Your Travel Experience with ARRIVAL
Day 1
ARRIVAL
Arrive into Narita airport in Tokyo, and hop on the included limousine bus into Shinjuku. Check in, drop your bags, and then you’re free to explore the city. Expect skyscrapers, side streets, and a steady buzz from the moment you step outside.
Day 1 - 4
Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku (or similar)
A well-located stay in the middle of Shinjuku, close to transport, food spots and nightlife. Clean, simple, and easy after long travel days.
Day 2
Tokyo Cultural Walk (optional)
Guided exploration through Tokyo’s key districts including Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple and Shibuya. (additional costs may apply)
Day 3
Mt. Takao Hike (Self guided)
A day hike for those feeling adventurous, through forest trails to Yakuōin Temple, with views of Mt Fuji on clear days.
Day 4
Bullet Train to Kyoto
Board the included bullet train and head west to Kyoto. Once you arrive, the pace shifts slightly. The afternoon is yours to explore: walk through Gion, pass under the torii gates of Fushimi Inari, or head out to Arashiyama’s bamboo grove.
Day 4 - 6
Henn na Hotel Premier Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi (or similar)
Three minutes from Kyoto Station with spacious rooms and a reception staffed by dinosaurs (yes, really). Easy luggage drop if you want to get straight into the city before check-in. A solid, well-located base that sets you up for exploring Kyoto.
Day 5
Kyoto Cultural Walk
The day is yours to explore Kyoto’s temple districts. Walk through Higashiyama, passing Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine and traditional streets lined with wooden buildings and teahouses. If you want to go further, head out to Arashiyama’s bamboo grove or explore quieter neighbourhoods beyond the main routes.
Day 6
Okunoin Cemetery Walk (Self guided)
Walk through Mt. Koya’s sacred Okunoin Cemetery, following forest paths past thousands of gravestones to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi.
Day 6 - 8
Seijoshin-in Temple Stay (or similar)
A traditional temple lodging with tatami rooms and shared facilities. Meals are vegetarian and prepared by monks, and the overall experience is quiet, structured and immersive.
Day 7
Kumano Kodo Trail Walks (guided)
There’s a few different pilgrimage routes depending on fitness level around Mt. Koya, connecting temples and forest paths across the mountain. The most popular route is walking a 10km section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route through forest terrain, stone paths and shrine-lined trails. Your guide will help decide the best route based on your preferences and pace.
Day 8
Nanki-Shirahama Town Walking Tour (guided)
A scenic journey through Shirahama’s most iconic landscapes. Your first stop is Sandanbeki, where you will explore its dramatic oceanfront cave and then enjoy sweeping views from the surrounding cliffs, a powerful showcase of the Pacific’s natural forces. Continue on to Senjojiki, a vast stretch of wave-carved sandstone that spreads out like a field of stacked tatami mats, offering an impressive stage for observing the coastline’s geological beauty. From there, you will visit Engetsu Island, famous for its distinctive round sea arch and its breathtaking silhouette against the setting sun. The tour concludes at Shirarahama Beach, where you can stroll along its soft, white sands and
Day 8 - 9
Grampus Sea (or similar)
A simple coastal stay near the water. After the mountains, this is a softer stop before heading back into the city.
Day 9
Osaka Arrival
Take the included train into Osaka. After days in nature, the shift back into the city is immediate. Drop your bags, then make the most of your free time. We recommend heading straight out into Dotonbori, buzzing with neon lights and street food, you’re right back into a faster, more chaotic rhythm.
Day 9 - 11
Rise Hotel Kitashinchi (or similar)
A wine hotel in the heart of Kitashinchi, Osaka's dining and nightlife district. The rooms are clean and considered, the location puts you close to everything worth eating in the city, and the bar gives you a very good reason not to leave too early. This is a step up from your standard city base.
Day 10
Osaka at Your Own Pace
A full free day in Osaka. Explore neighbourhoods, eat your way through the city, or keep things relaxed. This is your last full day in Japan.
Day 11
Departure from Osaka
Make your way to Kansai International Airport via the included express train (Nankai Rapid). One last look at the city before heading home.