Japan Hidden Gems & Highlights - 13 days
Japan Hidden Gems & Highlights - 13 days
13 Days Starting in Kyoto, Japan and ending in Joge, Japan
Visiting: Kyoto, Mount Koya, Tokushima, Takamatsu, Naoshima, Kotohira, Matsuyama, Hiroshima, Joge
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Age range:
6-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 13-day journey through Japan's hidden gems and highlights, where tradition meets modernity. Begin in Kyoto, the "City of Ten Thousand Temples," with a unique afternoon tea experience with a maiko. Venture to Mount Koya for a serene temple stay and morning prayers. Discover Tokushima's vibrant Awa Odori dance festival and Takamatsu's exquisite Ritsurin Gardens. Explore Naoshima's renowned art installations and Kotohira's iconic Konpira-san shrine. In Matsuyama, relax in Japan's oldest hot springs and visit a samurai castle. Reflect on history at Hiroshima's Peace Park and Museum, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Miyajima Island. Conclude in the historic town of Joge, before returning to Kyoto on the Nozomi shinkansen. This cultural odyssey offers a blend of guided tours, traditional accommodations, and authentic Japanese cuisine, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On arrival at Kansai or Itami International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative who will arrange for a shared taxi transfer to our hotel in Kyoto. The tour leader will be waiting in the lobby to welcome you, and later we gather with the group for a welcome meeting followed by a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
On day 2, we enjoy a day of guided sightseeing in Kyoto using public transportation, showcasing the city's rich history and culture. Known as the "City of Ten Thousand Temples," Kyoto offers a variety of stunning attractions. Entrance fees to selected sites will be included in the itinerary, allowing us to visit highlights such as the Philosophers' Path, the Silver Pavilion of Ginkakuji, and the lively Nishiki Food Market. In the afternoon, we have the unique opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea with a maiko (apprentice geisha) in the traditional Gion district.
Accommodation: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar
Day 3: Mount Koya
Location: Mount Koya
Accommodation Name: Renge-in Shukubo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kyoto - Mount Koya. Today we're heading off the beaten path to Mount Koya, in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture. Mount Koya is home to ancient temples, shrines, and pagodas, including Okunoin, the largest cemetery in Japan. Surrounded by towering cryptomeria trees, this atmospheric graveyard stretches into the misty morning. With the services of a local guide to provide insight into the history and significance of these sites, our visit will include lunch and entrance fees. Tonight, we stay at a traditional Buddhist temple lodging, and enjoy a dinner of shojin ryori, a vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.
Accommodation: Renge-in Shukubo or similar
Day 4: Tokushima
Location: Tokushima
Accommodation Name: Hotel Sunroute Tokushima or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Mount Koya - Tokushima. This morning we rise early to join morning prayers at the temple lodging, before enjoying a traditional Buddhist breakfast. Leaving Mount Koya, we then take a private bus to Wakayama Port and board a ferry to Tokushima on Shikoku Island. Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, and Tokushima is well-known for hosting the Awa Odori dance festival, the largest dance festival in Japan. Upon arrival, we visit the Awa Odori Kaikan Museum to learn more about the festival and we ride a cable car to the top of Mount Bizan for stunning views of the city.
Accommodation: Hotel Sunroute Tokushima or similar
Day 5-6: Takamatsu
Location: Takamatsu
Accommodation Name: JR Clement Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tokushima - Takamatsu - Naoshima - Takamatsu. On day 5, we enjoy a half-day excursion to experience traditional Japanese puppet theatre at the Awa Jurobe Yashiki puppet theatre. Afterwards, we make our way to Takamatsu and explore the beautiful Ritsurin Gardens.
On day 6, we take a day trip to Naoshima, known as Japan's famous "Art Island". Here we enjoy the services of a local guide, who will take us through world-class art installations amidst stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy lunch at a local island cafe and visit Benesse House and Chichu Art museums to see works by renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama and Claude Monet. We return to Takamatsu in the evening.
Accommodation: JR Clement Hotel or similar
Day 7-8: Kotohira
Location: Kotohira
Accommodation Name: Sakura-no-Sho or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Takamatsu - Kotohira. Leaving Takamatsu behind on day 7, we take a scenic train journey to Kotohira, a town renowned for housing Shikoku's largest shrine complex, Konpira-san. In Kotohira we are staying at a traditional but comfortable ryokan inn with its own hot spring baths and traditional Japanese-style evening meals included.
During the afternoon of day 7, we can climb the 1,368 steps to reach the inner shrine of Konpira-san, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. We also visit a local sake brewery and sample some traditional rice wine.
On day 8, a private bus takes us to the Iya Valley, a pristine and unspoiled natural area known for its vine bridges. Take a walk across one of these bridges, enjoy a delicious lunch, and join a boat ride through one of the valley's gorges. Additionally, we explore a historic samurai residence before returning to Kotohira for another night of hot spring baths and culinary delights.
Accommodation: Sakura-no-Sho or similar
Day 9: Matsuyama
Location: Matsuyama
Accommodation Name: Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kotohira - Matsuyama. Today we take the train across Shikoku island to Matsuyama, home to Japan's oldest hot spring baths. There is also an incredibly well-preserved samurai castle here, which we will enjoy an included visit to, before a free afternoon for you to further explore Matsuyama.
The town's famous and historic bath house, Dogo Onsen is located right next to our hotel. This bath house has been in existence for over 3,000 years and is currently undergoing a 7-year restoration project to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations. There are baths reserved for the royal family, but there are also separate baths available to the public. Despite the renovations, the baths remain open and you are free to pay a visit this evening if you wish.
Accommodation: Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido or similar
Day 10-11: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: Vista Hotel Hiroshima or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Matsuyama - Hiroshima. On day 10, we take a ferry from Matsuyama to Hiroshima on Japan's main island. Hiroshima will always be remembered for the tragic events of 1945, and we visit the Peace Park and Museum to learn about the dropping of the atomic bomb at the end of the Second World War. After a sobering but thought-provoking afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverside and try Hiroshima's famous dish, okonomiyaki for our included dinner.
Day 11 sees us take an included ferry ride to Miyajima Island, where you can visit Itsukushima Shrine and hike (or ride the cable car!) to the top of Mount Misen for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Accommodation: Vista Hotel Hiroshima or similar
Day 12-13: Joge
Location: Joge
Accommodation Name: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hiroshima - Joge - Kyoto. On day 10 we visit Joge, a small historic town that is rarely visited by foreign visitors to Japan. Joge is famous for its original Meiji & Taisho era architecture. Walking down Joge's main street gives you a sense of stepping back in time. We enjoy a full day of cultural activities with local guides, and can meet members of the local community.
In the late afternoon, we return to Kyoto on a super-fast Nozomi shinkansen bullet train. After freshening up, we join our tour leader and group for a farewell meal at a local izakaya. Consider ending the tour with karaoke for a memorable final night!
Our tour ends after breakfast on day 13, with an included shared taxi back to the airport.
Accommodation: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar
What's Included
-
Meals
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 6 dinners.
-
Accommodation
Stay for 9 nights in 3-4 star hotels, 1 night in a temple stay at Mount Koya, and 2 nights in a ryokan in Kotohira.
-
Tour Leader
The tour is escorted by a tour leader.
-
Transfers
Arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 13 by shared shuttle bus are included.
-
Transportation
All relevant transportation and transfers including by minibus, coach, and train are included.
-
Entrance Fees and Local Transport
Selected entrance fees and local transport in Kyoto are included.
-
Afternoon Tea with a Maiko
Enjoy afternoon tea with a maiko in Kyoto.
-
Guided Tours
Full-day private guide in Mount Koya including lunch and entrance fees, and full-day private guide service in Naoshima including lunch at the Benesse House Museum.
-
Tickets
Tickets to Awa Odori Kaikan Museum, Mount Bizan Ropeway, Awa Jurobe Yashiki Puppet Theatre, and Ritsurin Gardens in Takamatsu are included.
-
Iya Valley Sightseeing
Iya Valley sightseeing including entrance fees and lunch is included.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
International flights are not included.
-
Local Transport
Any local transport unless covered by the included transport passes is not included.
-
Entrance Fees
Any entrance fees (including temples, shrines, and museums) unless otherwise specified are not included.
-
Baggage Handling
Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified are not included; you will be expected to carry your own luggage.
Age Policy
Minimum age: 6 years, accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly across Japan with shared shuttle bus transfers, private bus rides, and ferry crossings. Enjoy the convenience of minibus, coach, and train journeys, including a ride on the super-fast Nozomi shinkansen bullet train.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of traditional and modern Japanese hospitality with 9 nights in 3-4 star hotels, a night in a Buddhist temple at Mount Koya, and 2 nights in a traditional ryokan inn in Kotohira, complete with hot spring baths and Japanese-style meals.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will experience a blend of traditional and modern Japanese hospitality. You will stay for 9 nights in 3-4 star hotels, 1 night in a Buddhist temple at Mount Koya, and 2 nights in a traditional ryokan inn in Kotohira, which includes hot spring baths and Japanese-style meals.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 6 dinners. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of meals, including traditional Japanese cuisine.
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides seamless travel across Japan with shared shuttle bus transfers, private bus rides, and ferry crossings. You will also enjoy the convenience of minibus, coach, and train journeys, including a ride on the super-fast Nozomi shinkansen bullet train.
-
Will there be a tour leader during the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a tour leader who will guide you throughout the journey.
-
Is luggage forwarding available during the tour?
Yes, luggage forwarding is included from Kyoto to Tokushima and from Kotohira to Hiroshima, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
-
What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as afternoon tea with a maiko in Kyoto, a traditional Japanese puppet show in Takamatsu, and a visit to the Awa Odori Kaikan Museum in Tokushima. You will also participate in morning prayers at a Buddhist temple in Mount Koya and enjoy a traditional Okonomiyaki dinner in Hiroshima.
-
What activities are planned for the visit to Naoshima?
During the visit to Naoshima, known as Japan's 'Art Island', you will explore world-class art installations with a local guide. The tour includes visits to Benesse House and Chichu Art museums, where you can see works by renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama and Claude Monet.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Tuesday
Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
May 08, 2025 - May 20, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
May 15, 2025 - May 27, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
May 22, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
May 29, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 24, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 21, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 23, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.