Seto Sea & Shikoku: West Japan Journey

Privatr transfer service between Kyoto and KIX airport.

Explore the cultural heart of Kyoto in the historic Gion district, where centuries-old traditions meet serene beauty.

Kodaiji Temple – A peaceful Zen temple founded in honor of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, featuring beautiful gardens, elegant architecture, and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection.

Nene no Machi (Nene’s Path) – A scenic stone-paved street leading to Kodaiji, named after Hideyoshi’s wife, Nene. Lined with traditional shops and teahouses, it offers a charming walk through old Kyoto.

Yasaka Shrine – One of Kyoto’s most vibrant Shinto shrines, located in the center of Gion. Known for its illuminated wooden stage and role in the famous Gion Matsuri festival.

Hanamikoji Dori – The iconic main street of Gion, famous for its preserved wooden machiya houses. It’s one of the best places to experience traditional Kyoto and possibly spot a geiko or maiko.

Japanese Traditional Culture Performance – Enjoy a live showcase of Kyoto’s heritage, including tea ceremony, ikebana, koto music, and other classical arts—an authentic glimpse into Japan’s refined cultural traditions.

Together, these experiences capture the elegance and spirit of traditional Kyoto.

Discover three of Kyoto and Nara’s most iconic attractions, each offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) – A stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, gracefully reflected in the surrounding pond. Set within a tranquil garden, it’s one of Japan’s most photographed and beloved landmarks.

Fushimi Inari Taisha – Famous for its seemingly endless path of thousands of bright red torii gates winding up the mountainside. This important Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and business, and offers both spiritual atmosphere and scenic forest hiking.

Nara Park – A vast, open park home to over 1,000 tame and sacred deer that roam freely. Visitors can feed and interact with them while exploring nearby treasures like Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures.

Together, these sites offer a perfect mix of beauty, history, and unforgettable encounters—essential stops on any visit to Japan.

Take a scenic journey from Kyoto to explore two remarkable sites in the Hyogo region, combining grand architecture with serene mountain spirituality.

Himeji Castle – One of Japan’s most magnificent and well-preserved feudal castles, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the "White Heron Castle" for its elegant, snow-white exterior and towering keep, it offers stunning views and a fascinating glimpse into samurai history.

Engyoji Temple – A historic Buddhist temple complex nestled high on Mount Shosha, accessible by cable car. Famous for its atmospheric wooden halls, traditional mountain monastery feel, and appearances in films like The Last Samurai, it provides both spiritual tranquility and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Spend the day exploring these iconic landmarks, then unwind with an overnight stay in nearby Okayama, making this an ideal blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

A meaningful journey from Okayama leads to western Japan’s historic towns and powerful symbols of peace.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter – A beautifully preserved Edo-period district with willow-lined canals, traditional wooden warehouses (kura), and cobblestone paths. Today, it houses art museums, boutiques, and cafés, offering a serene glimpse into old Japan.

Atomic Bomb Dome – The haunting ruins of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, left as a memorial after the 1945 atomic bombing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a powerful symbol of destruction and the urgent call for world peace.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – A spacious park dedicated to honoring the victims of the atomic bomb. It features memorials, monuments, and open spaces for reflection, including the iconic Peace Flame and the Children’s Peace Monument.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum – A moving museum that documents the history and impact of the atomic bombing through personal artifacts, photographs, and survivor accounts, promoting peace and nuclear disarmament.

Spend the day exploring these deeply significant sites and spend the night in Hiroshima, reflecting on Japan’s past and its enduring message of hope for the future.

Discover the scenic and historic highlights of the region with a day trip from Hiroshima to iconic sites in Miyajima and Iwakuni.

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine – A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its "floating" red torii gate that appears to rise from the sea at high tide. This breathtaking shrine, dedicated to the Shinto gods of nature, is set amidst the serene beauty of Miyajima Island.

Kintai Bridge – An elegant five-arch wooden bridge spanning the Nishiki River in Iwakuni. Originally built in 1673 and meticulously reconstructed, it’s celebrated for its graceful design and picturesque setting against a mountain backdrop.

Iwakuni Castle – Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Kintai Bridge, this reconstructed 17th-century castle offers panoramic views of the city and river. Its elegant keep and surrounding park reflect the legacy of the powerful Kikkawa samurai clan.

Together, these sites offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, architectural elegance, and rich samurai and spiritual history—all within easy reach from Hiroshima.

Take a relaxing journey from Hiroshima to the charming city of Matsuyama on Shikoku, where scenic vistas, historic sites, and Japan’s oldest hot spring await.

Senkoji Park – Located on Mount Katsuyama, this park offers one of the best panoramic views of Matsuyama City, the Seto Inland Sea, and its islands. It’s especially popular during cherry blossom season and autumn, with a ropeway providing easy access.

Kirosan Observatory Park – Perched on a hilltop on Shōdoshima (connected via ferry or bridge), this scenic spot provides stunning sunset views over the olive groves and the Seto Inland Sea. Often called the "island of art and olives," Shōdoshima adds a unique cultural touch to the journey.

Dogo Onsen – One of Japan’s oldest and most famous public bathhouses, with a history of over 3,000 years. The beautifully preserved wooden main building, Dogo Onsen Honkan, inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. A visit offers a relaxing soak steeped in tradition.

End your day with an overnight stay in Matsuyama, soaking in the soothing waters of Dogo Onsen—the perfect way to unwind and experience authentic Japanese onsen culture.

Journey from Matsuyama to Takamatsu, exploring iconic landmarks of Shikoku that blend history, spirituality, and scenic beauty.

Matsuyama Castle – One of Japan’s most beautifully preserved historic castles, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the city and sea. Surrounded by a lush park, it features a stunning wooden keep and offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

Ishiteji Temple – Temple No. 51 on the famous 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, located in the heart of Matsuyama. It’s known for its healing waters, symbolic cranes and turtles, and welcoming atmosphere for both pilgrims and visitors.

Kotohiragu Shrine – Also known as “Konpiran,” this revered Shinto shrine is nestled halfway up Mount Zōzan in Kotohira. Visitors climb 785 stone steps (or take a shorter route) to reach its main hall—renowned for its connection to seafarers and Japan’s maritime history.

End your day in Takamatsu, a vibrant coastal city and gateway to the art-filled islands of the Seto Inland Sea—perfect for continuing your Shikoku adventure.

Take a scenic ferry ride from Takamatsu to Naoshima, the world-renowned "Art Island," where contemporary art, architecture, and nature blend in harmony.

Chichu Art Museum – Designed by Tadao Ando, this unique museum is built into the hillside with most of the structure underground. It houses immersive works by Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell, blending light, space, and nature in a serene, meditative setting.

Lee Ufan Museum – Also designed by Tadao Ando, this minimalist museum is dedicated to the renowned Korean artist and philosopher Lee Ufan. It features his large-scale sculptures and paintings, where subtle repetition and space invite quiet contemplation.

Benesse House Museum – More than just a museum, Benesse House is an art-filled resort complex on the island’s southern coast. It seamlessly integrates contemporary art into its architecture and natural surroundings, with site-specific installations and panoramic sea views.

Naoshima offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience—where art escapes the gallery and becomes part of the landscape. Return to Takamatsu or stay overnight on the island to fully embrace its creative spirit.

Travel from Shikoku to Osaka with a scenic journey featuring spiritual sites, natural wonders, and traditional craftsmanship.

Ryozen-ji Temple (Temple No. 1) – The starting point of the famous 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, located in Tokushima. This peaceful temple welcomes pilgrims and visitors alike with its historic halls, sacred well, and serene atmosphere.

Naruto Whirlpools Cruise – Experience the powerful and dramatic tidal whirlpools in the Naruto Strait, among the largest in the world. Sightseeing boats offer close-up views of these natural phenomena, especially impressive during spring tides.

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery and Museum – Located in Kobe, this working sake brewery offers a glimpse into Japan’s traditional rice wine-making process. The museum showcases historical tools and techniques, and visitors can enjoy free tastings of premium sake.

This route blends culture, nature, and flavor—perfect for exploring the highlights between Shikoku and Osaka. End your day in Osaka, known for its vibrant energy and world-class cuisine.

Paris was chosen as the model for Shinsekai's northern half, while the southern portion was built to imitate Coney Island in New York.Tsutenkaku Tower was constructed in 1912 after Paris' Eiffel Tower.   Although it was scrapped during WWII, the tower was reconstructed soon afterwards in 1956.   The current tower is 103 meters high, with the main observatory at a height of 91 meters.   In addition, the tower offers an open-air deck on top of the main observatory and a 60 meter long slide at the base of the tower.Shitennoji is one of Japan's oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Although the temple's buildings burned down several times throughout the centuries, they were always carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th century design.The construction of Osaka Castle started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended the castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. It was the largest castle at the time.In one of the liveliest areas of Osaka, Dotonburi, lays the Tombori River Cruise.    A 20-minute cruise along Dotonburi River.  Through joining the Tombori River Cruise you can travel under 9 different bridges seeing various amazing landmarks along the way.

Privatr transfer service between Osaka and KIX airport.