Highlights of Honshu: Imperialism, Buddhism and Island Life

From Osaka Airport, a train to Kyoto. Five-night stay in your own private machiya. Machiya, the former homes of tradesmen and craftsmen, are an integral part of Kyoto's traditional urban landscape. They are divided into living space and a workshop area. While the number of machiyas is declining as a result of the urbanisation of the city, some have been restored in a traditional manner and converted into private guesthouses: an alternative to the classic hotel, offering beautiful freedom and a unique atmosphere.

In the itinerary - Discover Kyoto with an expat. They will take you around Kyoto for an informal walk without a set itinerary. It's an opportunity to share experiences, to discuss everyday life, society, the arts, gastronomy... Go at your own pace, nothing is planned in advance.

What to see, what to do - At dawn, journey along the Philosophers' Path - visit Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion - get lost in the Buddhist garden paradise of Kinkakuji, the Gold Pavilion - stroll through the former residential districts and admire the simple architecture of the machiya (wooden townhouses) of the Gion district - stroll through the Shinto Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine; its hundreds of vermillion torii (elegant wooden gateways) lining your path - shop for tea at Ippo-cho and tofu at Iriyama-Tofu - take part in a tea ceremony - take an afternoon detour through the Nishiki market, nicknamed 'Kyoto's kitchen', past eel and octopus stalls - eat steaming tempura: a great show - attend an Ikebana flower ceremony - lunch at the Kawamichi-ya soba restaurant - meditate in the mineral garden of the Ryoan-ji Temple - visit the Hosomi Art Museum for shinto and Buddhist art, and the Nomura Museum for its beautiful ceramics.
Optional - A Japanese cooking class at a traditional arts centre - a day trip to Nara, the former imperial capital, one of the cradles of Japanese civilisation.

Train to Gokurakubashi and funicular to the Fudo-In temple. The peaks of Mount Koya, covered in a dark forest of cedar, maple and cypress trees. Here, one hundred monasteries perpetuate the teaching of Kobo Daishi, founder of the Shingon Buddhist school, based on the principles of renunciation of ego and acceptance of the world as it is. The day allows you to connect with the spirituality that underlies the sacredness of nature inherited from Shinto Buddhism. Stroll from one sanctuary to another on the forest roads, between cedars, azaleas and rhododendrons ... One pleasure of Mount Koya is to stay in a temple hostel - it's an opportunity to enjoy the succulent shojin vegetarian cuisine.

Train to Osaka and two-night stay at the Cross Hotel, not far from the train station, in a lively part of town. The hotel is all about the clean lines found in the rooms, lounges and restaurant. Behind the international and contemporary design with white as the dominating colour, Japan's aesthetic and practical tradition are visible in small touches. The service is attentive and considerate.

Osaka is warm, contemporary, epicurean and hectic all at the same time. An ancient merchant city that enjoys eating, having fun and enjoying life, but has not forgotten its historic sites.
In the itinerary - Discover Osaka with an expat. Osaka is a warm, vibrant, epicurean city. Lorenzo is in love with the city, where he's lived for years. Your guide will take you for an informal walk without a set itinerary. You will have the opportunity to share experiences, to discuss everyday life, society, the arts, gastronomy...
What to see, what to do - Visit the castle - stroll around the popular Tsutenkaku district - watch a performance at the Bunraku Puppet Theatre - saunter along Dotonbori Street in the evening.

Train to Amanohashidate and two-night stay at the Monjuso ryokan, a traditional inn surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden. Sliding doors of wood and paper, the smell of tatami mats of freshly braided rice straw, rooms with views of the river. Indoor and outdoor onsen baths. Enjoy the subtle pleasures of traditional kaiseki dishes, part of the multi-course dinners laid on by traditional ryokans.

A pine-covered sandbar that cuts across Miyazu Bay; from the heights of Kasamatsu Park, it looks like a bridge suspended in the sky - one of the three most renowned views in all of Japan.
What to see, what to do - Visit the temple Chion-ji - walk the sandbar from one bank to another - enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches, where Japanese families relax - visit the small fishing village of Ine, between sea and mountains, formerly known for its whaling port; with its funaya, houses on stilts with boathouses on the first floor, an exceptional example of Japanese architecture.

Train to Kinosaki Onsen and overnight accommodation at the Tajimaja ryokan, whose family atmosphere, particularly warm welcome and traditional cuisine are worth noting. Located between the mountains and the Sea of Japan, Kinosaki-onsen is the ultimate hot spring resort. Walk around a city with a village feel. There are temples, historic houses and willow-lined canals crossed by small bridges. At night, the lanterns that illuminate the city add to the charming atmosphere. Enjoy the Yanagi-yu, Mandara-yu or Kono-yu public baths, or walk along the river on a chilly evening, passing the Japanese bathers in their yukata robes and wooden sandals.
What to see, what to do - Climb the heights of Mt. Daishiyama by cable car: the view is magical, and you can visit the Osen-Ji temple, with its superb statue of a thousand arms - the museum not far from the temple houses well-preserved ancient statues; some are over 1400 years old ... - for curious palates, try a culinary experience: the egg cooked at low temperature in hot spring water - cycle 15 minutes outside the city to Takeno beach, with its fine sand and crystal clear water.

Train to Kobe and overnight accommodation at Oriental Kobe, with its spacious rooms with elegant decor, conveniently located in the heart of the historic district of Kuy-Kyoryuchi, overlooking the beautiful harbour. Kobe is a beautiful provincial town between the sea and the mountains - high above the city, in the Kitano district, the vast western mansions testify to the wealth of the port in the 19th century.
What to see, what to do - Visit Nunobiki, the largest flower park in the country, where you can buy medicinal or aromatic plants - get lost in the Nankinmachi district, the 'Chinatown of Kobe', home to the most notable Chinese community in Japan - taste the famous Kobe beef; its marbled flavour is inimitable: the breeders massage their animals with sake!

Train to Onomichi and two-night stay at the Cycle Hotel, established in the former maritime warehouse named U2, and which very quickly became a must-see spot in Onomichi. In addition to the hotel, there is a restaurant, a bar, a bakery, a concept store, and bicycle repair shop. As far as decor is concerned, Japanese minimalism is de rigueur, layered with a spirit of post-industrial design. The hotel is located at the start of the Shimanami Akido bike path, which connects the mainland, Honshu, to seven islands in the Seto Sea via a series of impressive bridges. Of course you can rent a bike.

Onomichi is an old-fashioned city, spreading over Honshu and nearby small islands, connected by bridges. At its centre, 25 temples are connected by often steep alleys that snake through the mountain and overlook the bay.
What to see, what to do - Stroll along the literature path, on stones engraved with poems in tribute to the many writers and poets who have stayed in the city - visit Murakami Castle on the island of Innoshima - walk among our feline friends on, neko no hosomichi (the cat alley); Many cats populate this quiet part of the city - visit the Senko-Ji temple, built on stilts - rent a bike for a ride on the Shimanami Akido bike path.

Train to Tomono-Ura and overnight accommodation at the seaside Migiwatei Ochi Kochi ryokan, right next to the pier. All rooms have beautiful sea views. Tomono-Ura is the small fishing town which inspired Hayao Miyazaki's film Ponyo on the cliff. It is accessible by bus, and there's a 100% Japanese atmosphere: there are still very few foreign visitors. Small streets lined with traditional houses in the harbour district, panoramic views of the bay and its small islands, the beautiful Sensuijima beach.

Bus and train to Osaka. You'll stay overnight at the Marriott. A property suspended between the 38th and 57th floors, at the top of the country's tallest building, home to the Abeno Hakuras cultural complex. To end your trip, admiring the view from your bed is a dazzling experience!