South Japan Express
Duration
6 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Osaka
Available
April 2025 / March 2026
Cities to visit: Osaka ; Himeji; Korakuen Gardens; Okayama; Kurashiki; Itsukushima Island; Hiroshima; Matsuyama; Kotohira; Takamatsu; Naruto; Kobe
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
Day
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we´ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of the tour.
Total distance covered: 190 km.
Scenery: Densely populated areas, major highways, with occasional sea views.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Osaka. We’ll head towards Osaka Bay.
09:45 a.m. – Himeji. Admission to the stunning Himeji Castle is included, a masterpiece of traditional Japanese castle architecture. After exploring the castle, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Note: If there are long queues at the castle, we recommend enjoying the beautiful surrounding gardens instead.
01:00 p.m. – Departure from Himeji.
02:30 p.m. – Okayama. We’ll visit Korakuen Garden, renowned as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, featuring lakes, waterfalls, and traditional teahouses. By crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Okayama Castle, a sixteenth-century Japanese fortification rebuilt in 1966 after being destroyed in a World War II bombing (visit inside the castle not included). Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city, an active provincial capital with just over 700,000 inhabitants.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel for accommodation.
Note: On some dates, we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki. The visit to Kurashiki may take place on the same day in the afternoon.
Scenery: Densely populated areas, major highways, with occasional sea views.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Osaka. We’ll head towards Osaka Bay.
09:45 a.m. – Himeji. Admission to the stunning Himeji Castle is included, a masterpiece of traditional Japanese castle architecture. After exploring the castle, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Note: If there are long queues at the castle, we recommend enjoying the beautiful surrounding gardens instead.
01:00 p.m. – Departure from Himeji.
02:30 p.m. – Okayama. We’ll visit Korakuen Garden, renowned as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, featuring lakes, waterfalls, and traditional teahouses. By crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Okayama Castle, a sixteenth-century Japanese fortification rebuilt in 1966 after being destroyed in a World War II bombing (visit inside the castle not included). Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city, an active provincial capital with just over 700,000 inhabitants.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel for accommodation.
Note: On some dates, we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki. The visit to Kurashiki may take place on the same day in the afternoon.
Total distance covered: 220 km.
Scenery: Pleasant views and a serene boat trip to Miyajima.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Okayama.
08:30 a.m. - Kurashiki. This charming city boasts a beautifully preserved historic center, where you’ll have time to stroll through its picturesque streets and soak in its old-world atmosphere.
10:00 a.m. - Departure from Kurashiki.
12:30 p.m. - Hiroshima. Arrival in this city, known worldwide for its tragic history as the site of the atomic bombing in 1945. We’ll visit the Peace Memorial, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the poignant Peace Memorial Museum. After the visits, you’ll have time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the outskirts of Hiroshima to board a small ferry for a 15-minute ride to Miyajima, an island renowned for its spiritual significance as a place where "man lives alongside the Gods." Here, we’ll visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and famous for its torii gate that appears to float on the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine and wander through the charming center of the island.
Note: The order of visits in Hiroshima may vary, with the possibility of visiting Miyajima first and Hiroshima afterward.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Miyajima. We’ll take the ferry back and continue to Hiroshima, where dinner will be included.
Scenery: Pleasant views and a serene boat trip to Miyajima.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Okayama.
08:30 a.m. - Kurashiki. This charming city boasts a beautifully preserved historic center, where you’ll have time to stroll through its picturesque streets and soak in its old-world atmosphere.
10:00 a.m. - Departure from Kurashiki.
12:30 p.m. - Hiroshima. Arrival in this city, known worldwide for its tragic history as the site of the atomic bombing in 1945. We’ll visit the Peace Memorial, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the poignant Peace Memorial Museum. After the visits, you’ll have time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the outskirts of Hiroshima to board a small ferry for a 15-minute ride to Miyajima, an island renowned for its spiritual significance as a place where "man lives alongside the Gods." Here, we’ll visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and famous for its torii gate that appears to float on the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine and wander through the charming center of the island.
Note: The order of visits in Hiroshima may vary, with the possibility of visiting Miyajima first and Hiroshima afterward.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Miyajima. We’ll take the ferry back and continue to Hiroshima, where dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: This stage will be completed by ferry, covering approximately 50 km.
Scenery: Fascinating views onboard as we pass by a multitude of islands.
Note: We recommend enjoying the journey from the deck; bring warm clothing.
Today, we’ll board a ferry to Shikoku Island, a pleasant journey of just over two and a half hours that offers insight into Japan, a nation composed of many islands. If there are no schedule changes, our ferry will depart at 09:20 a.m. (departure from the hotel at 08:00 a.m.).
12:00 p.m. – Matsuyama – arrival. We’ll take a cable car or chairlift to visit its impressive castle. Afterward, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a stunning Buddhist temple and important pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.
Note: We highly recommend experiencing Japan’s Onsen culture. There are specific customs that will be explained to you, such as gender-separated baths and the requirement to thoroughly clean yourself before entering the hot water naked. Please be aware that some Onsen facilities may deny entry to individuals with tattoos.
Scenery: Fascinating views onboard as we pass by a multitude of islands.
Note: We recommend enjoying the journey from the deck; bring warm clothing.
Today, we’ll board a ferry to Shikoku Island, a pleasant journey of just over two and a half hours that offers insight into Japan, a nation composed of many islands. If there are no schedule changes, our ferry will depart at 09:20 a.m. (departure from the hotel at 08:00 a.m.).
12:00 p.m. – Matsuyama – arrival. We’ll take a cable car or chairlift to visit its impressive castle. Afterward, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a stunning Buddhist temple and important pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.
Note: We highly recommend experiencing Japan’s Onsen culture. There are specific customs that will be explained to you, such as gender-separated baths and the requirement to thoroughly clean yourself before entering the hot water naked. Please be aware that some Onsen facilities may deny entry to individuals with tattoos.
Total distance covered: 345 km
Scenery: Pleasant mountainous landscapes in some areas. Passage over large suspension bridges across the sea.
Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Matsuyama.
10:00 a.m. – Kotohira. We’ll visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, a pilgrimage site located on Mount Zozu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. For those who prefer not to climb, the base of the mountain offers a lively tourist area and a small sake museum (Japan’s traditional distilled beverage).
12:00 p.m. – Departure from Kotohira.
01:00 p.m. – Takamatsu. We’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Takamatsu.
04:15 p.m. – Naruto. We’ll stop at an impressive bridge that crosses the sea. Here, we’ll explore its fascinating construction and walk on its glass floor to admire the stunning sea whirlpools (visible depending on the schedule and tides) from 45 meters above.
05:15 p.m. – Departure from Naruto. Enjoy beautiful scenery as we cross large suspension bridges.
07:00 p.m. – Kobe. A modern city by the sea, where you’ll have the chance to stroll through its lively downtown area.
Scenery: Pleasant mountainous landscapes in some areas. Passage over large suspension bridges across the sea.
Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Matsuyama.
10:00 a.m. – Kotohira. We’ll visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, a pilgrimage site located on Mount Zozu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. For those who prefer not to climb, the base of the mountain offers a lively tourist area and a small sake museum (Japan’s traditional distilled beverage).
12:00 p.m. – Departure from Kotohira.
01:00 p.m. – Takamatsu. We’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Takamatsu.
04:15 p.m. – Naruto. We’ll stop at an impressive bridge that crosses the sea. Here, we’ll explore its fascinating construction and walk on its glass floor to admire the stunning sea whirlpools (visible depending on the schedule and tides) from 45 meters above.
05:15 p.m. – Departure from Naruto. Enjoy beautiful scenery as we cross large suspension bridges.
07:00 p.m. – Kobe. A modern city by the sea, where you’ll have the chance to stroll through its lively downtown area.
Total distance covered: 40 km
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a place dedicated to commemorating the tragic earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and showcasing its impressive reconstruction (on certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced with a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up the Kobe Tower).
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Kobe, continuing toward Osaka.
11:15 a.m. – Osaka. Welcome to Japan´s second-largest city.
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a place dedicated to commemorating the tragic earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and showcasing its impressive reconstruction (on certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced with a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up the Kobe Tower).
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Kobe, continuing toward Osaka.
11:15 a.m. – Osaka. Welcome to Japan´s second-largest city.
Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories. Please check your flight time in case you require an additional night. While the departure transfer to the airport is not included, our guide will provide recommendations for the best public transportation options to suit your journey.
From
USD 1,204.00