Welcome! Upon arrival, we´ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of the tour.

Osaka Himeji Castle Okayama Korakuen Garden Okayama

Total distance covered: 190 km.

Scenery: Densely populated areas, major highways, with occasional sea views.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Osaka. We’ll head towards Osaka Bay.
09:45 a.m. – Himeji. Admission to the stunning Himeji Castle is included, a masterpiece of traditional Japanese castle architecture. After exploring the castle, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Note: If there are long queues at the castle, we recommend enjoying the beautiful surrounding gardens instead.

01:00 p.m. – Departure from Himeji.
02:30 p.m. – Okayama. We’ll visit Korakuen Garden, renowned as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, featuring lakes, waterfalls, and traditional teahouses. By crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Okayama Castle, a sixteenth-century Japanese fortification rebuilt in 1966 after being destroyed in a World War II bombing (visit inside the castle not included). Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city, an active provincial capital with just over 700,000 inhabitants.

05:30 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel for accommodation.

Note: On some dates, we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki. The visit to Kurashiki may take place on the same day in the afternoon.

Okayama - Kurashiki - Hiroshima - Itsukushima - Hiroshima

Total distance covered: 220 km.Scenery: Pleasant views and a serene boat trip to Miyajima.

08:00 a.m. - Departure from Okayama.
08:30 a.m. - Kurashiki. This charming city boasts a beautifully preserved historic center, where you’ll have time to stroll through its picturesque streets and soak in its old-world atmosphere.

10:00 a.m. - Departure from Kurashiki.
12:30 p.m. - Hiroshima. Arrival in this city, known worldwide for its tragic history as the site of the atomic bombing in 1945.
We’ll visit the Peace Memorial, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the poignant Peace Memorial Museum. We will continue then to the outskirts of the city to board a short 15-minute ferry ride to Miyajima, the island "where men and Gods coexist". From the pier, we will walk over to stand before the emblematic Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima, which rises out of the sea and stands as one of Japan´s most iconic images. You will have free time to visit Itsukushima Shrine, explore the island, and have lunch.

06:00 p.m. - Departure from Miyajima. We’ll take the ferry back and continue to Hiroshima. Dinner included.

Note: The order of visits in Hiroshima may vary without affecting the itinerary´s content.

Hiroshima - Matsuyama

Total distance covered: This stage will be completed by ferry, covering approximately 50 km.

Scenery: Fascinating views onboard as we pass by a multitude of islands.

Note: We recommend enjoying the journey from the deck; bring warm clothing.

Today, we’ll board a ferry to Shikoku Island, a pleasant journey of just over two and a half hours that offers insight into Japan, a nation composed of many islands. If there are no schedule changes, our ferry will depart at 09:20 a.m. (departure from the hotel at 08:00 a.m.).

12:00 p.m. – Matsuyama – arrival. We’ll take a cable car or chairlift to visit its impressive castle. Afterward, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a stunning Buddhist temple and important pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.

Note: We highly recommend experiencing Japan’s Onsen culture. There are specific customs that will be explained to you, such as gender-separated baths and the requirement to thoroughly clean yourself before entering the hot water naked. Please be aware that some Onsen facilities may deny entry to individuals with tattoos.

Matsuyama - Kotohira - Takamatsu - Naruto - Kobe

Total distance covered: 345 km

Scenery: Pleasant mountainous landscapes in some areas. Passage over large suspension bridges across the sea.

Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.

07:30 a.m. – Departure from Matsuyama.
10:00 a.m. – Kotohira. A picturesque pilgrimage town at the foot of Mount Zozu. Its famous 785-step staircase, lined with charming shops selling local handicrafts and regional products, leads up to Konpira-san, a historical Shinto shrine dedicated to the protection of sailors. If you prefer not to climb, the base of the mountain offers plenty of tourist activities and a small Sake museum (traditional Japanese rice liquor).

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Kotohira.
01:00 p.m. – Takamatsu. We’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

03:00 p.m. – Departure from Takamatsu.
04:15 p.m. – Naruto. We’ll stop at an impressive bridge that crosses the sea. Here, we’ll explore its fascinating construction and walk on its glass floor to admire the stunning sea whirlpools (visible depending on the schedule and tides) from 45 meters above.

05:15 p.m. – Departure from Naruto. Enjoy beautiful scenery as we cross large suspension bridges.
07:00 p.m. – Kobe. A modern city by the sea, where you’ll have the chance to stroll through its lively downtown area.

Kobe - Osaka

Total distance covered: 40 km

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a place dedicated to commemorating the tragic earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and showcasing its impressive reconstruction (on certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced with a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up the Kobe Tower).

10:30 a.m. – Departure from Kobe, continuing toward Osaka.
11:15 a.m. – Osaka. Welcome to Japan´s second-largest city.

 

Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories. Please check your flight time in case you require an additional night. While the departure transfer to the airport is not included, our guide will provide recommendations for the best public transportation options to suit your journey.