Ancient Japan

Japan is a land of vast cultural diversity with ultra-modern cities, Buddhist mountain sanctuaries, hidden hot springs, feudal castles and cultural arts. Japan Roads Ancient Tour will take you from Osaka to Mt Koya. From Takarazuka you will reach the rural village of Shirakawa-go and the quiet old streets of Takayama before giving you time to wander the streets and alleyways of ancient capital of Kyoto.

Destinations:
Osaka - Modern Japan with a long history in commerce
Mt Koya - Spiritual Japan on a holy Buddhist mountain also a World Heritage Site
Takarazuka - Hidden Hot Spring
Shirakawa-go - 300 year old thatched roof farmhouses
Takayama - Beautifully preserved classic town
Kyoto - Imperial Japan in a city founded in 794 AD with 17 World Heritage Sites

Our Ancient Japan Tour is a 8 day independent tour that will give you a chance to see Osaka and visit the playgrounds of the Ancient as well as modern Osaka. Since this is an independent tour you will not have to worry about visiting places you have no interest in or sightseeing at a pace that is not right for you.

The price is US$ 2,990 per person, (based on double occupancy) and includes all transportation between destinations, accommodations, 7 breakfasts and 3 evening meals.

We hope the above has piqued your interest in this tour. If you have any questions or wish to sign up for a tour please Contact Us or call at +1-248-747-4048.

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Itinerary Details:

Day 1 – Osaka - Hotel
After a long flight to Japan you will be met by one of Japan Roads staff who will take you to your hotel in Osaka and will give you an orientation.
Accommodation: Swissotel Nankai (or similar)

Day 2 – Mt Koya - Shukubo - Buddhist Temple Lodging
Today you will travel to Mt Koya to experience the spiritual side of Japan. Here you will be treated to an authentic Shojin-Ryori dinner served by the monks and have a chance to view a morning service.
Accommodation: Shojoshin-in Temple Lodging (or similar)

Day 3 – Takarazuka - Ryokan - Japanese Inn
After breakfast at the Buddhist Temple on Mt Koya you will head to Takarazuka where you can find a place to have lunch. You will be staying at Takedao Hot Spring; which can be reached in just 9 minutes from Takarazuka Station. This area is blessed with beautiful natural scenery as it is located in a small river valley covered by cedars trees. From the Takedao Onsen there is a charming hiking course that was once used as a railway.
Accommodation: Koyokan Bettei Azale

Day 4 – Shirakawa-go - Ryokan - Japanese Inn
Shirakawa-go was cut off from the rest of Japan due to its remote location in the mountains. The steep thatched roofs distinctive of this area were designed to protect the homes from heavy snow. In the center of the home is a sunken hearth, called an irori, which was used to cook food and heat the house. Instead of a chimney the villagers would put a large plank over the fire which would catch any rogue sparks and distributed smoke throughout the house. The smoke is necessary for the roof as it would act as a bug repellent and waterproofing. Without the smoke from the hearth the roof would leak and be filled with bugs. Besides keeping snow off the home the steep roof also provided a second floor where the owner could raise silkworms as a cash crop for the artisan of Takayama.
Accommodation: Koemon (or similar)

Day 5 – Takayama - Hotel
After breakfast at your ryokan in Shirakawa-go you will head out to the old Takayama. During the Edo Period (1603-1867) Takayama thrived thanks to timber resources which attracted artisans and craftsmen. Many of the merchants homes survived and are now open to the public as museums and galleries. After a long day of touring you will be treated to a wonderful dinner at your ryokan (Japanese inn). Once you are full it is recommended that you go for a walk while the town is quite and peaceful.
Accommodation: Best Western Hotel Takayama (or similar)

Day 6 – Takayama - Hotel
Today is free time in Takayama and you can enjoy the traditional market and enjoy the local food
Accommodation: Best Western Hotel Takayama (or similar)

Day 7 – Kyoto - Hotel
The remaining of your tour will be in the ancient Imperial capital of Kyoto. Here you will have a chance to visit hundreds of temples, shrines, gardens, shops and neighborhoods. The beauty and history of Kyoto is so vast that it is impossible to see it all in one visit.
Accommodation: Hotel Kanra Kyoto (or similar)

Day 8 – Tour Ends
Today is the last day of the tour. You can either go to the airport to catch your homeward flight, or continue on to other destinations you plan to visit. Please let us know if you need any help in making these arrangements.

Tour Accommodations:
Throughout the tour, you will have the chance to stay at Japanese style inns, or ryokans, as well as modern, Western hotels. By choosing the best accommodations possible and offering both traditional and modern lodging experiences, Japan Roads aims to give you a deeper insight into life in Japan and make you as comfortable as possible. In particular, the traditional accommodations will allow you to have close personal contact with the Japanese owners and staff of these places, thus deepening your cultural experience.

Sample Accommodations (may vary but will be of similar quality)
Osaka: Swissotel Nankai
Mt Koya: Shojoshin-in
Takarazuka: Koyokan Bettei Azale
Takayama: Best Western Hotel Takayama
Kyoto: Hotel Kanra Kyoto