Tokyo to Okinawa beaches

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Welcome after customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.

Check in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

What to do in Tokyo on your first day

We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly by visiting the following districts:
- Harajuku, the trendy youth fashion district 
- Meiji Jingu, the imperial shrine
- Takeshita-Dori, a must-see street in the capital 
- Omotesando, a tree-lined avenue often called Tokyo's Champs-Élysées 
- Shibuya and its iconic crossing

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

End your day in style with an evening stroll through Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most important districts. Meet your guide at 7pm for an unique walk lasting around 2 hours, during which you will pass through Kabukicho and Golden Gai, among others. More details on the exact day and meeting place are in your travel diary.

For this second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".

Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then head off to visit :
- Ginza, Tokyo's high-end shopping district
- Tsukiji, the small outdoor seafood market 
- Hama-rikyu, the Japanese garden amid Tokyo's tell buildings 
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river 
- Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital 
- Tokyo Sky Tree, 643 metres high, with its incredible views of Tokyo at sunset.

Between Hama-rikyu Garden and Asakusa, why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River ?

There are still so many places to discover depending on your interests! Ueno, Yanaka, Odaiba...

Don't hesitate to book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to explore Tokyo off the beaten path!

Make the most of our many optional activities:
- Are you looking more for fun? Ghibli Museum, Disneyland or Hello Kitty Land are waiting for you!
- Do you prefer a themed activity? Book an architecture tour, Japanese garden tour, home cooking session or Noh theatre tickets.
- Chasing thrills? Try a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)!

In the morning, we advise you to send your luggage to your hotel in Kyoto (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Hakone.

Go to Shinjuku station to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train for Hakone Yumoto (1h30m journey, details in your travel guide, included in your package). The train leaves the Japanese megalopolis and gradually winds its way through the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Hakone in the late morning. Reach Ichinoyu Shinkan ryokan or equivalent to drop off your small bag and explore the region.

You'll be charmed by the beautiful scenery of this spa resort, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (on a clear day!). Not forgetting the Owakudani volcanic site, accessible by cable car. All transport (train, bus, cable car and funicular) is included in your package. If you wish to be accompanied during this day, one of our English-speaking guides can help reveal the secrets of the Mount Fuji region (optional).

Come back to your ryokan at the end of the afternoon, as your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you at around 6.30pm, before enjoying a Japanese-style night!

More details below on the features of the night in a ryokan.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

Head to Hakone Yumoto station and then Odawara station to board one of the fastest trains in the world : the Shinkansen ! Shinkansen journey to Kyoto (direct, approx. 2h, included in your package). We'll do our best to reserve seats for you so you can get a last look at Mount Fuji at the very beginning of the journey!

From noon onwards, you can settle into your traditional Japan Experience house where a Travel Angel will welcome you.

You have 3 days to visit Kyoto.
Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation :
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple 
- The historic streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka 
- Kodai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.

Finish your day with a stroll through the historic Gion district and enjoy the sunset.
Meet your guide at 7pm to start your evening walk around Gion.
More details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide.

At the end of this 1h30 walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat dinner.
Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion.

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:
- The Zen garden of Ryoan-ji ;
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ;
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) ;
- The enchanting Philosopher's Path ; 
- Nanzen-ji temple.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).

Continue your visit to Kyoto by heading west:
- Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market;
- Nijô Castle, former residence of the shogun;
- Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and monkey mountain.

This is your last full day to visit Kyoto, so why not make the most of our many optional activities :
- Want to enjoy nature? Discover our cycling activities along the Kamo-gawa river or hiking in the Takao gorges!
- If you're more into the Japanese arts, you'll love our tea ceremony, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens!
- If you're in the mood for the Japanese countryside, let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara or oour popular activity: on the Tea Road!

For the last day, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, included in your package.

Visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century and discover:
- The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns ; 
- Tôdai-ji, with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate ; 
- Kôfuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda.

Return to Kyoto and stop to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii.

If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).

After checking out of the Japan Experience house, head to Hiroshima by Shinkansen (about 2 hours, included in your package). 

Consider adding a stop in Himeji to marvel at its magnificent UNESCO-listed castle. Alternatively, embark on a day trip to Naoshima Island, a haven for contemporary art. No need to worry about lugging your bags around – our trusty Travel Angels can help you arrange same-day luggage transfer to your Hiroshima hotel!

Once you're arrived in Hiroshima, check into your 3* Intergate Hotel or same category hotel. Visit the park and the Peace memorial, the castle and its park full of cherry trees before tasting one of Hiroshima's specialities: okonomiyaki!

During the day, learn about the soul-stirring history of Hiroshima on our captivating historic cycling tour. Take in the moving stories and strong character traits that make this legendary city so memorable. With the help of a knowledgeable guide who will bring history to life with interesting anecdotes and insights, discover the layers of Hiroshima's past as you pedal past its iconic sites.

Breakfast at the hotel.

A short 30-minute train and boat journey to Miyajima Island, its Itsukushima-jinja shrine and the great Otorii gate built into the sea.

Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then come down on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits!

Return to Hiroshima in the late afternoon.

Breakfast at the hotel.

From Hiroshima, head to the island of Kyushu and its capital, Fukuoka, just 1 hour away by Shinkansen (included in your package).

Arrive in the centre of the vibrant city of Fukuoka and check into your hotel located near the central station.

With its 2000 years of history, the capital of Kyushu has always been the gateway to Asia (Korea and China) and Western culture (Dutch and Portugal Jesuits). A different Japan, further away from Tokyo, awaits you. 

Capital of a booming region, Fukuoka is now one of the most dynamic cities in Japan with its many high-tech companies and the hosting of a global event : the Rugby World Cup in October 2019.

In the afternoon, explore Fukuoka's many iconic sites:
- Momochi district : Fukuoka Tower and other futuristic buildings - Japan in the 22nd century 
- Canal City Hakata, a huge shopping center seamlessly integrates with a city park and charming canals 
- Asian Art Museum, the world's first museum for modern Asian art 
- Shofoku-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in all of Japan 
- Hakata Machiya, a captivating district lined with traditional merchants' houses

In the evening, visit the lively Nakasu and Tenjin districts and their hundreds of delicious and welcoming open-air food stalls called "yatai". 

Fukuoka: your gateway to adventure!

Beyond the city lights, Fukuoka offers a wealth of experiences:

Beach Bliss: Bask on the sun-kissed shores of Itoshima or Karatsu, just a 45-minute escape from Fukuoka.

Historic Hideaways: Explore the charming town of Kumamoto (50 min by train) and its majestic castle, all nestled under the watchful gaze of Mount Aso.

Soak in Serenity: Unwind at the legendary Beppu hot springs (2hrs by train), boasting over 3,000 baths with unique mineral properties.

Nagasaki Delights: Journey back in time to Nagasaki (2hrs by train). Explore Dejima island with its European flair, bustling Chinatown, and poignant Peace Park.

Most of these destinations are accessible with your Japan Rail Pass, for which this will be the last day of use.

In the evening, head back to Fukuoka.

Transfer to Fukuoka International Airport (Japan's 4th largest airport, located in the heart of the city) in 5 minutes by metro from Hakata Central Station, see details below.

Take a flight to Naha, included in your package! The capital of Okinawa Prefecture has many wonders to offer. Take advantage of the direct transfer from your airport to the hotel.

Everything happens between two stations in the city center, Asahibashi, and Makishi, in the district where the prefecture office, the town hall, and many banks and company headquarters are located. But Kokusai and Heiwa streets offer a parenthesis of authenticity in the enthusiasm of the Okinawan capital in modern post-war architecture.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Nestled in the bustling city of Naha, the capital of Okinawa, lies a hidden gem that transports visitors to the heart of China. Fukushu-en Garden, also known as Fuzhou Garden, is a meticulously crafted Chinese-style garden that offers a serene escape from the urban landscape. 

This enchanting oasis, with its winding paths, tranquil ponds, and exquisite architecture, provides a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural exchange between Okinawa and China.

There, you will start discover another Japan, far from the crowded Tokyo or the temples of Kyoto!

Breakfast at the hotel.

Naha is home to several beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Also, visit Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historical landmark that offers stunning views of the city.

Or, experience traditional Okinawan music and dance performances, or visit a local museum to learn more about the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Breakfast at the hotel.

It's your last day in Naha, Okinawa. Okinawa has a unique culinary scene, with dishes like Goya Champuru (bitter melon stir-fry) and Okinawa soba, make sure to try them! 

In the afternoon, visit the Tamaudun Mausoleum: this mausoleum is the final resting place of the Ryukyu kings and queens. Or, explore the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum to Learn about the history and culture of Okinawa.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer back to Naha Airport.

Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia, with changes in Tokyo, Fukuoka or major Asian cities like Hong Kong or Taipei.

Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in the Okinawa Prefecture or elsewhere...Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!