Rural Japan route
Go beyond the big cities into the heart of Japan
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Kyoto
Kyoto is home to more than 2,000 atmospheric temples and shrines... -
Hiroshima
While modern Hiroshima is a thriving, cosmopolitan city, it will always be known as the city destroyed by the world’s first atomic bomb... -
Takamatsu
The gardens of Ritsurin Park are one of Takamatsu main attractions and are the perfect place to relax... -
Iya Valley
The Iya Valley is a huge expanse of tree-lined mountains and deep river gorges, home to tiny villages, hot springs and great views... -
Himeji
Built in 1580, Himeji-jo has a legitimate claim to be Japan’s most magnificent castle... -
Osaka
Japan’s third-largest city might not be its prettiest, but it is one of its most welcoming...
Fly into Osaka and head straight to the temple town of Kyoto, where office blocks jut up against hidden temples and tranquil walks take you into cherry blossom trees. Travel to Hiroshima to learn more about how the city recovered from the atomic bomb blast, before heading into rural Japan at Takamatsu, where you can see the beautiful Ritsurin Park gardens and see modern art on Naoshima Island. The villages of the mountainous Iya Valley is home to deep river gorges and forested hills. Explore the traditional villages that once gave refuge to political dissidents and fleeing armies. Stop at the 1580-built Himeji Castle before ending back in Osaka with street food and sake.
SeasonThis itinerary would cost from £3,800 per person with our Japan specialist.
Suggested itinerary
Visit Kyoto’s 2,000 temples
Day 1–3 in Kyoto
Kyoto is home to more than 2,000 atmospheric temples and shrines. Look for robed monks, hear prayer chants and meditate in zen gardens – Kyoto is the place to immerse yourself in Japan’s culture, traditions and religion.
Don't miss
Feed the deer in Nara
Once the capital of Japan, Nara is known for its many temples and beautiful gardens that make it a perfect day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. However, it is the town’s resident 1,400 odd deer – seen as messengers from god after the myth of Kasuga Shrine, who came to Nara on the back of a deer – which are Nara’s quirky attraction.
See the eternal flame at Hiroshima’s Peace Park
Day 4–5 in Hiroshima
While modern Hiroshima is a thriving, cosmopolitan city, it will always be known as the city destroyed by the world’s first atomic bomb. The city’s Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome are moving reminders of its tragic past.
Don't miss
See the famous torii gate on Miyajima Island
Less than an hour from Hiroshima, Miyajima Island is best-known for its torii gate – a structure that marks the entrance to a shrine. Come at high tide when the gate seems to float on the water, before waiting for water to recede to get up close.
Relax in Takamatsu and ferry to Naoshima Island
Day 6–8 in Takamatsu
The gardens of Ritsurin Park are one of Takamatsu main attractions and are the perfect place to relax. Originally built for the Sanuki warlords, look for the Engetsu-kyo bridge and the lotus pond.
Don't miss
Get arty on Naoshima Island
Naoshima Island is home to several modern art museums, open-air sculptures and interesting architecture. Explore the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum and look out for the Setouchi Triennale festival – the next is scheduled for 2022.
Experience rural Japan in Shikoku’s Iya Valley
Day 9–10 in Iya Valley
The Iya Valley is a huge expanse of tree-lined mountains and deep river gorges, home to tiny villages, hot springs and great views. The region’s domineering cliffs meant the region has played a big part in Japanese history, hiding political dissidents, beaten armies and regional clan leaders.
Visit Himeji’s one-of-a-kind castle
Day 11 in Himeji
Built in 1580, Himeji-jo has a legitimate claim to be Japan’s most magnificent castle. Its five-storey main keep is surrounded by moats and walls, with an arrow-marked route taking visitors around the castle. Look for the narrow openings where the castle defenders poured boiling oil onto attackers and – less gruesomely – the beautiful views over the city from the top.
Explore Osaka’s live music scene
Day 12–15 in Osaka
Japan’s third-largest city might not be its prettiest, but it is one of its most welcoming. Osakan’s are known for their humour and the city has an extensive live music and comedy scene. A must-try local dish is takoyaki (grilled octopus dumplings), which is sold on most street corners.
Don't miss
Explore a mountaintop Buddhist community
Mount Koya is the centre of Shingon Buddhism, first established in 819. The town at the top is home to many temples and pagodas where you can say prayers, but for a peaceful — if slightly eerie experience — take a walk through the town’s silent cemetery surrounded by thick Japanese cedars in the snow.
Where to stay
Classic
Iwaso Ryokan
Located on the small island of Miyajima in the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, Iwaso is a luxury ryokan offering Japanese-style rooms, hot-spring baths and traditional kaiseki-style meals.
Superior
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon (also called The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic) is located in the heart of Tokyo, directly opposite the dramatic Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate) at the entrance of Sensoji Temple - the city’s oldest temple and one of Asakusa’s most famous landmarks.
This modern and sleek hotel, set in a 14-storey former office block, has 136 rooms all of which offer incredible views of either Sensoji Temple or Tokyo Skytree.
Deluxe
Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a luxury hotel tucked away in the east of Kyoto, in the quiet and green district of Higashiyama Shichijo. This area was once home to the ancient capital’s imperial court, but today it’s a great base for sightseeing.
Décor is contemporary and chic with traditional details, such as antique kimono wall hangings and headboards, as well as the gentle glow from paper lamps.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from £3,800pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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