Sample Itinerary

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

Osaka

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel in Osaka by public transportation. Our representative will validate your JR Rail Pass Exchange Orders and make train seat reservations for you. They will also give you your cell phone and other transportation tickets. The train from Kansai Airport to Namba Station (in Osaka) will take approximately 40 minutes.

Osaka is most famous for its inhabitants and local cuisine. The people of Osaka are widely known for their outgoing spirit and friendliness and the local dialect has been adapted as the standard for stand-up comedians and actors. Osaka’s regional cuisine is thought to be the best in Japan. Dishes include okonomiyaki (a pancake-based dish containing vegetables, meat, and/or seafood), takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and udon (a noodle dish).

Hiroshima

This morning you will take a Shinkansen bullet train for a bout 100 minutes to reach Hiroshima which was the first city to ever experience an atomic bomb which physically destroyed it. The people of Hiroshima, however, rebuilt the city, filling it with charm and history. Hiroshima is also famous for its food, specifically Okonomiyaki which is a must try inexpensive lunch or dinner. Okonomi means as you like it and yaki mean cooked. Though hard to explain, I have never heard of anyone not liking it. While in Hiroshima you can visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park, Shukkei-en Garden, or the Hondori Shopping Arcade.

Miyajima

After breakfast in Hiroshima you will take a short train and ferry ride to Itsukushima Island, better know as Miyajima. Located about 1 hour from downtown Hiroshima. Its center piece is its large red torii gate which during high tide looks as if it is floating on water. This gate leads to Itsukushima Shrine which was established in 1168. The current torii gate was built in 1875. The island is filled with many small shops and walking paths. Once you have wandered a bit you should take the ropeway up to Mt Misen for views of the Seto Inland Sea and to see the monkeys. If you have the energy you can walk down the mountain back to the village.

Yufuin

After breakfast in Hiroshima you will head for Yufuin Onsen also known as Yufuin Hot Spring on the island of Kyushu. Located in the shadows of Mt Yufudake and with an abundance of hot spring water, this town attracts millions of visitors each year. This would normally mean tightly packed hotels and ryokan inns located around a small town square but in Yufuin the gensen or hot spring sources are spread out. This means that tourists are also spread out a bit. This simple fact means that Yufuin can maintain a small-town feel that is much more relaxing than other hot spring towns. City planners have also gone to great lengths to ensure that Yufuin does not get overdeveloped. In fact, local ordinances make it illegal to build tall buildings that might distract visitors from the natural beauty of the area. Yufuin is easily reached from Beppu Onsen.

You will have a traditional Japanese dinner on Day 4 & 5 at your Ryokan (Japanese inn). After dinner you can either stroll around the area or enjoy a nice relaxing soak in a hot spring bath (onsen).

Beppu

Due to the steam and fumes that rose from Beppu it was thought to be Hell on Earth. This changed though in the early Showa Era (1925-1989) when Mr. Kumahachi Aburaya created the Jigokukmeguri or Hell Pilgrimage as a way to attract tourists to these amazing hot springs. This pilgrimage includes visits to the 8 hot spring sources also known as Beppu Hatto or 8 hot springs sources of Beppu. Each hot spring has different characteristics and can reach temperatures that are near boiling. The baths that you will be enjoying will not be that hot.

Kyoto

On the last night of your tour you will stay in the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto. Here you will have a chance to visit hundreds of temples, shrines, gardens, shops and neighborhoods. The beauty and history of Kyoto is so vast that it is impossible to see it all in one visit.

Today will be your last day in Japan and your last chance for sightseeing and shopping. Please make sure you arrive at Kansai Airport or Itami Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight. Your tour organizer will have exact directions to the airport

What Our Customers Have To Say

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

John Moawad

Classical Japan Tour

It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...

Marina Boyer

North Central Exploration

Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...

Edan Ecker

Shoguns and Samurai

I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...

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Our Team Of Local Experts

Our team of Japan experts have all lived in Japan for years and know its the hidden treasures. Our team is here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.

Jeff Aasgaard

Tour Sales Director

Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.

Michiyo Kakiuchi

Tour Arrangement Manager

Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.

Izumi Yamauchi

Tour Arrangement team

Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.

Start to Design Your Trip To Japan

Why Rediscover Tours

Great trips don't just happen; it takes expert knowledge and years of experience to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on Rediscover Tours to make your perfect Japanese experience. Our dedication to excellence makes the difference.

Trips Made for You

Your Japan travel expert will create your trip just for you

Your interests and travel style will be front and center when designing your tour

Accommodations will be selected based on your style and we will inform them of all your special meal and physical requirements

Japan Experts

Your Japan expert has lived in Japan or is Japanese

They know the hidden treasures of Japan that you will love and most tourists miss

Most of our team lives in Japan giving them first hand knowledge of the latest trends and experiences for you to enjoy

Finest Guides

Private local guides add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour

We only hire the best guides and review each trip with them insuring excellent experience

Your private guide will listen to you, show you sights of interest and will make on the fly changes to match the weather and crowds

With Confidence

Our office in Japan is here to assist and support you

Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000

You will arrive comfortable in the knowledge that all details are taken care of and that our Japan office is just a call away