### **Day 1 | Departure from home. Flight to Japan**

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### **Day 2 | Arrival in Osaka and transfer to Kyoto**

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Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun! Upon arrival in Osaka, we head directly to Kyoto, just over an hour away. Kyoto, the former imperial capital until 1868, is a heritage-rich city and a must-see in Japan, with over 2,000 temples and shrines that reflect its role as the guardian of traditional culture. We’ll spend two full days exploring this fascinating city on foot, discovering both famous and lesser-known sites, gardens, and neighborhoods.

• Transport: 1.5 hours

• Accommodation: Hotel

• Included meals: Group dinner

### **Day 3 | Kyoto – City walking tour**

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What is a pure experience? We’ll attempt to answer this question as we walk the Philosopher’s Path to Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), which, although unfinished, is considered a masterpiece of aesthetic harmony. We’ll also visit other cultural sites and districts including Daitoku-ji.

• Accommodation: Hotel

### **Day 4 | Kyoto – Visit to Nara**

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Before Kyoto, there was Nara. Founded in 710 and modeled after Xi’an in China, it was Japan’s first permanent capital. A center of diverse Buddhist schools, Nara features temples such as the famous Todai-ji with its 15-meter Great Buddha, and many Shinto shrines. A day to travel back in time and gain insight into the present. We’ll stroll between historical sites, and end the day walking through Kyoto’s hanamachi districts along the Kamo River.

• Transport: 2 hours

• Accommodation: Hotel

### **Day 5 | Kyoto – Osaka – Beppu**

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On our last day in Kyoto, we’ll enjoy a short forest hike nearby. In the afternoon, we return to Osaka for a glimpse of futuristic architecture before boarding an overnight ferry to Beppu, on Kyushu Island. Tonight, we’ll experience the famous capsule hotel-style accommodation.

• Transport: 1.5 hours

• Accommodation: Onboard ferry

### **Day 6 | Beppu – Mount Yufu**

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Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands, is dotted with volcanoes and hot springs. We begin our stay in Beppu, famous for its geothermal baths. After disembarking, we’ll hike up Mount Yufu (1584m), with its lava dome and twin peaks towering over the city. After the climb, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved soak in one of Beppu’s renowned hot springs.

• Hike: 5–6 hours, 15 km, +700m elevation

• Accommodation: Hotel

### **Day 7–8 | Mount Aso**

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We take a morning train toward Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest volcanoes. Formed by massive eruptions, the current crater was created 90,000 years ago and lies within a caldera 128 km in circumference, home to villages and five active peaks. We’ll hike through Aso Kuju National Park to admire volcanic landscapes and the active crater.

• Day 7 hike: 3–4 hours, 13 km, +700m elevation

• Day 8 hike: 6–7 hours, 13 km, +700m elevation

• Transport: 2-hour train

• Accommodation: Hotspring Resort

### **Day 9 | Mount Aso – Beppu**

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One last day in Aso Kuju Park brings us to the summit of Mount Neko Dake (1433m), the park’s second-highest peak. In the afternoon, we head back to Beppu for another night and another dip in its famous hot springs.

• Hike: 4 hours, 6 km, +700m elevation

• Transport: 2 hours

• Accommodation: Ryokan

### **Day 10 | Beppu – Hiroshima**

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We leave Kyushu by train, stopping in Fukuoka to catch the Shinkansen to Hiroshima on Honshu Island. Hiroshima, a city deeply marked by the events of August 6, 1945, invites us to visit its Peace Memorial Park. It’s also a vibrant city of arts and famous for its hearty okonomiyaki dish.

• Transport: 3 hours

• Accommodation: Hotel

### **Day 11 | Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima**

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From Hiroshima, we take a train and ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima, home to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. We’ll hike up Mount Misen for a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands.

• Hike: 4 hours, 8 km, +500m elevation

• Transport: 2 hours

• Accommodation: Hotel

### **Day 12 | Hiroshima – Onomichi**

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A short trip brings us to Onomichi, facing the Onomichi Strait and Mukaishima Island. After taking in views from Mount Misen the day before, we now explore the Seto Inland Sea by sea kayak, navigating to some of its small islands.

• Kayak: 5 hours

• Transport: 1 hour

• Accommodation: Hotel

### **Days 13–14 | Shimanami Kaido**

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The Shimanami Kaido is a modern civil engineering marvel linking Honshu and Shikoku via a series of bridges and islands across the Seto Inland Sea. The 70-km route has protected bike lanes and minimal elevation. We’ll take two days to cross it, stopping to visit islands along the way.

• Cycling: 3–4 hours per day

• Transport: 2 hours (Day 14)

• Accommodation: Island stay, Hotel

### **Day 15 | Takamatsu**

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After two days of activity, we treat our senses to a visit of Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s finest Edo-period gardens. We’ll also visit Takamatsu Castle parks’ surrounding and enjoy a stroll to explore the city and its harbor.

• Accommodation: Hotel

### **Days 16–17 | Shikoku Pilgrimage**

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We begin a short stretch of the 88-Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage. A full route takes weeks, so we’ll walk to a few key temples, including Zentsuji, associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai), a major figure in Japanese Buddhism.

• Walking: 4 hours per day

• Transport: 2 hours

• Accommodation: Hotel, Temple lodging (Shukubo)

### **Day 18 | Himeji – Tokyo /--**

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We start with a visit to the magnificent and well-preserved Himeji Castle—Japan’s most beautiful. Then we take the Shinkansen to Tokyo. The city’s energy, skyline, and creative architecture provide a thrilling urban contrast.

• Transport: 3-hour train

• Accommodation: Hotel

### **Day 19 | Tokyo as a local**

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Tokyo’s clean, green, futuristic cityscape will be explored on foot as we discover various neighborhoods and parks. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping. In the evening, we’ll share a farewell dinner.

• Accommodation: Hotel

• Transport: local commute (~1h total)

### **Day 20 | Tokyo – Return home**

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Final preparations in the morning, then free time depending on flight schedule. One last chance to enjoy each other’s company before flying home.

• Transport: To the airport, 1h~1h30
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