In the Land of the Rising Sun
A journey through the heart of Japan, between traditions, nature and iconic cities.
Duration
10 days
Style
Guided tour
The spirit of travel
Throughout the seasons, Japan reveals a singular atmosphere, where the energy of great cities blends with the serenity of traditions. Framed within a small group, this tour invites you to experience a complete immersion on the main island, between culture, nature and encounters.
From Tokyo, a megapolis with multiple faces, to the preserved alleys of Kyoto, the ancient imperial city, you explore the contrasts of the country through iconic sites and authentic experiences.
Between gardens of the Edo period, zen temples, Shinto shrines and traditional neighborhoods, you move at the pace of Japan, without rushing. The journey continues towards the peaceful landscapes of Hakone, facing Mount Fuji, before reaching places steeped in history such as Nara, Himeji Castle or even the sacred island of Miyajima.
A wonderful way to discover Japan through its emotions, its heritage and its art of living.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Tokyo
Arrival at Tokyo airport, the starting point of your trip to Japon.
After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to your accommodation by shared transfer. Upon arrival, you will meet an English-speaking assistant, available to assist you during this first stage, present you with the itinerary of your trip and answer any questions you may have.
After your transfer by public transport and settling into your accommodation, you will have the rest of the day free to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. This is an opportunity to rest after your journey or to begin exploring the Tokyo metropolis at your own pace, according to your wishes.
Dinner on your own in the evening.
Tokyo, a country unto itself
This guided day will begin with the Visit of Ama Rykiu Park in Tokyo, one of the rare gardens preserved from the Edo period, offering a striking contrast with the surrounding skyscrapers.
You will then stop at Tsukiji, the former fish market of the capital, once at the heart of Tokyo's economic activity. On site, you will enjoy a sushi lunch, the emblematic specialty of the district.
The afternoon will continue with a dive into history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, before heading to the Asakusa District. You will discover the Senso-ji temple, dedicated to the goddess Kanon, at the end of the famous Nakamise-dori shopping street.
Finally, the day will end at the top of the new Shibuya Scramble Square observatory, from where you can admire the vastness of the megapolis, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Welcome evening in a typical izakaya, Japanese brewery, to enjoy a friendly atmosphere, conducive to getting better acquainted with your fellow travelers and sharing your first impressions of Japon.
Kamakura, Former Shogunal Capital
Guided day marked by a zen escape in the surroundings of Tokyo. Approximately 45 minutes from the capital, you reach Kamakura, a pleasant coastal town highly appreciated by Tokyo residents seeking nature and serenity. It was here that in the 12th century the first shogunal capital was established, for more than a century.
Throughout the day, you explore several emblematic sites of Kamakura. You will first visit Kencho-ji temple, the oldest zen temple in the city, whose atmosphere naturally invites you to slow down and trace the thread of history. You will then continue with the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, deity of war, and considered one of the major places in the region.
After a visit to the village and a pleasant train ride along the sea, you will finally reach Kotoku-in temple, an essential destination in Kamakura, famous for its monumental statue of more than 11 meters: the great Amithaba Buddha in bronze.
Dinner on your own and overnight in a hotel.
Hakone, a nature getaway at Mount Fuji
Baggage delivery: In the morning, baggage is sent by private carrier to Kyoto. You will need to bring with you a backpack containing your toiletries and change of clothes for two days.
You then leave Tokyo to join the Hakone region, accompanied by an English-speaking assistant. Located near Mount Fuji and renowned for its numerous natural hot springs, Hakone makes an ideal stop to relax and admire the beauty of Japanese landscapes, between wooded reliefs and peaceful panoramas.
After the cable car ascent to the famous sulfurous vents of Owakudani station, Hakone, you will enjoy lunch on site, in the heart of these volcanic landscapes.
The day will continue with a crossing of Lake Ashi by boat, offering a stunning view of Mount Fuji when the sky is clear. You will finish with a visit to the Hakone sanctuary, known for its beautiful vermillion torii seeming to float on the water.
The evening will be an opportunity to enjoy well-deserved rest in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn par excellence. You can relax in the onsen, hot springs, then savor a kaiseki, a carefully prepared seasonal dinner. Finally, a typically Japanese experience with traditional Japanese sleeping: futons on tatami for everyone!
Kyoto, keeper of thousand-year-old traditions
Departure for Kyoto, the former imperial city, to continue your discovery of Japan through its traditions and heritage.
After an obanzai lunch (Kyoto style), you will depart to explore Kiyomizu Temple, the temple of pure water, famous for its terrace offering a panoramic view over the city. You will also explore The Higashiyama district, particularly photogenic, with its traditional streets and preserved atmosphere.
In the late afternoon, you will immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Kyoto during a stroll through The Gion district, the true historic heart. Its intertwined small streets have preserved a timeless Japanese charm, ideal for gently ending the day.
Dinner is free: you will have the opportunity to choose a place according to your preferences and discover local cuisine at your own pace. Reception of your luggage at the hotel, then check-in and overnight stay.
Kyoto, Great Temples and Zen Walk
Kyoto is full of cultural and religious buildings, and the most important ones have made it famous throughout the world. This guided day, accompanied by a local assistant, will begin with visits to must-see sites: the Ryoan-ji temple, renowned for its dry garden, a true masterpiece of Zen culture, then the golden pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, an emblem of Kyoto.
After lunch in a local restaurant, you will continue your visit with Nijo Castle, remarkable for its refined architecture highlighted with gilding. This historic place served as a fortified residence for the heirs of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu during their stays in Kyoto.
You will end the day in a more peaceful atmosphere, in the east of the city, with the discovery of the silver pavilion (Ginkaku-ji temple.
Free dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Nara and its Treasures
Day trip to Nara, an ideal destination for a relaxation day. Former capital of the archipelago in the 8th century, the city is home to numerous monuments now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
You will discover in particular the impressive building of the Tōdai Temple, located in the heart of a vast park where hundreds of deer live in complete freedom: unexpected and friendly companions along the way.
You will then continue with the Kasuga Taisha Nara, the most emblematic shrine in Nara, known for its hundreds of lanterns.
On the way back, you will stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an emblematic place of worship of the fox deity. You will discover a mystical atmosphere there, as you walk through its thousands of vermillion gates that wind through the mountain.
Dinner at your leisure and overnight in a hotel.
Himeji Castle and Hiroshima Memories
Baggage transfer: In the morning, your luggage will be sent by private carrier to Osaka. You will need to prepare a backpack containing your toiletries and a change of clothes for two days.
You will then discover the Himeji Castle, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Considered one of the best-preserved feudal structures in the archipelago, it owes its remarkable preservation notably to the regular maintenance carried out by Japanese craftsmen with transgenerational expertise. With its brilliantly white walls, it is often compared by the Japanese to the silhouette of a white heron spreading its wings.
Continue your day further south to reach Hiroshima: preconceived ideas may imagine it as bleak, but this green city has today far surpassed its status as a city of martyrs.
Visiting Hiroshima means discovering poignant testimonies of its history through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Peace Museum and the impressive atomic bomb dome (Genbaku dome).
It is difficult to remain unmoved by these places and not feel emotion growing as you observe the Peace Flame, meant to burn until the sincere wish of the Japanese people to one day see atomic weapons abolished is realized.
Dinner on your own and overnight in a hotel.
Myths and Legends of Miyajima
The sacred island of Miyajima, located in Hiroshima Bay, is considered one of the 3 most beautiful landscapes in Japan.
It captivates notably through the striking contrast between the vermillion red of the Itsukushima Shrine and the blue of the sea, on which the religious building seems to float at high tide. Dating from the 6th century, this site is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Not far from there, you will also discover the Daisho-in Temple, a unique place in Japan, founded in 806 by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai. It was designated by the emperor of the time as a place of prayer for the peace and security of the nation.
After lunch, you will also participate in a tea ceremony as well as a calligraphy activity, in an exceptional setting, to experience a time of exchange and discovery in the heart of Japanese traditions.
At the end of the day, you will head back to the center of the island for a final stop in Osaka city, the vibrant capital of the west.
You will enjoy a lively evening under the neon lights of the city, in contact with the locals, cheerful and lovers of good living, for a friendly immersion in the Osaka atmosphere.
Dinner on your own: an opportunity to choose a restaurant according to your preferences and enjoy Osaka's atmosphere at your own pace.
Reception of your luggage at the hotel, then check-in and overnight stay.
Goodbye Japon
The day of your return has finally arrived…
It is time to leave this archipelago where the harmony of traditions and modernity shapes daily life, and to return home with precious memories, marked by the richness of Japanese civilization.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be able to make the most of these last moments on site to find the perfect gift or complete your shopping before heading to the airport and boarding.
While browsing through the magnificent photos taken throughout the journey, it is not uncommon for a possible return to Japan (sooner than expected) to already be on the minds of travelers…
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights and related taxes
- The services when they are not mentioned or when free time is scheduled
- Services before arrival in Tokyo, for participants with delayed arrival or after departure from Osaka for participants with a stay extension
- English-speaking assistance to the return airport
- Meals, with the exception of those mentioned as included, as well as beverages
- The rental of a portable Wi-Fi router for the duration of the stay, in order to stay connected at all times, as an additional service
- Tips (guides, assistants)
- Insurance (repatriation, cancellation)
- Your personal expenses
Included
- 3 nights accommodation in Tokyo, with breakfast
- 1 night's accommodation in a ryokan in Hakone, with breakfast and kaiseki dinner, shared bathroom
- 3 nights accommodation in Kyoto, with breakfast
- 1 night accommodation in Hiroshima, with breakfast
- 1 night accommodation in Osaka, with breakfast
- Solo traveler: single room supplement option (€500) or, subject to availability, possibility of sharing a double room with another participant of the same gender
- Transfers between airports/stations and accommodations
- A 2-day Hakone Free Pass, for all types of transport in Hakone, from Shinjuku
- Train and Shinkansen journeys between Hakone - Kyoto, Kyoto - Himeji, Himeji - Hiroshima, Hiroshima – Osaka, in second class
- A contactless payment card (SUICA) for public transportation use, pre-loaded
- Airport pickup at arrival and English-speaking welcome at your accommodation,
- The presence of an English-speaking guide from day 2 to day 9
- The lunches (8) and the dinners (2)
- Entrances at visited sites with the English-speaking guide
- Tea ceremony and calligraphy activity
- Private baggage delivery service (1 per person) between Tokyo and Kyoto, and Kyoto and Osaka
- The various taxes
- Liability insurance
- English-speaking assistance 24/7 during your trip
- Travel organization by an English-speaking team on site
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Japan depend on your nationality. We recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Japanese embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Japan, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Entry requirements without a visa depend on your nationality. You must verify the conditions and the duration of stay authorized with the Japanese embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also ask for:
a return ticket or onward travel proof (return flight or continuation),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in Japan for the duration of your trip.
Visit Japan Web
Japanese authorities offer the online service Visit Japan Web, which allows you to register in advance certain information required for entry into the territory and to facilitate procedures upon arrival.
This service allows you to enter:
passport information
flight and stay details
Japanese customs declaration
The use of this service is optional but recommended, as it allows you to speed up passage through controls upon arrival. A QR code is generated at the end of registration and can be presented to the competent authorities.
Health
Verify vaccination requirements with the Japanese embassy or consulate of your country of residence. It is advisable to ensure that routine vaccinations recommended in your country of residence are up to date.
Be sure to purchase travel insurance covering medical expenses, as these can be substantial in Japan.
Travel with children
Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of your country of residence. Check with your country's authorities.
All nationalities
Entry conditions vary depending on your nationality. All travelers must check the specific requirements with the Japanese embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for declaring a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
No, French nationals can stay up to 90 days in Japan without a visa. A valid passport for the duration of your stay is sufficient. For a longer stay or to work, a specific visa is required from the Japanese consulate.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 220 and 350 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (700-1200 euros return) are additional. Japan remains more affordable than one might think thanks to its unbeatable value for money.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. Together you refine every detail until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee, which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your next trip to Japan
Adventure traveler based in the heart of Japan, based in Tokyo
Japan often impresses at first sight, but it quickly becomes more familiar once you know where to start. My role is to help travelers find their own thread in this fascinating country.
— Agence
