Itinerary - Japan 360°: discovering Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka

Roundtrip flights are not included so that you can choose where from, when and with whom you want to fly. All of that is up to you! Hotel check-in in Tokyo. We start this trip the best way possible: with food. We couldn’t be in a better place to try out something new and we can do that during our welcome dinner. Sushi, Ramen, and other traditional Japanese dishes will be on the menu, and we will be dining in a traditional Japanese restaurant where we can immerse ourselves in the local culture and cuisine. It will be a fantastic way to kick off our journey and get a taste of the delicious food that Japan has to offer.

We kick off our day early, with the sun rising, to make the most of our adventure. Our first destination is Kamakura, an ancient imperial city and one of the first capital cities of Japan. We'll explore a variety of temples and palaces, each one offering a glimpse into Kamakura's rich history. With luck on our side, and clear skies, we may even catch a glimpse of the iconic Mount Fuji. One of the highlights of our visit will be the Great Buddha, a magnificent statue that has stood the test of time, surviving numerous typhoons and even a tsunami that ravaged the temple surrounding it.

We head back to Tokyo by train and arrive refreshed and ready to explore more of the city's culture and history. We visit Ueno Park, one of the most significant parks in the city, home to many temples and shrines. The most notable is the Gojo Tenjinsha Shinto shrine, which can be reached by walking through a pathway lined with traditional red torii gates. Food is a fundamental part of any country's culture, and tonight's dinner is no exception. We immerse ourselves in the vibrant streets of Ameyoko Market, near Ueno Park, and sample various Japanese street foods, starting with the delicious takoyaki- golden fried balls filled with octopus, tempura scraps, ginger and onion. A true taste sensation!

The early morning is worth it as we embark on a journey aboard one of Japan's iconic bullet trains. Our destination is Kyoto, known for its rich history and beautiful temples. We'll experience the efficiency and punctuality of the Japanese railway system as we travel at high speeds and arrive at our destination in no time. Once in Kyoto, we'll immerse ourselves in the city's rich culture and history, visiting iconic temples and palaces that showcase the city's imperial past.

As we arrive in Kyoto in the afternoon, we'll check into our hotel and get ready to explore this beautiful city. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, Kyoto is one of the most picturesque cities in Japan. Our first stop will be the neighborhood of Kawaramachi, where we can stroll through the streets filled with shops and izakayas. These small restaurants are a great place for salarymen to grab a bite after work. After a stroll through the neighborhood, we'll head to Nishiki Market, a must-see destination for any food lover. Here, we'll find an array of street food stands offering a wide variety of Japanese delicacies such as sushi, sashimi, fresh fish, yakitori, gyoza and even sweet treats like melon pan and matcha-flavored ice-cream.

After satisfying our taste buds, we'll make our way to Gion, a famous neighborhood known for its traditional teahouses and geishas. As we walk through the streets, we'll have the chance to spot geishas dressed in their traditional attire, adding to the charming atmosphere of the neighborhood. The best time to visit Gion is at sunset, as the warm light casts a golden glow on the streets and buildings, making for a truly mesmerizing experience. We'll end our day with a traditional Japanese dinner in one of Gion's teahouses, where we can savor the flavors of Kyoto and the company of our fellow travelers.

Today, we delve deeper into the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto by visiting some of its most iconic and historic sites. We start by visiting the Kiyomizudera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning views and intricate architecture. Next, we head to the Yasaka Pagoda, a five-story pagoda that offers a panoramic view of the city. We then make our way to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a sacred Shinto shrine known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that lead up to the mountain's summit. As we walk through the torii gates, we can admire the beauty of the shrine and take in the breathtaking views of Kyoto from above.

After lunch, we head east to visit one of Japan's most iconic symbols: the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. The temple is covered in gold leaves that, when illuminated by sunlight, create a stunning reflection on the pond in front of it. In Japanese culture, gold symbolizes purification from negative thoughts, so we can expect to leave with clear and peaceful minds after visiting this beautiful site. We end the day at Ryoanji Temple, where we can stroll through the largest Zen garden in Japan. Have we found inner peace yet?

We spend the morning in Arashiyama, the neighborhood where we can get lost in the magical Bamboo Forest - a place that you may have seen on Instagram, it's probably one of the most photogenic places in Japan. To truly experience the magic of the forest, we'll be getting an early start and be there when the crowds are minimal. We'll have the opportunity to wander through the forest and park and then visit the Tenryuji Temple, one of the five Zen temples in Kyoto. It's the perfect way to start our day, surrounded by natural beauty and serenity.

n the afternoon, we have the option to take a leisurely stroll around the city and do some shopping or indulge in a traditional Japanese spa experience at an onsen. Throughout our stay in Kyoto, we may have noticed locals dressed in traditional attire such as kimonos for women and hakamas for men. If we choose to do so, we can also experience dressing up in traditional attire and immerse ourselves in the local culture for a truly unique evening.

We bid farewell to the picturesque city of Kyoto, where we have spent the past three days, and head to the train station for our next journey via bullet train. After a three hour ride, we arrive in Hiroshima and make our way to the port to board a ferry to Miyajima Island. A must-see attraction here is the iconic Great Torii, a free-standing gate situated in the sea that creates mesmerizing reflections on the water. We will take a leisurely stroll down the main street of the town, where we will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of street food options. Be mindful of the friendly, yet quite hungry, deer wandering around the area.

Today, we pay our respects to the tragic history of Hiroshima as we visit Memorial Park, a solemn reminder of the devastating effects of the first nuclear attack in human history. On August 6th, 1945, the city was destroyed and many lives were lost. As we walk through the park, we will come across various memorials and monuments that honour the victims of the bombing. We may also have the opportunity to hear from local guides who volunteer their time to keep the memory of this tragic event alive.

We board the Shinkansen once more and make our way to the city of Himeji, renowned for its iconic castle, which has stood for over 400 years and miraculously survived the bombings of World War II. We'll explore the city center and search for the perfect vantage point to capture a photo of the castle. A group selfie is a must at this iconic location!