Semi Escorted Tours
Western Japan Adventure
Scenic Tour of Seto Inland Sea
Seto Inland Sea – over 700 islands are dotting on the calm water, along 400km coastline surrounded by Japan’s main island, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu is a hidden gem.
It may not be so well known and often passed through between the major touristic cities, but Seto Inland Sea is truly photogenic and has lots to offer from Japan’s oldest Hot Spring to the island of modern arts, Naoshima – iconic sculpture of Pumpkin. Here is also the starting point of Shikoku Pilgrim Route which worships 88 temples. In this itinerary, you have a chance to walk “Henro (pilgrim)” route and visit three of the 88 temples. Shimanami Kaido (expressway) is a paradise of cycling and attract all levels of cyclists from all over the world. Let your adventurous spirit fly!
This guided tour will take you a wonder of Seto Inland Sea and you will discover something totally different from what you imagined about Japan.
Itinerary Highlights
- Travelling Seto Inland Sea with National Government Licensed English Speaking Guide Interpreter
- Visit Hiroshima and World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima
- Hot spring experience at one of Japan’s oldest hot spring town
- Cycling on Shimanami Kaido by E-Bike.
- Experience “Shikoku Henro” - Pilgrim route
- Visit Arts Island, Naoshima
- Bullet Train (Shinkansen) ride
Included in Tour Arrangements
- International flights between UK and Japan
- Airport transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport to hotel in Kyoto
- Airport transfer from hotel in Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport
- All accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Guided sightseeing tour at Hiroshima & Miyajima, Matsuyama (Dogo Onsen), Shimanami Kaido, Takamatsu, Naoshima Island
Depart U.K. to Osaka.
Upon arrival at Osaka Kansai Airport, you will be met by an English speaking assistant who will escort you to your hotel in Kyoto by Airport Bus.
Stay for 2 nights.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Kyoto or you may take an optional tour.
Breakfast included
Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent
Transfer to Hiroshima by Bullet Train (Shinkansen).
Full-day guided sightseeing tour of Miyajima, famous for the floating Torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine followed by Peace Memorial Park & Museum as well as historical Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima city.
Stay overnight.
Breakfast included
Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima or equivalent
Travel to Matsuyama by Ferry.
Tonight, you are staying at Dogo Onsen (Onsen = Hot Spring), said to be one of Japan’s oldest hot springs.
Enjoy strolling around Mitsuhama, old port area as well as a fishing village flourished since Edo period and Dogo Onsen which retains the atmosphere of the good old days.
Breakfast Lunch included
Dogo Hakuro or equivalent
Day of the Action!
Visit Shimanami, a mecca of cycling. Enjoy the sea breeze while hopping islands in the Seto Inland
Sea. There is a support vehicle tagging along, so even beginners can participate this cycling tour.
After seafood lunch, board a tide-watching cruise and experience the swift currents of the sea before
back on the saddle and continue riding to Setoda, in Ikuchi Island.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner included
Yubune (Setoda Community Bathhouse & Inn) or equivalent
Transfer to Chichibugahama. Enjoy walking around the beach and take a leisurely break before heading to Kotohira. Tour will walk up 785 stone steps to Konpira-gu Shrine, known as more friendly term, Konpira-san. (alternative destination will be suggested for those who would like to avoid steps).
Transfer to Takamatsu.
stay for 2 nights.
Breakfast included
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu or equivalent
Transfer to Yashima-ji Temple. This is the 84th of the 88th temples in Pilgrim Route and famous for
the enshrined tanuki (raccoon dog) to whom worshippers pray for good marriage, having a child, and happy family life. Travel on to Yakuri-ji Temple, 85th of the 88th then Okubo-ji Temple, this is the last of the 88 sacred temples.
Breakfast Lunch included
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu or equivalent
Travel by ferry to the Island of contemporary arts, Naoshima. Visit Chichu Museum, Benesse House and enjoy meeting the modern & unique statues and objects.
Transfer to Kyoto by ferry and trains.
Breakfast included
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto or equivalent
Free at leisure until departure.
Meet with an English speaking assistant at hotel lobby and Transfer to Airport.
Take flights back to U.K
*Extension of stay can be arranged.
Breakfast included
Accommodation Rating: ★★★★＝Superior, ★★★＝Standard
REMARKS and BOOKING CONDITIONS
In case if any disruption of transportation, particularly transfer by ferry due to the weather conditions, alternative transportation will be arranged therefore the tour itinerary may be changed accordingly.
On Day 4, an English Speaking Assistant will escort you to Bullet Train (Shinkansen) station but will not accompany on the train. You will be met by an English Speaking assistant at Hiroshima station.
On Day 9, an English Speaking Guide will accompany you to Okayama station but not travelling on Bullet Train (Shinkansen) with you. You will be met by an English Speaking assistant at Kyoto station.
Unless otherwise specified, Sightseeing Tours are seat-in coach, operated by our partner suppliers in Japan and may be combined with another group.
Local government taxes, such as Resort tax, Accommodation tax or Bathing tax are not included in the tour price. Please pay directly to the accommodation if applicable.
For General information and Jaltour Terms & Conditions, please access from here.