Japan from Tokyo to Kyoto via the Inland Sea
Tokyo, Hiroshima and Miyajima, Shikoku onsen towns, Mount Koya, and Kyoto.
About This Journey
A west-running route that leaves the usual Tokyo to Kyoto corridor and crosses the Inland Sea. After two days in Tokyo you take the bullet train to Hiroshima for the Peace Memorial and the floating shrine at Miyajima, then ferry to Shikoku for Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama castle.
The return leg passes Kotohira shrine, Ritsurin Garden, and the Naruto whirlpool bridge before Kobe, then climbs to the temple settlement of Mount Koya for a night among working monasteries. Kyoto closes the trip. Bullet train and ferry tickets, metro passes, and a professional guide are included throughout.
Day by Day
Tokyo arrival
Arrive at Narita and transfer to your Tokyo hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in before touring begins.
Tokyo city
Guided tour across Tokyo, ending with an evening transfer to Shinjuku for the neon streets, food alleys, and department store district.
Tokyo to Hiroshima
Take the bullet train west to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum and park, then ferry across to Miyajima for the floating torii gate and Itsukushima shrine.
Hiroshima to Matsuyama
Ferry across the Inland Sea to Matsuyama on Shikoku. Visit Ishiteji Temple, ride the funicular up to Matsuyama Castle, and soak at Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan.
Kotohira, Ritsurin and Kobe
Travel east via the Shinto shrine at Kotohira and the landscaped Ritsurin Garden, then cross the Naruto Bridge over the whirlpool straits and continue to Kobe.
Kobe to Mount Koya
Visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum in Kobe, then climb to the monastery settlement of Mount Koya. Walk the Okuno-in mausoleum grounds, visit Kongobuji Temple, and join an Ajikan or Zazen meditation session.
Mount Koya to Kyoto
Descend to Kyoto for Fushimi Inari and its gate corridor, the Imperial Palace grounds, and Kinkaku-ji the golden pavilion, with an evening transfer to the traditional quarter of Gion.
Kyoto departure
Transfer to Kansai International Airport for your onward flight, with timing set around your departure.
What's Included
Included in the Price
- Accommodation
- Meals (as per itinerary)
- Transfers & Transportation
- Expert Guides
- Domestic/International Flights
- Activities & Entrance Fees
- 24/7 On-ground Support
Not Included
- Japan visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees not named in the inclusions
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not specified in the itinerary, and any meals on board flights
- Early check-in, late checkout, and seat allocation on flights
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