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Overview

Private guided travel in Kansai

For those who want to discover the true spirit of Japan, Kansai is a must. Here, millennia of cultural evolution have shaped contemporary Japanese society, leaving a rich heritage of Zen gardens, Buddhist temples, and traditions. Nowhere else in the world are so many cultural and historical riches found in such a small area.
This private guided trip offers a tasty and varied menu. For starters, spend a few days in Kyoto, still today considered the heart of Japanese culture. This cultural dish is followed by an excursion to the ancient capital of Nara and a stop in Himeji for its famous castle. Still hungry? Discover Hiroshima, a dynamic metropolis whose sad and tragic past hasn’t prevented it from looking towards the future. Next on the menu is a trip to the magnificent island of Miyajima. For dessert, why not try the Buddhist temple in Koyasan, where the simplicity and minimalism of Japanese culture can truly be appreciated. Indeed, culture will be a recurring theme throughout this journey. As you will discover for yourself at the many museums scattered throughout your itinerary, this unique civilization still holds countless artistic treasures.

Such a first-class, customized private trip to Japan is completely unique! Contact our Uniktour country specialist today, and let the land of the rising sun work its magic on you!

Itinerary

Day 1| International Flight

Day 2| Kyoto
Arrival at Osaka international airport where your English-speaking chauffeur welcomes you. Private transfer to Kyoto where you settle into your hotel. Car transfer to visit Kinkakuji temple and the Ryoan-ji Zen Gardens. Also called The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji temple originally served as a holiday retreat for an Ashikaga shogun, generalissimo during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). When he died, it was converted into a temple. A marvelous garden stretches in front of a gold-leaf-covered pavilion, a perfect replica of the original building destroyed in 1950 and re-built in 1955. Ryoan-ji temple is known for its gardens, a perfect example of the Karesansui style where fifteen boulders emerge from a sea of white sand. Its simplicity and purity represent the emancipation of the principles of Zen Buddhism. In the afternoon, you will be driven to Nijo castle for a visit of the site. Your last stop is the traditional market in Nishiki, after which you’ll be taken back to your hotel.
Your hotel: Kyoto Hotel Okura (*****) in a superior room

Day 3| Kyoto
After breakfast, private transfer to Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district. Then off to the south and the Higashiyama district for a visit to the famous temples of Kiyomizudera and Sanjusangendo. Sanjusangendo temple was rebuilt in 1266 and is known for its eleven-headed wooden representation of a bodhisattva named Kannon. Considered a National Treasure, it is surrounded by 28 other statues of his guardians and one thousand and one other smaller representations of the same Buddhist figure. But that’s not all: at 118 meters long, it is the world’s longest wooden building.
Founded in the 8th century, Kiyomizudera temple is nestled at the foot of Higashiyama hill. The main building, also classified as a National Treasure, was built in 1633 by the Togukawa shogunate. Its wooden terrace, held by 139 enormous fifteen-meter-high pillars, overlooks a ravine and offers magnificent views of the city.
Kick off the afternoon with a visit Kyoto National Museum. Then enjoy a stroll along the Philosopher’s walk and visit its temples and gardens (visits not included) until Ginkakuji temple. Also known as the “Temple of the Silver Pavilion”, this temple was erected in 1489. Its original purpose was to serve as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who wanted it covered in silver foil. His wish never granted, the building was converted into a Buddhist monastery upon his death. This pavilion is also considered a National Treasure, its gardens another fine example of Karesansui (rock gardens). Time permitting, transfer to Kurama Onsen hot springs to take a look at the baths (entrance not included). You then return to your ryokan for dinner (included) and an evening of leisure.
Your hotel: ryokan Shoei (****) Japanese room

Day 4| Kyoto - Himeji - Hiroshima
After breakfast, you and your guide ride the shinkansen bullet train to Himeji for a visit of the castle. Originally built in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 17th, Himeji castle isn’t only magnificent, it is also the finest surviving example of original 17th century castle architecture, earning it classification as a UNESCO world heritage site. The castle complex is made up of a five-story central tower accompanied by three smaller towers. It is a truly marvelous site, both aesthetically and architecturally. From a distance, Himeji is said to look like a bird that legend says once came to rest in the nearby plains, earning the castle the nickname Hakujoro, meaning “Castle of the White Heron”. In case you’re wondering why the castle looks so familiar, keep in mind that countless movies were shot in this magnificent location. In the afternoon, travel to Naoshima to visit the Benesse Art House Museum, selected one of the world’s top travel destinations by Condé-Nast in 2010. Facing the Seto Inland Sea, this unique outdoor arrangement of modern sculptures includes works by James Turrell and Walter de Maria, among others. Here, each piece’s shape seems to react to another’s, a dynamic reinforced at nightfall by interesting plays of light. Take all the time you need to absorb the beauty of this combination of art and nature before heading back to your hotel for dinner and a lovely room.
Your hotel: Benesse House (****) double room

Day 5| Naoshima - Hiroshima
Today you visit Hiroshima. Completely rebuilt after the Second World War, Hiroshima is now a modern metropolis, complete with tall modern buildings and wide avenues. It is also one of the only places left in the country with a tramway system, adding a little quaintness to the city. The Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial remind visitors of this city’s tragic history. There you can see one million origami left by visitors as a symbol for peace. Once you are settled into your room, you’ll have time to visit the cathedral and the Peace Memorial Museum before returning to the hotel at the end of the day.
Your hotel: Ana Crowne Plaza Hiroshima (****) double room

Day 6| Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima
In the morning, you and your guide hop on a local train for Miyajimaguchi where you board a ferry headed for Miyajima. At 530 meters high, it is the highest point on the island. From the top, the views of the Inland Sea are spectacular. A short boat ride away from Hiroshima on the Inland Sea, Miyajima literally means “Pilgrimage Island” in Japanese. The spectacular Torii gate was built on sands brought in by the tides and faces the majestic Itsukushima temple at the foot of Mt. Misen. The gate looks like to it’s floating when the tides are high. The primitive forest preserved here offers beautiful hikes and plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. Visit Itsukushima temple and hike up Mt. Misen, then head back to Hiroshima at the end of the day.
Your hotel: Ana Crowne Plaza Hiroshima (****) double room

Day 7| Hiroshima - Kyoto - Nara
After breakfast take the shinkansen back to Kyoto where your English-speaking guide will greet you. Private vehicle transfer to Nara where you visit Todaiji temple and its giant Buddha, as well as the temple pagoda at Tofukuji, followed by the Naramachi district. In the afternoon, head to the southwestern part of the city to gaze at a rich art-loving heiress’ private collection at the Miho Museum. More than 250 Eastern and Western masterpieces are housed in a magnificent building designed by I.M. Pei, famous for the Pyramid at the Musée du Louvre. Time permitting, enjoy a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha Temple. Head back to Nara at the end of the day.
Your hotel: Nara Hotel (****) deluxe room

Day 8| Nara - Koyasan
After breakfast, private vehicle transfer with English-speaking driver towards Asuka, Japan’s first capital, where you visit Asuka and Tachibana temples as well as Ishibutai Kofun Sanctuary. Next stop is Mount Omine, for a visit of this sacred mountain’s Shinto sanctuaries. At the end of the day, transport to Koyasan. Dinner and overnight at the temple.
Your hotel: Ekoin (****) Japanese room

Day 9| Koyasan – Itami International airport (Osaka)
After a copious vegetarian breakfast, visit the temples of Kongobuji, Konpon Daito, and Kondo. Private transport to Itami airport at the end of the day after which you settle into your hotel room.
Your hotel: Osaka Air Terminal (****)

Day 10| Itami Airport (Osaka) – International Flight
Transfer on foot to Itami airport in Osaka for your international flight back to Canada.

Budget

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Overview

Japan is located in northern-east Asia, between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Its closest neighbours are China, and the Koreas. The country is composed of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and over 3000 smaller islands around. The Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, are a chain of islands south of Kyushu. The capital is Tokyo, and the total population of Japan roughly rises to 127.4 million people.

Geography

Japan is a volcanic archipelago with an important seismic activity. About 75% of the country is forested, mountainous, and inappropriate for agricultural, industrial, or human settlement. This is because of the generally abrupt rises, climate issues and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, instable ground and heavy rainfall. As a consequence, an extremely high population density is mainly concentrated in coastal areas. Since World War II, however, as Japanese society has become overwhelmingly urban, industrial, and internationalized, climatic and geographical effects have become much less significant. Honshu is composed of two main coastal plains; the Kanto plain in the north and the Kansai plain in the south, over which the 70 million megalopolis is spread, and within the middle of the island, the -Japanese Alps- are the 1800km long spine of the country. Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama and Osaka are the main cities, Kyoto and Nara being the historical centers. Hokkaido, the northern island, homes one of the oldest forests of Japan and is inhabited with an important wildlife such as bears or small mammals. With its intact nature, Hokkaido is a haven for green tourism aficionados.
On Kyushu, the lunar landscapes of Mount Aso and the surrounding hot water springs are reminiscent of the volcanic nature of the island. Nagasaki, atomic martyr of World War II, still has the charm of the past with its shrines hanging on the hills slopes. Shikoku is the most isolated and traditional island of the archipelago. Rice supplier of Japan, its terraced paddy fields are characteristic stunning landscapes, as well as the typical fishermen harbours and the steep overhangs in the southern part.

Culture

With an ageless-old culture, Japan is the ultimate cornu copia for art and traditions lovers. Between the elegant architecture of ancient castles, the immemorial stories of the shogun eras, the stylish home crafts, the beauty of a vivid and colourful nature and the vanguard fantasies of tomorrow, the Land of the Rising Sun has more to offer than any other country in the world. This vibrant nation is a dream come true whatever your interests are. As for traditional culture, one can spend weeks in cities such as Kyoto and Nara, gorging on temples, shrines, kabuki, ō (sophisticated dance-drama), tea ceremonies and museums packed with treasures from Japan's rich artistic heritage. But when it comes to modern culture and technology, Japan's cities are an absolute wonderland - an easy peek into the future of the human race, complete with trend-setting cafés, high-tech shopping centers and fabulous restaurants. Outside the cities, a magical nature coats the length and breadth of the archipelago; blossoming cherry trees, green bamboo forests, terraced paddy fields and imposing snow-capped mountains filled with legends pave every inch of Japan. From the coral reefs of Okinawa to the ski-resort of Niseko, Japan has more than enough amazing landmarks to compete with its cultural treasures. Then there's the food: whether it's impossibly fresh sushi in Tokyo, perfectly battered tempura in Kyoto, or a hearty bowl of rāmen in Osaka, eating is a proper art to fully enjoy in Japan.

Climate

There are a lot of climatic differences between the southern islands (Kyushu, Shikoku) and Hokkaido in the north. In southern Japan, a subtropical climate leads to a wet season happening between June and July. The summer is humid in the whole country with tropical storms and typhoons (sharp winds, torrential rain) occurring between August and October.
The temperatures are a bit cooler in Hokkaido, where winter is very cold and snowy in the north, as well as on the west coast of Honshu, due to the icy Siberian winds sweeping through the Sea of Japan. The east coasts and Kyushu benefit from a warm climate and bright sunny days during that season. Fall and spring are the best times to travel to Japan, as both are enjoyable with mild temperatures and rare rainfall.