12-DAY LUXURY TOKYO, KYOTO & OSAKA

From: Haneda Airport
To: Tokyo Prince Hotel

Upon arrival in Tokyo, you’ll be met at the airport and
transferred to your hotel.

Tokyo Prince Hotel fuses history with elegance in a classic atmosphere. The hotel has good access to the city, making it an ideal base for both business and tourism.

The Tokyo Prince Hotel has over eight dining establishments and bars. At the Cafe & Bar Tower View, the iconic Tokyo tower can be seen before your eyes from our terrace by Shiba Park. It is a spacious, open cafe by day, and by night the perfect venue to enjoy champagne and appetisers with the backdrop of a glittering Tokyo tower.

Address: Tokyo Prince Hotel, 3 Chome-3-1 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan

This Tokyo highlights tour will begin in Asakusa, which has an old-style atmosphere. There, you will visit the shopping street Nakamise Dori and the Sensoji Temple, which is home to the iconic big red paper lanterns.

After learning the history of Japanese temples and shrines, you will move on to the modernised area and discover the electric town Akihabara. It is a mecca for anime and video game lovers. You will also have lunch in Akihabara.

In the early afternoon, you will head to Meiji Jingu Shrine, the most important Shinto shrine of Tokyo. Meiji Jingu is surrounded by greenery in the middle of the city. Later, you will dive into the heart of the young, fashionable, colourful district of Harajuku. Enjoy street food on Takeshita Street, which is the epicentre of the Harajuku kawaii culture.

In the late afternoon, you will see the crowd at the busiest pedestrian crossing in Shibuya and take a typical photo with the dog, Hachiko. Then, you will see Tokyo from the observatory on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The tour concludes with exploring the streets of the nightlife district of Shinjuku.

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Address: Tōkyō, Tokyo, Japan

Retaining the vibe of old Tokyo, Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s districts where you feel as though you step back in time through decades past.

Home to traditional craft shops, street food stalls and of course, the famous Senso-ji temple, Asakusa can be easily explored on foot in a morning. The main attraction of the district is the Senso-ji temple which was built in the 7th century and sits at the end of the Nakamise, a popular shopping street lined with stalls selling souvenirs, snacks and more.

Within Asakusa, you’ll also find the mid-19th-century Hanayashiki amusement park which has rides and cafes, as well as the riverside Kuritsu Sumida Park which plays host to a number of events as well as a developing trendy dining scene on the waterfront. If you’re looking to delve into quintessential Japan, then Asakusa is the place.

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Address: Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

One of Tokyo’s most colourful temples, the Senso-ji –also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple– is Tokyo’s oldest.

In the year 628, is it said that two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River. They put the statue back but it returned again and again, and so, to please the goddess, a temple was built by the river and dedicated to her, it was completed in 645.

You are first greeted by a gate and the main entrance of the temple, Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate, which is the symbol of Asakusa and the city of Tokyo before walking along the 200-metre Nakamise shopping street. Lined with shops that date back to the Edo period that sell souvenirs and local snacks, the street takes you to the second gate of the temple that will lead you to the Main Hall and a five-storey pagoda.

The buildings in the centre of the temple are 17th-century reconstructions of the originals which were destroyed during the war.

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Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0032, Japan

Once home to a shrine that was dedicated to a fire-fighting deity, Akihabara is now home to many electronic shops which led to its affectionate nickname, Akihabara Electronic Town.

The area became increasingly popular with diehard manga and anime fans, the Tokyo otaku due to the comic shops that intersperse the electronic stores, which makes for a slightly overwhelming atmosphere among the vibrant city lights. However, this is made a little calmer by the pedestrianised streets.

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Address: Akihabara, Taitō, Tokyo 110-0006, Japan

Meiji is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Covering a total area of 70 hectares, the shrine is surrounded by an iris garden and forestry. The grounds are very peaceful and offer a selection of paths throughout.

Born in 1852, Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan and came to to the throne in 1867 after Japan’s feudal era came to an end and the emperor was given his rightful power. During his reign, Japan underwent modernisation and westernisation to align with the rest of the world.

The shrine was completed in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the empress had passed. Unfortunately, during the second world war, the shrine was almost completely destroyed but rebuilt shortly after.

The shrine does not contain the emperor’s grave, which is located at Fushimi-momoyama, south of Kyoto.

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Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 151-0052, Japan

Meiji is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Covering a total area of 70 hectares, the shrine is surrounded by an iris garden and forestry. The grounds are very peaceful and offer a selection of paths throughout.

Born in 1852, Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan and came to to the throne in 1867 after Japan’s feudal era came to an end and the emperor was given his rightful power. During his reign, Japan underwent modernisation and westernisation to align with the rest of the world.

The shrine was completed in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the empress had passed. Unfortunately, during the second world war, the shrine was almost completely destroyed but rebuilt shortly after.

The shrine does not contain the emperor’s grave, which is located at Fushimi-momoyama, south of Kyoto.

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Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 151-0052, Japan

One of the most iconic sights of Tokyo, other than shopping, there is not much to see in Shibuya, however, as soon as you walk out of the station, you’ll realise that Shibuya is a sight in itself.

Around 2.4 million people walk through Shibuya station every day, making it not only the busiest intersection in the world but also one of the most famous. Surrounded by shopping complexes and the flashing lights of billboards, an average of 2,500 people cross this intersection at one time.

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Address: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

Raised high above the ground by numerous skyscrapers, Shinjuku is the very heart of Tokyo. Home to the busiest train station in the world, the area is infamous for shopping, eating and even a red light district, stopping in Shinjuku is essential to capture the very essence of Tokyo at its craziest!

To many, the district is yet another example of a hectic city centre, with millions of people passing through, however, with this comes many unique experiences; get caught in rush hour as thousands of people walk through the train station, have dinner in Omoide Yokocho and finish with some drinks in the vibrant Golden Gai.

Shinjuku offers the true Tokyo experience!

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Address: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Take a tour on the giant Mount Fuji and visit the surrounding villages to experience the unique culture that they have to offer. Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, country of the rising sun, and is considered a highly important symbol.

During this private guided tour, you’ll enjoy the view of Mount Fuji from the famous photo spot, Chureito Pagoda and Lake Kawaguchi. You will also visit the World Heritage Site of Oshino Hakkai village and its clear water.

+ optional (not included in price): ¥289.87 per person

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Address: Mount Fuji, Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, Japan

Kamakura is a historic coastal city just one hour by train from Tokyo. Several temples, shrines and hiking trails make Kamakura a perfect day trip excursion for Tokyoites.

In Kamakura, you’ll take the old-style electric train “Enoden” to Hase. Hase is famous for its beautiful garden and is also home to the impressive 13-metre high Buddhist statue of Kamakura and the Hase-Dera Temple.

You will also check out the fantastic views of Kamakura Bay and see the Jizo statues. Shirasu, known as whitebait, is the speciality of Kamakura. You will try it for lunch, and then you will visit a small bamboo forest to enjoy a cup of hot matcha tea.

Later on, you will visit one of the most important zen temples in Japan. The last stop will be the great Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the city’s most important shrine founded in 1063.

+ optional (not included in price): ¥483.11 per person

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Address: Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan

From the contemporary geometry of the city centre to the serenity of perfectly manicured gardens and temples; Tokyo is truly a city like no other.

For those who are interested in art, one can assume that you have heard about the infamous Yayoi Kusama. Having recently opened an art gallery in the city, art lovers are flocking to the interactive gallery to see the polka-dot paintings, videos, sculptures and installations for themselves. Even if you don’t love art, we still think you’ll enjoy these aweinspiring pieces.

Have you ever been to a Japanese garden? If the hustle and bustle of Tokyo life is getting too much, there is always an escape. The gardens form a world apart from traffic jams and high-rises, just metres away from them, providing shade from the heat with towering trees.

From the highway to the high street, shopping complexes in Tokyo provide a wholesome shopping experience that is suited to window shoppers, browsers and big spenders, without having to leave the building. Shopping complexes are an attraction in themselves in Japan, whether you like shopping or not! The size, sights and design will leave you bemused.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Tokyo, Japan

Before 1868, Tokyo went by a different name: Edo. Originally just a small town in a swamp, Edo’s stature elevated when Tokugawa Ieyasu declared it his capital in 1603. Since then, the small village has grown into one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum explores the development of Edo from its humble beginnings to the present day and beyond. Housed in a unique building modelled after an elevated-floor type warehouse, the museum has been a landmark and popular tourist attraction in Tokyo since its opening.

The permanent exhibition, showcasing original objects and replicas, offers visitors a journey through the 400-year history of Edo-Tokyo since Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: 1-chōme-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tōkyō-to 130-0015, Japan

Odaiba is the perfect reminder than the bustling metropolis of Tokyo once began as a seaside town. Found on the edge of Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is a collection of artificial islands forming Tokyo’s main family-orientated entertainment district.

In Odaiba, you’ll find an abundance of interactive museums, arcades, shopping malls and even a theme park. With the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics approaching, the area is expecting much more positive development.

These manmade islands were created during the Edo Period between 1603 and 1868 in order to protect Tokyo city from any kind of sea attack. Escape the stifling heat of central Tokyo and spend the day in Odaiba on the Tokyo Bay relaxing at the park and watching ships coming in and out of Tokyo Bay.

Around Tokyo Bay, you’ll also find a number of recreational beach areas including Kasai Rinkai Park, Shiokaze Park, Odaiba Seaside Park and Jonanjima Seaside Park.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Tokyo Bay, Japan

Looking suspiciously similar to the Eiffel Tower in France, the Tokyo Tower beats its counterpart in height by about 13 metres.

Though it is dwarfed by the new Skytree tower in Tokyo, this tower holds its own with some world-class views of downtown Tokyo. Head to the top of the tower and marvel at the views from the observation deck.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakōen, Minato-ku, Tōkyō-to 105-0011, Japan

Odaiba is the perfect reminder than the bustling metropolis of Tokyo once began as a seaside town. Found on the edge of Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is a collection of artificial islands forming Tokyo’s main family-orientated entertainment district.

In Odaiba, you’ll find an abundance of interactive museums, arcades, shopping malls and even a theme park. With the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics approaching, the area is expecting much more positive development.

These manmade islands were created during the Edo Period between 1603 and 1868 in order to protect Tokyo city from any kind of sea attack. Escape the stifling heat of central Tokyo and spend the day in Odaiba on the Tokyo Bay relaxing at the park and watching ships coming in and out of Tokyo Bay.

Around Tokyo Bay, you’ll also find a number of recreational beach areas including Kasai Rinkai Park, Shiokaze Park, Odaiba Seaside Park and Jonanjima Seaside Park.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Tokyo Bay, Japan

One of the most important temples in Nikko’s World Heritage Area, Rinnoji was founded by the Buddhist monk who bought Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century, Shodo Shonin.

Of the 38 buildings in this temple complex, the Sanbutsudo Hall is one of the most important as it is home to three giant Buddha statues. The statues, each made of wood and gold lacquered are regarded as Buddhist manifestations of Nikko’s three mountain deities. A recent renovation lasting a decade was completed in early 2019 and the Sanbutsudo Hall has now been returned to its former glory.

Within the complex, you’ll also find a treasure house and Shoyoen, a small Japanese style garden which is located behind the treasure house. The garden is popular with photographers due to its beautiful autumn colours and many maple trees.

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Address: ２３００ Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431, Japan

The final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until the mid-19th century, Toshogu Shrine was initially a simple mausoleum that was enlarged during the 1600s to what you can see today.

Intricately decorated, the complex boasts over 55 buildings nestled in a beautiful forest. The buildings are coated in wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf, a lavish decoration not seen anywhere else in Japan. Up until the Meiji Period, it was common to see both Shinto and Buddhist elements in these shrines, which is why you’ll see them here.

The entire complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, particular highlights as you wander the perfectly laid out paths and stairways include Ishidorii (Stone Torii Gate), Gojunoto (Five-Story Pagoda), Omotemon (Front Gate) and Sanjinko (Three Sacred Storehouses).

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Address: 2301 Sannai, Nikkō-shi, Tochigi-ken 321-1431, Japan

Nikko Nature Science Museum is located close by the Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenji, performing a wide variety of activities including introducing Nikko’s nature and history, providing surrounding nature information and hiking course guides, holding nature experience events and acting as the dispatching base for the local information.

In addition to the Nature System Exhibition Room and the Humanity System Exhibition Room, the museum provides the nature and the sightseeing information striving to entertain visitors to enjoy Okunikko with a peace of mind.

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Address: ２４８０−１ Chūgūshi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan

From: Tokyo
To: Hiroshima

Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima is situated in an ideal location approximately 15 minutes by car from central Hiroshima, surrounded by the Setonaikai National Park.

All 510 guest rooms provide a view of the Seto Inland Sea, a location home to numerous favourite destinations such as Hiroshima Bay. Tourist sites such as Miyajima and Etajima can be accessed by high-speed boat from the pier outside the hotel.

You can enjoy a seasonal menu created by the talented chefs at the hotel’s richly diverse restaurants. The chefs bring you fresh seasonal ingredients throughout the four seasons of the Seto Inland Sea.

Address: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima, 23-1 Motoujinamachi, Minami Ward, Hiroshima, Japan

Dedicated to the sufferings of the city as the first to be the victim of a nuclear attack, the Peace Memorial Park is a lasting memory of the direct and indirect victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, of which there were 140,000.

Designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, the park was once the busiest part of the city, as a commercial hub and a residential area that was reduced to rubble after it was bombed. What is now an open-air park is scattered with memorials, museums, monument and lecture halls in memory of the travesty of nuclear attacks and as a point of advocacy for world peace.

The Peace Memorial Ceremony is held here annually.

Address: Japan, 〒730-0811 Hiroshima-ken, Hiroshima-shi, Naka-ku, Nakajimachō, 1, 広島市中区中島町1丁目1

Today, you’ll escape the hustle and bustle of the city of Hiroshima and venture across the water to Miyajima Island.

Here on this peaceful island full of cherry blossom trees and lush green fields, you’ll visit the Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its big red Shinto gate floating in the water. You’ll also stroll around Miyajima commercial street and interact with the wild deer.

After a traditional Japanese lunch, you’ll also visit the temples on this sacred island.

All of the tours include limousine bus transfers from and to your hotel, fees for the attractions mentioned in the itineraries and Shinkansen bullet trains.

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Address: Itsukushima, Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan

The highest peak of Miyajima, from Mount Misen you can see Hiroshima from across the Seto Inland Sea on clear days.

From the town of Miyajima, you can take the ropeway to the peak of the mountain, however, there are several trails you can take, should you wish to climb: the Momijidani Course, the Daisho-in Course and the Omoto Course. The easiest, while still offering spectacular views is the Daisho-in Course. All of the trails take between one and two hours, dependent on your speed.

The mountain peak is surrounded by Buddhist temples and shrine, you’ll also be able to visit the Shishi-Iwa Observatory. Along the way, you could be accompanied by some shy deer and, on occasion, a wild monkey.

Please note that no matter how you choose to get to the peak, walking on rough terrain will be required.

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Address: Mount Misen, Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
739-0588, Japan

Just an hour away from the city of Hiroshima, Miyajima offers a contemplative atmosphere; a calm break from the ugly truths of the city.

Famous for the torii gate that floats on the islands waters, the island is lined with cherry blossom trees and greenery that makes it perfect to relax and enjoy a peaceful walk in. Take the time to soak up the calming sounds of nature and sample some local food along the way.

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Address: Miyajimacho, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588, Japan

From: Hiroshima
To: Kyoto

Rendez-vous in Kyoto, the heart and soul of traditional Japan, to discover a unique MGallery Hotel Collection property.

The Kyoto Yura Hotel opened its doors last April and promises its guests a journey back in time, at the crossroads of modern Japan and the legendary Samurai era. Its walls and design are imbued with the traditions of Kyoto, a clever blend of art and heritage that pays.

At the hotel, the 54th Station is a unique all-day dining experience for great breakfasts that transits into unique kaiseki, tapas, grill style focused around the various cuts and grades of Japanese and Western meats coupled with locally grown and sourced produce.

In the hotel’s 1867 bar, you can explore two different sides of the Kamo River, old and new, historic and modern, experimenting with traditional flavours, styles and textures in ultra-modern cocktail concepts.

Address: Kyoto Yura Hotel MGallery, 84 Ohashicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto balances green adventures with high street shopping perfectly. So much so, you can find yourself perusing boutique shops before brunch and cycling through luscious green hills in the afternoon.

The city keeps traditions close to its heart, when visiting the city, it’s essential you take this opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture in an intimate setting with museums, art galleries and tea ceremonies found throughout the city.

Feeling a little hungry? While in Kyoto, you simply must take time to sample some of the local dishes, you will never unsatisfied while here.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Kyoto balances green adventures with high street shopping perfectly. So much so, you can find yourself perusing boutique shops before brunch and cycling through luscious green hills in the afternoon.

The city keeps traditions close to its heart, when visiting the city, it’s essential you take this opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture in an intimate setting with museums, art galleries and tea ceremonies found throughout the city.

Feeling a little hungry? While in Kyoto, you simply must take time to sample some of the local dishes, you will never unsatisfied while here.

You’ll venture off on a highlights tour of Tokyo with your local guide.

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Address: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Kyoto’s most sought after attraction, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which line a number of trails behind its main buildings.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Inari, 233 metres above sea level, these trails lead into the wooded forest of this sacred which belongs to the shrine. There are several thousand shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, but Fushimi Inari Taisha is the most important.

As foxes are believed to be Inari’s messengers, you’ll find many fox statues throughout the grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha.

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Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 612-0882, Japan

Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple, the temple’s official name is Rokuon-ji literally meaning ‘Deer Garden Temple’. It is a designated National Special Historic and a National Special Landscape site by UNESCO.

Kinkaku-ji history dates back to 1397 when the villa was purchased from the Saionji family by shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and transformed into the Golden Pavillion. This was burned down by a novice monk who was then imprisoned. He was released soon after with signs of mental illnesses that needed to be cared for. The restoration you see today was made in 1955.

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Address: 1 Kinkakujichō, Kita-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 603-8361, Japan

Built in the 8th century, Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple that looks over Kyoto. The temple structures you see today were made around 1633 – not a single nail has been used.

Neighbouring a waterfall, this is where it takes its name from, roughly translating to ‘pure water’. The temple was formerly associated with the Hosso sect of Yogacara Mahayana Buddhism before turning to a modern, not do well-known sect known as “Kitahosso”.

Having stood through so many periods of Japanese history, the Kiyomizu has witnessed many traditions and tales that remain with the structure, one of which still holds today. With the main hall facing the Otowa waterfall, you can drink the water to make a wish.

This Kiyomizu-dera temple is not to be confused with the other Kiyomizu-dera Mayahana Buddhist temple, founded by the priest Nichiren.

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Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chōme, Higashiyama-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 605-0862, Japan

Gion, famously known as Kyoto’s Geisha district, is a truly unique experience that cannot be missed when in the city. This area was the model for Memoirs of Geisha and it comes alive with people and lights in the evening.

Stroll past the 17th-century traditional restaurants and teahouses, many of which are still exclusive establishments for geisha entertainment. See the theatres and traditional shops, and soak up the atmosphere of this historic quarter.

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Address: Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0074, Japan

Nara, the former site of Japan’s first capital known then as Heijo in 710, is a spectacular picturesque city located just a short one-hour train journey from Kyoto and Osaka.

Now the capital of Japan’s Nara Prefecture, Nara is home to significant temples, shrines, gardens and artwork dating back to the 8th century when it was Japan’s capital.

Explore Nara’s ancient temples, discover the friendly deer which roam Nara Deer Park and visit the Tōdai-ji temple, one of the most impressive sights in Japan.

Address: Nara, Japan

One of the most impressive sights in Japan, Todai-ji Temple dates back to 752 making it also one of the most important temples in Japanese history.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998 along with the other historic monuments of Ancient Nara, Todai-ji Temple was commissioned by Emperor Shomu to bring peace during this period of turmoil following the loss of its son, crop failures and an attempted coup.

Todai-ji Temple is home to the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), Japan’s largest Buddha statue at 15 metres tall and is cast from 400 tonnes of bronze. At the temple, there is also a unique column with a hole in it; it is said that if you climb through the whole, you will be blessed with good luck and granted enlightenment in your next life.

The surroundings of the Todai-ji Temple are also beautiful, known for the roaming deer, extensive gardens, several museums and treasure halls.

Address: 406-1 Zōshichō, Nara-shi, Nara-ken 630-8211, Japan

Nara’s most famous and impressive Shinto shrine, the entrance to the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine leads you along a beautiful forested path which passes through a deer park and is lined with hundreds of stone lanterns. Inside you’ll find the interior of the shrine is decorated with hundreds of bronze lanterns, for which is it famous for.

Originally founded in 768, the shrine has been rebuilt several times over the years. Deer are believed to the sacred messengers of the Shinto gods, so you will often find them roaming the surrounding terrain near a Shinto shrine like this one.

The facade of the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine greets you with beautiful vermillion columns contrasting against the white walls and cedar park roofs. As well as the deers, the wisteria flower, which is the family crest of the Fujiwara family which the temple is dedicated to, appears on carvings and trees throughout the complex. In May, many people flock to the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine to see the wisteria trees in full bloom.

Address: 160 Kasuganochō, Nara-shi, Nara-ken 630-8212, Japan

With over a thousand deer roaming in the park, this park is highly respected as in Shinto the deer are seen as messengers of the Gods, so much so, they became a natural treasure.

Although the deer are very tame and not bothered by people coming through the park, they can be aggressive if you appear to have food but don’t. So, it’s best to buy food in the park for them – some may even bow to ask for some!

Address: Nara deer park, Kawaharajocho, Tenri, Nara Prefecture, Japan

From: Kyoto
To: Osaka

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka brings modern elegance to a city with more than 15 centuries of history. The five-star hotel, set within the city centre’s prestigious Umeda district, embodies the Japanese aesthetic while inviting a touch of British flair.

Enjoy a personal tour of the private art and antique collection during your stay and settle into a tufted sofa in the 34th-floor Club Lounge, or explore the more than 100 malt whiskies available at The Bar.

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka boasts six dining venues including the Michelin-starred La Baie French restaurant, a luxury spa featuring treatments from ESPA & La Prairie, renovated accommodations fusing English manor elegance and urban sophistication and so much more.

Address: The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, 2-5-25 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, Japan

Known as the ‘Kitchen of Japan’, Osaka was once a merchant town, with a large and bustling port that, to this day, welcomes in boats full of fresh goods, ready to go to local restaurants. This being said, it would be rude not to eat your way through the city!

From fresh seafood at Kuromon Ichiba Market to splashing out on Michelin star Sukiyaki (stew), in Osaka, food isn’t just to satisfy your hunger, its a way of life. In between meals, stop by Shitennoji, reportedly the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan or get caught up in the Osakan way of life in Dotonbori.

If the city life is getting too much, Osaka boasts the luxury of having a national park just half an hour outside of the city.

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Address: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

Osaka Castle is widely known as an emblem of the power and fortune of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. In 1583, Hideyoshi began construction at the former site of Honganji Temple and completed the magnificent castle, which was reputed as being unparalleled in the country.

Hideyoshi, having employed the castle as his stronghold, succeeded in quelling the wars which had continued for more than one century, thereby unifying the entire nation.

After Hideyoshi’s death, Ieyasu Tokugawa, who worked for Hideyoshi as his chief retainer, was appointed to the Shogun and he established the shogunate (government) in Edo (Tokyo). In 1615, Ieyasu ruined the Toyotomi family and destroyed the castle in the Summer War of Osaka.

Thereafter, the Tokugawa shogunate reconstructed Osaka Castle. It held the castle under its direct control until 1868, when the Tokugawa shogunate lost power and the castle fell. In 1931, the Main Tower of the Castle was reconstructed in the centre of Osaka Castle, which was used as a military base, with funds raised by the citizens.

The present-day Main Tower is the third generation. It follows the Main Tower from the Toyotomi period, which was destroyed by fire during the Summer War, and the tower from the Tokugawa period, which was struck by lightning and was burned down.

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Address: 1-1 Ōsakajō, Chūō-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 540-0002, Japan

The first ever temple built by the state, Shitennoji is one of the oldest temples in Japan, founded in 503.

The temple was created under the rule of Prince Shotoku who helped to introduce Buddhism to Japan. Over the centuries, the temple has been destroyed by several fires, however, there has always been great care in ensuring the temple retained its 6th-century design.

You will navigate the temple via the pebble-stone courtyard, where you’ll find the five-storey pagoda, the main hall, a treasure house and Gokuraku-Jodo Garden which was designed to reflect the description of Western Paradise according to the scriptures of Amid Buddha.

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Address: 1 Chome-1-11-18 Shitennōji, Tennōji-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 543-0051, Japan

Regarded as one of Osaka’s most interesting districts, Shinsekai is one of the oldest, although it was forgotten for many years before being developed in a more western style. Today, Shinsekai is known as one of the “seedy” areas, although, based on Japan’s safety and security expectations, you may find this difficult to believe.

Exuding an all-round retro vibe, Shinsekai is known for its snacks, most are unhealthy, such as kushi-yaki which can only be compared to a kebab and Osaka’s well-known kushikatsu, which is just about anything, battered.

Shinsekai is best explored at a leisurely pace to take in everything that is going on – it’s vibrant and often hectic as it is very much an entertainment area, as it always has been.

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Address: 2 Chome-1 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan

The heart and soul of Osaka, Dotonburi is the city’s colourful, famed tourist hotspot renowned for its bright lights, extravagant signage and huge array of restaurants and bars.

Taking over downtown Osaka, Dotonburi is where you can try a variety of speciality foods in Osaka: takoyaki, yakisoba, yakiniku (Korean barbeque), ramen, sushi and much more.

Once your belly is full, you can move into the entertainment part of Dotonburi of which there are endless establishments; karaoke bars, saunas, fish ponds, souvenir shops, comedy acts, storytelling, magic shows, theatres and galleries where you can admire paintings, pottery and ceramic art.

Dotonburi’s history dates back to 1612 when a local merchant invested heavily in the area to create a new waterway that would link the local canal network to the Kizugawa River. The project was interrupted by war during which the merchant lost his life. In his honour, his family completed the canal and named it Dotonbori or “Doton Canal”.

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Address: Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

From: Osaka
To: Osaka International Airport

Your driver will transfer you to the airport in Osaka for your
departing flight.