71 Tour Reviews

Private Journey | Classic

Tour Code: GTA4669413

Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Matsue, Izumo & Hiroshima Private Tour
71 Reviews
7 days 6 nights

fromUSD $4600.00

currency

More Details
Room Type Explained

Single Room

Single room types are rooms for single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the hotel room throughout the tour.

Twin Room

Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.

Double Room

A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.

Triple Room

A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.

Japanese Style Room

A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.

Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.

This tour is an excellent option for those who would like an in-depth introduction to the region of Chugoku, including Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Matsue, and Hiroshima. Step back through time as you enjoy one of the most deeply historic areas of Japan. Enjoy the tried and true itinerary below to see the best parts of Chugoku in a short period of time. Alternatively, you can customize the itinerary below to match your interests and create the perfect trip for you. This itinerary includes transportation via Japan’s famously efficient public transit system throughout the tour. This will allow you to see Japan from the same level as the locals and get a better understanding of everyday life in Japan.

This itinerary can be customized based on your budget and interests. Please feel free to CONTACT US to plan your dream trip to Japan.

View More

Tour Information

Please Note:

● The price is per person with minimum 2 people, based on twin/double or triple room occupancy.
● The itinerary can be customized based on your interests and budget, please contact us to plan your perfect vacation to Japan.

Deposit

We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure

What's included

• 4 nights Western style and 2 nights Japanese style accommodation
• Public transportation between destinations in Japan including Shinkansen (bullet train)
• Local guides in each city
• Luggage forwarding between hotels

Meals
• Breakfast everyday
• 2 dinners

Admission fees and activities
• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary.

What's NOT included

• International Airfares
• Airport transfers
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills

Additional Information

Transport
Shinkansen bullet train, local trains, trams and local buses.
Arrival Departure Airports
This tour starts in Kyoto or Osaka and finishes in Hiroshima.
Meal Requests
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged
Meet and Greet
Meet at Kyoto or Osaka.

Itinerary In Brief

Day1 Kyoto or Osaka - Himeji - Okayama
Day2 Okayama - Kurashiki - Okayama
Day3 Okayama - Yasugi - Matsue
Day4 Matsue
Day5 Matsue - Izumo - Hiroshima
Day6 Hiroshima
Day7 Tour ends

Click here for detailed itinerary

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Day1

Kyoto or Osaka - Himeji - Okayama

Meet your guide at your hotel in Kyoto or Osaka and travel to Himeji by bullet train. Your first stop will be Himeji Castle, one of the original surviving twelve castles of Japan. It is known as "White Egret Castle" and "White Heron Castle" because of its brilliant white exterior, which resembles a bird taking flight. Then visit the nearby Kokoen Garden which is a relatively recently constructed Japanese style garden, opened in 1992 on the former site of the feudal lord's west residence. In the afternoon, you will transfer to Okayama via bullet train.

Hotel Granvia Okayama or similar class

Note: We will ship your large luggage to your hotel in Okayama. Please pack your essentials for 1 night in a small bag to carry with you.

Day2

Okayama - Kurashiki - Okayama

Once again, you will be fully guided as you travel between Okayama and Kurashiki. Travel to the Canal Area in Kurashiki – this location was very important along the distribution route of rice during the Edo period. Today it is a scenic area where visitors can walk along the canal and see the old storage units, along with buildings from the Edo period. We will also visit the Ohara Museum of Art, which is considered the first museum of Western art in Japan. It is a private museum consisting of three adjacent buildings next to the canal. Upon your return to Okayama, you may tour Korakuen Garden, a landscape garden and the main attraction of the city. It is one of three most famous gardens in Japan, featuring a large pond, walking paths, and many different types of trees.

Breakfast

Hotel Granvia Okayama or similar class

Day3

Okayama - Yasugi - Matsue

Today, you will travel will your guide and visit Yasugi and Matsue via public transportation. In Yasugi, visit the Adachi Museum of Art. Here, you will be able to see the award-winning garden which is the creation of Adachi Zenko. He hoped that viewing the garden and art together would pique people’s interest in Japanese art. In Matsue, travel on to one of the islands in the lake to visit Yushien Garden. While the garden features many traditional landscape elements, it is famous for its collection of 250 types of peonies. Some are kept outside in traditional, protective, bamboo coverings, but far more are kept inside in the lovely indoor garden. After enjoying so many beautiful sights, continue your relaxation at your hotel where you can soak in the onsen hot spring and enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner in the Ryokan.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Ichibata or similar class

Note: We will ship your large luggage to your hotel in Hiroshima. Please pack your essentials for 2 nights in a small bag to carry with you.

Day4

Matsue

Continue to explore the castle town of Matsue, beginning with the castle itself. This is one of only a dozen original castles in Japan, meaning that its main tower has survived to this day through fires, earthquakes, and the anti-feudal demolitions of the Meiji Period. It is sometimes called the "black castle" after its darkly-colored, austere exterior. You can also enjoy a lovely cruise around the moat of the castle to get more interesting views of the castle and surrounding area. Visit the home of Lafcadio Hearn, one of the first western authors of Japanese culture. Hearn's former residence is now open to the public along with a museum located next door that is dedicated to his work and person. Take a walk down the streets of the old samurai district where samurai families used to live. One of the homes, Buke Yashiki, has been restored and filled with artifacts making for a very interesting time capsule of samurai life. After your tour, you will once again be able to enjoy the onsen and kaiseki dinner at the Ryokan.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Ichibata or similar class

Day5

Matsue - Izumo - Hiroshima

Travel to Izumo via public transportation with your guide. In Izumo, you will visit the Izumo Grand Shrine. Considered to be the oldest in all of Japan, it has been in existence since at least the early 700’s but unfortunately, there are no records of it being built. Due the shrine’s age pre-dating the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, the architecture of the building is a purely Japanese style called Taisha-zukuri. The shrine is home to the famous Kamiari Festival where Shinto’s 8-million deities have an annual meeting at the shrine. After your tour of this ancient shrine, you will transfer to Hiroshima station.

Breakfast

Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar class

Day6

Hiroshima

Today, you will explore the city of Hiroshima and nearby Miyajima Island with your guide. Our first destination of the day is the Peace Memorial Park. The Peace Park consists of the Peace Memorial Museum, the A-Bomb Dome, and the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims. The Peace Park is one of the most significant features of the city, devoted to the events that occurred on August 6, 1945. Afterwards, we will travel to Miyajima, where we will see Itsukushima Shrine. It is famous for being uniquely built over water, and its large torii gate that appears to “float” over the sea during high tide.

Breakfast

Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar class

Day7

Tour Ends

After breakfast, your tour will officially end. You will be free to make your way to your next destination at your leisure.

Note: If you would like further transportation to be included, please contact us for the arrangements.

Experiences

Accommodations

PLEASE NOTE: These are the hotels All Japan Tours generally uses on the touring styles and regions shown. There is no guarantee that you will stay in the lodgings listed on the website. We encourage you to check your travel documentation for confirmation of the exact accommodation you will be staying in.

Destinations

Himeji - Okayama - Kurashiki - Yasugi - Matsue - Izumo - Hiroshima

Other Japan Tours You May Interested

Best of Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour

Read More

Group Tour Style	Budget	Deluxe	Deluxe-Plus	Signature	Active
Group Tour Style	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours
Feature	Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price.	Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort.	Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations.	Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture.	Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape.
Advantage	Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you.	Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences.	Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you.	Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art.	Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.
Group Size	20 to 45 people	10 to 35 people	6 to 24 people	4 to 16 people	4 to 13 people
Fully-escorted	Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide				Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities
Pace	Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own
Airport Transfers	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified	Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports)	Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified
Transfer between cities	Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary			Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary	Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical
Sightseeing	Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide		Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide		Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides
Admission fees and activities	All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included
Luggage Transfers	Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours				Separate luggage transfers are included
Meals	Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged)
Accommodation	Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans	Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination
Ages	4 years old and above			6 years old and above
Health & Activity	In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.				These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination.

REQUEST INFORMATION

Don't know which tour is suitable for you?

Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Matsue, Izumo & Hiroshima Private Tour 71 Reviews 7 days 6 nights fromUSD $4600.00 currency

Tour Information

Deposit

What's included

What's NOT included

Additional Information

Itinerary In Brief

Day1

Kyoto or Osaka - Himeji - Okayama

Day2

Okayama - Kurashiki - Okayama

Breakfast

Day3

Okayama - Yasugi - Matsue

Breakfast / Dinner

Day4

Matsue

Breakfast / Dinner

Day5

Matsue - Izumo - Hiroshima

Breakfast

Day6

Hiroshima

Breakfast

Day7

Tour Ends

Experiences

Accommodations

Best of Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour

Best of Japan Tour Summer

Best of Japan Tour Autumn

Why Travel on Our Group Tours

Best Itinerary

Budget-friendly

Hand-picked Accommodations

Fully Guided

Unique experiences

Connect

Home

About Us

How to Make a Reservation

Travel Insurance

Don't know which tour is best for you? Let us help you.

Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Matsue, Izumo & Hiroshima Private Tour
71 Reviews
7 days 6 nights

fromUSD $4600.00

currency

Why Travel on Our
Group Tours