Ancient Japan & Shikoku Trails by Rail

Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Takamatsu

Best time to travel

Oct – May

Ideal length

15 nights

Perfect for

Couples

From (incl)

€9,439 pp

At a glance

International return flights from Dublin to Osaka.
All private transfers as well as reserved seats on the bullet train, ferry and express train tickets, car hire and shuttle services.
15 nights’ accommodation in Osaka, Miyajima Island, Matsuyama, Iya Valley, Takamatsu, Naoshima Island and Kyoto.
Luxury luggage forwarding service to make your journey through Japan comfortable and convenient.
Orientation meeting in Osaka where you will be provided with a portable Wi-Fi device, in-depth recommendations and maps as well as your PASMO pass for the metro.
Privately guided tours with local English-speaking guides in Hiroshima and Kyoto as well as a private food tour of Osaka.

Let's plan your trip!

Introduction

Step back in time as you embark on a luxury journey through ancient Japan. Discover historic cities and mountain villages, delving into deeply-rooted tradition as you experience the intricate customs of this incredible country. Bathe in the mineral-rich onsen of hot spring resorts, dress in traditional yukata robe to sit down for kaiseki dinners, drink matcha in historic teahouses and wander through the quiet streets of the geisha districts of Kyoto. This suggested itinerary promises authenticity and exclusivity as you discover the islands, cities and mountain retreats of Japan.

Luxury Bespoke Services

Japan’s incredible culture and character is wonderfully rewarding but difficult to discover. With OROKO, we have visited Japan numerous times and know what it takes to ensure the most seamless experience. Combatting language barriers and distinct cultural differences, it is paramount to have experience and luxury services on your side. That is why we have partnered with outstanding local guides and arranged comprehensive services like portable Wi-Fi devices, in-depth recommendations and maps, transport passes, seat selection aboard bullet trains and luxury luggage forwarding services. We will be with you every step of the way.

View all of our luxury holidays to Japan.

Trip Overview

Depart from Dublin to Osaka, the food capital of Japan.

Your private driver will be waiting to take you to your luxury hotel for your two night stay. You’ll also receive an in-depth welcome orientation and your PASMO pass, portable Wi-Fi device, maps and restaurant recommendations.

Explore the foodie capital with your local guide.

Discover Osaka’s many historical landmarks as well as its renowned street food culture in the futuristic streets of Dotonbori. Collect some staple Japanese food products and sample delicious bites like takoyaki, okonomiyaki and steamed gyoza.

Transfer to Hiroshima, via bullet train.

We’ll forward your luggage to your hotel in advance so that you can make the most of your time exploring. With your guide, visit the beautiful Shukkei-en gardens and learn about the city’s tragic history at the memorial park and museum.

Transfer to the island of Miyajima, by waterbus.

Arrive on the beautiful island and check in to your luxury ryokan for your two-night stay. Bathe in mineral-rich onsen overlooking the sea, visit the Itsukushima Shrine and famous floating Torii and take the cable car to Mt Misen for amazing vistas.

Take the high speed ferry to Matsuyama.

Spend two nights in Matsuyama, exploring the ancient streets, temples and castles. Stroll through manicured rock gardens and bathe in the natural baths of Dogo Onsen Honkan, a famous onsen that was built in 1894 during the Meiji Period.

Drive along the coastal highway to Miyoshi.

Enjoy a relaxing two-night stay in the green surroundings of the Iya Valley, where you will bathe in onsen, visit the famous Kazurabashi vine bridge and be introduced to local cuisine cooked in traditional ironi stoves.

Head west to the gorges of Oboke and Koboke.

Admire the incredible scenic views over the steep gorges and beautiful scenery. We recommend taking the sightseeing boat cruise or if you love adventure, hiking, canyoning, white-water rafting and river boarding can be enjoyed.

Drive to Takamatsu, known for its pine forests, koi ponds and traditional tea houses.

During your two-night stay, visit sites like Ritsurin Gardens, Konpirasan Shrine and the teahouse of Kikugetsu-Tei, where you’ll sample delicious matcha surrounded by beautiful gardens and koi ponds.

Transfer to Naoshima, via high speed ferry.

Spend two nights in a luxury hotel in Naoshima and explore the incredible artworks that are housed in the museums of the island. Highlights include Monet’s Water Lilies series at Chichu Art Museum and the art installations of Benesse House.

Transfer to Kyoto, via bullet train.

During your three night stay, explore Kyoto’s marvellous sites, visit ancient ceramic workshops and grab some delicious onigiri and shrimp tempura in Nishiki Market. Make sure to collect souvenirs like Kyo-yaki pottery from celebrated artisanal studios.

Discover Kyoto’s temples and geisha district with your local guide.

Marvel at the outstanding beauty of the Golden Temple, tranquillity of the Ryoan-ji Gardens and ancient streets of Gion. Stop to enjoy a traditional yakitori lunch in the authentic chabudai style of a hidden izakaya.

Transfer to Osaka airport for your flight home.

Arrive in Dublin.

Tailoring your holiday

OROKO Itineraries are created with you in mind and no two are the same. These can be used to help plan your trip - or we can design a completely different itinerary to suit you.

Let's plan your trip!

Accommodation

Where to rest your head

Looking for the best accommodation? We've got the contacts

Iroha Ryokan

Iroha Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn situated in Aomori. Wooden style exteriors lead into authentically furnished rooms decorated with tatami mats, washi paper sliding doors and antique artworks.

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ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama

ANA Crowne Plaza is a modern property centrally situated in the business district of Matsuyama. The ideal base for exploring, it is just a short walk from Matsuyama Castle.

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Hotel Iya Kazurabashi

Situated in the mountainside, Hotel Iya Kazurabashi offers a relaxing stay in the countryside. Interiors are classically Japanese featuring tatami mats, short-legged chabudai tables and washi paper sliding doors.

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JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu

JR Hotel Clement is a contemporary hotel situated in a high-rise building overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and streets of Takamatsu.

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Benesse House

Opening its doors in 1992, Benesse House is a unique fusion of museum and hotel. Ideal for contemporary art enthusiasts, it offers guests the opportunity to discover marvellous artworks from Japan.

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Art Mon Zen Kyoto

Perfectly situated, Art Mon Zen lies on a side street of the celebrated Gion district, renowned for its intricate history and geisha culture.

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Conrad Osaka

Residing on the top floors of Nakanoshima Festival West Tower, Conrad Osaka offers some of the finest views over the city. Connected to the underground stations, it is an ideal base from which to explore.

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What people are saying

“We recently travelled to Barcelona and Mallorca with the expert help of Oroko and will never book a holiday any other way again! The staff were so friendly and knowledgable and made the process of booking extremely easy. The travel pack was very impressive with our luggage tags, complimentary treats for the airport, and comprehensive guide to both areas with recommended restaurants which didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t speak highly enough of our experience with this company and would highly recommend to friends.”

Orla & partner – Mallorca 2019