Japan in all its Glory

Welcome to Osaka! You will be greeted at the airport by a local assistant who will help you get back to your hotel by public transport. Depending on your arrival time, start your discovery of the historic capital: Kyoto, the perfect balance between city and nature.

An English-speaking guide will accompany you on this day of exploration in Kyoto, full of discoveries. On the agenda today: visits to emblematic monuments and temples of the city, including Kodai-ji, a temple with maples and bamboos, a stroll through Maruyama Park and an exploration of the traditional streets of old historic districts such as Gion. Meander through the typical Ninenzaka and Sannenzake alleys, which look like they've come straight out of a samurai movie.

Start your day at the largest Shinto shrine in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha, where 30,000 torii follow one another forming a red vault winding through the heart of the forest and the mountain. Continue your journey by discovering the Philosopher’s Path, dotted throughout with small temples and shrines. Visit the Silver Pavilion, the Ginkaku Ji, a lacquered wood pavilion surrounded by a peaceful, uncluttered garden nicknamed "The Sea of ​​Silver Sand". In the evening, stroll through the Pontocho district, and take in its unique atmosphere with its countless Ochaya, tea houses, where the Geiko come to practice their arts.

Take a day trip from Kyoto to Takao where you set off for a hike in the heart of nature which will allow you, for to get away from the noise and the frantic pace of the city. Explore the numerous temples dotted with nature. Explore the Kozan-ji Temple, where long drawn scrolls are kept, satirizing the life of the monks of the time, considered to be the first manga. Appreciate the surrounding nature that has put on its beautiful coat in the green and red shades of autumn.

Make your way to Nara, the former capital of Japan, and take a walk in its large park, famous for its shika deer. Going to meet them will delight young and old! It is very easy to approach them and they will surely come to tease you and search your bags. It is a good chance to take some rather funny photos. Then set off to explore the various temples of the city for a visit rich in history and culture.

The traditional neighborhoods and ancient houses of Nara are at the heart of your day. Stroll through the pleasant old trading district of Naramachi, halfway between the station and the park, admire the old traditional wooden houses and then visit the Gango-ji Temple, a UNESCO Heritage-listed Site. Visit the small Naramachi Museum located in an old merchant's house in the heart of the historic district, and the Nigiwai No Ie House, an old traditional Japanese house.

Stroll through Osaka, the third largest city in Japan. On the program: shrines, parks, a museum and then a castle for a foray into the life of a samurai. Visit the Osaka History Museum, which will offer you a magnificent panorama of its castle. A day steeped in history that will end in Osaka's most popular pedestrian street, Dotonbori Street, the city’s epicenter after dark.

Take a deep breath of fresh air by going for a walk on the enchanting paths of Mount Koya, in the heart of its thousand-year-old cedar forest. Let yourself be awed by the Kongobu-ji Buddhist temple, a major site of the Koya-san pilgrimage and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site. Finally, visit the Koyasan Reihokan, an art museum that preserves and exhibits Buddhist works of art belonging to temples located in Kōya-san. This day will delight lovers of history and nature.

Revel in the magic of Mount Koya for the last time before heading to Osaka to enjoy gourmet paradise and freely explore the city as you wish.

Depending on the schedule of your return flight, enjoy a free half-day in Osaka before making your way to the airport. The perfect chance to get a last bowl of ramen or some souvenirs.