Setouchi Wellness

 

Setouchi Wellness

Duration: 14 Days

Location: Enjoy a 2 weeks wellness experince in the enchanting Setouchi region in Western Japan – travel the provinces of comprising the prefectures of Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, , Tokushima. Reset your mind and body in inspiring natural beauty, relaxing spas, natural hot springs, yoga sessions alongside a wealth of gastronomic experiences.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Kyoto

Upon arrival at Kansai Airport you will be met by a representative and transferred to Kyoto by private car.

You are free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 2 - Kyoto

Today you will explore Kyotot, starting with the Kinkakuji Temple - a Zen temple in the northern part of Kyoto. Known as the 'Golden Temple' because the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.Your next visit Ryoanji Temple, is known as the Rock Garden.

After lunch we will take a walk in the Arashiyama district. -with it’s well known landmaerk the Togetsukyo Bridge. You can also stop to visit the Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves.

Day 3 - kyoto

This morning take the train to Nara where you will visit Todaiji. The temple is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. Next, your guide will take you to Kasuga Taisha. The shrine is Nara's most celebrated shrine. and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city.

After lunch you will return to Kyoto by local train, stopping en route to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings.

Day 4 - Hyogo

This morning take the bullet train to Shin-Kobe station for a visit to Arima Onsen - one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts with a history of over one thousand years. The town has a modern look today, but you can still find several narrow lanes and wooden buildings when strolling around the center.

In the afternoon take a walking tour, where you can learn about the history of Arima Onsen, the etiquette of bathing in the hot spring, and the manners of visiting temples and shrines.

Day 5 - Okayama

The first stop of the day today will be Himeji Castle, also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds. Followed by a visit to the the Kokoen Garden..

In the afternoon take the Taka bullet train from Himeji station to Okayama, and a private vehicle will take you to your hotel.

Day 6 - Hiroshima

Please enjoy some early morning Yoga while the sun is rising.

Late morning take the bullet train to Hiroshima, ready for an afternoon walking tour of the city. First, you will visit the Peace Memorial Park and the Museum. Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park is one of the most prominent features of the city, and includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. 

*You could also include yoga at the historic temple or visit Orizuru Tower and making origami cranes for peace.

Day 7 - Sandankyo

Today you will visit Sandankyo, which is a very popular spot among the locals. It is the only forest therapy spot that can be reached in just one hour from Hiroshima. You can enjoy the majestic nature of Hiroshima.

After enjoying lunch check in to your hotel in the afternoon

Day 8 - Nagato-Yumoto

Today you will dive into relaxation at the Nagato-Yumoto hot spring resort. A quiet, bustling town in a mountainous area rich in nature. The crystal clear Otozure River flows through the town.

As an optional tour, you can enjoy the historical town Hagi, or Motonosumi Shrine, Torii gates stands along the massive ocean view, or rough sea cruising at Oumi Island.

Day 9 - Saijo

This morning take the bullet train to Hiroshima. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where you can enjoy seasonal dishes and Kamotsuru sake using sake brewing water.

After lunch, we will take a walk around the old town Saijo, which is famous throughout Japan as the home of one of the best sake-brewing communities in Japan. There are eight breweries, seven of which are concentrated along Sakagura-dori (Sake Brewery Street). In the evening enjoy yoga with a view of the Seto Inland Sea.

day 10-Shinshoji Temple

Today you will spend the day joining the Zen practice with the trainee monk at Shinshoji Temple. A Zen practice experience to eliminate distractions, regulate your mind and body, and look at yourself. Forgetting the passing of time, you will regain your true self with each breath. Through the practice of the Heart Sutra, zazen, sutra copying, and tea ceremony, you will be able to face yourself and experience a practice similar to that of a specialised Rinzai dojo.

day 11 - Ishizuchi Mountain

Depart early from the hotel for a trip into Ishizuchi Mountain, the highest mountain in western Japan (1,982m). Located on the border between Saijo City and Kuma Kogen Town in Ehime Prefecture, the mountain has been revered as a mountain of mountain worship (Shugendo) by many people since ancient times. It is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan, and one of the seven sacred mountains in Japan. Here you will join the trekking. When you have finished trekking you will depart to the Takamatsu city.

day 12-Shodoshima Island

Today you will visit Shodoshima Island, an ideal place for growing olives and boasts the highest production of olive oil in Japan. The island has also been known for its soy sauce and somen noodles since ancient times.

In the afternoon visit Angel Road, a sandy path that appears when the tide rises and falls. Followed by Kankakei Gorge, a breathtaking ravine at the center of Shodoshima Island.

day 13-Tokushima

After an early morning yoga or a relaxing spa session check out travel to Tokushima via ferry. The Great Seto Bridge or Seto Ohashi Bridge is a series of double deck bridges connecting Okayama and Kagawa prefectures across a series of five small islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

After lunch explore the city of Tokushima then take the ropeway up to Mt. Bizan. and enjoy the spectacular view.

day 14-Kansai

Today your guide will take you to Sannomiya. Upon arrival at Sannomiya station, a Japanese speaking driver will transfer you to Kansai by private car.