Japan Express: Tokyo to Osaka

Spend nine days travelling through some of Japan’s best-known cities, with time in Tokyo, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto and Osaka. The route combines guided walks, rail travel and free time, so you can see the main sights while still shaping parts of the trip yourself. Start in Tokyo with its busy districts and neighbourhood streets, then continue by shinkansen to Hiroshima for a visit to Peace Park and the A-Bomb Dome. From there, take a day trip to Miyajima before heading on to Kyoto for temples, historic quarters and a guided evening walk in Gion and Pontocho. Finish in Osaka, where the trip closes with a leader-led walk through Dotombori. This trip suits travellers who are happy to travel independently between included activities and make use of a local leader’s advice. It uses a mix of public transport and rail, with some sections on foot, so packing light and comfortable shoes are important. Accommodation in Tokyo includes a pod hostel stay, and some Japanese hotel rooms can be compact.