Botanical Journey through Japan with Summer Rayne Oakes

You will be walking 10 minutes to the welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Your meal will typically be a set menu with water and tea included. Additional food and beverages at your own expense. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Overnight in Osaka.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

You’ll take a 45-minute ride on the metro train to Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous Shinto shrines, dating back to the 3rd century. The shrine is renowned for its unique Sumiyoshi-zukuri architectural style, predating the influence of Buddhism, and its bright vermilion bridges that create picture-perfect scenes. Walking through the peaceful grounds offers a glimpse into centuries of tradition, where locals come to pray for good fortune, safe travels, and prosperity. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with the cultural richness, makes it a must-visit spiritual landmark in Osaka.

After visiting Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, you will head to Kuromon Market where you will enjoy free time for lunch and exploration at your own pace. This historic market, tracing its roots back to the Taisho era, features stalls offering an extensive array of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local delicacies. It is a sensory adventure where the tantalizing scent of sizzling street food blends with the lively chatter of vendors and customers. A stroll through its bustling lanes reveals a seafood extravaganza, showcasing the best catches of the day, and invites you to try iconic Osaka street foods like takoyaki and kushikatsu. Note that you will want to bring extra cash with you for purchases.

After exploring Kuromon Market, you’ll head to Sakuya Konohanakan, one of Japan’s largest botanical gardens housed in a striking glass dome. Here you can wander through themed zones showcasing diverse plant life from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, offering a refreshing change of scenery with unique seasonal blooms and cultural symbolism tied to Japan’s appreciation of nature. Then take a 45 minute metro train ride back to the hotel.

Overnight in Osaka.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

You’ll then walk 10 minutes to the river side to board a shared (public) boat for a river cruise. As the boat gracefully glides along Neya River, immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of the iconic Osaka Castle Park, where the historic fortress stands as a symbol of the city's rich heritage. The cruise unfolds scenic vistas of Nakanoshima island, adorned with modern architecture and cultural institutions, providing a striking contrast to the historical surroundings. Glide past the serene Sakuranomiya Park, known for its cherry blossoms and tranquil atmosphere. Throughout the journey, marvel at the city's skyline, dotted with famous buildings that showcase Osaka's vibrant and dynamic urban landscape. Then take a 35 minute metro train ride back to the hotel.

You’ll take a 35 minute metro train ride to experience Osaka Castle. Originally established in 1583 and enduring until 1868, the castle witnessed the rule of shoguns before the restoration of power to the Meiji Emperor. Though the current structure is a meticulous reconstruction dating back to 1931, it faithfully preserves the essence of its storied past. As you explore the castle and its grounds, you embark on a journey through time, gaining insights into the feudal era and the pivotal moments that shaped Japan's political landscape. The imposing presence of Osaka Castle continues to be a symbol of resilience, resilience, and cultural significance, offering a compelling blend of history and architectural splendor in the heart of Osaka.

After lunch, visit Nishinomaru Garden, a spacious lawn garden within Osaka Castle Park that offers sweeping views of the castle tower, seasonal flowers, and over 300 cherry trees

Overnight in Osaka.

Today, your luggage will be transported separately from Osaka to Kyoto. (One piece per person is included, additional luggage will be charged on the spot per piece based on size, payment must be made in cash - Japanese Yen)

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

After breakfast you’ll take the Rapid Train from Osaka to Kyoto.

After checking in at the hotel and dropping off your luggage, experience the history and culture of Japan by joining in a traditional tea ceremony that is walking distance from the Hotel. The ceremony emphasizes mindfulness, harmony, respect, and purity. You’ll enter a meticulously designed tea room, where the host conducts the ceremony with deliberate and graceful movements. After being served a small traditional sweet, you will have the opportunity to make your own bowl of frothy Matcha under the guidance of your instructor.

From the tea ceremony you’ll take a short walk to the station and then board the metro train for 30 minutes to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s best known Shinto shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your exploration at the main shrine and then head on a captivating hike up the sacred Mount Inari, traversing a path adorned with thousands of vibrant torii gates. These gates, numbering over ten thousand and donated since the Edo period, symbolize wishes and expressions of gratitude to the deities. As you ascend, immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance and the rustling sounds of the surrounding forest. If time permits, continue your ascent to the Yotsutsuji intersection, where you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Kyoto sprawling below. After taking in the scenic views, descend the mountain and take a 25 minute private transfer to your hotel. Note that Mt. Inari is around 765 ft (233m) high, and is estimated to take around 2 hours to walk the full 2.5 mile (4km) trail. The trail has approximately 12,000 steps. Then take the metro train for 35 minutes back to the hotel.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

In the morning, you’ll take a train ride from Kyoto to Nara for a full day of sightseeing.

From the train station, you’ll walk 10 minutes to your first stop in Nara, Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building. Enter the enormous wooden gateway, towering over 25 meters high and fashioned from 800 year old trees, passing the guardian king statues of the temple. Take in the stunning complex grounds, as you gaze upon this impressive structure. Next, head inside to see the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue enveloped in a golden halo.

Next, walk 10 minutes to Nara's most celebrated shrine, the bright and beautiful Kasuga Taisha. This grand Shinto shrine was established in 768 AD, when four deities were invited to live here. Kasuga Taisha is not only ancient, but architecturally stunning. Be sure to walk through the hallways which house hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshipers over the centuries. *Please note on some irregular days, the special area of Kasuga Taisha may be closed. On these days, only the main building of the shrine will be visited.

From Kasuga Taisha, you’ll walk 10 minutes over to Nara ‘deer’ Park. One of the oldest parks in Japan, where over a thousand tamed yet wild deer freely roam its grounds. Considered in Shintoism to be sacred messengers of the gods, the deer are still protected as national treasures and they call this park home. Stroll through “deer park” as the locals call it, as you take in the quaint yet ancient charm of the grounds.

Yoshikien Garden is a serene traditional Japanese garden featuring moss, ponds, and a tea ceremony area, offering a peaceful retreat from the nearby temples and deer park.

You’ll take a train ride from Nara back to your hotel in Kyoto.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Take a 15 minute metro train ride to the farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Your meal will typically be a set menu with water and tea included. Additional food and beverages at your own expense. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.