Rural Japan
Independent Tour
Explore some of the rural and lesser visited areas on this tour. From the cities of Kyoto and Hiroshima, you’ll also travel to Takamatsu, Iya Valley and Himeji which are often overlooked by other tours. There is time to relax, enjoy the culture, peaceful surroundings and hot springs. This tour is perhaps best suited to returning visitors to Japan.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
Day 1 : Kyoto
On arrival you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Kyoto, check in for your 3-night stay.
Day 2 : Kyoto
Enjoy a full day with a local guide using local transport passes for a more immersive tour. First stop is the Arashiyama area, located at the base of the Western mountains and one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing districts. Begin by visiting Tenryu-ji Temple Garden, ranked first of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto. Enjoy the garden’s fine blend of aristocratic tradition and Zen culture, displaying the beauty of the four seasons in its design. Next, head to Daikaku-ji Temple, once the site of an Imperial villa but converted into a temple in 876. Then, to Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, arguably the most popular temple in Kyoto. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the famed “Golden Pavilion,” is an iconic symbol of Kyoto, rising above its reflecting pond like an apparition. Ginkaku-ji Temple has magnificent halls and gardens, with a tremendous viewpoint over the entire temple compound.
Day 3 : Kyoto
A half day private tour today introduces the secrets of Zen meditation and the ancient traditions of Japanese Buddhism. A Zen monk will guide you through the process of quieting your mind and relaxing your body to achieve a state of meditation known as Zazen. Afterwards, enjoy a soothing cup of traditional matcha green tea and seasonal Japanese confectionery before heading out on a short walk to the Tofukuji Temple. Visit the head priests former living quarters, known as the hojo, and visit the Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall. Finally, make your way to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its tori gates. The Fushimi Inari shrine was used in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha and is the perfect place for taking iconic Japanese photographs.
Day 4 : Hiroshima
Board your first bullet train today to Hiroshima for a 2-night stay. On arrival, meet your guide who will take you to The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, located at the centre of Hiroshima City. The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past. Get a bird’s eye view of the Peace Park from the new Orizuru Tower.
Day 5 : Hiroshima and Miyajima
Meet your guide for your full day tour to explore mystical Miyajima Island, with the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima 'floating' shrine and giant torii gate in the water. Take the cable car up to Mount Misen at the centre of the island for majestic views back over the Seto Inland Sea towards Hiroshima. Hiroshima Streetcar passes are also included.
Day 6 : Matsuyama
A transfer today takes you to Hiroshima Harbour Pier, where you board the ferry to Matsuyama. Enjoy the sights as you sail on the 2 ½ hour journey (ferry cost not included, only payable at the ferry terminal). On arrival in Matsuyama, check in for a 1-night stay.
Day 7 : Takamatsu
Your next train journey brings you to Takamatsu, famous for gardens, castles, udon, islands, port, history, art, festivals, mountains and culture. Check in for a 2-night stay.
Day 8 : Naoshima and Takamatsu
Enjoy a full day to with a local guide and travel off the beaten track to Naoshima, an island in the Seto Inland Sea that is known for its modern art museum, architecture and sculptures. The main draw for the island is it’s installations and sculptures, giving it the title of Art Island. Included in your visit are the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House Museum.
Day 9 : Iya Valley
A private transfer today will take you to Iya Valley for a special stay at Iya Onsen Hotel. Enjoy 2 nights in this secluded region, in a steep-sided valley, surrounded by layered mountains extending in the distance. The perfect location for soaking up the beauty of Iya's natural surroundings.
Day 10 : Iya Valley
A free day to relax.
Day 11 : Himeji
A private transfer takes you to Okayama Station to join your bullet train to Himeji, known first and foremost for its castle. A UNESCO World Heritage site that is widely considered to be one of Japan's most beautiful and well-preserved castles.
Day 12 : Koya-San
Travel by rail today to Koya-san (via Gokurakubashi). On arrival check into your unique accommodation at Eko-in, This an unforgettable stay experience in a Buddhist temple. Koya-san Eko-in offers Japanese-style accommodation with a beautiful garden and Syojin cuisine in your room. Have a pleasant stay in the quaint old temple which is different from a ryokan or a hotel. Guests are free to attend Buddhist morning services, the Goma fire ritual and meditation.
Day 13 : Osaka
After an unforgettable stay, return to Osaka by rail and check in for a 2-night stay.
Day 14 : Osaka
Enjoy a half day tour with a local guide using public transport and an included 1-day pass. Begin with a visit to Osaka castle, built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo (now known as Tokyo). Next is Umeda Sky Building and the observatory for breathtaking sights. Here, not only can you see all of Osaka but also as far away as Awaji Island. The basement of the building houses the Takimi-Koji gourmet street with images of Osaka from the 1920s. You may wish to stroll around before finishing your day.
Day 15 : Departure
Your package ends with the check out from your hotel and a private transfer to the airport.
