Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
9 days, Osaka to Tokyo
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 1Osaka
Arrive at any time.
We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience this lively city.
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.
Day 2Osaka/Kōyasan
Depart early and travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Watch the monks pray in the morning.
Journey to Mt Koya, a religious centre founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The train ride up the mountain is possibly one of the finest rail journeys in Japan. For the final steep ascent, switch to funicular and then hop on a bus to reach the monastery.
In the evening, dine on shojin-ryori, typical vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata, or kimono.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple
During the overnight stay in the mountain temple, witness the routines of the monks and dine on typical fare. Explore the temples and moss covered Oku-no-in cemetery in the afternoon. In the evening, savour the shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata or kimono. Early morning at the temple offers the chance to observe the monks praying, before a vegetarian breakfast. Breathe the fresh mountain air and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
Oku-no-in Cemetery Visit
Oku-no-in is the most sacred site in Koyasan and the location of the mausoleum for Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The area is surrounded by a massive cemetery, the largest in Japan. With over 200,000 tombstones lining the almost 2km path to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, there is plenty of area to explore. Be sure to see Torodo Hall (Hall of Lamps), the main place of worship, where more than 10,000 lanterns are kept burning day and night.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 3Kōyasan/Hiroshima
Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast before travelling to Hiroshima.
Early morning offers the chance to observe the monks praying. Breathe in some fresh mountain air before a vegetarian breakfast, then start the journey back down the mountain via bus, train and funicular.
Later, board a train to Hiroshima, a historically significant city, marked by the explosion of the first atomic bomb in 1945.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Free Time
Explore the city with a free evening.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Hiroshima
Take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen.
Please note the floating Torii Gate will be under construction from June 2019 to August 2020.
Hiroshima Park and Peace Memorial
Walk 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.
Ferry
Hop a ferry to reach the island and journey back in the evening.
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
Free time on Miyajima Island to make the most of this beautiful location.
Optional Activities - Day 4 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.
Day 5Hiroshima/Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto and start exploring. Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine.
Visit zen gardens and pavillions, and the Gion area in the evening. WIth plenty of time to explore, opt to visit museums, palaces, temples, zen gardens, and restaurants.
Take long walks along the river, through the Inari Gates, or along the Philosopher's path to Nanzen-ji. Stroll around Gion, catch a traditional tea ceremony, get a fantastic meal, and see locals dressed in traditional kimono.
Please note the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle will be closed from Dec 26-Jan 3. Groups travelling during this time will visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit
Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.
Free Time
Explore as much as you can in Kyoto.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Philosopher's Walk
FreeThis stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. These trees come to life during a period known as "Hanami", generally from the end of March to early May. Their iconic pink blossoms are one of the most famous symbols of Japan.
Day 6Kyoto
Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens along with the famous Kinaku-ji Golden Pavilion, and practice meditation in Daisen-in's Zen rock garden.
Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit
Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both.
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit
Explore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view.
Daisen-in Zen Rock Garden Visit
Take a walk through the gardens around Daisen-in Temple. This zen garden uses gravel, sand and stones to recreate a river and ocean, symbolizing the Buddhist journey through life.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji
500JPY per personThe Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond.
Philosopher's Walk
FreeThis stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. These trees come to life during a period known as "Hanami", generally from the end of March to early May. Their iconic pink blossoms are one of the most famous symbols of Japan.
Day 7Kyoto/Hakone
Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a stay in traditional ryokan accommodation, feast on a Japanese multi-course kaiseki meal, soak in the natural hot springs, and sleep on a futon.
Travel to Hakone, a town in the hills famous for its onsens, or natural hot springs.
In the evening, enjoy savouring a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, followed by a recommended soak in the onsen.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Lake Ashino-ko Boat Ride
Hop aboard a passenger boat to cruise the waters of Lake Ashinoko. If you are lucky, on a clear day you can capture a view of
Mt Fuji. The lake was formed from the caldera of Mt Hakone following its eruption 3000 years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
Traditional Kaiseki Meal
Savour a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, then finish the day with a soak in the onsen.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 8Hakone/Tokyo
Head to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping.
Arrive before noon to Tokyo, with time to explore this energetic metropolis.
Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Free Time
With so much to do, start exploring now.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Ginza Shopping
FreeThe Ginza district is Tokyo’s equivalent of Fifth Avenue in New York. Window shop at Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, then check out the latest electronics at the Sony showroom or Apple store. Visit the Wako department store with its historic clock tower, housed in a building that dates back to 1894. If you are there on a weekend, head to Ginza’s main street where pedestrians rule without Tokyo’s traffic.
Akihabara Visit
FreeTokyo's Akihabara district is a cultural centre and shopping district for video games, anime, manga, and electronics.
Imperial Palace East Gardens Walk
FreeThe Imperial Palace in Tokyo’s city centre is home to Japan’s Emperor and Empress. It is surrounded by a moat and three gardens, all open to the public. Stroll throughout the grounds, admire the azaleas and hydrangeas (when in season), discover the original stone wall that surrounded the palace back in 17th to 19th centuries during the days when samurai warriors defended the ruler. Visit nearby Sannomaru-Shozo-kan museum and see exquisite kimonos and Japanese paintings.
Harajuku Visit
FreeThe Harajuku district is known as the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Here, find dozens of shopping and dining options including independent boutiques and larger international luxury stores.
Ueno Park Visit
FreeAs Japan's most popular city park, Ueno is known for its museums and cherry blossoms. Stroll the pathways, admire the thousands of trees, including approximately 800 Somei-yoshino cherry trees, look for lotus on the pond, or opt to visit the temples and museums (entrance fees).
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Tokyo
Depart at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.