A local English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you on arrival at Osaka airport.
He will accompany you to your hotel and answer all your questions about the country and its people.
specific features.

Take public transport from the start and travel to your hotel.
Once you are at the hotel, you can check in and drop off your bags, after which you will be asked to pick up your luggage.
If you wish, you can take the time to rest after this long journey, or you can take a walk in the park.
your first free steps in Osaka.

There are surprises waiting for you around every corner, so don't wait any longer!

Osaka is a very lively city, the 3rd most populated in Japan, with hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafés.
sanctuaries and temples, as well as a magnificent castle. Its notoriously sulphurous Dotonbori district
world-famous for its multicoloured billboards, karaoke, arcades and street food
varied and delicious.

Osaka is also a gourmet's paradise. The region itself offers a number of specialities
such as okonomiyaki, shabu shabu, takoyaki and square sushi.

Lunch and dinner on your own.

Overnight at the Intergate Osaka Umeda hotel

Breakfast included at the hotel.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and leave to catch your train at Shin-Osaka station.

Board the train for Himeji.

A small town in Hyogo Prefecture, in the Kansai region, 60 kilometres west of Paris.
Kobe.

Visit its splendid, recently renovated white castle, famous for being one of the last twelve in France.
the archipelago's most popular tourist destination.

Go to the station and take the high-speed train to Kyoto.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Visit the astonishing Kiyomizu-dera temple, "The Temple of Clear Water", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
the Unesco World Heritage site, is balanced on 139 wooden stilts, offering a superb view of the city and its surroundings.
mountainous and green.

Transfer to your hotel, check-in and dinner on your own.

Overnight at the Mercure Kyoto Station hotel.

Breakfast included at the hotel.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Today, explore Kyoto and the surrounding area.
To start the day, head off along a green path to the Arashiyama bamboo grove.
which runs alongside Tenryu-ji temple and leads to confidential Kyoto.

The superb bamboos will impress you with their size and the noise they make as they grow.
colliding.
A moment of poetry awaits you on this unusual walk!

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Attending a delicate tea ceremony lasts a total of one hour. The ceremony itself lasts
for about a quarter of an hour, then you prepare and enjoy the beverage accompanied by a delicious
traditional Japanese pastry.
Continue on to the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-Ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reflecting in the dark waters of the pond on which it delicately rests, leaning against the verdant
On Mount Kinugasa, the flamboyant Kinkaku-ji, covered in gold leaf, stands out against its natural backdrop.
It is one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Kyoto and one of the most emblematic in Japan. And for
This is because its majestic main building, known as Shari-den, is... a pavilion covered with
gold leaf.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the Mercure Kyoto Station hotel.

Breakfast included at the hotel.

Departure by train for Nara. You will set off for a walk in the large park in the town of Nara, the former capital of Japan, famous for its shika deer.

It's very easy to get close to them and they're bound to tease you and search your bags. Enough to make
some rather amusing photos. Feeding them is not recommended, but they know how to endear themselves to visitors. Visit
Japanese people have got into the habit of greeting them, and some fallow deer will bow to you to say hello.
ask nicely for some biscuits.

More than 1,000 deer roam freely around the town. You
you'll find them in the aisles of shops, and some even lie down in the middle of the road to
a little nap.

Visit the great Todai-ji temple, home to the Daibutsu-den building, the largest of its kind in the world.
wooden building in the world and home to a monumental Great Buddha of Nara.

You will discover the Kasuga Taisha sanctuary with its vermilion-red lacquered buildings, a
a striking and beautiful contrast with the surrounding vegetation. It is renowned for its 3,000
lanterns donated by the faithful over the centuries.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

The old trading district of Naramachi, halfway between the station and the park, is a pleasant place to visit.
walk.
Around Gango-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a maze of picturesque narrow streets and
The peaceful streets evoke the popular atmosphere of the Edo period. The old traditional wooden houses are
They were used as workshops, shops, restaurants and homes. Some of the
masters can be visited, such as the Naramachi Koshi no ie machiya, giving you an inside view of
the layout of a typical Nara residence: low facade with tiled roof, windows protected by
a wooden trellis, a full-length interior opening on to a small garden and a shed at the rear.

Return by train to Kyoto at the end of the day.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the Mercure Kyoto Station hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day.

The city of Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the most charming in the country.
It boasts an exceptional heritage, with many of its buildings listed as World Heritage Sites.
such as the Fushimi Inari sanctuary and its many torii, or the traditional district of
Gion. Discover the Nishiki market with around 130 vendors.
Stroll through the streets of Kyoto and witness ancient traditions, dazzling architecture and a wide range of activities.
magnificent parks. The sanctuaries and temples of Japan's ancient capital will transport you back in time.
and you may be lucky enough to come across a Geiko.

Lunch and dinner on your own.

Overnight at the Mercure Kyoto Station hotel.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION :

Option 1: Cooking class, preparation of Izakaya: Exploring the characteristic dishes of the cuisine
izakaya, you can discover a variety of flavours and textures, from crispy gyoza to
from soft takoyaki to delicately fried tempura. Each dish tells a story of
tradition and creativity, offering a unique culinary experience. Acquire essential skills
of Japanese cuisine, such as preparing sushi rice with the right texture and cutting it to size.
ingredients to ensure an elegant presentation.

Option 2: Sake discovery: Discovering Kyoto's sake brewery is a sensory adventure
a captivating exhibition that immerses visitors in the age-old art of Japanese sake-making. Nestling in the
picturesque streets of this former imperial capital, this brewery exudes the very essence of the
tradition and innovation.

Option 3: Become a samurai: Discover the authenticity of historical Japanese dress in yourself
A day to remember in samurai style. Located close to the temples
emblematic Kodaiji and Kiyomizu-dera, our shop offers easy access and great shopping opportunities.
unique photos. With a complete set including kimono, obi and sandals, your experience is a truly unique one.
hassle-free.

Breakfast included at the hotel.

Leave your hotel in the morning for Kyoto Station. Take a high-speed train to
Nagoya, then an express train from Nagoya to Takayama.

Bento lunch on board.
Welcome to Takayama.

Takayama was once a bustling hub, attracting skilled craftsmen, farmers and other professionals.
and merchants from all over the region. Today, Sanmachi and Oshinmachi are preserving the aesthetics
of that era. As you enter this district, you'll find the closest thing you can get to the era
Edo in real life. When you enter this district, you're entering the closest you'll get to
Edo period, when it was calm and free from conflict.
Visit Takayama Jinya temple, the only remaining vestige of a daikan/gundai post in Japan, for
an immersion in the atmosphere of the Edo era. This place, called Takayama Jinya, is the former home
of the provincial governor (the daimyô). In this region of abundant wealth, the shogunate
in 1692, sent a representative

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the Mercure Hida Takayama hotel

Breakfast included at the hotel.

Transfer from Kanazawa to Shirakawago using the public bus.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Take a stroll with your guide through the narrow streets of the town. Shirakawago is famous for its houses
with steep thatched roofs.
Shirakawa-go is located in the north of Gifu prefecture, quite a long way from urban life, and has managed to retain its authenticity.
and its beauty of yesteryear even with modernity. Atypical and singular, this village has a unique architecture.
that have endured for years. Typically small houses
Japanese style, steep thatched roofs, even without nails, these habitats withstand heavy snowfalls.
As a result, Shirakawa-go has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the year
1995.

A visit to this rural corner of Japan will take you back in time.

Return to Takayama by bus and transfer to your hotel.

Dinner on your own

Overnight at the Mercure Hida Takayama hotel

Breakfast included at the hotel.

Free morning at your leisure to enjoy Takayama once again.

In the late morning, head for the station and take the train to Gero Onsen.

Lunch in a local restaurant.
Check-in at the hotel.

A day of relaxation before heading off to the lively streets of Gero Onsen.
The town of Gero Onsen has been renowned throughout Japan for over 1000 years. This charming town
The thermal spa welcomes you and offers you a new kind of relaxation. Let yourself be tempted by the foot baths, the
or even try out the city's oldest bath, which has been in existence for 700 years.
You can also visit the morning market, the museum retracing the city's history, and the temples.
surrounding areas.

Dinner at the ryokan.

Overnight at Ryokan Suimeikan.

Breakfast included at the hotel.

Enjoy a final moment of relaxation in a thermal bath before catching the train to Tokyo
around 10.00 am.
Train from Gero Onsen to Nagoya, then train from Nagoya to Tokyo.

The Tokyo region is Japan's most populous and home to the capital of the same name. Also the capital
economic, political and cultural, it is the world's largest megalopolis. It is located on the Bay of
Tokyo opening onto the Pacific Ocean.
Bento lunch.
Arrive at Tokyo Station in the early afternoon and transfer by public transport to your hotel.
hotel and installation.
Visit the Meiji jingu sanctuary, impressive for its sobriety and elegance,
is one of Japan's most famous places of worship. Many ceremonies and events are held there
organised throughout the year.
Your day ends with a visit to the Harajuku district and its famous temple, along the avenue
The 400-metre-long pedestrian mall is the symbol of this eccentric district. Fashion boutiques alternate with
teahouses, while young Japanese in cosplay parade quietly by for all the fun.
change of scenery.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi hotel.

Breakfast included at the hotel.

Start your visit to Tokyo with the famous Hamarikyu Garden. This 25-hectare garden, in the heart of
at the heart of the capital, overlooking Tokyo Bay, is exceptionally beautiful.

Take a stroll around Lake Shinori no Ike, and pass by the Nakajima tea house.
Take a stroll around Odaiba, an artificial island that offers visitors a taste of the future and a chance to see what the future holds.
wide range of entertainment.
Children (and grown-ups) love the Joypolis theme park, dedicated to SEGA video games,
as well as Palette Town, which offers a wide range of activities: bowling, karaoke, purikuras, etc.
(funny photomatons)...

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Then head to the heart of the Asakusa district, along the River Sumida. Senso-ji temple
dedicated to the deity Kannon and its adjoining shopping street are its focal point.
attraction.
Take a walk there, away from the clichés, and push open the doors of the Asakusa district, the historic centre of the city.
capital, and breathe in the old-world charm of a forgotten Tokyo.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, you will be transferred to Kamakura, where you will begin with a visit to the temple.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
It is said that several hundred of the clan's warriors committed suicide in this temple following a
severe defeat in the wars against the Taira clan, which led to the establishment of the shogunate.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

You continue the day with a visit to Kotokuin Temple, a Buddhist temple of the Jōdo shū located
in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
The temple is famous for its "Great Buddha", a monumental bronze statue of Amitābha.
Buddha, one of Japan's most famous icons.
You continue on to the Hase Dera temple, located in the wooded hills above the city of Kamakura, Hase-
Dera is a Buddhist temple of the Jodo school.

Return to Tokyo at the end of the day.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi hotel.

Breakfast included at the hotel.

Free day to enjoy Tokyo at your leisure.

Tokyo is a multi-faceted city, a blend of tradition and modernity, and a good example of eccentricity.
of the Japanese. Each district has its own treasures to offer.
Take a stroll through Ueno Park, Tokyo's favourite place for a stroll.
museums as well as beautiful temples and sanctuaries.
Discover Akihabara, which has become the capital of otaku, virtual culture enthusiasts.
a diversion for its non-stop entertainment, its neon lights and its maid cafés, where you will be served by
young girls dressed as manga characters.
Take a stroll through Yoyogi Park, where Tokyoites gather to recharge their batteries, away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.
in the capital.

Lunch and dinner on your own.

Overnight at the Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi hotel.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION :

Option 1: Sushi course: In a sushi course in Tokyo, you will learn how to prepare sushi and
traditional makis. You'll discover the essential ingredients and learn how to prepare sushi rice,
cut ingredients correctly and assemble sushi with precision. Finally, you'll master
the art of presentation for sushi that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Option 2: Manga drawing lesson. Course in English: Take part in a manga drawing lesson at
Tokyo to explore the dynamic and captivating art of Japanese comics. Under the direction of
local expert, you will learn the basic techniques of manga drawing, from character traits to
facial expressions to the creation of striking backgrounds. Immerse yourself in the colourful world of
and leave with your own original creations to immortalise your day.
experience.

Option 3: Samurai Experience: Immerse yourself in the world of the samurai with an immersive experience at
Tokyo. Put on authentic Japanese warrior costumes and feel the power and nobility of the Japanese people.
of this ancient art of combat. Under the tutelage of experienced fencing masters, learn the techniques of this ancient art.
katana handling during a sword lesson. Experience the history and tradition of the samurai as
and leave with unforgettable memories of your trip to Tokyo.

Option 4: Yakatabune cruise: Embark on a Yakatabune cruise in Tokyo for an unforgettable experience.
authentic experience on the waters of the bay. Enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline
while savouring delicious Japanese cuisine prepared on board, all in a unique atmosphere.
elegant and traditional. A memorable getaway that combines traditional charm with modern comforts.

Breakfast included at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport depending on your international flight time.

Our teams would like to thank you for this incredible trip, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
adventures.

お元気でお過ごしください
Ogenki de o-sugoshi kudasai