Japan, From Tokyo to Osaka

A la découverte du Japon du Nord au Sud 3^*

Your transfer will meet you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can start exploring the Japanese capital.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.

This day is completely free, but we can suggest a few places to visit:

A stroll through the Asakusa district will take you to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, the Senso-ji. Here, you'll be introduced to Japanese traditions and spiritual practices. Go from stall to stall in the temple's main alley to sample a range of Japanese street food specialities.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Our suggested visits: Explore the Tokyo Imperial Palace for an insight into Japanese history and take a stroll in its park in the heart of the city. Immerse yourself in the otaku culture of Akihabara, with its many electronic shops, before strolling through the elegant Ginza district for a shopping spree.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Our suggested visits: Explore the trendy districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. Pose in front of the statue of Hachiko, Japan's most famous dog, and immerse yourself in the world of Japanese fashion. The eccentric looks on the famous Takeshita Street are sure to surprise you. Enjoy the greenery at Ueno Park.

Transfer by train to the town of Kanazawa.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight in Kanazawa.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight in Kanazawa.

Our suggested visits: In Kanazawa, immerse yourself in feudal Japan. In the traditional Higashi Chaya district, admire the Edo period buildings that once housed the teahouses of the geishas. Its old-world charm is still intact, and it's the perfect place to discover Japanese craftsmanship. Indulge in a dessert covered in gold leaf or one of the many local specialities at the Omicho fish market.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to the city of Kyoto with the JR West Pass. Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Our suggested visits: Soak up the enchanting atmosphere of Gion, Kyoto's geisha district. Stroll along the cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses and try to catch a glimpse of a graceful geisha. Don't miss a visit to the famous Kaburenjo theatre, where traditional dance and music performances have captivated audiences for centuries. Enter the majestic Kiyomizu-dera temple perched on a hill, which offers panoramic views of the city. This sacred site immerses you in the spirituality and timeless beauty of Kyoto.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Our suggested visits: Set off for the Fushimi Inari shrine, famous for its thousands of red gates that stretch across the mountainside. The mystical atmosphere and natural beauty of this place make it an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, take the train and stroll through Nara park for a magical encounter with free-roaming deer. Stroll among these majestic animals amid the sublime temples further back in the forest.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Our suggested visits: Explore the natural splendour of Arashiyama, a picturesque district to the west of Kyoto. Start your day with a stroll through the famous bamboo forest, where the canes rise up to the sky, creating a breathtaking and peaceful landscape. Nearby, don't miss the prankster monkeys roaming around the Arashiyama Monkey Park. Afterwards, visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site**, and stroll through its Zen gardens. Board a cruise boat on the Hozu River to admire the spectacular scenery of the green valleys.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to the town of Hiroshima with the JR West Pass. Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Hiroshima.

Our suggested visits: Hiroshima, a city scarred by the atomic bomb of the Second World War, combines modernity with historical memories. The Genbaku Dome, a former exhibition centre of which only the remains are left, boasts a unique atmosphere. Extend your visit to the Peace Memorial Museum for its poignant historical accounts.
Time for a change of ambiance: sample okonomiyaki, a local speciality, before visiting the Shukkei-en garden and the Hiroshima Castle. For something a little different, head to the island of Miyajima.
Take a photo in front of the famous torii in the water at Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site**. Watch the deer roam freely around you.
Take in the panoramic view from Mount Misen and the Daishō-in Temple with Buddhist statues.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to the city of Osaka with the JR West Pass. Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.
Overnight stay in Osaka.

Our suggested visits: Visit Osaka Castle, with its great imposing walls by a lake. Don't miss the Pulala Tenma fish market and the Tenman-Gu temple! Spend your evening on the banks of the river Dotonbori, with giant screens and 3D octopus and crab wall decorations. It's the perfect place to enjoy delicious street food.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer by train to Osaka KIX airport with the JR West Pass.

**To avoid queuing at the airport and to save time, we recommend that you register individually on the Visit Japan website (https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/) before your departure.

As government restrictions are constantly changing, we advise consulting the following websites regularly right up to the day of departure:

https://www.pasteur.fr/fr

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/

We recommend that you register on the Ariane website:

https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fildariane/dyn/public/login.html

It is the traveller's responsibility to find out about any changes to entry formalities in the destination country. As a general rule, travellers should always carry a mask and hand sanitiser.

Please note that airlines reserve the right to modify and reinforce their boarding conditions more strictly than the formalities and regulations of the destination country, at any time and without prior notice. Travellers with connecting flights should look into the conditions of access to the airports where they have a stopover.

On arrival, travellers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return. A visa is only required for stays of more than 3 months. Non-Japanese nationals entering Japan are required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographic portrait). Non-French nationals or dual nationals are advised to consult the consulate or embassy of their destination country. Minors: Minors must have their own passport. We strongly recommend that minors who are not accompanied by their legal representatives bring a copy of their family record book. Specific formalities: If you are travelling abroad as a minor, please note that minors resident in France and travelling unaccompanied by their legal guardians must bring with them, in addition to their ID, a form authorising them to leave the country: CERFA n°15646*01 downloadable here: https://www.formulaires.modernisation.gouv.fr/gf/cerfa_15646.do

Health

Covid-19 public health emergency: travellers with a complete vaccination schedule are no longer required to carry out a PCR test less than 72 hours before the flight. However, a PCR test is still compulsory if your vaccination schedule is incomplete. Don't forget to check the latest information on diplomatie.gouv. No vaccination is compulsory. Don't forget to check that your vaccination record is up to date (DTP). Health level is equivalent to that of Western Europe. Natural and climatic risks are high in Japan, so make sure you keep informed.

Currency

The currency used is the yen (JPY). On 20 December 2022, 1 Euro is equivalent to 140.40 Japanese yen.

Climate

Spring (March to May) is a very pleasant time to travel to Japan, as the flowers in bloom provide a stunning landscape, and the climate is mild, but it is also the peak tourist season; there are often many people visiting the places of interest. Summer (June to August) is fairly hot and humid in most regions, but it is still possible to visit the country, particularly in mountainous areas. Autumn (September to November) is mild, with beautiful colours that add to the charm of the landscape, but it is also rainy. Winter (December to February) is dry and often sunny, so it's a great time to take photos and admire the scenery without too many tourists. It's cold in most parts of the country (with snow in some areas), which is ideal for making the most of the famous 'Onsens', which will bring you a little warmth!

Language

Japanese people don't all speak English very well, especially outside the big cities, so writing down some useful phrases can be very handy.

Time Difference

From March to October, the time difference is CET +7, and from October to March it is CET +8.

Onsens

If you want to try out the Onsens (traditional baths), it is customary to go in completely naked (men and women are separated). Those with tattoos are not always accepted in Onsens.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is not available everywhere in Japan. Ideally, you should travel with a small 'Pocket Wi-fi' dongle so that you have a fast connection wherever you are during your stay. This makes it much easier to check useful information or get in touch with friends and family. You can collect the box from the hotel on the first day and return it in the envelope provided at the Post Office.

Tips

It is not necessary or customary to leave tips in restaurants, for guides, drivers, etc. If you want to thank your hosts, a gift is preferable.

Driving

In Japan, cars drive on the left and the steering wheel is on the right. Gearboxes are automatic. The Japanese drive quite calmly and are very respectful of the highway code. The motorways are well maintained. To drive in Japan, you need your driving licence and a Japanese translation of it.

SHARED SHUTTLE AIRPORT - HOTEL TRANSFER
The shared shuttle bus will take you directly from the airport to your hotel and back. The shuttle may make several stops along the way.

HAKONE FREE-PASS
It links Tokyo from Shinjuku station to Hakone via the Odakyu line in 2 hours. In addition to the train journey, this pass gives free access to the Hakone Tozan buses and many of the city's tourist attractions. Take a cruise on Lake Ashi and take advantage of the Hakone Ropeway to admire the view of the Owakudani volcanic zone. You'll also benefit from discounts with partner retailers. The pass is valid for 2 days after activation.

RAIL TRANSPORT
In Japan, the train is the most practical way to travel. Both large towns and villages are well covered, and the Japanese rail network is diverse and highly efficient. Travel on the famous Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed rail service, with 320 kilometres of tracks!

JR Kansai Hiroshima pass: Travel more flexibly with your JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass and organise your days as you please! Access the JR network's express train (Shinkansen), regional train, and bus lines is included with your pass, with no advance booking required; discover the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji, and Kobe and the surrounding areas. You can also take the ferry from the port of Miyajimaguchi (near Hiroshima) to the island of Miyajima. The pass is valid for 5 days after activation.

TRANSFER FROM OSAKA AIRPORT BY TRAIN
For easy access to Osaka airport, take the train from Osaka station. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to the airport. If your stay includes a **JR Pass, the journey is included with your pass. If not, a train ticket will be provided.

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by accommodation of the same category.

The order of the visits and the programme may be modified according to any local constraints.

Any specific requests concerning bed type (double bed, separate beds) are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

In Japan, hotel rooms are often rather narrow and the beds small. Tourist tax not included, payable locally.

Approximate amount to be paid today: 3* hotel = €2/room/night

Check-in is usually in the mid-afternoon (3 - 4 p.m.).

Check-out is usually in the morning (10 a.m.).

The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or babies (0-2). For more information, please contact customer services.