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On the Kansai roads

On the Kansai roads

Rooted in regionality

Arts & local culture

4 stops

9 nights

148 miles

The western part of the large island of Honshû, known as Kansai (West of the Barrier) has been considered a true gem of the Japanese archipelago since feudal times. From Osaka to Toyooka, via unmissable Kyoto, each of these ancient cities is home to some of the most beautiful temples, palaces and secret gardens in the country. From the coasts of the Seto Inland Sea to those, further north, of the Sea of Japan, you will also discover astonishing agricultural plains and peaceful landscapes that seem to come straight out of ukiyo-e, those timeless woodblock prints.

01

Departure

Recommended duration : 2 nights

Osaka

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Etape fictive

The third largest city in Japan, Osaka at first appears to be a modern, lively metropolis. And since 2004, it has also established itself as a destination for art lovers, who flock to the National Museum of Art to see its collection of more than 8,000 contemporary works. Yet strolling along the city's main thoroughfares opens the door to some incredible cultural contrasts, not least the historic castle that seems to resist the glass and concrete buildings of the business district.

Things to do, see, and discover

During your stay

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Kashiwaya / 柏屋 Restaurant

In this acclaimed traditional Ryotei restaurant on the outskirts of Osaka, Japan’s landmark city, Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama offers modern Japanese food in a dining room designed in the “Sukiya” style, Japan’s traditional format for tea ceremonies: Fusuma sliding doors, shoji paper screens, tatami mats and Tokonoma reception rooms, each executed in a contemporary style. The menu is limited to just eight dishes, which are changed every month. The specialities of the famous Chef Hideaki Matsuo include Amadai, a dish made with grilled tile fish marinated in a salt shrimp “shiokara” dip, and puffer roe boiled in sake, floating on a turnip soup.

During your stay

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La Bécasse / ラ・ベカス Restaurant

“Never be satisfied.” Franco-Japanese chef Yoshinori Shibuya, the perfectionist, has never forgotten this snippet of advice given to him by the great French chef Alain Chapel. Constantly pushing his creativity to new heights, Chef Shibuya has followed in the footsteps of Chapel and Robuchon, his two inspirations, to create a top restaurant in Osaka. In a minimalist setting, decorated with bronzes and fabrics, you can savour French-inspired marvels, with a deep respect for the products, including the famous coriander lobster salad, paupiettes of sole with foie gras and lamb piccata. Perhaps perfection does exist after all.

02

27 milesCar

Recommended duration : 2 nights

Nara

Hotel - Restaurant

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best location in towncontemporary designat the gates of a templesurrounded by wild deer

Nara City, Japan

Noborioji Hotel Nara

Discover

03

30 milesCar

Recommended duration : 3 nights

Kyoto

Several properties available for this stop

Hotel - Restaurant

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Intimate settingfamily-run for 5 generationsdowntown Kyotoryokan with Japanese gardenKaiseki cuisine

Kyoto, Japan

Kanamean Nishitomiya

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Hotel - Restaurant

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Traditional Japanese ryokanfamily-run for seven generationskaiseki cuisineprime location in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

Hiiragiya

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04

92 milesCar

Recommended duration : 2 nights

Toyooka

Hotel - Restaurant

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ryokan in a hot-spring villageat the gates of a templefamily-run for 7 generationsin-room kaiseki dinnersJapanese garden

Toyooka, Japan

Nishimuraya Honkan

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