Upon arrival you will spend three culturally inspired nights in Kyoto, the ancient capital. On your second day, we will organise a local guide to help you discover some of the hidden and overlooked corners of this awe inspiring city.

Set on the summit of Koyasan, 1000m above sea-level, is the mausoleum of Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi where you will start your real ‘Lost in Japan’ adventure. You will travel here by local trains and mountain tram. Our local guide will meet you on arrival and assist you with checking-in to your temple lodge before taking a stroll around the village. They will provide you with insight into Japan’s two main religions: Buddhism & Shinto. Overnight at one of Koyasan’s 110 Temple Lodges (shokubo) where monks have lived and worked for hundreds of years, serving pilgrims who have completed the eight-eight temple pilgrimage route. Experience traditional shojin ryouri (vegetarian food), calligraphy (shodo) and morning meditation/chanting with your temple monks.

After your night with the monks, you will move towards Shikoku by ferry.  Our local Shikoku guide will introduce the island starting in Tokushima, home to the annual Awa Odori dance festival (August). While most people can’t make the festival, you will be given the opportunity to attend the local dance hall where nightly performances take place by local dancers dressed in original festival costumes,performing a replica of the festival (indoors/on stage).

A true highlight while in Shikoku is going deep into the Iya Valley. This stunning remote setting is centered along the ten kilometer Iya River, and is known as one of the three largest hidden mountain ranges in Japan. Take a boat ride along the river, cross the Vine Bridge, and stop off in the traditional town of Kotohira, home of the first Kabuki theatre in Japan.

Takamatsu, a pretty port town facing the inland sea, is home to the wonderful Ritsurin Garden among other attractions. Two nights here will give you the option to take a day-trip to Naoshima, an island two hours from Takamatsu renowned for its collection of modern art museums, architecture, and sculpture exhibits.

A trip to Naoshima will undoubtedly appeal to those who enjoy modern art and alternative design & architecture. The wonderful aesthetic of the island was created from a desire to produce a new kind of space and experience, by juxtaposing contemporary art and architecture against the beautiful backdrop of Naoshima’s natural ecology. The results are incredible with the Chichi Museum, Benesse House, and Lee Ufan Museum being a few of the highlights. Also, if you are a James Bond fan, don’t miss the chance to visit Naoshima’s oddly esoteric 007 Museum.

Matsuyama, Shikoku’s largest city, is home to one of Japan’s finest feudal castles, as well as its oldest onsen village, Dogo Onsen. Get dressed up in a Samurai costume while you climb the original steps to the top of the castle. Dogo Onsen is home to Japan’s first hot spring bath (onsen).  The main onsen building was erected in 1894 and designated an important cultural site in 1994. You can’t help feel a part of a very long traditional when soaking in the baths!

Home to the World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the floating shrine, Miyajima Island is located across the inland sea from Matsuyama. The ferry journey will take a couple of hours. After spending the morning in Miyajima, move to Hiroshima in the late afternoon.

Finally you will make your way back to the capital, Tokyo. Our local guide will meet you on one of these days and show you around this massive and marvelous city. Tokyo is a city that refuses easy definition.The never-ending hustle-and-bustle of the city creates an energy that is quite contagious. Despite the incredible number of people constantly moving around the city, there is an order that allows everything work efficiently. Towering skyscrapers dominate the skyline in Shinjuku, Ginza is a shopping Mecca, Shibuya displays all the newest trends and fashions, and Asakuse provides a taste of old Tokyo.

Standard: Keihan Kyoto Hotel (or similar)

Superior: Kyoto Century Hotel (or similar)

Deluxe: The Thousand Hotel (or similar)

All categories will have the same standard in Koyasan

Standard: Daiwa Roynet Ekimae (or similar)

Superior & Deluxe: JR Clement Hotel (or similar)

All Categories: Iya Onsen

Standard: Tokyu Rei Takamatsu (or similar)

Superior & Deluxe: JR Clement Hotel Takamatsu (or similar)

Standard: Hotel JAL City Matsuyama

Superior & Deluxe: Yamatoya Hoten Dogo Onsen

Standard: Miyajima Seaside Hotel

Superior: Arimoto Miyajima

Deluxe/Super Deluxe: Kuroyado Ryokan

[Includes breakfast & Japanese style dinner]

[Includes breakfast daily / if you prefer to stay in a different area inside Tokyo, just ask!]