From Neon to Silence
Tokyo, Mount Fuji, five nights in Kyoto that are never the same twice, then Osaka and Mount Shigi. The entry-point circuit into the archipelago, in its most complete version.
The points that matter.
Five nights in Kyoto, never the same Kyoto twice: south of the city, Higashiyama, Ryoanji and Arashiyama, the Imperial Palace, then Kurama and Kibune
One night in a ryokan with an onsen at the foot of Mount Fuji, in Kawaguchiko
A spiritual excursion to Mount Shigi from Osaka, without changing hotel
A Suica card handed over on arrival, and luggage forwarded between cities by takkyubin
A calligraphy workshop and a tea ceremony in Kyoto
A fully free day in Tokyo, before the flight home
Fourteen days, thirteen nights.
Arrival in Tokyo
Transfer to the city centre, check-in and the Suica card handed over. First dinner in Shinjuku, then an hour of night-time discovery: Kabukicho, Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho.
Tokyo, the face of Edo
Asakusa and the Sensoji temple, Ameyoko, Ueno Park and its national museum or the Yanesen district, then Akihabara and its popular culture.
Tokyo, the contemporary face
Meiji Shrine, Takeshita dori and Harajuku, Omotesando, then Shibuya: Miyashita Park, Hachiko and the famous crossing.
To Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko
Direct train to Kawaguchiko, at the foot of Fuji. A walk around the lake, the ride up Mount Tenjo by ropeway, then an onsen and a Japanese dinner at the ryokan.
From Kawaguchiko to Kyoto
Bus then shinkansen to Kyoto, a bento lunch on board. The afternoon starts strong: Tofukuji, then Fushimi Inari Taisha and its tunnel of torii.
Kyoto, Higashiyama and Gion
Ginkakuji and the Philosopher's Path, then Higashiyama: Entokuin, the Ryozen Kannon statue, the Kawai Kanjiro Memorial Museum and Kenninji temple, walking between each site through the lanes of Gion.
Kyoto, Ryoanji and Arashiyama
The zen garden of Ryoanji, the imperial temple of Ninnaji, then the afternoon in Arashiyama: the bamboo grove, Okochi Sanso, Tenryuji and the Togetsukyo bridge.
Kyoto, the Imperial Palace
A slower day: the Imperial Palace gardens, a tea ceremony and an introduction to calligraphy, then a guided visit of the Sento Imperial Palace in the afternoon.
Kyoto, excursion to Kurama and Kibune
A day off the classic routes in the mountains north of Kyoto: Kurama dera temple, the forest, then the walk to Kibune and its riverside shrine.
To Osaka
Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market for lunch, then Shinsekai and its Tsutenkaku tower, and finally Dotonbori for dinner under the neon signs.
Excursion to Mount Shigi
A day at Chogosonshiji temple, known for its huge tiger and its tunnel of torii, then a walk on the paths of Mount Shigi, between forests and small shrines.
Back to Tokyo
Shinkansen back to Tokyo, check-in at the hotel then a free late afternoon in a district not yet explored, depending on the mood of the moment.
Tokyo, free day
A day deliberately left free after a dense circuit: museums, Yanaka, Daikanyama, shopping in Ginza or Shibuya. Farewell dinner in the evening.
Departure
Transfer to the airport, Haneda or Narita depending on the flight. End of the circuit.
Included in the price
Not included
Tipping is not customary in Japan · none is planned, none is expected.