Things to do in Japan

The tale of two cities: Okayama & Hiroshima

There are so many reasons for visiting Okayama and Hiroshima: fine weather, beautiful scenery, rich history, good food and nice people…

By Satoshi Inuki

Japanese literature enthusiast & one of Alfred&’s guides in Japan

A tale of two cities: Okayama and Hiroshima

There are so many reasons for visiting Okayama and Hiroshima: fine weather, beautiful scenery, rich history, good food and nice people, and the fact that you’re away from the hustle and bustle of the big-name tourist spots.

Okayama is well known in Japan as ‘the land of sunshine’ because of its low rainfall throughout the year. I’ve been there many times with clients and for personal trips, and the weather was always nice. The best places to visit are the well-preserved Bikan Historical Area and the lovely Korakuen Garden, which are never too crowded.

In Hiroshima, you can visit two completely different World Heritage Sites in one day. In the Peace Memorial Park, people can learn about one of the greatest man-made tragedies in human history and think about the folly of war. I had one guest who wanted to make paper origami cranes and offer them to the Children’s Peace Monument while we prayed for a peaceful future for all the children of the world – it was a very touching moment. Then there is Miyajima island with its sacred mountain and famous shrines, which has such a soothing spiritual atmosphere.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Enchanting Japan
by Claire Ross

Length13 Days

Price range£6,350 - £7,170pp

Alfred & Satoshi Inuki

Satoshi is originally from a small town in Hyogo prefecture. In his early 20s he lived in Edinburgh where he met many people from all over the world who asked him questions about Japan. This prompted him to study more about his own country’s culture, history and traditions. He moved to Kyoto around 10 years ago and became a licensed guide in 2011, since when he has come to know every inch of both his new home town and destinations such as Hiroshima, Okayama and Naoshima to the west.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Richard, who's travelled extensively in Japan. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the tea devotee who'll introduce you to the ceremony surrounding Japan's national drink, the noodle guru who'll teach you how to make the perfect bowl of soba and the ryokan owner who'll tutor you in the relaxing art of the onsen.

Richard Pearson

Travel Expert for Alfred&

The term ‘well-travelled’ is an understatement when describing Richard. They've been swept up in the cultural portals of Japan and China and fallen in love with Vietnam’s historical melting pot and romantic karsts of Halong Bay. Their mantra is ‘expect the unexpected,’ which is why they find India so attractive; its manic city streets, stunning yet seldom-visited temples and off-road safaris in the wildest tiger reserves.
Takeaki Shibuya

Experience coordinator for Destination Asia, Alfred&'s partners in Japan

After 14 years of experience travelling in more than 70 countries as a tour conductor and planner, Takeaki has come home to Japan, which he truly believes is the most unique place in the world to explore. His unusual experiences are a source of creation which draws out the esoteric and the hidden of Japan.
Ms Makishima

Nakai-san at Gion Yoshi-Ima

A long-time employee at Gion Yoshi-Ima and resident of Kyoto, Ms Makishima embodies the Japanese spirit of hospitality: a welcoming character, dedication to her work, and joy in the everyday. Care and devotion is given to her guests and she is always on hand to attend to needs or offer advice to adventurous travellers.
Fabien Fleury

Wine educator, oenophile and guide

Tokyo-based Fabien was born in Saintes, near Cognac, in the south-west of France. As a boy, he used to help his grandfather take care of his vineyard, which instilled in him a love of the whole process of wine-making. Fabien has been giving tasting seminars to wine lovers between Europe and Japan for 10 years and enjoys sharing his expertise on tours of Japan’s wine-making Yamanashi area outside Tokyo.
Ms Akira

Member of the hospitality team at Oyado Koto no Yume

Ms Akira is part of the hospitality team at Koto no Yume, a ryokan in the traditional town of Takayama. Living in a city steeped in culture, she enjoys helping guests to get to know a little more of the traditional arts and crafts, as well as the beautiful sites of Takayama.
Satoshi Inuki

Japanese literature enthusiast & one of Alfred&’s guides in Japan

Satoshi is originally from a small town in Hyogo prefecture. In his early 20s he lived in Edinburgh where he met many people from all over the world who asked him questions about Japan. This prompted him to study more about his own country’s culture, history and traditions. He moved to Kyoto around 10 years ago and became a licensed guide in 2011, since when he has come to know every inch of both his new home town and destinations such as Hiroshima, Okayama and Naoshima to the west.