Japan's Enchanting Castles and Serene Shrines
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Begin in Osaka and wrap up back in Osaka on this six day journey through western Japan – a balanced mix of culture, scenery and island hopping. You’ll visit Himeji Castle, stroll Okayama’s Korakuen Garden and the canals of Kurashiki. In Hiroshima, reflect at Peace Memorial Park before a serene ferry to Itsukushima to see its waterside shrine. Cross to Shikoku for Matsuyama Castle, Ishiteji Temple and a soak at Dogo Onsen. Tackle the steps to Kotohira’s shrine, wander exquisite Ritsurin Garden and peer down on the Naruto whirlpools from the bridge walkway. Finish via Kobe with time at the Earthquake Memorial Museum – lunches and one dinner included.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
6 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
OsakaEnds
OsakaMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Japan that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Country
JapanTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travellers
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPassengers
£2,970.00
£1,485.00
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See
Osaka
Himeji
Korakuen Garden
Okayama
Kurashiki
Itsukushima
Hiroshima
Matsuyama
Kotohira
Takamatsu
Naruto
Kobe
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Osaka
Welcome to Osaka. On arrival we arrange your transfer to the hotel, and you have time to unwind. In the afternoon we share practical details for the start of the tour.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Osaka - Himeji - Korakuen Garden - Okayama
We leave for Himeji with admission to its vast castle complex included – a superb example of traditional Japanese castle architecture. After an included lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Okayama to explore Korakuen, one of Japan’s loveliest gardens of lakes, waterfalls and teahouses. Crossing the pedestrian bridge over the river, you can visit Okayama Castle – a 16th–century fortress rebuilt in 1966 after destruction in the Second World War – though entry to the interior is not included. Afterwards you have free time to explore this lively provincial capital of a little over 700,000 residents. Note: on some dates we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, and the visit to Kurashiki may take place this afternoon.
Day 3 - Okayama - Kurashiki - Itsukushima - Hiroshima
We set out for Kurashiki, famed for its beautifully preserved historic centre – you’ll have time for a leisurely stroll through its atmospheric streets. We then continue to Hiroshima to visit Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the moving Peace Memorial Museum. Seeking a quieter moment, we take a ferry to the island of Itsukushima – often described as the place "where men and gods live together". Here we visit the celebrated Itsukushima Shrine, part of it built over the water, and you have time to explore the town centre and enjoy lunch at your own pace. Afterwards we return to our hotel in Hiroshima, where dinner is included. Note: the order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without altering the overall itinerary.
Day 4 - Hiroshima - Matsuyama
Today we take a ferry to Shikoku – a pleasant journey of around two and a half hours that highlights Japan’s island character. In Matsuyama we ride the cable car to visit its impressive castle, then continue to Ishiteji, a beautiful Buddhist temple and popular pilgrimage site. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon we include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional 19th–century bathhouse.
Day 5 - Matsuyama - Kotohira - Takamatsu - Naruto - Kobe
We head to Kotohira to visit the Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors and a major pilgrimage site on Mount Zosu – reached by a climb of 785 steps. In Takamatsu we visit Ritsurin, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, and enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. In Naruto we stop at the impressive bridge spanning the sea, explore its remarkable engineering and walk along the glass floor to view the powerful whirlpools from 45 metres above. Our scenic route then crosses striking bridges linking the islands over the sea. We arrive in Kobe for the night.
Day 6 - Kobe - Osaka
In Kobe we visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, dedicated to the 1995 earthquake and the city’s remarkable reconstruction – on certain dates this visit may be replaced by the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower. We then continue to Osaka, where our journey ends. Please check your flight time in case you need an additional night. The departure transfer to the airport is not included – our guide will recommend the best public transport options for your onward journey.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Osaka
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Osaka
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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