Road trip in the heart of spiritual Japon
Explore the Kii Peninsula, where sacred temples, mountains, hot springs and pilgrimage routes reveal an authentic Japon. An immersion between nature, spirituality and traditions.
Duration
9 days
From
€2,590/pers.
The spirit of travel
Explore Japan through the Kii peninsula, diving into a region where nature, spirituality and traditions shape your journey. This self-drive itinerary takes you from the bustling neighborhoods of Osaka to the mountain temples of Mount Kōya, a major center of Buddhism, before reaching the hot springs of Kawayu Onsen, in the heart of a pristine environment.
You then explore the forest landscapes of Kumano Kodo, ancient pilgrimage trails connecting shrines and villages, then discover maritime life at Kii-Katsura and the sacred sites of Ise, a major center of Shintoism. The journey continues in Kyoto, among temples, gardens and traditional neighborhoods. A circuit combining culture, gentle adventure, local immersion and relaxation, to experience the spiritual and natural atmosphere of Japan.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Yokoso! Welcome to Japan!
Upon your arrival in Osaka, you go through customs before collecting your luggage. An English-speaking assistant welcomes you at the airport and accompanies you by express train, then by taxi, to your hotel.
During this journey of approximately one hour, they hand over your travel documents and provide you with the essential information for a smooth stay in Japon.
In Osaka, you will notice a contrast with other major cities in the country. This western part of Japon is known for its cheerful, festive and playful atmosphere.
Among the sites to discover is Osaka Castle, recognizable by its distinctive style. The site is notably worth visiting for its museum and its park.
The Umeda district represents another point of interest located in the heart of the city center.
As night falls, Osaka comes alive in celebration and several districts gain in liveliness. You can then explore The Namba district, crossed by the famous Dotonbori street and its canal.
You also have the possibility of visiting The Shinsekai district, also called the "New World". These two places illustrate the marginal and electric culture of Osaka and contribute to the city's nocturnal atmosphere.
The Buddhist Temple of Mt Koya
You then pick up your rental car and head towards Mount Kōya. This site, a major center of Japanese Buddhism, brings together 117 temples and is located at approximately 1000 meters altitude. Its perimeter allows for exploration on foot under good conditions.
The Shingon school of Buddhism was founded there in the 9th century by the monk Kukai. He established a connection between the topography of the site, surrounded by eight mountains, and the lotus flower on which Buddha rests, composed of eight petals.
Learn everything about driving in Japon
The main attraction of Mt Koya is the temple Kongobu, built at the end of the 16th century by shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Seat of the religion, it houses the largest rock garden in Japon: the Banryutei.
Another remarkable site is Okuno-in, a vast cemetery of nearly 200,000 tombs of samurai and other notable figures, within a majestic forest of century-old cedar trees.
Hot springs at Kawayu Onsen
You continue your journey south to the Kii peninsula, until the hot spring resort of Kawayu Onsen. Located near Kumano Hongu, it is a convenient starting point for discovering the region, particularly the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails.
Kawayu Onsen has a distinctive feature that is much appreciated: hot springs (onsen) emerge directly from the riverbed. By arranging stones and small dams, it is possible to create a private bath at your desired temperature, in the heart of a dense natural environment.
This stop at Kawayu Onsen is best planned during the shoulder seasons. In winter, a large bath built by residents, the ennin-buro, can accommodate up to a thousand people.
The Spiritual Region of Kumano Kodo
The Kumano Kodo is considered sacred territory in Japon. For more than a thousand years, tradition has it that divinities reside there, which led to the construction of the three great Kumano Sanzan shrines as pilgrimage sites, connected to each other by forest trails (see our Kumano Kodo, a Compostela Nipônica).
From the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, you descend the Kumano River by traditional boat or motorboat, depending on whether you wish to experience something close to what ancient pilgrims experienced or cross the Dorokyo Gorges.
You then reach Shingu, where the Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine is dedicated to the divinity of water and life.
A little further south, Kii is Japon's main tuna fishing port. Each morning the auction takes place there, where these fish are sold to the highest bidder.
A few kilometers inland, in the hills overlooking the city, the shrine of Nachi Taisha enjoys a remarkable location. The pagoda of the Seigantoji temple, accessible by stairs winding between tall ancient trees, is located near the country's highest waterfall.
Legends and traditions at Ise
You then head north towards the city of Ise, a major site of Shintoism.
Upon arrival, you visit the Ise Shrine, considered the spiritual heart of the Japanese people. You begin with a visit to the Geku Shrine, one of the main complexes that comprises 125 shrines.
The long paved avenue of Oharai-Machi, located facing the Ise Shrine, invites culinary discovery. This district is lined with traditional houses representative of the Edo period.
On the other side of the Uji bashi bridge, which crosses the sacred river Isuzu, stands the Naiku Shrine. Before entering this sacred place dedicated to Amaterasu, the kami, goddess of the sun, you take time to purify yourself according to ritual.
Kyoto, Ancient Imperial Capital
This morning, you continue your trip towards Kyoto, a major city in the history and culture of Japon.
Once there, you take time to familiarize yourself with this former imperial capital before discovering sites that have marked the history of the city.
You visit The Kiyomizu Temple, the temple of pure water perched on hillsides, then The Higashiyama district and its shops, as well as the traditional streets of Gion.
In the evening, you head towards the Pontocho Street in Kyoto to find a traditional restaurant.
Along the way, you enjoy the view of the Kamo River. Depending on your encounters, it is possible to spot maikos, apprentice geishas.
Kyoto, Between Temples and Gardens
The thousand-year-old city of Kyoto is home to numerous buildings and cultural sites. Among its distinctive features are its 2000 shrines and temples. This stay does not allow you to discover all of them, but you can visit several major places, including the Golden Pavilion Kinkaku, the garden of the Ryoan-ji temple and The Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku temple.
During your free time, you have the opportunity to rent bicycles to ride along the banks of the Kamo river, if conditions permit. Otherwise, you can take a walk on the Philosopher's Path, which leads to the Nanzen Temple, headquarters of Rinzai Buddhism.
In the evening, you can discover shabu-shabu at dinner. This Japanese specialty is presented in the form of a fondue, where thin slices of meat are dipped in different vegetable broths.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The Nijo Castle holds a notable place in the shogunal and imperial history of Japan. Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo dynasty, had it built in the early 17th century as a fortified residence intended for the dynasty's stays in Kyoto. At the end of the 19th century, the last shogun of the line, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, abdicated there in favor of Emperor Meiji.
Another symbol of the city, Mount Arashiyama is located to the west and is home to its bamboo forest, known for its aesthetics and symmetry. On site, you will also discover the Togetsu-kyo Bridge which spans the Hozu River, as well as the Tenryu-ji Temple and its garden.
To conclude this stop on a culinary note, you can choose a tempura. This dish is made up of battered shrimp, seafood and fried vegetables, appreciated in Japanese cuisine.
Goodbye!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights and related taxes
- English-speaking guidance or assistance, optional
- English-speaking assistance to the return airport
- For car rental: motorway fees, parking fees, as well as petrol,
- Entrances to tourist sites
- Meals, with the exception of those mentioned as included, as well as beverages
- Transportation other than those mentioned as included, including transfers between city centers and accommodations when there is no assistance (by public transport or taxi, at your choice)
- Luggage forwarding by private carrier between different stages (recommended, approximately 2,000 yen/item)
- The tourist accommodation tax, approximately 100-500 yen per night per person, collected only on-site, for the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
- Your Personal Expenses
- Tips (guides, assistants)
- Insurance (repatriation, cancellation)
Included
- 1 night accommodation in Osaka, breakfast,
- 1 night accommodation in a shukubo at Mount Koya, dinner and breakfast, shared bathroom facilities, traditional room with futons
- 1 night accommodation in ryokan at Kawayu-onsen, dinner and breakfast, traditional room with futons
- 1 night accommodation in ryokan at Kii-Katsura, dinner and breakfast, traditional room with futons
- 1 night's accommodation in a ryokan in Ise, dinner and breakfast, traditional room with futons
- 3 nights accommodation in Kyoto, breakfast, double room
- Round-trip airport transfers from airports to city centers, by public transportation (tickets)
- Car rental with English GPS and automatic transmission for 5 days across the Kii Peninsula (from Osaka departure to Kyoto arrival), as well as driving license translation (standard category vehicle Prius/Corolla, automatic transmission, insurance and protection included)
- Welcome and English-speaking assistance upon arrival at Osaka Airport
- The organization and optimization of your tailor-made trip with an advisor based in Japan
- A complete set of travel documents for a fully supported independent trip, which includes in particular: day-by-day program, detailed transport itinerary, clear presentation of each stage, and practical advice & Japanese translations of relevant elements.
- Renting a portable Wi-Fi router for the duration of your stay, to be able to stay connected at all times
- 24/7 telephone support during your trip, with a real French agency on the ground
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Japan depend on your nationality. We recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Japanese embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Japan, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Entry requirements without a visa depend on your nationality. You must verify the conditions and the duration of stay authorized with the Japanese embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also ask for:
a return ticket or onward travel proof (return flight or continuation),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in Japan for the duration of your trip.
Visit Japan Web
Japanese authorities offer the online service Visit Japan Web, which allows you to register in advance certain information required for entry into the territory and to facilitate procedures upon arrival.
This service allows you to enter:
passport information
flight and stay details
Japanese customs declaration
The use of this service is optional but recommended, as it allows you to speed up passage through controls upon arrival. A QR code is generated at the end of registration and can be presented to the competent authorities.
Health
Verify vaccination requirements with the Japanese embassy or consulate of your country of residence. It is advisable to ensure that routine vaccinations recommended in your country of residence are up to date.
Be sure to purchase travel insurance covering medical expenses, as these can be substantial in Japan.
Travel with children
Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of your country of residence. Check with your country's authorities.
All nationalities
Entry conditions vary depending on your nationality. All travelers must check the specific requirements with the Japanese embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for declaring a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Non, les ressortissants français peuvent séjourner jusqu'à 90 jours au Japon sans visa. Un passeport valide pendant la durée du séjour suffit. Pour un séjour plus long ou pour travailler, un visa spécifique est requis auprès du consulat du Japon.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 220 et 350 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et activités. Les vols internationaux (700-1200 euros A/R) sont en supplément. Le Japon reste plus abordable qu'on ne le pense grâce au rapport qualité-prix imbattable.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Let's talk about your next trip to Japon
Adventure traveler based in the heart of Japan, based in Tokyo
Japan often impresses at first sight, but it quickly becomes more familiar once you know where to start. My role is to help travelers find their own thread in this fascinating country.
— Charles
