Description
Uncover the highlights of western Japan on this 6-day tour exploring Osaka and Hiroshima. Experience the vibrant cityscapes of Osaka, delve into the poignant history of Hiroshima, and visit iconic landmarks like the Floating Torii Gate of Miyajima Island. With a mix of cultural discovery, historic exploration, and stunning landscapes, this tour is perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable Japanese adventure.
**Travel insurance is compulsory for all One Life tours **
Inclusions
STAYS
- 5 nights of accommodation
TRANSPORT
- All transport included – bullet train, cable car, bus and more. *Airport transfers are not included
CREW
- Your experienced group leader and local guides
MEALS
- 4 breakfasts, 2 dinners
ACTIVITIES
- Dotonbori walk
- Food Tour
- Karaoke
- Osaka Castle Gardens
- Shinsekai Tour
- Nara Park
- Temple Stay
- Morning Danjo Garan Complex Tour
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Guided Tour
- Miyajima Island
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Hall of 1,000 Mats
- Optional Extras/Free Time Suggestions: Extended Karaoke, Osaka Canal Boat Tour
Not Included
- International Flights
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Some Meals
- Arrival Transfer!
Highlights
- Visit the Osaka Castle Garden and watch the sunset over the landmark
- Explore the ancient temples at Miyajima Island
- Take a bow with the famous local free roaming deer in Nara
- Stay overnight in a working temple and eat a vegetarian dinner made of local ingredients sourched by the resident monks
- Learn the history of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Your Travel Itinerary
Settle into your accommodation at your convenience, then join the group in the early evening for your first activity. Prepare your appetites as we venture into the renowned Dotonbori area. Experience the vibrant food scene, lively people, dazzling lights, and vivid colours of Japan’s “kitchen”. You’ll wrap up the evening with some drinks and karaoke – one of the best ways to enjoy a night out in Japan!
After recovering from last night’s festivities, enjoy some free time to explore Osaka at your own pace. Check out the trendy AmericaTown, stroll through the Shinsaibashi Shopping District, relax at Spa World, or dive into the electronics wonderland of Den-Den Town. In the evening, the group will visit Osaka Castle, a stunning landmark in the heart of the city, surrounded by lush gardens. You’ll watch the sunset from here before heading to Shinsekai, Dotonbori’s charming counterpart, for dinner.
You will have an early start today as the tour ventures out of the city, taking a 45-minute train ride to the picturesque city of Nara. As you leave the train station and head towards the main park, keep an eye out for the friendly locals along the way. Nara is renowned for its harmonious coexistence with deer and its historical significance as the former capital of ancient Japan. Explore the serene park and magnificent temples before returning to Osaka to collect your bags and set off for Koyasan.
After a 90-minute journey, including cable cars and a bus ride, you’ll arrive at your accommodation nestled deep in the mountains. Koyasan, a charming temple town, embodies the tourism board’s slogan: “If nature does indeed bring mankind closer to the cosmos, then Koyasan is its embodiment.” Here, you’ll have the chance to experience temple life in an authentic, working temple. Learn about the monks who devote their lives to this sacred area and explore the numerous temples and shrines scattered around. Dinner will be a special vegetarian meal, prepared with ingredients sourced by the monks from the local area.
Wake up to the sounds of nature and join the monks for morning chanting prayers. Enjoy a traditional “temple-style” breakfast prepared by the monks. Savour your final morning in this unforgettable destination. Before lunch, you’ll first head back to Osaka and then take the bullet train to Hiroshima.
After a 90-minute ride, you’ll catch a streetcar to your accommodation in the city centre. Following some downtime, everyone will walk to the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where our local guide will offer insights into the area’s remarkable history. You’ll see the Atomic Dome, ring the peace bell, and say a prayer at the eternal flame. This visit will leave a lasting impression on you.
Finally, you will visit the Hiroshima museum to learn more about the city’s tragic history before getting some food and calling it a night.
Today, you’ll take the metro to the picturesque Miyajima Island, about an hour from Hiroshima. Upon arrival, hop on a short ferry ride to the island, celebrated for its lush forests and ancient temples. Once you disembark, you’ll enjoy a stroll around the island, stopping to admire the iconic Great Torii gate, partially submerged at high tide just offshore. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the tranquillity of this island paradise at your own pace. In the evening, you will come together for one last group outing to celebrate your final day on tour.
And that’s a wrap on your Snapshot tour! Today you will finish up your time in the beautiful city of Hiroshima. Take one final walk around the Memorial Park, or go for a sunrise run along the river before jumping on the train back to Osaka which is included in the tour price.
