TIMELESS TRAILS: FROM CASTLES TO COASTLINES — JAPAN HERITAGE EXPEDITION
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN OSAKA — URBAN BEGINNINGS
13:35 Arrive at Kansai International Airport.
15:00 Transfer to Osaka (50km / ~1h15m).
16:15–17:15 Explore the vibrant Shinsaibashi shopping district.
17:30–18:30 Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
19:00 Hotel check-in.
Overnight in Osaka.
DAY 2: FROM OSAKA TO OKAYAMA — CASTLES & GARDENS
08:30–09:30 Breakfast at hotel.
09:30 View Osaka Castle (exterior only).
12:30–13:30 Lunch en route.
15:15–16:30 Visit Okayama Castle.
17:00–18:00 Stroll through Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens.
19:00 Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Okayama.
DAY 3: HISTORICAL CHARM TO MODERN REFLECTIONS
08:00 Breakfast at hotel.
09:00–10:30 Explore Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
10:30 Depart for Hiroshima (143km / ~2h15m).
12:45–13:45 Lunch at local restaurant.
14:15–16:30 Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Genbaku Dome.
17:00–18:00 Shop at Hondori Shopping Street.
19:00 – Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
DAY 4: HIROSHIMA’S HEARTBEAT
08:30–09:30 Breakfast at hotel.
09:45–10:45 Visit Hiroshima Castle.
11:15–12:15 Walk through Shukkeien Garden.
12:30–13:30 Lunch at local restaurant.
13:45–14:45 Free time at Aeon Hiroshima.
15:00–17:00 Optional revisit to museum or explore city.
17:30–18:30 Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
DAY 5: SACRED ISLAND ADVENTURES — MIYAJIMA
08:00 Breakfast at hotel.
09:00–10:00 Travel to Miyajimaguchi Canal, ferry to Miyajima.
10:30–12:30 Explore:
- Itsukushima Shrine (iconic floating torii gate).
- Daisho-in Temple.
- Mt. Misen by ropeway.
12:40–13:40 Lunch (own arrangements).
13:55–15:50 Return to Hiroshima.
17:30–18:30 Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
DAY 6: FROM HERITAGE TO HARBOR — HIMEJI & KOBE
08:00 Breakfast at hotel.
11:30–12:30 Visit Himeji Castle, Japan’s most spectacular original castle.
13:00–14:00 Lunch at a local restaurant.
14:00 Depart for Kobe (64km / ~1h30m).
15:30–17:00 Explore Kobe Chinatown.
17:30–18:30 Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Kobe.
DAY 7: CULTURAL TASTINGS & SKY-HIGH VIEWS
09:00–10:00 Visit Kobe Harborland.
10:30–11:30 Tour the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum.
12:00–13:00 Lunch at local restaurant.
13:00 Transfer to Osaka.
13:45–14:45 Ascend the Umeda Sky Building.
15:15–17:30 Discover the nostalgic charm of Tsūtenkaku Tower.
18:00 Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Osaka.
DAY 8: FAREWELL JAPAN
06:00 Light breakfast (boxed).
07:00 Transfer to Kansai International Airport.
09:00 Departure.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Itsukushima Shrine.
• Immersive heritage in Okayama, Kurashiki, and Himeji.
• Modern Japanese urban life in Osaka and Kobe.
• Culinary discovery: Local restaurants daily.
With hearts full of memories and minds at peace, we bid farewell to Japan. Until we meet again on another soulful journey — Namaste!
