G Adventures
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Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
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Next: 21 JunThe adventure
There's so much to discover in the Land of the Rising Sun. So we've taken our favourite must-see highlights and major cultural touchstones like Kyoto and Hiroshima, combined them with visits to lesser known areas, and packed everything into a 13-day itinerary. Hike along the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to visit spectacular shrines, visit the impressive site of Wakayama Castle, bike the famous Shimanami Kaido route, and kayak around the famed floating torii gate in the Bay of Miyajima. With a refreshing mix of approachable activities, beautiful landscapes, and delicious eats, this tour has something for every kind of traveller.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Japan
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalWe highly recommend booking pre-accommodation in Osaka to see more of this interesting city.
We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation in Osaka to see more of this interesting city.
Day 2Take the train from Osaka to Chikatsuyu…
OsakaTake the train from Osaka to Chikatsuyu to begin the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage hike.
Day 3Enjoy a day hike along the Kumano Kodo…
Enjoy a day hike along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, reach the Hongu Taisha Shrine with the largest torii gate in Japan. Afterwards, board a bus for coastal Katsuura.
Day 4Hike to one of Japan's best-known waterfalls…
Hike to one of Japan's best-known waterfalls and the Kumano Nachi Taisha, an ancient site along this pilgrimage trail, before heading to Wakayama for the night.
Day 5Visit the impressive site of Wakayama Castle before…
Visit the impressive site of Wakayama Castle before transferring by train to Kyoto.
Day 6Take in the vibrant colours of Fushimi Inari…
Take in the vibrant colours of Fushimi Inari shrine and explore the historic side of Kyoto.
Day 7Explore more of Kyoto with free time before…
Explore more of Kyoto with free time before taking the train to Onomichi.
Day 8Enjoy a day of cycling across bridges…
Enjoy a day of cycling across bridges and islands to the south of Honshu, exploring small villages along the way. Spend the night in a ryokan inn on Ikuchi Jima and savour a traditional kaiseki meal.
Day 9Cycle along the Shimanami Kaido towards Imabari City
Cycle along the Shimanami Kaido towards Imabari City. Continue on to Matsuyama to rest for the night.
Day 10Transfer by ferry to HiroshimaThe large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.
The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.
Day 11Travel to the island of Miyajima from Hiroshima
Travel to the island of Miyajima from Hiroshima. Hop into a kayak and paddle out to the iconic torii gate which floats in the bay.
Day 12Transfer to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo by…
TokyoTransfer to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo by train and explore with some free time in the afternoon.
Day 13Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
Discover Japan
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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