Be sure to set your clocks—in Japan, you’re on Japan Standard Time, which is +16 hours ahead of Pacific Time, and +9 hours ahead of GMT / UTC. 

Trip Start

We will meet at 9 am on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at the Hotel Mitsui in Kyoto, Japan.  

Arrival Airport

We recommend arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX). This is the primary international airport in the Greater Osaka Area and the closest international airport to Kyoto. Direct flights to KIX are available from Los Angeles (12hr, 30min), San Francisco (12hr), and Chicago (13hr, 40min). 

If you prefer to arrive via Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT), you'll need to transfer to Kyoto via train. 

We recommend arriving at least one full day prior to the start of your trip in the case of unforeseen circumstances or travel delays. This means you will most likely start your travel on June 16 to account for the time difference. For information on where to stay the night before, see the following Pre-Arrival Accommodations section. 

Transfer from Airport

Private transportation is available from KIX airport to our hotel through the concierge at the Hotel Mitsui, to be requested no more than 30 days ahead of your arrival. Contact the Hotel Mitsui (see Our Accommodations) directly to arrange. 

Alternatively, you can arrange your own transit via train. The JR Haruka Limited Express takes around 70 minutes to travel from KIX to Kyoto with departures every 30 minutes. Tickets cost less than US$40 per person. 

Car-share services such as Uber also operate from KIX airport to Kyoto, for US$35 - 50.

Pre-Arrival Accommodations

We stay in unique, in-demand hotels on this trip—rooms go fast and daily rates change frequently. If you plan to arrive in Kyoto prior to the beginning of our journey, we recommend staying at the Hotel Mitsui (see Our Accommodations section), which is also our meeting spot on Day One. Please contact the hotel directly to book, and let them know you will be on a trip with Modern Adventure and would like to extend your stay prior to the trip start. We will try to avoid unnecessary room changes, allowing you to stay in the same room from start to finish—however, please note that this is not always an option and room types vary and are subject to change.

We also recommend the Hiiragiya Ryokan, a sixth-generation luxury ryokan in the heart of Kyoto; or the Suiran Hotel, set on the banks of the Hozugawa River on Kyoto's outskirts; or the modern and stylish Hotel Kanra Kyoto.

We end our trip—after seven days of exploration, connection, and delicious food and drink!—at the Park Hyatt Kyoto on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Departure Airport

We recommend booking your outbound flights from Kansai International Airport (KIX), a 75-minute drive from our hotel in Kyoto. 

A smaller, regional airport, Osaka International Airport (ITM) is a 45-minute drive from our hotel and may be a good option if you are traveling domestically within Japan, or locally within Asia. You can also take the train back to Tokyo or onward within Japan.

Transfer to Airport

After the breakfast on our last day, Modern Adventure will provide a complimentary transfer to KIX airport. If you would like to join this transfer, your flight home should depart from KIX at 2pm or later. 

Please note: If you book a flight that leaves earlier than 2pm, or if you are planning on departing from ITM or if you are planning on extending your time in Japan, it is your responsibility to arrange alternative transportation from the Hotel Mitsui to the airport. Your trip leader can assist you with this as your taxi will need to be confirmed at least 5 days in advance. Let them know you are traveling with Modern Adventure.

Post-Trip Accommodations

We hope you have the opportunity to extend your stay in Japan. If so, we recommend staying at the Hotel Mitsui (see Our Accommodations). Please note that any post-trip accommodations are your responsibility to book, and reservations can be made directly by contacting the Hotel Mitsui.

If the Hotel Mitsui is full, see our Pre-Arrival Recommendations for additional suggestions.