Japan 18-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Upon arrival at KIX, clear customs and immigration.

Take the Nankai Rapid Express or JR Haruka train to central Osaka. Check into your hotel.

Purchase an ICOCA card for convenient public transport use during your stay.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Osaka and settle in after your journey.

While close to Universal Studios, this hotel offers good value. For city center access, utilize Osaka's efficient train system.

Explore Dotonbori & Dinner

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Dotonbori.

Marvel at the illuminated billboards, the Glico Running Man, and the giant crab signs. Enjoy Osaka's famous street food.

Try takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancake), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

Samurai Training Experience KENDO

Immerse yourself in the world of samurai with an authentic kendo and samurai experience.

The dojo also functions as a samurai museum, showcasing various artifacts.

English translation provided. Prepare for an active and immersive experience.

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore one of Japan's most famous landmarks, playing a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century.

The castle grounds are beautiful, especially around the main tower.

The interior of the castle is a modern museum with an elevator, offering panoramic views from the top floor.

Osaka Sake Tasting & Takoyaki Cooking

Enjoy cooking Osaka's best street food, Takoyaki, with a local guide's secret recipe and special ingredients.

This experience also includes a sake tasting.

A fun, interactive way to learn about local cuisine and beverages.

Travel to Kyoto

Take the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station.

This is a quick and efficient way to travel between the two cities.

Hotel Check-in in Kyoto

Check into your hotel in Kyoto, drop off your luggage, and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Conveniently located in the Higashiyama district, close to many attractions.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto.

Stroll along the charming Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets leading up to the temple, filled with traditional shops and eateries.

Gion Geisha District Walk

Explore Kyoto's most famous geisha district.

Wander through its traditional wooden machiya houses and perhaps spot a geiko or maiko (apprentice geisha) in the evening.

Be respectful if you encounter geiko/maiko; avoid flash photography without permission.

Traditional Kyoto Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Kaiseki (multi-course) or other local Kyoto dinner in Gion or near your hotel.

Many restaurants in Gion offer set menus that can be a good value.

Nishiki Market Exploration

Discover Kyoto's 'Kitchen' – Nishiki Market.

This vibrant street is packed with stalls selling fresh seafood, produce, traditional sweets, and unique local delicacies.

Sample various foods from different vendors. It's a great spot for lunch or snacks.

Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto

Learn to make traditional Japanese dumplings.

This hands-on class teaches you the techniques to craft delicious gyoza, a popular Japanese dish.

A fun and tasty way to engage with Japanese culinary traditions.

Private Tea Ceremony & Sake Tasting

Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture with a private tea ceremony and sake tasting in a 300-year-old historic samurai house.

A unique opportunity for an intimate cultural experience, with organic matcha and locally sourced sake.

Explore Urushi Craft Shops

Visit local shops specializing in Kyoto lacquerware.

While full workshops can be lengthy, you can appreciate the intricate art and learn about the techniques through demonstrations or displays.

Look for shops near Gion or along Teramachi Street. Consider smaller studios for unique pieces.

Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Private)

Embark on a private guided tour to understand the deeper meaning and beauty of Japanese Zen gardens.

This experience offers unique insights beyond mere physical beauty, connecting with Zen philosophy.

A truly immersive experience for those interested in the spiritual and artistic aspects of Japanese gardens. This is a higher-priced activity due to its private nature.

Kameoka Woodworking Studio Visit

Travel to Kameoka (approx.

30 min from Kyoto Station) to visit a local woodworking studio. Explore traditional Japanese woodworking tools and techniques, perhaps observing artisans at work or inquiring about mini-workshops for creating small items.

Pre-booking a visit or workshop at specific studios in Kameoka would be ideal to ensure an enriching experience related to woodworking.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Evening)

Experience the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in the late afternoon or early evening as the crowds thin out, offering a more serene atmosphere.

The area is beautiful, and you can also see the Togetsukyo Bridge nearby.

Nishijin Textile Center

Explore the history and artistry of Nishijin-ori weaving, a traditional Kyoto craft.

Witness kimono shows and intricate textile demonstrations.

Enjoy a kimono show (usually multiple times a day) and browse traditional crafts.

Lunch in Nakagyo Ward

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local eatery in Nakagyo Ward, known for its diverse culinary scene.

Look for local ramen, udon, or teishoku (set meals) restaurants.

Gyoza Cooking Class

Learn to make traditional Japanese Gyoza dumplings, a popular local dish, with expert guidance.

Gion District Evening Stroll

Wander through Kyoto's historic geisha district.

Admire traditional wooden machiya houses and perhaps spot a geiko or maiko.

Best experienced in the late afternoon or early evening. Be respectful of residents and performers.

Dinner in Gion

Enjoy dinner in the atmospheric Gion district.

Options range from traditional kaiseki to more casual izakayas.

Urushi Lacquer Workshop

Participate in a hands-on experience, such as 'fuki-urushi' (wipe-on lacquer) chopsticks making or a Maki-e decoration class, to understand Japanese lacquer art.

Advance booking is highly recommended. Some workshops may use safer alternative lacquers for visitors.

Lunch in Central Kyoto

Enjoy a meal near your morning activity, with many choices from cafes to traditional restaurants.

Try a local soba or tempura restaurant.

Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind

A private guided tour exploring the profound philosophy and aesthetic beauty of Kyoto's Zen gardens.

Pontocho Alley Evening

Experience the charming Pontocho Alley, a narrow street lined with traditional restaurants and bars, offering a lively atmosphere.

Enjoy dinner or a drink at one of the many establishments overlooking the Kamo River.

Nijo Castle Visit

Explore the opulent Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its 'nightingale floors' and exquisite wall paintings.

Allow plenty of time to explore the Ninomaru Palace and surrounding gardens. Audio guides are available.

Lunch near Nijo Castle

Dine at a local restaurant around the Nijo Castle area, offering a variety of Japanese and international cuisine.

There are many small cafes and restaurants perfect for a quick, delicious meal.

Private Car Tour in Kyoto

Enjoy a personalized 7-hour private car tour, allowing you to visit specific craft areas, hidden temples, or scenic spots in and around Kyoto at your own pace.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic and serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an enchanting natural spectacle.

Arrive early to avoid crowds and experience the tranquil atmosphere. Combine with a visit to Tenryu-ji Temple.

Tenryu-ji Temple & Garden

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its stunning Zen garden, considered one of Japan's finest.

The Sogenchi Teien (pond garden) offers beautiful views throughout the seasons.

Lunch in Arashiyama

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in the scenic Arashiyama area, with various restaurants offering local specialties.

Many restaurants offer views of the Oi River or surrounding mountains. Try Yudofu (boiled tofu).

Private Tea Ceremony & Sake Tasting

Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture with a private tea ceremony and sake tasting in a historic Kyoto samurai house.

Dinner in Central Kyoto

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner in central Kyoto, offering a wide array of culinary experiences.

Consider exploring areas like Sanjo or Shijo for diverse dining options.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Hike through the stunning tunnels of thousands of vibrant orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice.

Wear comfortable shoes as you can hike for several hours. The path leads up Mt. Inari with many smaller shrines.

Lunch at Fushimi Inari

Enjoy traditional street food or a casual meal from one of the many stalls and restaurants around the Fushimi Inari entrance.

Try Inari Sushi (fried tofu pouches filled with rice) or Kitsune Udon.

Souvenir Shopping & Free Time

Spend your afternoon browsing for souvenirs in central Kyoto or revisiting a favorite spot.

This also provides flexibility for last-minute exploration.

Nishiki Market is great for food-related souvenirs, while department stores offer a wider range of items.

Relax & Prepare for Travel

Return to your hotel to relax and begin preparations for your journey to Hida Takayama tomorrow.

Organize your luggage and ensure you have all necessary bookings for the next leg of your trip.

Travel from Kyoto to Hida Takayama

Board the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya, then transfer to the Limited Express Hida for a scenic journey through the mountains to Takayama.

Enjoy the changing landscapes of rural Japan.

Check-in & Local Lunch

Arrive in Hida Takayama, check into your accommodation, and then seek out a local eatery for your first taste of regional specialties like Hida beef or Takayama ramen.

Stroll Sanmachi Suji Old Town

Immerse yourself in the Edo-period charm of Sanmachi Suji, a beautifully preserved district with narrow streets, traditional merchant houses, sake breweries, and artisan craft shops.

Many shops offer free sake tasting. Look for local sweets, traditional crafts, and unique souvenirs. The area is best explored on foot.

Traditional Dinner Experience

Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant in Takayama, perhaps indulging in more Hida beef, grilled on a ceramic plate, or exploring other local mountain cuisine.

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

Visit this open-air museum featuring over 30 traditional farmhouses with unique thatched roofs (gassho-zukuri), relocated from across the Hida region.

Observe artisans demonstrating traditional crafts, including various woodworking techniques.

Entry fee is approximately JPY 700 (EUR 5). There are regularly scheduled craft demonstrations. It's accessible by Nohi Bus from Takayama Station in about 10 minutes.

Lunch Near Folk Village

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the eateries near Hida Folk Village or head back towards the city center for more options.

Discover Ichii Ittobori

Explore dedicated craft streets and galleries in Takayama, focusing on 'Ichii Ittobori,' the traditional yew wood carving.

Witness the intricate detail and natural beauty of this local art form.

Many galleries showcase intricate carvings. Some shops might offer small demonstrations or a chance to interact with artisans.

Hoba Miso Dinner

Savor a distinctive Hida dinner, perhaps trying 'hoba miso,' where miso paste and local ingredients are grilled on a magnolia leaf over a small charcoal brazier.

Hida Shunkei Lacquer Museum

Visit the Hida Shunkei Lacquer Museum to delve into the history and distinctive beauty of this local lacquerware.

Learn how the transparent lacquer highlights the natural wood grain and texture underneath.

Entry fee is around JPY 500 (EUR 3-4). The museum provides excellent insights into the traditional craft.

Cozy Cafe Lunch

Enjoy a light and relaxing lunch at one of Takayama's charming local cafes, offering a variety of Japanese and Western-style options.

Explore Takayama Jinya

Step back in time at Takayama Jinya, the only remaining Edo-period government office in Japan.

Explore its well-preserved administrative buildings, magistrates' offices, and traditional Japanese gardens.

Entry fee is around JPY 440 (EUR 3). It offers fascinating insights into local history and governance during the Edo period.

Sake Brewery Tour & Tasting

Take a short tour of one of Takayama's historic sake breweries, many of which are located in the old town.

Learn about the traditional brewing process and enjoy a tasting of local sake.

Several breweries offer tours and tastings. Some may have a small tasting fee or require advance booking for full tours.

Relaxing Evening Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing dinner, choosing from the diverse array of restaurants in Takayama, perhaps trying a different local dish or revisiting a favorite spot.

Takayama Morning Market

Start your Saturday morning by visiting either the Jinya-mae market or the Miyagawa market.

Browse stalls selling local produce, handicrafts, and fresh snacks, experiencing the lively local atmosphere.

The markets are typically open daily from early morning until noon. Miyagawa is along the river, while Jinya-mae is in front of Takayama Jinya.

Visit Hida Kokubunji Temple

Explore Hida Kokubunji Temple, Takayama's oldest temple, known for its iconic three-storied pagoda and a massive ginkgo tree believed to be over 1,200 years old.

Enjoy the peaceful grounds.

Located conveniently close to Takayama Station and the morning market areas.

Casual Market Lunch

Grab some delicious street food and snacks from the morning market or find a casual local eatery for lunch.

Higashiyama Walking Course

Embark on the Higashiyama Walking Course, a scenic loop that takes you through numerous temples, shrines, and residential areas on the eastern hills of Takayama, offering serene views.

This peaceful course is a great way to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty and spiritual side of Takayama. Wear comfortable shoes.

Saturday Night Dinner

Enjoy a special Saturday night dinner in Takayama, perhaps trying a restaurant you noted during your explorations or a cozy izakaya.

Day Trip to Hida Furukawa

Take a short train ride to Hida Furukawa, a charming, smaller town often referred to as 'Little Kyoto.

' Explore its white-walled storehouses, carp-filled canals, and visit local craft shops for a quieter traditional Japanese experience.

Lunch in Hida Furukawa

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Hida Furukawa, perhaps trying its unique regional dishes or a delicious soba noodle meal.

Return to Takayama & Souvenir Shopping

Return to Takayama and spend the afternoon picking up any last-minute souvenirs, re-visiting a favorite shop, or simply relaxing before your farewell dinner.

Special Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a special farewell dinner in Hida Takayama, savoring the local cuisine one last time and reflecting on your immersive experiences in this beautiful mountain town.

Travel from Hida Takayama to Osaka

Board a train from Takayama to Osaka.

This journey typically involves a scenic route, often connecting via Nagoya. Enjoy the Japanese countryside views.

Check into Hotel in Osaka

Settle into your accommodation in Osaka.

Take some time to freshen up before heading out to explore.

Explore Dotonbori

Immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori, famous for its illuminated signboards, giant mechanical crabs, and diverse street food.

Take photos with the Glico Running Man sign.

The area truly comes alive after dark with neon lights reflecting on the canal.

Osaka Sake Tasting & Takoyaki Cooking Experience

Learn to cook Osaka's best street food, Takoyaki, with a local guide's secret recipe and special ingredients, paired with sake tasting. A fun and delicious cultural immersion.

Osaka Castle Park & Museum

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle, a symbol of Osaka and one of Japan's most famous landmarks.

Explore the castle grounds and the museum inside the main keep.

The castle tower offers panoramic views of Osaka. The surrounding park is beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season (though you'll be slightly past that).

Shitennoji Temple

Explore Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, founded in 593 AD.

Admire its traditional architecture, including the five-storied pagoda and main golden hall.

The temple grounds are open early, and some areas like the garden have a small admission fee.

Shinsekai District & Tsutenkaku Tower

Step back in time in Shinsekai, Osaka's retro entertainment district.

Climb Tsutenkaku Tower for views, and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere. Don't miss trying 'kushikatsu' (deep-fried skewers).

Dinner in Umeda

Head to the bustling Umeda district for dinner.

Umeda offers a vast array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries within its numerous shopping complexes.

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Enjoy some last-minute shopping at Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, one of Osaka's oldest and busiest shopping areas, offering fashion, souvenirs, and electronics.

Consider visiting Kimonoya Japan (1-9-13 Uemachi, Chuo, Osaka) for authentic secondhand kimonos if interested in traditional garments. Prices vary.

Lunch near Namba Parks

Enjoy a final authentic Japanese lunch around the Namba area, perhaps at Namba Parks which offers a variety of dining options.

Umeda Sky Building & Floating Garden

Visit the iconic Umeda Sky Building.

Take the escalator to the 'Floating Garden Observatory' for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Osaka and beyond. A perfect farewell vista.

Farewell Dinner & Departure Preparations

Enjoy a final delicious dinner in Osaka, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or trying something new.

Afterwards, return to your hotel to finish packing and organize for tomorrow's departure.