Life continues as normal in Kyoto, Osaka and beyond. From Buddhist temple lodgings on Mount Koya, to sacred Miyajima Island, from the bright lights of Kobe port to the beautiful gardens at Matsue’s Adachi Museum; this itinerary offers a wonderful insight into the contrasts that make modern Japan

Our 'Best of the West' plan starts with an easy transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport to Imperial Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan and home to countless wonders. Serene gardens mix with atmospheric temples and some of the best opportunities to purchase or even experience making Japanese crafts. With a full day with a professional guide and a tea ceremony experience included Kyoto is destined to be one of those special places that stays with you for life.

A temple lodging stay atop Mt. Koya gives a fascinating insight into the daily lives of Japan's Buddhist monks whilst also offering some great traditional vegetarian cuisine and a relaxing and peaceful escape.

For garden lovers, Matsue is a fantastic inclusion affording the opportunity to visit the Adachi Museum home to some of the very best gardens in Japan. The small coastal city also has a great Samurai castle to explore and nearby Izumi Taisha shrine is a must see.

Also on the coast, Hagi offers olde-world streets and museums and a glimpse into feudal Japan. Kurashiki meanwhile is known as the 'Venice of Japan' for its canals - and is also home to a remarkable collection of art galleries and museums.

A stay on the scenic island of Miyajima is also on the itinerary - again with great meals included. This island is known as having one of the '3 greatest views in Japan' and the vermillion red Torii gate is certainly something to behold. Then take the cable car up Mt. Misenl to enjoy great views over the inland sea and to spot a few monkeys!

Finally you will stay in the buzzing cities of Osaka and Kobe, great for shopping, eating and people watching. Fantastic fun and a glimpse of the bright lights of modern Japan.

'Best of the West' is a comprehensive Japan experience combining the traditional and modern aspects of the country to ensure you get to see the full picture.

Prices:
2012
Standard:
Twin: Ł1910 Single: Ł2190

Upgrade:
Twin: Ł3110 Single: Ł4570

Click for full details of pricing including extra nights

What's Included:

13 nights accommodation (6 nights Japanese-style)
Breakfast each morning
6 evening meals
Meet and greet upon arrival at Osaka Kansai Airport
All transport between destinations including airport transfers
8 Hours private guide service in Kyoto
Tea ceremony experience in Kyoto
InsideJapan Tours' info-pack

What's NOT Included:

International Flights
Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination
Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip

Please note that this itinerary is designed for arrival at Osaka Kansai Airport and departure from the same.

Supplements
No seasonal supplement

Black Out Dates
Please note that during certain Japanese holiday periods, the prices
detailed in this brochure are NOT valid for packages if any of the
nights' accommodation fall within the following dates:

29th December to 4th January New Year
29th April to 5th May Golden Week
9th August to 17th August Obon Festival

Included evening meals are in Koya-san (1), Miyajima (2), Hagi (1) and Matsue (2).

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Kyoto

Meals: None

You will be met on arrival at Osaka Kansai Airport and given tickets for the Ltd Express train into Kyoto. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 shinto shrines as well as numerous gardens, Kyoto is a fascinating destination and a great place to start exploring Japan. From the ultra modern train station with its multitude of shops to the quaint back streets of the Gion geisha district and the calm of the moss gardens along the Philosophers' Path, Kyoto presents you with a good cross-section of Japanese culture, the old and the new.

Day 2 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

We have scheduled in a full day with a professional English speaking guide today. Not only will this help you make the most of your time in Kyoto but you will also be able to learn about life and customs in Japan in general. If you have any special interests do let us know so that we can advise the guide in advance.

Day 3 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

A futher full day in Kyoto and today we have included a tea ceremony experience for you with an English speaking instructor. The fascinating introduction to the 'way of the tea' takes about 1 hour - including supping time! The rest of the day is free for exploring the ancient capital or you may like to take an easy half day trip to nearby Nara to view Japan's largest statue of the Buddha and feed the sacred deer in the park.

Day 4 Mt Koya

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

You will travel on from Kyoto by train today to Mt. Koya. Deep in the heart of the countryside this mountain-top temple complex makes for a relaxing and fascinating stay. You will be staying the night at a temple lodging and will have the option of joining afternoon and morning ceremonies if you wish. Breakfast and traditional vegetarian Buddhist dinner are included.

Day 5 Osaka

Meals: Breakfast

This morning we would recommend further exploring Mt. Koya - the Okunoin cemetery is incredibly atmospheric and the impressive Daimon main gate a must see. This afternoon take a direct train to Osaka, Japan's bustling second city.

Day 6 Osaka

Meals: Breakfast

A full day in Osaka today to explore the city. Osaka castle is one of the most visited attractions in all of Japan and has to be the starting point! Aside from that we recommend a walk down Dotonbori restaurant street - and if you want to do any shopping at all then Osaka is the place to do it!

Day 7 Miyajima

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Travel by Shinkansen bullet train on to Hiroshima and then by ferry for the 10 minute crossing to scenic Miyajima Island. A stunning destination, Miyajima is reknowned for its Itsukushima shrine - one of Japan's top three sights. After photographing the vermillion red 'floating' Torii gate, take the cable car to the top of Mt. Misen for an amazing panoramic view over the inland sea national park. Accommodation is Japanese style tonight with breakfast and dinner included.

Day 8 Hiroshima

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

You are staying overnight in Miyajima tonight with dinner included again but we recommend taking an easy trip to Hiroshima during the day. Reached by ferry and then tram, you will be able to see the Peace Park and Museum and try local speciality Okonomiyaki for lunch. Delicious!

Day 9 Hagi

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Travel by Shinkansen bullet train and JR bus to Hagi today. This small town is a hidden sea-side gem - tucked away in rural Yamaguchi prefecture. An old castle town with many streets little changed from the Samurai era. There are some very interesting museums to explore and the town is also famous for its pottery. Accommodation is Japanese style with breakfast and dinner included.

Day 10 Matsue

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Onwards by train to Matsue today. This 'city of water' has a fantastic extant castle to explore as well as some beautiful sea and lakeside views. The area is also home to to Izumi Taisha shrine, one of Japan's most important. You will continue to enjoy Japanese culinary expertise with a sumptuous dinner.

Day 11 Matsue

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

A full day in Matsue today and we recommend visiting the Adachi museum and gardens. These have been consistently voted the very best in Japan annually since 2003 by the Journal of Japanese Gardening and have received universal accolades - a must see. And to end the day there will be another meticulously prepared dinner!

Day 12 Kurashiki

Meals: Breakfast

From Matsue you will travel south by Ltd Express train to Kurashiki, known as the 'Venice of Japan'. This scenic canal-lined town also has a great line in art museums to explore many of which are housed in old 'kura' style black and white warehouses. The varied architecture, bridges and canals fringed with weeping willows provide plenty of photo-opportunity.

Day 13 Kobe

Meals: Breakfast

For your last night in Japan you will be travelling to the bright lights of the harbourside city of Kobe. Famous for its 'Kobe beef' there are many great restaurants here (including a 'Chinatown' selection) and for a romantic evening we recommend a visit to Mt. Rokko for some great sunset views.

Day 14 Depart

Meals: Breakfast

Sadly it's time to head home! Tickets for the direct airport bus to Osaka Kansai Airport are included and along with your luggage, you will carry with you some wonderful memories.

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Pricing Information

2012
Standard Price:		Ł1910 (Single Price: Ł2190)
Upgrade Price:		Ł3110 (Single Price: Ł4570)

Extra Nights:
Standard Grade
	Start: Twin Share pp Ł65 Single pp Ł65 End: Twin Share pp Ł65 Single pp Ł65
Superior Grade
	Start: Twin Share pp Ł90 Single pp Ł115 End: Twin Share pp Ł110 Single pp Ł175

Accommodation

Standard

Upgrade

Karasuma Kyoto Hotel

Kyoto

Moderate Hotel

The Karasuma Kyoto Hotel is located right in the centre of Kyoto and enjoys easy access to all of the city's main sights. There are also numerous shops and restaurants on the doorstep here. Rooms are moderately sized but clean and comfortable and fully en-suite. The hotel features its own restaurant, Starbucks coffee shop and bar. English speaking staff are usually available.

Muryoko-in

Mt Koya

Shukubo (JP)

Meaning ‘immeasurable light’, Muryoko-in is a Buddhist temple that forms part of the monastic complex of Mount Koya. Its origins date back over 1000 years and today it offers 30 simple, Japanese style rooms for those wishing to experience a night in this magical environment. Guests are treated to ‘shojin ryori’, strictly vegetarian Buddhist monk dishes, and also have the chance to participate in the morning ceremony. This includes ‘goma’ or fire meditation

Nanba Dotonbori Hotel

Osaka

Business Hotel

This smart business hotel has quickly become an InsideJapan Tours favourite. Renovated in 2009, the Dotonbori Hotel offers compact, but comfortable modern rooms and fantastic services: free bicycle rental and DVD hire, English language area guides, free computer hire and internet access and a complimentary phone call home on check-in. Staff will even take a photo of you and turn it into a postcard for you to send home! The hotel is in a great location in downtown Osaka, just a short walk from the restaurants and bars in neon-lit Dotonbori. A buffet breakfast is prepared each morning with a mix of western and Japanese dishes with locally produced, organic ingredients.

Yamaichi Bekkan

Miyajima

Ryokan (JP)

The Yamaichi Bekkan is a family run ryokan located directly opposite the pier and just a short from Itsukushima Shrine. All four rooms are fully en-suite and at such a small establishment you can be sure of personal service. The ryokan acts as a restaurant as well and is well known for its high quality food. The owners are a real delight and can advise about sightseeing in English.

Hagi Honjin

Hagi

Standard Ryokan (JP)

Hagi Honjin is a smart Japanese style hotel located on a hillside overlooking the town and is known as having the best hot spring baths in the area. Built on a natural spring which originates from 2000m below ground, there are a wide range of indoor and outdoor baths situated around Japanese rock gardens. There are also some baths which can be hired for private use. The hotel has it's own monorail which goes all the way up to the top of the hillside offering great views of the city and coastline.

Ryokan Terazuya

Matsue

Ryokan (JP)

Just a 10 minute walk from Matsue station and next to Shirakata shrine, this homely ryokan is a fantastic base for your stay in the "City of Water". Shinji lake is a 3 minute walk away whilst the Shimane Art Museum is just 5 minutes on foot. The castle is a pleasant 20 minute's stroll or a short ride in a taxi. Rooms at the ryokan are simple but well kept Japanese style and the food is first rate. Free internet (for quick e-mails checks) is available on request.

Dormy Inn Kurashiki

Kurashiki

Business Hotel

Located six minutes walk from Kurashiki JR Station and just a stone's throw from the old town area, makes a great base for a stay in this charming town. Rooms are stylishly designed and feature all the facilities you would expect such as air conditioning, complimentary high speed internet access and atatched bathrooms. The ensuite facilities do not include a bath but instead have a shower booth. However, the hotel has some fabulous hot spring baths for guests to enjoy as well as a sauna.The baths are complimentary for hotel guests.

Kobe The B Hotel

Kobe

Moderate Hotel

The B Kobe is a a modern western style hotel located in downtown Kobe just a short walk from Sannomiya station. The hotel features moderately sized but stylishly designed rooms and is a great base for exploring this attractive city.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Kyoto

Superior Hotel

Located at Kyoto Station in what is most of the amazing buildings you will see anywhere in the World, the Granvia has a reputation as being amongst the best hotels in the city offering modern style and luxury along with first class service. The rooms are a good size and the interiors stylish and well designed. The location at the bustling hub of Kyoto Station is an ideal base from which to explore the city as all city buses and the subway come to Kyoto Station, as well as being the perfect location when making a day trip outside the city.

Fudoin Shukubo

Mt Koya

Minshuku (JP)

The Fudo-in is a quiet Shukubo (temple lodgings) located on a small hill side near Okunoin cemetery in Koya-san. The large garden contains the tomb of the Empress of Toba (1101 - 1145) and so the Imperial family always visit this Shukubo when they come to Koya-san. This is a friendly small shukubo with some English speaking staff. The morning ceremony has some English translation and the bathing facilities are all well kept.

Osaka Swiss Hotel Nankai

Osaka

Deluxe Hotel

The Swiss Hotel Nankai is one of Osaka's very best hotel and, in our opinion, has the best location of all the 5 star hotels in this vibrant city. Located above Nankai Namba station the hotel is in the heart of the restaurants and shops of Osaka's minami district and just a short walk from the famous Dotomburi eating road. Facilities and rooms are top notch as you would expect from an international standard 5 Star hotel.

Iwaso

Miyajima

Superior Ryokan (JP)

Founded in 1893, this wonderful luxurious ryokan was the first establishment to open its doors on Miyajima. Situated in beautiful part of Momijidani Park, the original owner of the Iwaso also built a tea shop and planted the area with maple trees whose leaves turn a blaze of reds and oranges in the autumn. Iwaso was constructed in the "miya-daiku" style, built by craftsmen who built Japan's beautiful ornate Shinto shrines. Previous guests have included famous authors, artists, and members of the Japanese royal family. The inn has three main buildings, the 'honkan' (main building), 'shinkan' (new building) and the 'hanare' (detached cottages). All rooms are beautiful Japanese style.

Hagi San-No-Maru Hokumon Yashiki

Hagi

Superior Ryokan (JP)

In Hagi you will be staying at the Hokumon Yashiki which is a superior grade ryokan located within the old castle town. This atmospheric ryokan features lovely Japanese style rooms as well as its own hot spring baths. There are also beautiful grounds to enjoy.

Minamikan

Matsue

Superior Ryokan (JP)

The Minamikan is Matsue’s top ryokan and is surrounded by beautiful Japanese style sand gardens. It is a modern building but has a very traditional feel to it with fantastic service. The food is of the highest quality and the menu changes to reflect what is seasonally available. The Japanese Garden Journal 2005 actually rated the garden here as no. 11 in its list of top Japanese Gardens. The rooms are all Japanese-style with en-suite bathroom and toilet.

Kurashiki Hotel Nikko

Kurashiki

Deluxe Ryokan (JP)

The Nikko Hotel Kurashiki is one of the best hotels in the town with great service and good sized rooms. The hotel is 10mins walk from the station or a short taxi journey and it is also within walking distance from many of the main sights. The hotel has good facilities and the hotel including a number of restaurants and bars.

Kobe Portopia Hotel

Kobe

Superior Hotel

This smart hotel is housed in an amazing building in Kobe's attractive harbour, offering great views of the city and the surrounding area. Guestrooms are modern in style and fairly generous in size. The location offers a quieter place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city's downtown district, though the action is only a short train ride away should you wish to indulge!