Your Travel Experience with connections-dynamic
Day 1
Tokyo - Segment title in transit activity
You land in Narita at around 1pm. After completing customs formalities and collecting your luggage, you are welcomed by Nicolas and Fabian, your guides and hosts for this magnificent journey. They will accompany you to your first hotel, where you can freshen up after a long journey. During the journey, you will get to know your guides, who will not hesitate to ask you questions so that part of the trip can be adapted to your wishes. They will meet you after breakfast the next day to take you on a tour of their adopted city.
Day 2
After a tasty wachushoku, a Japanese breakfast made up of a multitude of savoury dishes including tamagoyaki, otsumami, tsukemono and other fish prepared with sweet soy sauce, you will meet your guides Nicolas and Fabian at the hotel reception to begin your exciting first day out on the bustling streets of Tokyo.
This day is devoted to the eastern part of the city, where you will discover the must-see places such as the Asakusa district and its Senso-Ji temple, one of the city's main temples. Stroll through the small shopping streets, looking for souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones. If you look hard enough, you'll find some very original shops, a far cry from the usual souvenir vendors. You then head for the Akihabara district, also known as Tokyo's 'Geek' district. Try to get there around 5pm when the sun goes down. The ubiquitous neon signs are much more photogenic at this time of day. No need to remind your guides. They know the city inside out and know just when to show you the different districts.
As well as the classics, you'll also have the chance to discover a more authentic and discreet Tokyo as you stroll through the backstreets of Yanaka or explore the Tokyo International Forum. Throughout the day, you'll be immersed in Japanese culture, discovering traditional architecture, local gastronomy and meeting discreet but welcoming locals.
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and make enough room in your camera's memory, because in Tokyo, despite the perfect organisation of public transport, you walk a lot and get a real eyeful. So be ready to pull out your camera at any moment. After your trip to Japan, you'll understand why Japanese travellers rarely leave their cameras at home.
Day 3
In the morning, you'll set off to discover Team Labs in Tokyo Bay. This sensory exhibition delights the senses of all visitors, young and old alike. In the various rooms, you'll discover Japanese know-how and excess from every angle. This first Team Labs experience will leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip to Japan.
Once you've recovered from these emotions, you and your guides will embark on a cruise along the water towards the lively and bustling Asakusa district. Your discovery of Tokyo then continues in the eastern part of the city and its Senso-Ji temple, one of the city's main temples. Stroll through the small shopping streets, looking for souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones. If you look hard enough, you'll find some very original shops, a far cry from the usual souvenir vendors.
Day 4
Today we're taking you on a tour of Tokyo's west side, one of the most fascinating parts of the city. You start by exploring the Shinjuku business district, with its hundreds of exits and multitude of shops and restaurants. Lose yourself in the lively streets of this district to discover the bustle of Tokyo life.
You continue your visit in the direction of Meiji-jingu Shrine, one of the city's most beautiful shrines. Situated in the middle of a vast park to the north of Shibuya, this shrine is a haven of peace in the middle of the city and yet another perfect example of the contrast between tradition and modernity... this city is truly incredible! This place of worship is dedicated to the Meiji emperor, who profoundly influenced the cultural and political life of Japan in the 19th century.
In the afternoon, you'll take to the trendy backstreets of Tokyo, in the heart of the Harajuku district. This walk is an opportunity to discover Japanese fashion trends and meet young Tokyoites dressed in colorful and eccentric outfits. Continue on to Shibuya, where you cross the world's most famous crossroads. Here, over 2 million pedestrians cross every day... and once again, without the slightest jostle. We certainly have a lot to learn from our Japanese hosts.
Finish the day in the quieter and more authentic Shimokitazawa district, where you can immerse yourself in local life and discover unique boutiques, lively bars and traditional restaurants. This day is a real immersion in Tokyo life, combining modernity and tradition.
Day 1 - 4
* Hotel Vista Tsukiji (3*) in Moderate Twin room
Day 5
This morning, after a final breakfast in Tokyo, you will take a private transfer to Tokyo station where you will board the famous high-speed train, the Shinkansen, bound for Kanazawa.
This 2 stage of your journey takes you through the Japanese Alps. Although Tokyo is a very pleasant city despite its vastness, this stopover in the coastal town of Kanazawa is a real treat. The crowded streets and skyscrapers of Tokyo give way to peace and quiet... what a delight.
After a short stop at the hotel to drop off your luggage, you will set off with your guides to discover Kanazawa. Among other things, you'll visit Kanazawa Castle, located in the Kenrokuen Garden, one of the city's jewels. Here, we've arranged for a traditional tea ceremony, during which we'll explain to you how matcha tea has been prepared for centuries.
The tea ceremony is a window into the heart of Japanese culture, bringing together many artistic disciplines in one place so that guests can enjoy a unique and zen moment.
At the end of the day, you return to the hotel to freshen up before going out for lunch, either as a group or as a couple. The hotel has a public onsen (bath) where you can relax before going out to eat or staying at the hotel. Please note that onsen are not accessible to people with tattoos and that swimming costumes are generally not allowed.
Day 6
This morning, the group leaves the hotel in the company of the guides and by private bus for the magnificent village of Shirakawago.
Shirakawa-go is a hidden treasure in the heart of the Shokawa Valley, in Gifu Prefecture, to the north of the main island of Honshu. This group of historic villages, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a real journey back in time, with its traditional thatched-roof houses built in the unique gasshô-zukuri style. Accessible only by bus or car, this unspoilt region invites you to discover the authenticity of rural Japan in an enchanting and picturesque setting.
This sublime place is one of the most beautiful villages in Japan. It transports travellers to a setting that resembles a Swiss village. If you have the chance to come back in winter, the thatched roofs, covered in a beautiful blanket of snow, will make you fall in love with this place.
In the late afternoon, you return to Kanazawa for your last evening in the city.
Day 5 - 6
* Hotel Vista Kanazawa (3*) in a moderate double room
Day 7
Today you leave Kanazawa by Shinkansen and Thunderbird train, bound for Kyoto. Arriving in Kyoto, you drop off your luggage at the hotel and then head into town to make sure you don't miss anything of this sublime city.
In the early afternoon, you will set off to discover the western region of Kyoto. The first stop is the Golden Pavilion, a magnificent building covered in gold leaf and one of the city's most famous landmarks. In this magical place, where the gold melts into the yellow and then red tones of the Japanese maple leaves, time seems to stand still. It's not uncommon to see gardeners picking up the leaves one by one to guarantee you a truly 'wow' experience. Don't hesitate to walk around the park to find the perfect photo angle.
Day 8
This morning, you venture into the ancestral part of the ancient capital, in search of the hidden gems among Kyoto's 2,000-odd temples and shrines. You begin your exploration at the majestic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of scarlet torii winding up the mountainside. Here, the proverb "the world belongs to the early bird" takes on its full meaning. If you want to visit this Japanese landmark without the crowds, we recommend arriving early.
As you walk northwards, you'll discover other remarkable sites such as the Daigo-Ji shrine and Tokokuji temple. Each of these places exudes a mystical aura and eternal beauty that leaves you speechless and shivering.
At the end of the day, after a full day's walking or even after your dinner, don't hesitate to take a dip in the hotel's onsen or visit the sauna. It's a real treat for the body after an intense day.
Day 9
This morning, you leave the hotel early to continue your discovery of the sublime city of Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. You still have to visit the Higashiyama districts, the southern part of which is very popular with travellers and is inhabited by Geishas. This city, despite being very popular with visitors, will leave you with unforgettable memories that will make you want to come back as soon as possible.
Your guides know it like the back of their hand and will show you its lesser-known streets, Zen temples and other secrets.
You return to the hotel at the end of the day to relax for a while before heading out to enjoy your last evening here in Kyoto.
Day 7 - 9
* Loisir Hotel Kyoto Toji (3*) in a Moderate Twin room
Day 10
This morning, after a tasty Japanese breakfast at the hotel, you leave your luggage at the hotel. It will be dropped off at your next hotel by a concierge. Set off in the direction of the station, as your Shinkansen won't be waiting for you. Did you know that in Japan, over 99% of trains run on time? We have so much to learn from our Japanese hosts!
In just a quarter of an hour by train, you'll arrive in the heart of the city, ready to discover the last destination of your fabulous journey.
Here in Osaka, the best way to get around is by tram. Thanks to the tram, you feel like you're enjoying the city even more. Feeling a little hungry? Then you're in luck! Osaka is considered to be the belly of Japan. If you've enjoyed Japanese cuisine so far, you're in for a treat. Here in Osaka, every street corner is a new culinary experience. Rest assured, in our experience and given the number of steps you've been taking every day for over a week, you won't gain an ounce on this trip.
Nicolas and Fabian take us on a tour of the sublime Osaka Castle and its grounds. This majestic castle of over 61,000m2 is set in 6 hectares of parkland. It is one of the most famous buildings in Japan.
Built at the end of the 14th century, it was destroyed and conquered several times. The park itself, with its many water features, is just as impressive and well worth a visit. As evening falls, you set off to discover the lively Dotonbori district. Its flashy neon lights, its many visitors and its wide variety of bars and restaurants make it one of the city's must-sees. In fact, it's the whole of the lively district around Namba Station that's worth a stroll at dusk. One thing's for sure, you'll love the view and the taste buds. Itadakimazu!
Day 11
This morning you leave the hotel as early as possible, heading for the World Expo, located in the south of the city. Here you can discover the various pavilions built by the different participating countries. The Japanese and Singaporean pavilions are reputed to be among the most impressive at the exhibition. Your guides Nicolas and Fabian will be delighted to accompany you throughout the day. To make sure you don't miss your favourite pavilions, you can book your visits in advance. Please note that your guides are in pairs and will unfortunately not be able to accompany everyone to the pavilion of their choice. This stopover at the World Expo is the apotheosis of this wonderful trip. At the end of the day, it's time to go home, pack your bags and get ready for your final evening in Japan. Make the most of this time with your group. Extend this moment as long as possible and start planning your next visit to this fabulous country. We sincerely hope that this trip has given you the same sensations as we had on our first experience of Japan.
Day 10 - 11
* The b Namba - Kuromon (3*) in a standard double room
Day 12
This morning, savour your last breakfast, wipe away your tears and tell yourself that this is only goodbye. Check out and take advantage of the last few hours to pick up a few souvenirs for your loved ones. At around 2pm, your private transfer leaves the hotel for the airport. It's time to say goodbye to your guides Nicolas and Fabian, who will have shown you around their beloved country in true local style.