Example Itinerary

Castles and Coastline: From Kyoto to Osaka

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Architecture
Destinations
Japan

Explore Japan by taking an uncommon route on this 11-day luxury itinerary, exploring lesser-visited cities on the country’s southwestern shores. Launching from Kyoto, you’ll head west to Matsue and Izumo, taking in scenic ocean views, visiting ancient shrines and temples and wandering old castle towns. Also during this trip you’ll spend time on the sacred island of Itsukushima before looping back to Osaka, Japan’s third most populous city. During your journey, you’ll have the chance to stay in Japanese guesthouses - ryokans -  modern yet traditional boutique properties with private onsen baths.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Kyoto: The ancient capital and "capital of culture" is host to an impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including serene Buddhist temples and picturesque Shinto shrines.

• Shrine Island: Walk around Itsukushima (Shrine Island) to see the iconic "floating" red torii gate and encounter free-roaming sika deer.

• Outdoor Adventures: The Akiyoshido-Dai karst plateau, the highest concentration of karst formations in Japan and home to the largest and longest limestone cave in the country, was once a coral reef some 300 millions years ago.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Kyoto

Arrive in Kyoto today, where you’ll be met at the train station and transferred to your hotel. Kyoto is Japan's former imperial capital and much of its historic sites are still intact. We recommend staying in a luxury hotel within the historic area or in a ryokan guesthouse where you can experience traditional Japanese hospitality, sleeping in suites with sliding door partitions and futon mattresses rolled out on tatami floors.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Nature: Aman Kyoto's palette is the inviting green of forest scenery and the warm, woody tones of shelter. So aligned with its surroundings, the hotel changes with the seasons; Taka-An's menu puts the spotlight on seasonal produce, while the floor-to-ceiling windows showcase how the passing months shape the landscape.

Culture: Kaiseki banquets, matcha and mochi afternoon tea, tranquil and contemplative gardens, indoor and outdoor onsen bathing facilities, options for futon bedding and tatami mat flooring – the entire property has been designed with an immersion in both nature and culture in mind, so guests can experience true Japanese hospitality.

Wellness: A stay at the Aman Kyoto is not just a quiet retreat to return to after a day of sightseeing in Kyoto, but also an oasis designed to replenish the body and mind. The in-house spa specializes in Shiatsu massage, onsen pools are fed by the mineral-rich waters of local hot springs, while private yoga sessions in a forest clearing release stress and tension.

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Aman Kyoto Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Nestled at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain, alongside a thousand-year-old ikeniwa pond, Four Seasons Kyoto is located just ten minutes from Kyoto’s city center, within the temple district, making it an ideal base from which to explore the nearby shrines and historic landmarks, as well as the more modern attractions of Japan’s elegant former capital.

History: Having opened it’s doors in October 2016, Four Seasons Kyoto - the second site for the Four Seasons brand in the country - may have been five years in the planning, but the atmosphere of urbane tranquility of the Zen inspired interiors has made an indelible impression on a city known for its sense of style and sophistication.

Service: Four Seasons Kyoto provides the very best in round-the-clock luxury service, complete with 24-hour concierge and room service, manned with English-speaking staff ready to cater for to guests’ wants and needs.

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Four Seasons Kyoto Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Nestled in pristine forest, Hoshinoya Kyoto is in the perfect environment for de-stressing. The protected forests surrounding the resort are wonderfully revitalizing.

Service: Guests enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality in an authentic ryokan environment.

Comfort: Hoshinoya is a hybrid-ryokan combining the traditional features of a ryokan with contemporary luxury furnishings, including large comfortable beds.

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HOSHINOYA Kyoto Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Sitting on the serene banks of the stunning Kamogawa river within walking distance of several famous streets and popular sights, this hotel couldn’t have a more perfect location. Plus, it’s only a 20-minute taxi ride from the Kyoto airport.

History: Paying homage to rich Japanese culture, the fourth Ritz-Carlton in Japan opened in Kyoto in February of 2014.

Service: Guests can count on dependable, high-level service at the Ritz-Carlton, where a luxury experience is guaranteed, complemented by extremely helpful staff.

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Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Preferred Hotel
About

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is tucked away next to Nijo-jo Castle, at the Kyoto home of the Kitake, a branch of the Mitsui Family. This land has been in the care of the family for more than 250 years.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Map

Kyoto

Kyoto is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites and no matter how modernized it becomes, there’s seemingly a remnant of its past on every corner. Today you have a full day of sightseeing with your guide to explore the city’s attractions, whether it’s a 6th-century landmark such as Shimogamo Shrine, or a futuristic structure like Kyoto Tower. Return to your hotel or ryokan in Kyoto tonight.

Kyoto
Kyoto

Day 3

Map

Nara

Kyoto is a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture, such as ikebana - flower arranging, noodle making, sushi preparation or calligraphy. Today you can spend some time delving into the Japanese tradition of your choosing before heading to Nara. In Nara you’ll find spectacular examples of imperial architecture, such as the 8th-century Kasuga Grand Shrine - and have the chance for a close-up look at another of Japan’s national treasures - the sika deer. Check into a traditional ryokan guesthouse in Nara tonight, we recommend the secluded Tsukihi-tei located within a primeval forest.

Hotel Options
About

Hidden away in the sacred Kasugayama Primeval Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tsukihi-tei Ryokan offers a taste of Japan’s traditional roots in serene surroundings. The small inn has only five guest rooms, outfitted with traditional tatami mats, low tables and futon mattresses.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Map

Izumo

Today you’ll fly to Izumo, located on the coastline of Shimane Prefecture. The city is home to a collection of significant historic sites, the most important of which is the ancient Izumo Taisha Shrine. No official documentation states the shrine’s date of construction, though there are records of it being down-sized in 1200 AD. One of the shrine’s major features is a towering gate festooned with straw, and its halls and museums house many more important local artefacts. Tonight, check into an onsen guesthouse and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of Japan’s famous hot springs.

Hotel Options
About

Deep in a lush, wooden area near Lake Shinji lays the tranquil Tamatsukuri Onsen hot spring. Roughly one kilometer from the spring is the KAI Izumo hotel.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Izumo
Izumo

Day 5

Map

Izumo

Today you’ll spend a full day touring the neighboring cities of Matsue and Yasugi, accompanied by a private guide. Matsue is the capital of the prefecture and its lake and canals have earned it the nickname of “water city.” Here, you’ll enjoy far-reaching city and ocean views from the castle and visit the Adachi Museum of Art, famous for its beautifully-designed grounds. These gardens are considered Japan’s best and have been awarded three stars by Michelin Travel. Return to your ryokan tonight.

Day 6

Map

Nagato

Travel further along Japan’s western coastline to Nagato in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Far from the urban frisson that electrifies Japan’s big cities, in Nagato, travelers can relax in a serene mountain atmosphere, capitalizing on the location’s natural hot springs. The best way to do this is by checking into an onsen ryokan - Nagato has a premium selection of modern, design-savvy ryokans that combine traditional hospitality with sleek bathing facilities and unobtrusive technology.

Hotel Options
About

Deep in the stunning river-and-mountain-dotted landscapes of Yamaguchi Prefecture is Nagato-City, home to Bettei Otozure Ryokan Hotel. Five room types offer gorgeous Japanese aesthetics with wonderfully comfortable features.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The opulent, airy rooms of Otansi Sanso have various designs with some featuring private spring baths, classical Japanese aesthetics with tatami floors, Western beds or futon beddings. All rooms afford stunning views of the lush region and such modern amenities as flat-screen televisions, mini fridges, and air conditioning.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Nagato
Nagato

Day 7

Map

Nagato

Spend the day sightseeing in Hagi today - a quiet city whose claim to fame is hagi-yaki, a form of pottery known for its simple forms and transparent glaze. You can visit a kiln in Hagi, take a cruise on Hashimoto River or explore the castle town’s “bent key” streets - twisted alleys built in feudal times to confuse invading armies. Return to your ryokan in Nagato tonight.

Day 8

Map

Nagato

Today you’ll enjoy a half-day private tour of Akiyoshido-Dai Quasi-National Park, home to a remarkable limestone cave and beautiful karst pinnacles dotted in green meadows. This is the largest limestone plateau in the country and the biggest limestone cavern in Asia - you can hike the area along trails or enjoy the views from a cable car. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before returning to your ryokan in Nagato for the night.

Nagato
Nagato

Day 9

Map

Miyajima

Enjoy a leisurely morning before being chauffeur-driven to the train station where you’ll catch the shinkansen - bullet train - to your next destination, Iwakuni. In this former castle town, you’ll enjoy some sightseeing, visiting the famous five-arched Kintai Bridge. Next, it’s on to Itsukushima - also known as Miyajima Island - just off the coast of Hiroshima. The island is a tranquil mountain destination renowned for its lush maple forests, shrines, and protected sika deer. Check into a ryokan on the island for a truly immersive experience.

Hotel Options
About

Boasting a fascinating history, Iwaso has been welcoming VIPs from every corner of the world since it first opened its doors 150 years ago. The hotel is ideally-located, near UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine, while being surrounded by the eye-catching colors of nature, which change throughout the seasons.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 10

Map

Osaka

Explore the island of Miyajima today, wandering its forest trails and enjoying the famous view of Itsukushima Shrine. Take the ferry to Hiroshima before transferring via shinkansen to the port city of Osaka. A modern metropolis in every sense, Osaka is a great destination to enjoy the best of Japan’s urban offerings, including fine dining, nightlife and shopping. For more history, there’s Osaka Castle, moated on 15 acres of land and one of Japan’s most iconic buildings. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Situated in the heart of Kita, one of Osaka's two main city centers, there is no shortage of tourist attractions, shopping destinations, and sights to see that are all easily accessible from the Conrad Osaka.

Dining: Osaka has a reputation as a city of foodies, and the dining options at the Conrad Osaka live up to this reputation with everything from traditional Japanese dishes to cloud-like gourmet cakes available.

Comfort: Beds are comfortable and inviting, bathrooms come with indulgent bathtubs and luxury amenities, and the expansive views set one’s mind at ease.

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Conrad Osaka Preferred Hotel
About

In the heart of Osaka's Midosuji area lies the St. Regis Osaka, an elegant five-star hotel composed of 160 guest rooms and suites over 12 categories.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Osaka
Osaka

Day 11

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Departure

Enjoy your final morning in Japan with a leisurely breakfast before being chauffeur-driven to Kansai airport in time for your departure flight.

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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