Discover the world with me
Travel to Japan - Samurai and Zen gardens
Travel to Japan - Samurai and Zen gardens
A spectacular journey to discover the many faces of Japan: contemporary and surprising in Tokyo and Osaka, imperial and traditional in Kyoto, Kurashiki and Nara, historic in Himeji and Hiroshima, serene on Mount Fuji and Zen on Mount Koya.
Contact me
or
Overview
Discover the hidden treasures Japan
A spectacular journey to discover the many faces of Japan: contemporary and surprising in Tokyo and Osaka, imperial and traditional in Kyoto, Kurashiki and Nara, historic in Himeji and Hiroshima, serene on Mount Fuji and Zen on Mount Koya.
Highlights
Highlights
- Must-see sites: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima
- Kyoto's secret alleys and gardens
- the nostalgic charm of Kurashiki's unspoilt old Bikan district
- Miyajima Shinto Shrine and the magnificent Himeji Castle (UNESCO listed)
- Rejuvenate in Japanese baths, the serenity of Mount Koya monasteries and a stroll through Osaka's lively districts.
Included in the trip
What's included
- International flights and taxes
- Transfers and transport mentioned by coach or public transport.
- Mentioned excursions and visits with local French-speaking guide from Tokyo to Osaka.
- Accommodation in twin rooms and meals as mentioned.
Japan Essentiel - Tradition, Modernity and Serenity
Discover a fascinating Japan. This tour plunges you into the heart of a country where every detail reflects the art of refinement and the balance between past and present.
Days 1 & 2
France, Tokyo
Flight from Paris to Tokyo, Meals on board.
Welcome on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Discover the city by public transport: in the morning, visit the lively Shibuya district, the Meiji Shrine, Omotesando, Harajuku.
In the afternoon, stroll through the lively Akihabara district, a paradise for electronics fans, and the Ginza district, temple of luxury. Dinner close to the hotel.
Day 3
Tokyo - Japan's capital, past and present
Day 4
From Tokyo to Mount Fuji
Visit the Asakusa district, the Sensoji, Tokyo's most popular temple, and Nakamise Street, a long gallery of stalls and bazaars. Visit to the Tokyo National Museum.
After lunch, explore Shinjuku and climb up to the Tokyo City Hall Observatory. On to Kawaguchiko, a small town in the province of Mount Fuji. Check-in at your hotel, where you can experience the Japanese baths. Buffet dinner and overnight in a Japanese room (tatami and futon).
In the morning, take the funicular up to Mount Komagatake for an impressive panorama of Mount Fuji (weather permitting) and Lake Ashi, followed by a boat trip on the lake. Drive to Kyoto. Arrive late afternoon and check into hotel.
Day 5
From Mount Fuji to Kyoto
Day 6
Unchanging prints from Kyoto
Discover Kiyomizu temple, then stroll through Ryoanji temple and its exceptional Zen garden. Visit Kinkakuji temple, with its print-style lake surrounded by wooded hills.
After lunch, visit Nijo Castle, former home of the shogun, then stroll through the old Gion district.
Drive to Osaka and discover the capital of Kansai with its imposing castle (seen from the outside). Stroll through the lively Dotonbori district.
Drive to Kurashiki, an ancient trading city; visit the Ohashi residence, a traditional 18th-century dwelling, and stroll through the old historic district of Bikan, where time seems to have stood still. Dinner close to hotel.
Day 7
Urban vibes and alleys of yesteryear
Day 8
Between Memorial and vermilion torii
Departure for Hiroshima and visit to the Peace Memorial Park (UNESCO) and its museum, built in 1960 as a tribute to the victims of the bomb. Continue to the island of Miyajima and visit the magnificent Itsukushima Shinto shrine. Return to Hiroshima at the end of the day and check-in at your hotel.
In the morning, drive to Saijo: visit a sake brewery, taste sake and stroll through this small town renowned for its sake and authentic alleyways. Lunch before leaving for Himeji and a visit to the beautiful Kokoen Garden. Arrive at your hotel at the end of the day.
Day 9
Traditions and Zen gardens
Day 10
Medieval castle and port city
Visit to the impressive White Heron Castle, one of the most beautiful in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive to Kobe and explore the city, including the Kitano-cho district, which reflects its cosmopolitan history. Arrival in Nara late afternoon.
Drive to the village situated 900 m above sea level on the slopes of Mount Koya, one of Japan's most venerated Buddhist sites. Visit Kongobuji temple, Danjo Garan and Reihokan museum. Vegan lunch followed by a walk up Mount Koya to Okunoin Shrine before returning to Nara.
Day 11
Zen spirit on Mount Koya
Day 12
Nara, ancestral capital
Visit Nara, the former capital turned open-air museum city. Visit the vermilion Kasuga Shinto shrine with its 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, Todaiji temple and stroll through the deer park.
After lunch, stroll through the traditional district, then visit the Horyuji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to the airport and flight to Paris via Dubai.
Arrival mid-day
Day 13
Back to France
Other routes
Book your Travel
Browse sample itineraries and contact me to start planning your own adventure.
"Journey to Mexico"
Valentin helped us organize our trip. He helped us book our return flights to Mexico, our internal flights within Mexico, our accommodations in San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City, and our transfers. Valentin was professional, friendly and responsive in all our dealings. He chose two very nice boutique hotels for us. We had a problem on site and he quickly replied to my e-mail and solved the problem. Valentin was a pleasure to deal with. If I need a travel agent in the future, I will call on him again.
Harf - Journey to Mexico
"My dream vacation in Paris"
I had a wonderful time in Paris, France. I was saving this destination for an important anniversary at the end of 2026. However, as life is short, I realized that there was no guarantee that I would still be there. So I decided to go on vacation in August 2025. This trip fulfilled all my expectations. Valentin booked several excursions/museums for me and also gave me ideas for things to do after visiting these places. His suggestions were comprehensive, detailed, well researched and excellent!
Barrylicious - Trip to Paris
"An exceptional travel experience"
I called on Valentin for my trips to Kenya and India. I usually book my trips myself, but as Kenya and India are really exotic destinations, we decided to use a travel agency. Thanks to Valentin, both trips were an incredible experience. Valentin made sure that everything was organized to meet our needs, designed a unique travel package and ensured that our trips were stress-free. I can't recommend Valentin highly enough and will definitely be calling on him again in the future.
Aaron B - Trip to India
"Attentive service, from planning to return"."
Valentin organized a 7-day trip to New England (Boston, Salem, Plymouth, Martha's Vineyard, Newport) for me and my family, which exceeded all our expectations. The accommodation was excellent, the restaurant and attraction recommendations were spot on, and all the transport booked (ferry, car hire) went off without a hitch. We would definitely use Valentin's services again.
Marcos M - Trip to Marthas Vineyard ~ United States
"Five days of pure bliss in Jamaica!"
Everything was perfectly organized, from planning to follow-up with Valentin's help. One of the highlights was the visit to Bob Marley's house, a total immersion in the world of this legend. Thanks to Valentin, we also discovered some heavenly beaches at the RIU hotel, offering an incredible view of the horizon and its turquoise waters. I highly recommend his services for an authentic, stress-free stay!
Samclem - Travel to Jamaica
Discover your new adventure
Contact me at
Destinations
Give me a call
Send us an email
Atout France registered IM059190009
Independently affiliated with Nexion - Travel Leaders Network