Japan: Castles & Cuisine
6 days, Kyoto to Osaka
Itinerary Notes
Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards
All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.
We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1Kyoto
Arrive at any time and welcome to Japan's imperial city and spiritual heart.
For your first night out, immerse yourself in the evening serenity of Kyoto with your fellow travellers and CEO.
We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience this metropolis.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Tune Stay Kyoto (or similar)
Day 2Kyoto/Hiroshima
Board a bullet train and travel to Hiroshima, known for its tragic history, powerful survival, and so much more. Opt to visit the Peace Park and Museum, Shukkei-en traditional Japanese garden, or Hiroshima Castle.
Free Time
Get out and explore this historic city.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Hiroshima Park and Peace Memorial
Free-200JPY per personWalk through the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima, a living memorial dedicated to the tens of thousands who died from the atomic bomb blast in 1945. Visit the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of the bomb blast, despite folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to appeal to the gods to make her well. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the sole building to withstand the explosion. Reflect, remember, and be reminded of the power we all hold to create peace.
Accommodation
We Base Hiroshima (or similar)
Day 3Hiroshima
Take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate and meet the friendly local deer. Opt to go for an easy hike around Mt Misen, and be sure to sample some oysters – a regional specialty.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Miyajima Island Visit
Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Free Time
Spend free time however you choose. Opt to hike, try the region's famed oysters, or check out the local temples.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Mt. Misen Visit
Free-1840JPY per personSet out for the summit of Mt. Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak at 500m (1,640 ft) above sea level. Opt to hike one of three trails through the forest and keep an eye out for wild deer or catch a ride on the ropeway and walk the remaining distance to the top. Take in great views of the Seto Inland Sea and on a clear day see as far as the city of Hiroshima.
Accommodation
We Base Hiroshima (or similar)
Day 4Hiroshima/Osaka
Catch a train to Osaka, one of Japan's culinary capitals with lots of neon lights and an outstanding nightlife. With free time, spend the afternoon exploring this diverse city with heaps to offer, including Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi shopping street, and the Dotombori Bridge. Be sure to try takoyaki, the city's famous octopus snack, or share a group meal of kushikatsu.
Free Time
Get to know this vibrant city and be sure to sample some local eats like takoyaki or yakitori.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Instant Ramen Museum Visit
Explore the Instant Ramen Museum and learn about this culinary phenomenon. Create your own unique cup of instant noodles to take home.
Osaka Castle Park
FreeExplore this scenic park – complete with a shrine, fish pond, moat, and castle. Opt to pay the entrance fee to enter the castle, explore the small museum inside, and look out over the city below.
Accommodation
Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel (or similar)
Day 5Osaka
Get to know this captivating city with a day to freely explore. Check out the ramen museum or browse Umeda's many shops. Get ready to experience Osaka's buzzing nightlife on a final night out with your new friends. Grab a drink and reminisce the night away!
Free Time
Continue exploring this vibrant city and be sure to experience the energy after dark on a final night out with the group.
Your Big Night Out Moment:
Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Osaka. Follow your CEO to the best spot and enjoy a drink if you wish. Reminisce about all the life-changing adventures you've just shared with newfound friends (and add tonight to the list)!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Instant Ramen Museum Visit
Explore the Instant Ramen Museum and learn about this culinary phenomenon. Create your own unique cup of instant noodles to take home.
Osaka Castle Park
FreeExplore this scenic park – complete with a shrine, fish pond, moat, and castle. Opt to pay the entrance fee to enter the castle, explore the small museum inside, and look out over the city below.
Accommodation
Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel (or similar)
Day 6Osaka
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share some last laughs and exchange social medias with your fellow travellers before departing at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.