Tokyo to Osaka: Neon-lit Cities & Tranquil Countryside

Arrive in the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo and head to your starting hotel around 4:00 pm, with the afternoon free to settle in and take in your first impressions of the city. There are no scheduled activities until the evening, giving you time to rest after your journey or explore the neighbourhood at your own pace. There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting, so we recommend arrival time to be no later than 3PM. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your CEO can collect the required information for your train tickets. Refer to your voucher for the most up to date welcome meeting time.

The most convenient way to get around Japan is by public transportation and on foot. The country's train system is often considered one of the best in the entire world so the majority of our trips utilize this efficient train network. In this tour, you will need to be able to spend the majority of the day on your feet and carry your luggage through busy train stations and streets. On average, tours in Japan walk about 15,000 steps a day. Please ensure you are fit enough to carry your own luggage and spend most of the day on your feet.

Head out to explore the serene grounds of Meiji Shrine and the vibrant streets of Harajuku, with free time for lunch at your own expense to sample the city’s incredible food scene. Later, board the Shinkansen and journey through Japan at high speed. Arrive in Kanazawa and head out to explore. The evening is free for an orientation walk around the hotel area, with the option to join an optional group dinner or explore local restaurants independently at your own pace.

Please note that the new JR Pass validation policy asks travellers to come to the office counter to activate their JR Pass.

Spend the day uncovering the refined charm of Kanazawa, beginning in its beautifully preserved geisha quarter, where wooden teahouses and narrow lanes in the Higashi Chaya District evoke the atmosphere of a bygone era. Continue on to the breathtaking Kenrokuen Garden, widely regarded as one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens, where ponds, bridges, seasonal flowers, and sweeping pathways create a perfect harmony of design and nature. After exploring the gardens, you may choose to visit one of Kanazawa’s many museums or dive deeper into the city’s traditional crafts scene. For a taste of local flavour, head to the lively Omicho Market, where fresh seafood and regional specialties showcase the best of the city’s culinary heritage.

• Kanazawa Castle Visit: Visit the massive castle located beside the Kenrokuen Garden. At over 400 years old, the castle has a great history and is the perfect place to wrap up exploration of the gardens.
• Nagamachi Samurai District Walk: Step back in time with a visit to the Nagamachi Samurai district of Kanazawa. Take a walk through the historic samurai district located just below the Kanazawa Castle, where traditionally samurai and their families lived in mud huts.
• 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: If you are interested in eccentric art visit this beautiful museum with unique exhibits and architecture. Capture a trippy underwater photo in the simulated swimming pool. (450-1200 JPY per person)
• Myoryuji Ninja Temple Visit: Visit the famous Ninja Temple. While there's no evidence linking the temple to ninjas, the hidden doorways, passages and escape routes seem designed for stealthy attackers. Please leave all nunchucks with security.

Enjoy a relaxed free morning in Kanazawa before continuing your journey south by train to Hiroshima. Opt to join a visit to the lively Omicho Market, where fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and local specialties offer a true taste of the region. Alternatively, enjoy your own independent adventure through Kanazawa’s streets at your own pace before regrouping for the onward journey.

• Omicho Market Tour: Discover the vibrant heart of local food culture with a visit to the bustling Omicho Market in Kanazawa. Known as the city’s kitchen, this lively market is filled with fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and regional delicacies. Wander through the energetic aisles, sample local flavours, and get a glimpse into the ingredients and traditions that shape Kanazawa’s renowned cuisine.

Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Here, view one of the most photographed sights in Japan— the floating Torii Gate. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure. Enjoy time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples. Sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes, and opt to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.

• Mt. Misen Visit: Set out for the summit of Mt. Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak at 500m (1,640 ft) above sea level. Opt to hike one of three trails through the forest and keep an eye out for wild deer or catch a ride on the ropeway and walk the remaining distance to the top. Take in great views of the Seto Inland Sea and on a clear day see as far as the city of Hiroshima.

Start the day in Hiroshima with a meaningful visit to the moving Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the powerful exhibits at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, reached via local tram. Continue your journey beyond the city and travel into the countryside, arriving at Kitahiroshima Town, where you will be welcomed and transferred by your traditional village stay. Settle into your accommodation, take time to meet your hosts and get familiar with your surroundings. In the evening, share a homemade dinner with locals and experience everyday life in the countryside. After dinner, enjoy free time to relax, unwind, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere before bed.

Wake up in the countryside and start your day with a relaxed walk around the old farmhouse, taking time to visit with local farmers and experience everyday rural life. Enjoy a slow, authentic start to the day before saying farewell to your hosts and boarding the bus back toward the city, where you will continue your journey by Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Osaka. On arrival, head out to explore the vibrant streets of Dotonbori. Enjoy a lively street food lunch, neon-lit canal views, and free time to wander Osaka’s bustling entertainment district at your own pace.

Depart at any time and enjoy the freedom to shape your final moments in Osaka at your own pace. We strongly recommend booking post-accommodation so you can linger a little longer and fully soak in Osaka’s unforgettable energy before you move on.