At a Glance
Route: Hiroshima - Miyajima Island - Hagi - Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park - Motonosumi Inari Shrine - Yamaguchi
A unique opportunity to explore Hiroshima and beyond. This hand crafted itinerary allows you to travel down the paths less travelled, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty, amazing history, and enchanting culture of Japan. Paddle the Seto Inland Sea, stroll through the Hagi’s old Castle Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, venture into the Akiyoshido Cave - the largest and longest limestone cave in Japan, and visit Motonosumi Inari Shrine as seen on CNN news "Japan's 31 Most Beautiful Places". This is an ideal relaxing walking holiday for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Your trip starts from Hiroshima, which is easily accessed by train or flight from all major cities in ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- 4x breakfasts, 3x lunches, 4x dinners
- Park entry fees
- Visit Hagiyaki Workshop
- Luggage transfers, one piece luggage per person. Additional luggage can be transferred for extra cost
- Guided full day Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine Sea Kayaking (Kayak hire incl. kayak, paddle & life jacket)
- Guided walk at Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, Akiyoshidaido Cave and Motonosumi Inari Shrine
- Guided Misen Mountain hike with experience English speaking guide
- Pick up Hiroshima station, transfer to Shin-Yamaguchi Station or Yamaguchi Ube Airport. We can arrange pickup from other places at additional cost
- 4 nights luxury accommodation, combine with modern hotel and authentic Japanese ryokan in Japanese/Western style rooms on a twin share basis (single supplement is available at additional expense)
Itinerary
 |
Walking distance: Misen Mountain Hike, approx. 3 km, 1.5 - 2 hours Arrive at Hiroshima station at your own arrangement. Upon arrival at the station, our local representative will meet and greet you at the station. Then transfer you to Miyajima Island. Miyajima Island, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, has long been regarded as an Island of Gods on the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. The whole of Miyajima is a sacred place regarded as an object of worship, where Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage site, is located. Itsukushima Shrine has more than 1400 years of history and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The current main building constructed by Taira no Kiyomori about 800 years ago faithfully inherited the "shinden-zukuri" style (Heian imperial style). The large red gateway rising out of the ocean is the eighth gate. Led by your guide, hike to the summit of Misen Mountain via The Daishoin Route. Misen, the highest mountain on Miyajima island is more than 535 meters above sea level. Explore the 'Virgin Forest Misen' on foot, be enchanting by the beauty of the natural forest, rugged landscapes of giant rocks, and the dotted islands floating on the Seto Inland Sea below. There are more than 2,000 stone steps to the summit. At the sixth marking stone near Satomiya Mura, there is a spot to view the Torii so beautiful that you can feel a sense of accomplishment. You could also spot wild deers wandering around the island or resting along the walking paths. Miyajima is a romantic place, best enjoyed by staying overnight at one of the island's luxury ryokans. While there are usually many day tourists, in the evening the area becomes much quieter and more peaceful. After the hike, your guide will drop you off at your luxurious accommodation - Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto, which has been in operation on the land of Miyajima since the early Edo period. Experience the traditions of Japan at the 400 year old retreat, the closest to the entrance of the Itsukushima Shrine. Your luxurious modern room features the views of five-story pagoda and Senjokaku of Itsukushima Shrine. At sunset, enjoy fantastic views of stone lanterns lighting up the ocean. Enjoy dinner prepared using world-class ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea, e.g. sea bream, conger eel, hairtail, sild sardine, oyster. Room Style: Western with Itsukushima Shrine view Bed Type: Twin Beds Bath: Indoor / Outdoor onsens Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto
Dinner |
Half day kayaking tour can be also arranged on request. Enjoy breakfast and take in the majestic views of of five-story pagoda and Senjokaku of Itsukushima Shrine. Your guide will take you to a memorable sea kayak tour around Miyajima Island. The kayaking trip will give you a new perspective on the island and views of Miyajima and the famous shrine that few people ever get to see. Paddle the calming Seto Inland Sea and get close to the big Torii, the gate of Itsukushima Shrine. It is rare experience that you can even approach the Torii in the sea at high tide. After lunch, you will paddle to the beautiful Enoshima Island, and some other picturesque places on the Setonai-kai, Inland Sea. The kayaking is fully guided and all levels are welcome. Return to your luxury accommodation and enjoy dinners with the island all lighted up. Room Style: Western with Itsukushima Shrine view Bed Type: Twin Beds Bath: Indoor / Outdoor onsens Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Miyajima Grand Hotel ArimotoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Farewell to Miyajima and set off to Hagi. En route to Iwakuni in Yamaguchi where you will witness the graceful Kintai Bridge, standing on the bank of Nishiki River looking over to Kikko Park and searching for Iwakuni Castle at the top of the mountain. 210 meters long, 5 meters wide, the elegant, wooden bridge makes five wooden arches onto massive stone pillars crossing the Nishiki River. Completed in 1673, the ancient bridge is one of most distinguished and recognisable wooden arch bridges in Japan. Continue your road trip to Hagi, a former castle town off the major transport ways along the tranquil Sea of Japan coast in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It used to be the capital of the Mori Clan, one of the most powerful clans during the feudal age. It’s the birthplace of the Meiji Restoration and Japan’s Industrial Revolution. Stroll through the Hagi’s old Castle Town which dates from the Edo Period and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking the streets here is like going back in time, with former samurai and wealthy merchant ’s residences standing as they have for centuries, and white walls from the feudal era still lining the quiet roads. Your accommodation tonight is the oldest ryokan in Hagi, with significant historical connections with the Meiji restoration. From any corner of the property you can feel its 80 year history and quietly immerse yourself in Japanese tradition and beauty colored by a sense of season. Relax in the beautiful Japanese garden and hot spring bath which contains plenty of minerals. Your dinner tonight features Kaiseki dinner prepared with the highest quality ingredients. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bath: Private onsens Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Miyajima Grand Hotel ArimotoDinner |
After enjoy your multi-course breakfast, head to Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park for a delightful walk. Akiyoshidai is a nature lover's paradise, with fascinating fossils and charming chasms. Walk on the Akiyoshidai Plateau, which is dotted with limestone pinnacles protruding sharply upwards out of the ground, presenting a landscape rarely seen in Japan. The plateau was a coral reef an estimated 300 million years ago. Then venture into the Akiyoshido Cave - the largest and longest limestone cave in Japan, with a width of 100 meters and a length of nearly nine kilometres. Enter the cave and you’ll find unique rock formations like the golden pillar, a limestone structure that is 15-meters-high and four-meters wide. After the geology excitement, you’ll visit Motonosumi Inari Shrine, famous for its 123 red torii gates leading up a cliff that overlooks the Japan Sea. Walk through the unique shrine, and take in the impressive view of the contrasting colours of the red torii gates, the blue sky and ocean and the surrounding greenery. This particular view in fact, was featured on the American CNN News "Japan's 31 Most Beautiful Places". Hagi is best known for its local Hagiyaki Pottery which ranks among Japan's finest, boasting 400 years of rich history. Your Hagi trip won’t be completed without a unique experience of visiting a Hagiyaki workshop, where you’ll make and decorate a piece yourself. This is the best way to experience the tradition of Hagi yaki. Return to your historical ryokan and enjoy another refined dinner. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Hagi No Yado TomoeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Enjoy breakfast, you will be transferred to either Shin-Yamaguchi Station OR Yamaguchi Ube Airport to complete your tour. Shin-Yamaguchi Station connects with the following major cities: Yamaguchi Ube Airport has frequent flights to Tokyo. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Daily departure on request. The price is based on 4 people, twin share. If you have a group of 5 or more people, a group discount is available. Private departure for a group of 2 people can also be arranged (surcharge applies). Please contact us for a quote.
More Info
- The departure point is Hiroshima Station
- The finishing point is Shin-Yamaguchi Station or Yamaguchi Ube Airport
How to travel between Hiroshima and Osaka
By train: take Sanyo Shinkansen Line, Sakura or Hikari from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station about 1.5 hours.
By highway bus: Multiple daytime and overnight highway buses serve Osaka and Hiroshima on a daily basis about 6 hours.
How to travel between Shin-Yamaguchi Station and other major cities
Shin-Yamaguchi Station connects with the following major cities:
- Hiroshima Station in Hiroshima in 30 minutes
- Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka in 1 hour 52 minutes
- Kyoto Station in Kyoto in 2 hours, 8 minutes
- Tokyo Station in Tokyo in 4 hours, 27 minutes
- Hakata Station in Fukuoka in 35 minutes
- Kagoshima Chuo Station in Kagoshima in 2 hours
Travel from Yamaguchi Ube Airport to Tokyo
- Major airline has frequent flights to Tokyo.
Day 1: Guided Misen Mountain hike, approx. 3 km, 1.5 - 2 hours
Day 2: Guided full day Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Sea Kayaking
Day 3: Guided walk in Hagi old castle town and Kintai Bridge
Day 4: Guided walk in Akiyoshidai Quasi-National, Akiyoshidaido Cave and Motonosumi Inari Shrine. Visit Hagiyaki Workshop
Day 5: Depart
Japan's weather and climate features four distinct seasons.
Spring is from March to May. It's perhaps one of the very best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. The country is ablaze with beautiful white and pink cherry blossom and plenty festivals to enjoy.
Summer is from June to August and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 30’s. If you plan on visiting Japan during the summer weather, northern areas such as Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu are the most comfortable places to escape the heat.
Autumn is from September to November and is characterised by light breezes and cooler temperatures of around 8-10°C. It is also a wonderful time to visit Japan. The country turns into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies and almost as impressive as the stunning cherry blossoms.
Winter is from December to February. It is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs, especially venture to the ski slopes of Hokkaido or Nagano. It's Okinawa is a great place to visit during the winter as it is not quite as cold as the rest of Japan’s weather.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
