Intimate Japan

Heading towards Mount Fuji. You board a coach heading towards the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, located approximately one hundred kilometers west of Tokyo. This area is a recognized observation point for the volcano, symbol of Japon, identifiable by its conical silhouette often covered in snow.

Several options are available to you to observe the volcano, depending on your energy level. You can for example rent a bike to go around the lake, or climb the 400 steps leading to the Chureito pagoda, a recognized viewpoint over the surroundings.

A more relaxing option is to take the cable car to reach the heights of Mount Kachi-Kachi and enjoy a panorama of the region.

Another site to discover in the area: The Ichiku Kubota Art Kimono Museum. This creator devoted his life to reviving the traditional kimono dyeing technique called Tsujigahana. The museum is set in a carefully maintained natural environment, complemented by distinctive architecture that contributes to the identity of the place.

Nearby, the village of Oshino presents an atmosphere marked by its rural heritage. You can observe traditional houses displaying agricultural tools and samurai armor, with Mt Fuji in the background.

Back to Tokyo, where you can enjoy a night stroll through the illuminated city and discover another culinary specialty, Monja-yaki, a preparation served on a heated plate and shared in a convivial atmosphere.

This morning, you take the train towards Nagano, a city surrounded by peaks exceeding 3000 m, located in a natural environment marked by the presence of several national parks.

A few kilometers to the north, the small town of Obuse held a place on the commercial and cultural routes during the Edo period. Supported by patrons, it welcomed several artists, including the painter Hokusai. You can discover his works there, in particular prints, at The Hokusai Museum in Obuse.

You continue by local train (payment on site) to the thermal resort of Shibu Onsen. The village stretches along the Yokoyugawa River, in a small valley, and retains a traditional atmosphere. The region is known for its onsen, frequented for a long time for their hot spring waters.

In the streets, many visitors move from one bathing establishment to another, dressed in yukata and wearing geta sandals, according to local customs.

One of the peculiarities of the region is the presence of Japanese macaques, also called snow monkeys, observable in the Jigokudani park. They are known for bathing in the hot springs of the area. This scene can be observed depending on weather conditions, particularly in winter when the landscape is covered with snow.

In this environment, you stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you dine before spending the night in the local way, on futons laid out on tatami mats.

This morning, you leave Shibu Onsen and take a local train heading towards Nagano.

In Nagano, you board the Shinkansen for a journey of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes towards Kanazawa, a city facing the Sea of Japon.

This ancient city stands out for its artisanal heritage. It is recognized for several traditional crafts, among which Kaga-nui embroidery, Yuzen silk dyeing, gold leaf work, Wagasa umbrellas or even local toys.

On site, you discover several major attractions: Nagamachi, known for its samurai district, its alleyways and its ochre-colored earthen walls, as well as the Nomura family house and Kenrokuen garden; Omicho and its fish market; then Higashi Chaya, former geisha district, with its traditional teahouses.

As night falls, you can discover a local specialty by tasting a seafood dish, notably crab, a product associated with the region.

Early in the morning, you join the Kanazawa train station to board a coach heading to the village of Shirakawa, a journey of approximately one hour.

The locality is known for its traditional houses gasshô-zukuri with thatched roofs, designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, these ancient dwellings are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

You get back on the coach to continue towards Takayama or Hida.

After approximately one hour of driving at altitude, you arrive in this small carpenter town with wooden houses. The walk allows you to discover a town at a peaceful pace, set in a mountain environment.

You finish this stage at altitude in a ryokan and enjoy the onsen again for a moment of relaxation.

This morning, you take the train to Kyoto, a city recognized for its major role in the history and culture of Japon.

Once there, you discover this former imperial capital and visit several sites linked to the history of the city: Kiyomizu Temple, a temple of pure water situated on a hillside, The Higashiyama district and its shops, as well as the traditional streets of The Gion district.

You then continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of red torii forming a marked path across the mountain.

In the evening, we head to Pontocho Street in Kyoto to find a good traditional restaurant. Along the way, we enjoy the view of the Kamo River. With a bit of luck, we may cross paths with maikos, apprentice geishas.

Today, you enjoy a day in Nara, located approximately 40 minutes from Kyoto. This city, which was one of the first Japanese capitals in the 8th century, preserves significant historical heritage, with several monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

On site, you stop notably at the imposing Tōdai Temple, built in the heart of a vast park where many semi-wild deer roam.

The visit continues then, at your own pace, with a possible stop at the Isuien Japanese garden, appreciated for its landscape design, or at the sanctuary-mausoleum of the Fujiwara family, Kasuga Taisha Nara, a place associated with the city's religious and aristocratic history.

Train return to Kyoto.

As dusk falls, you can discover teppanyaki. This type of dinner is based on cooking performed by the chef directly on a heated griddle, where various ingredients are grilled and sautéed, including Kobe beef. This culinary experience combines technical skill and tasting, in a convivial atmosphere.

You leave Kyoto and head towards the coast, which you follow westwards.

On the way, you stop in Himeji, a city known for its Himeji Castle from medieval Japon, often called the white heron and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The building dates back to the era of the Ashikaga shoguns (14th–16th centuries) and illustrates Japanese castle architecture from this period.

You continue your journey by train along the coast and reach the old merchant town of Kurashiki. It is known for its historic district of traditional houses, the Bikan District, which testifies to its commercial past.

The Bikan is discovered through a network of alleys lined with white-painted wooden houses, former rice warehouses now partly converted into museums. The whole area offers a pleasant setting for strolling and allows you to grasp the atmosphere of bygone days.

Among the historic buildings, you can observe in particular the house of the wealthy merchant family Ohashi, whose architecture is inspired by samurai style.

You head towards the north coast and make a stop on the shores of Lake Shinji, in the city of Matsue. Often called the "City of Water," Matsue developed around its castle, considered one of the last authentic Japanese castles, built in the early 16th century.

Its founder, the lord Horio Yoshiharu, received these lands from the shogun Tokugawa as a reward for his bravery. He designed the city according to an organization focused on both commerce and defense, with features such as moats, canals and zigzagging alleys, designed to structure the space and limit the risks of external attacks.

Matsue has a rich cultural and tourist heritage. Among the sites of interest in the city, you can notably take a boat ride in a Japanese gondola on the canals, discover the samurai quarter and its Buke-Yashiki house, stop at the tea house Meimei-an, visit the Yushien garden or the Adachi museum.

This morning, you join Osaka city, capital of the Kansai region. The journey is by express train from Matsue to Okayama (approximately 2 hours 40 minutes), then by Shinkansen from Okayama to Osaka (approximately 45 minutes).

Upon arrival, you perceive a contrast with other major Japanese cities. This western part of the country is often associated with a cheerful, festive and playful atmosphere, which contributes to its urban identity.

Among the notable sites is Osaka Castle, recognizable by its distinctive appearance. Beyond its exterior, it can be visited for its museum and the park surrounding it. The Umeda district is also among the areas to discover, in the heart of the city, to better understand local dynamism.

As night falls, Osaka changes pace and certain districts gain in activity. You can then explore the entertainment district of The Namba district, crossed by the famous Dotonbori street and its canal, an area associated with outings and neon signs. You can also visit The Shinsekai district, also called "New World".

These two zones reflect a more alternative and lively facet of Osaka's marginal and electric culture, and allow you to experience another urban atmosphere.