Day 1:
1. Osaka – Okayama – Iya Valley
Start your journey on a bullet train from Osaka to Okayama, visiting Korakuen Garden, distinguished for its beauty and said to be one of three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. Transfer to the remote Iya Valley for a night in a traditional Japanese inn with hot springs. Relax with beautiful views of the mountains and hot springs accessible by a complimentary cable car.
Day 2:
Iya Valley
Visit the verdant Ochiai village, established during the Edo period, the pastoral mountainside settlement remains one of Japan’s most scenic locations. Join a traditional Soba noodle making experience and lunch, then visit a 300 year old thatched farmhouse protected and preserved to maintain the rustic traditions of its history. Cross over the 45 meter vine bridge, offering an excitingly different perspective of the valley river below. Before returning to your hotel, see the Manneken Pis statue with a sublime view of the beautiful Iya Valley.
Day 3:
The Gorge – Naoshima
Enjoy a 30 minute boat ride along the Yoshino River, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, lined with charming rock formations and scenic vistas along the relaxing ride. Stroll in the one of the most famous and historical gardens of Japan in Ritsurin Park before embarking on a ferry to the island of art, Naoshima. Brilliantly designed by the renowned Tadao Ando, Benesse House is a unique establishment that serves as both museum and luxury hotel.
Day 4:
Naoshima
Discover the artistic marvels of Naoshima at your leisure. With outdoor and indoor exhibits, expect the unexpected in this surreal island dedicated to modern art. Some highlights include work by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Lee Ufan.
Day 5:
Naoshima – Uno – Okayama – Kurashiki
Take a ferry Uno Port, and then transfer to Kurashiki, famous for its Venetian like canals. Once an important hub for distribution of Japan’s most valued commodity of the time—rice, Kurashiki’s gorgeous canals are much like those in Venice. Enjoy the sights of the immaculately preserved historical quarter, reminiscent of the Edo period while riding an old fashioned Japanese gondola style ride. End your day in the Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel, just by the heart of Kurashiki; this urban resort offers extraordinary comfort to guests.
Day 6:
Kurashiki – Osaka
Visit the galleries of the Ohara Museum or Art, the first privately operated museum of Western art in Japan. With displays of world famous European masterpieces, the museum exhibits Japanese, other Asian, and Egyptian art. Transfer back to Osaka on a bullet train from Kurashiki Station.
Departure Date
Dates are flexible and customizable for your preference.
Type of travel arrangement
Tailor Made Travel Arrangement
Please contact JTB Reservation Center for the pickup service to assembly place.
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