Day 1: Arrival Hakone | Traditional Ryokan
Arrival in Hakone. Transfer to the hotel
Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring resorts, and view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park, an area encompassing coastlines, mountains, lakes, and more than 1,000 volcanic islands. Stroll the grassy hillsides of Hakone’s Open Air Museum, taking in sculptures and artwork from the likes of Picasso and Henry Moore. Next, embark on a scenic cruise of Lake Ashi, gliding past the wooded mountain slopes that enclose it, and then board a cable car on the Komagatake Ropeway for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Soar through the clouds on this inspiring vertical tramway, the largest in Japan, which rises to a lovely woodland area.
Tonight, enjoy unparalleled service and traditional Japanese cuisine at Gôra Kadan, a top-rated ryokan traditional inn.
Overnight in the recommended hotel
Day 2: Hakone- Osaka | Bullet Train Ride & Medieval Castle
After a morning at leisure, travel by bullet train to Osaka.
Historically known as a merchant city, this center of commerce is now considered the second-largest city in Japan.
This afternoon, stroll through the lovely grounds and gardens of Osaka Castle, which played a key role in the unification of Japan in the 16th century. Travel to the top of the 40-story Umeda Sky Building for breathtaking views of the city from an open-air observation deck, aptly known as the “floating garden.”
Overnight in the recommended hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Osaka to Nara | Gardens & Temples
Travel early this morning to visit ancient Nara, Japan’s first capital.
Wander through Nara Park, home to over a thousand tame deer. Continue to eighth-century Todai-ji, a temple complex that contains the world’s largest wooden structure and the largest bronze Buddha in Japan. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the legendary Seven Great Temples. It is among the most potent and influential temples in Japan. Complete your excursion with a visit to the Kasuga Shrine, Nara’s most celebrated shrine, it is dedicated to the deity tasked with protection of the city. Continue with a visit to Kofukuji Temple — once the family temple of a powerful medieval clan, the complex includes a five-story pagoda that stands over 160 feet tall.
Later, return to your recommended hotel in Osaka.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Osaka – Hiroshima | Tour Hiroshima
Take a morning bullet train to Hiroshima & Miyajima.
Tour of the area.
Overnight in the recommended hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Hiroshima- Kyoto
Today there is an option for additional tours in Hiroshima
Afternoon/Evening- Travel to Kyoto by train
Overnight at the selected hotel. Traditional Home Stays in Kyoto - Recommended
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Kyoto | The Golden Pavilion & Bamboo Forest
Travel early this morning to contemplate the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji, the perfect spot for a meditative walk, and discover the glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), covered with gold paper, surrounded by green gardens and a set on a lovely, tranquil pond. Later, explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a lush oasis home to monkeys and towering stalks of bamboo. Bask in the magical atmosphere here, peacefully walking a winding path, as sunlight filters down through bamboo gently swaying in the breeze.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Kyoto | Japanese Mingei Folk Art
This morning, visit Kiyomizu Temple and stand on its massive veranda for stunning city views. Observe a traditional tea ceremony, noting its refined sense of hospitality and etiquette that date to the time of the Samurai. Then, stroll through Gojozaka Hills, an area known for its many pottery studios, on your way to the home and studio of the late Kawai Kanjiro, one of Kyoto’s most famous potters. Kanjiro’s beautiful, unusual home — redesigned to resemble a country house — is filled with his own creations and his personal collection, including ceramics, sculptures and wood carvings. This afternoon, walk before the 1,001 statues of Kannon at Sanjusangendo Temple. Tonight, toast your journey with a Scenic Sundowner followed by an exquisite kaiseki banquet that includes a Chef’s Table chat with the chef, where an attending geiko (as a geisha is known in Kyoto) and maiko dance, sing, pour sake and converse about their fascinating lives.
Overnight in the recommended hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Depart Kyoto
| Flight Back Home
After breakfast, transfer to Itami International Airport located just outside Osaka, for your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
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Ontime Travels’ comprehensive approach to providing travel services is interwoven throughout our organization and is illustrated in the experience of our team, management approach, response to individual tasks and in understanding the challenges of providing efficient and quality services to our valuable clients. Ontime Travels’ comprehensive approach to providing travel services is interwoven throughout our organization and is illustrated in the experience of our team, management approach,