of thermal baths (onsen)
- Shinseikai, with its retro charm
- DenDen machi, the technologeek village
- Finish off in Dotonbori, the liveliest district of the city, full of bars and restaurants

For lunch, we recommend you visit a takoyaki vendor, one of the city's specialities. These are fried dumplings filled with octopus and topped with a variety of sauces and garnishes, and they're absolutely delicious!

Shinkansen journey to Himeji (approx. 35 minutes, free with your Japan Rail Pass). 

A symbol of the town and known as one of the most beautiful in Japan, Himeji's famous "White Heron Castle" can be seen as soon as you arrive by train. Located at the end of the wide Otemae-dori street, the keep overlooks the town. Built in the 14th century, this is one of the few Japanese castles that isn't a modern replica, and it is very well preserved. 

Continue on to Okayama (about 20 minutes, free with your Japan Rail Pass). Check in to your hotel between the station and the castle.

Take a stroll through the sumptuous Korakuen Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Japan. Spread over 14 hectares, it was completed in 1700. There are tea houses, large lakes, peaceful hills, maple forests, a few paths and waterfalls and even a lotus pond. Its name means 'garden of further rejoicing', referencing a quote from Confucius.

The castle, nicknamed 'Raven Castle', is famous for its rare black color. It's an excellent 1966 replica of the original version, the original plans having been copied for the reconstruction. 

Okayama is also home to a number of fascinating museums. The Prefectural Museum displays a variety of objects discovered in different areas of Okayama Prefecture, ranging from prehistoric artefacts to the Edo (1603-1868) and Meiji (1868-1912) periods. The art museum displays 2,000 works by famous artists from the prefecture. The Oriental Museum, on the other hand, focuses on art from the Near and Middle East.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Travel to the romantic town of Kurashiki, a 17-minute train ride from Okayama (included with your JR Pass).

Kurashiki, a former merchant town with willow-lined canals, is sure to delight you:
- The Bikan district, with its traditional storehouses now converted into charming shops and cafes
- The Ohara Museum, home to paintings by Monet, Matisse, Renoir and others
- The Folk Art Museum, dedicated to regional history

Return to Okayama at the end of the day.

Shinkansen train journey to Hiroshima (approx. 1 hour, covered by your Japan Rail Pass).

Check into the Hotel Intergate or similar 3* hotel.

- Visit the Peace park and Peace memorial, important sites in the country's history.

- Take in the Genbaku Dome, the only building to somewhat survive the atomic bomb that hit Hiroshima on 6 August, 1945.

- Discover the sumptuous castle and its park filled with cherry trees, before sampling one of Hiroshima's specialities: okonomiyaki!

A short 30-minute train and ferry ride to the island of Miyajima, where you can discover this little piece of island paradise nicknamed "the island of the gods".

You can admire Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its iconic large gate (ootorii) built into the sea.

Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and walk back down. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you! 

Don't miss Daisho-in Buddhist temple, nestling among the trees at the foot of Mount Misen. Hundreds of Buddhist statues can be seen all along the pavilions and paths.

In the late afternoon, head back to Hiroshima.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Return to the capital by Shinkansen train (approx. 3h45m)

Settle in to the OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or similar 3*hotel.

Take advantage of your afternoon to travel back to the future: 
- Yanaka, one of the few Tokyo neighborhoods where the old nostalgic Edo atmosphere still lingers
- Ueno, where the last samurai held out, and its park full of cherry trees and museums
- Akihabara, the electronic and manga district
- Odaiba, the futuristic entertainment island in Tokyo Bay

Take advantage of this last day to do your last-minute shopping, and start packing your bags.

Or if you prefer, you can take advantage of our many optional activities:
- Are you more into entertainment? Disneyland or Hello Kitty Land await!
- If you're more into themed activities, book a tour about architecture, Japanese gardens, home cooking or Noh theatre.
- If you're in the mood for a thrill, try a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (seasonal)!

Take a look at our "Activities in Tokyo" page for an overview of all our activities in the capital. You can book directly on our website.

Transfer to Haneda or Narita airport (included but not accompanied).

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops may be made before your arrival at the airport.

If you would prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private Taxi to Airport" option when booking. 

Return flight to your home country.

Or, don't hesitate to extend your trip, in Tokyo or elsewhere... Please get in touch and we can advise you!