Tsubosaka-dera Temple
@Japan Experience
Akame 48 Waterfalls
@Japan Experience
Tsubosaka-dera Temple and its statues
@Japan Experience
Tea fields, Wazuka
@Japan Experience
The Japan of Old
- Duration : 3 days
- Locations : South of Kyoto, Kansai Region
This three-day excursion by car will take you to little-known sites that are nonetheless classified as treasures by UNESCO. You will trace the origins of Japanese Buddhism to a time when capitals were abandoned after the death of each emperor.
You will spend the night in an awe-inspring temple, an unlikely haven of tranqullity in the heart of a sprawling urban area. You'll travel along cliff roads with views stretching as far as the ocean, and others through the lovely scenery of the Japanese countryside.
You'll spend your second night in a traditional inn surrounded by wild nature, where you'll sample excellent local cuisine and the incomparable pleasure of the Japanese baths.
A short hike leads to impressive waterfalls, or you can try your hand at ninjutsu training in the nearby fiefdom of one of the two major clans practicing this art. A feudal castle, one last legendary temple and you're back in Kyoto.
3 days / 2 nights road trip itinerary throughout the Kii Peninsula
- Departure city : Kyoto
- Uji
- Asuka
- Iga
- Return city : Kyoto
Please find detailed itinerary information below.
Departure from Kyoto at 8AM on day 1 and return around 6AM on day 3.
IMPORTANT: If your driving license was issued in France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, or Taiwan, it is not valid in Japan, so you will need a certified Japanese translation, available in option.
Why choose this excursion to Japan ?
- Discover prestigious sites off the beaten tracks.
- Ride through magnificent countryside and hike in the heart of nature.
- Experience traditional Japanese inn and monastery and their inimitable comfort.
- Learn the true story of the 'ninjas’ beyond the legend.
- Many recommendations available in your digital travel guidebook.
Your excursion in detail
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tea fields and hidden temple
Fuel up with your rental car and follow the precise directions on your GPS as you leave Kyoto. Your first stop is the car park of an ancient temple, boasting the oldest buildings in the former capital.
After soaking in its history, another marvel awaits in a charming town nestled near a rushing river at the foot of majestic mountains. Enjoy lunch here after your visit at one of the many restaurants lining the pedestrian street leading to the temple.
You will then drive through the countryside on a narrow road and, after a small pass, you will be able to admire the rows of terraced tea fields as you stroll along or drink tea on the terrace of a charming, panoramic café. Then it's back on the road for the longest journey of the day.
Drive through the modern city and over a small pass to reach a scenic overlook of Osaka. Finally, you'll arrive at a complex of vermilion temples along a maze of staircases set in the greenery of a mountain. A striking attraction that must be seen to be believed!
You will spend a night in one of these temples and enjoy a traditional vegetarian meal known as 'shôjin ryôri', the refined vegetarian cuisine of the Japanese monks.
Day 2 : The Origins of Buddhism
The more courageous can attend the fire ceremony and morning prayer at 5am before breakfast. Next, we visit a temple with the world's oldest wooden building and the famous Kudara Kannon statue, which was displayed at the Louvre Museum in 1997.
Venture into the peaceful countryside to see a second extraordinary statue, the oldest known bronze Buddha statue in Japan.
You can have lunch in this pictureesque, unspoilt village and visit another temple on foot, one that apparently had inspired the author of a famous manga and also houses a huge mud statue dating from the 8th century.
Admire a third monumental statue in a mountain temple before driving through a forested valley to reach the gorges. Your traditional Japanese inn or ryôkan will welcome you with its hot baths and excellent local cuisine.
Day 3 : Waterfalls and ninjutsu
After a hearty Japanese breakfast, you're off for a short hike of around 2 hours and a half along a well-marked path that takes you upstream along the river. Discover a series of impressive waterfalls, some as high as 30 meters, cascading into crystal-clear pools.
See the biodiversity of Japan's waterways, including the giant salamander, at the aquarium near the trailhead. Youngsters may prefer (reservation required) to learn the techniques of ninjutsu with an experienced instructor.
Visit the town and castle of a famous samurai clan known for its ninja warriors. The castle features impressive walls from the feudal era and a collection of armour. At the far end of the park, a ninja warrior's house has been rebuilt, complete with traps and where you can watch a demonstration that should delight young and old alike.
On the way back to Kyoto, we suggest you visit a lesser-known temple located on the shores of Lake Biwa.
Accommodations
- 1 night in a traditional Japanese shukubô (temple-lodging)
- 1 night in a 3-star Japanese traditional inn
The base rate includes a twin room.
Transportation
- 3-day car rental starting from Kyoto Station
Visits & meals
- All breakfasts and dinners are included
Included in your self-guided excursion
Other services
- 7/7 telephone assistance in English and Japanese
- Complete digital travel diary before your departure
Not included in the price of your excursion
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses, including lunches (you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack)
- Entrance fees to museums, gardens or temples
- Access to internet (with a e-SIM card, available in option)
- Everything not included in the "Included in your excursion" section
Other services
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