Japan Itinerary

Day 1

We arrived in Japan / Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX), you’ll clear customs with your baggage and make your way to the train station within the airport.

Activate your 14 /day Japan Rail Pass at the Japan Rail Station Ticket Office and reserve a set for the train (open 5:30am -11pm) Board the Haruka train from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station.

Resort Shuttle
- Fee: Complimentary
- About: Onsite

The Westin Miyako Kyotohttps://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ukywi-the-westin-miyako-kyoto/offered a shuttle bus between Kyoto Station and the resort. The resort shuttle can be found at the Hachijo Exit and the shuttle runs every thirty minutes.

Stay: THE WESTIN MIYAKO KYOTO – 1/3

Day 2

Kyoto

Maiko in Gion district, Kyoto

Commence your exploration of the ancient city of Kyoto. We took a bus to Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace (on Sat., Sun. & national holidays, visit Higashi Honganji Temple instead). The Kyoto Handicraft Centre is an excellent place to purchase authentic Japanese arts and crafts. (The centre offers courtesy vehicle services to major hotels in Kyoto.)

From the Kyoto Handicraft Centre return to Kyoto Station and then board a local bus Kiyomizu Dera Temple. From the stop walk up this attractive winding road lined with colourful souvenir and craft shops. Kiyomizu Dera is famous for its giant wooden Butai (stage) overlooking panoramic views of Kyoto and its main hall purely constructed of wood and supported by huge columns and beams without the use of a single nail, screw or bolt.

In the evening board a subway from Kyoto Station to Shijo Station and walk towards Gion which is Kyoto’s famous geisha district, one place in Japan where you may see Maiko or Geisha walking between appointments. As darkness falls watch the traditional lanterns gradually come to life as you wander down tiny alleys housing a variety of restuarants offering tempting cuisine.

Stay: THE WESTIN MIYAKO KYOTO – 2/3

Day 3

Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto

Deer in Nara Park

A full day of sightseeing awaits you in Nara. Here, you can find peace of mind and natural beauty as you uncover the many treasures of Japan’s former capital (710-784AD).

From JR Kyoto Station board a JR Nara Line limited express train for Nara (45 min). All sightseeing is within comfortable walking through the centre of town towards Nara Park.

You may like to have lunch while sitting in the picturesque Nara Park, famous for the 1200+ tame deer that roam the area. At the end of the park is the impressive World Heritage listed cultural asset Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building which houses the “Giant Buddha” that soars 16 metres in height. Return to Nara Station via Nara-machi, an old precinct full of traditional houses, shops and tearooms in calm and pleasant surroundings, giving a good contrast to the great temples and old burial mounds.

Return to Kyoto in the late afternoon and be sure to ride the many escalators to the Sky Plaza Observation Deck on top of Kyoto Station for a free panoramic view of the surrounding area of Kyoto. This modern station also contains a large shopping mall, including specialty shops, department store, restaurants and cafes.

Stay: THE WESTIN MIYAKO KYOTO – 3/3

Day 4

Kyoto – Hiroshima

Peace Cranes, Hiroshima

Check out of the Westin Miyako Kyoto Hotel and from JR Kyoto Station board the Hikari bullet train to Hiroshima (2.5hrs) You may need to change trains at Shin Osaka on the way.
Our accommodation was at the RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL Hiroshima https://www.ryuresort.jp/lg_en/ .

Hiroshima is the world-renowned “International City of Peace” and has experience a miraculous rebirth as a modern thriving city rising from the ashes of its tragic history.

From Hiroshima Station board Streetcar (Tram) to Genbaku Domu-Mae (Atomic Bomb Dome) streetcar stop (JPY150 / 15 min.). From here using your tourist map visit the following sites.
Peace Memorial Park: Covering an area of 122,100 sq metres this park houses the city’s Peace Memorial Facilities

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

Atomic Bomb Dome: Positioned below the epicentre, this skeleton of melted steel and concrete stands as a stark reminder of the city’s August 6, 1945 bombing;

Hiroshima Castle: Representative of a flatland castle, this castle was first established in 1589 until its destruction in 1945. Having been rebuilt in all its glory it is now used to exhibit historic artefacts.

Stay Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima https://www.rihga.com/hiroshima– 1/2

Day 5

Miyajima

Miyajima Island

Enjoy a day of exploration upon the sacred earth of Miyajima Island.

From Hiroshima Station board the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (26 min). Miyajima is reached by JR ferryboat (10 min using your JR Pass)
The entire 30 square kilometre island is designated by the Japanese government as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The must see Itsukushima Shrine, built in the sixth century, is dedicated to the maritime guardian goddesses. The shrine buildings are connected by corridors which stretch out over the water giving it the appearance of floating on the sea at high tide. The giant red wooden O-Torii (Grand Gate) is the most noted symbol of Miyajima.

Be sure to take the 1.7km ropeway (JPY 1,800 round trip) to Mount Misen’s summit to enjoy one of the three most spectacular panoramic views in Japan. Keep your eye on the summit’s mischievous monkeys before descending on a peaceful walk through the ancient forest.

Return to Hiroshima early evening to feast upon the city’s popular delicacy Okonomiyaki – a savoury, layered noodle pancake cooked on an iron hotplate at your table. The locals are very proud of their contribution to Japanese cuisine!

Stay: Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima – 2/2

Day 6

Hirsoshima – Hida Takayama

Check out of the Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima Hiroshima and board a bullet train from JR Hiroshima Station to JR Nagoya Station (4 hrs).

Change trains at JR Nagoya Station and board the Limited Express Hida train to JR Takayama Station (2 hrs 20 min). This magnificent train journey through the Japan Alps is often compared to the Alps of Europe. This may be one of the highlights of your trip to Japan.

Hida Takayama is a traditional medieval town located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. It is possible to walk across the centre of Hida Takayama in about 30 minutes with most attractions concentrated in the old part of town, within minutes of each other. Your accommodation at https://www.ryuresort.jp/lg_en provides a shuttle service which is needed as resort is 45 minutes from the main center.

Enjoy the afternoon strolling around this museum-like town, dotted with many attactions including a variety of small museums devoted to traditional crafts embodying the town’s long-standing tradition of the fine craftsmanship. Visit the old private houses that lie in the area between Miyagawa River and the famously lush and picturesque Shiroyama Park. This quiet residential has shops selling traditional wares, antique shops Japanese-style inns, sake breweries and restaurants serving local specialities.

Stay: Ryu Resort & Spa – 1/2

Day 7

Hida Takayama

Day 7: Hida Takayama

An excellent start to the day can be had at the Takayama Jinya Market and the Miyagawa Market. Located on the banks of the Miyagawa River these morning markets are open daily from 7am to noon. Here you will find people from nearby farms selling fresh produce, flowers and craft items.

Return to Takayama Station where you can purchase a Hida-no-Sato (Hida Folk Village) discount ticket – 900 yen – which includes a return bus ride (10 minutes each way) and admission to the Hida Folk Village. Here you will find restorations of more than 30 typical old thatched-roofed (gassho-zukuri) houses, relocated here from the various places around the Hida area. The site recreates the atmosphere and scenery of mountain villages of old in a beautiful mountain setting. Here you can try your hand at making candles and senbei rice crackers. Open 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Stay: Ryu Resort & Spa – 2/2

Day 8

Takayama – Hakone

Check out and board the Limited Express train from JR Takayama Station to JR Nagoya Station (2.5 hrs). Change trains within the station and board a bullet train to JR Odawara Station.

At Odawara Station, purchase a 3 Day Hakone Free Pass which entitles the holder 3 days of unlimited travel on a variety of local transport including the unique mountain railway, bus, cable car, ropeway and cruise boat. Use your pass to gain discounted entry to the regions many hot springs, museums, galleries, gardens, temples and shrines.

From Odawara Station to your accommodation at the Onsen Ryokan Kijite Hoeiso hoeiso.jp/en-2/– a perfect way to relax after a busy travel schedule.

Wedged between Mount Fuji and lzu Peninsula, encircled by forested mountains and deep ravines, extraordinary views (weather permitting) from Hakone of Mount Fuji and the Japan Alps make a magnificent scene to remember.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring the many sights of this “out of the ordinary” resort town.

Stay: Onsen Ryokan Kijite Hoeiso – 1/2

Day 9

Hakone – Mt. Fuji

Hot Spring (Onsen), Hakone

Use your Hakone Free Pass (and the provided tourist maps & brochures) to explore some of the many sites of the Hakone region, including:

Lake Ashi: The 400,000 year-old volcanic crater lake that never freezes! Ashiko is a popular place for fishing, boating and water sports. Use your “Hakone Pass” to cruise the lake by pirate ship. On a clear day you will be rewarded with a view of Mt Fuji reflected in the lake – a unique experience.

Owakudani (Greater Boiling Valley): Accessible by ropeway this entire gorge reeks of sulphurous fumes, spewing clouds of steam from crevasses among bubbling hot springs;

Ancient Cedar Avenue: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this superb 2km flora-lined winding passage; once the pathway to Edo (Tokyo).

Stay: Onsen Ryokan Kijite Hoeiso https://www.hoeiso.jp/en-2/ – 2/2

Day 10

Hakone – Tokyo

Check out of the Onsen Ryokan Kijite Hoeiso and take the Hakone Tozan Bus back to Odawara Station (50 min). At Odawara Station board the Kodama bullet train for Shinagawa Station (32 min).

Our accommodation was at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo https://www.princehotels.com/parktower/

After check in return to JR Shinagawa Station and board a local JR Yamanote Line to JR Ueno Station and walk to the Ameyoko Ueno Markets. The long market lanes run from JR Ueno Station to JR Okachimachi Station. This area has over 500 shops that sell everything from basic foods to high-class imported goods at reasonable prices, and is always crowded with shoppers.

Next board a subway from Ueno Station to Asakusa Subway Station and walk to the nearby Sensoji Temple also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple – Tokyo’s oldest and most impressive temple founded in the 7th century. Explore Nakamise Street, a colourful shopping promenade that stretches from the Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate. Many souvenir and craft shops sell everything from kimonos to traditional sweets. Positioned across the road from Kaminarimon Gate are the Asakusa Rickshaws for an opportunity to be guided around the area by rickshaw. Return to Ueno Station by subway and then board the Yamanote Line track back to Shinagawa Station.

Stay: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo – 1/4

Day 11

Tokyo

Niju Bashi Bridge, Imperial Palace

This morning we had a perfectly over easy egg for breakfast and toured Tokyo. You can explore the Ginza shopping district, and the Tokyo Tower – Enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo from the main observation platform;

Meiji Shrine – The finest example of Japanese shrine architecture nestled in a peaceful, picturesque park with over 120,000 trees;

Akasaka Guest House -Brief photo opportunity outside the Guest House Gate; entrance is prohibited. A magnificent Western-style palace built in the baroque architectural style;

Imperial Palace East Garden – Enjoy a pleasant walk in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, of historical interest and scenic beauty. (Mon. & Fri. Visit Imperial Palace Plaza, Double Bridge, instead of East Garden) Visit the inner moat, 15-feet thick walls and gnarled pine trees surrounding the 250-acre fortress, home of the Emperor and Empress);

Ginza Shopping District Stroll at Ginza area.

Afterwards make your way to the closest JR Yamanote Line train station and board a local train to JR Akihabara Station. To foreign visitors Akihabara is known as “Electric Town” due to its huge range of shops selling the latest in electronic appliances.

We laced up our bowling shoes provided by The Prince Park Tower and bowled a few lanes located in the 2nd basement Bowling Salon!

Stay: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo – 2/4

Day 12

Great Buddha, Kamakura

Take a day trip to the seaside town called Kamakura. Located just 45 minutes from Shinagawa Station on the Yokosuka Line, Kamakura is one of Japan’s most popular sightseeing destinations, famous for a number of temples, shrines and beautiful Japanese gardens.

Surrounded by wooded mountains on three sides and Sagami Bay on the south, Kamakura was once the capital of Japan from 1192 to 1333.

Many of the wonderful sites in Kamakura are within walking distance of Kamakura Station, so one can easily spend the day exploring the many temples, shrines, parks and gardens. Some of the sites you might like to visit include:

The Great Buddha, this giant bronze statue of Buddha stands at 13.35m tall and is the second largest in Japan. The Buddha once was housed inside a temple, but late in the 15th century, a large tsunami washed away the wooden structure and the Buddha has remained outside ever since.

Komachi-dori St, leading out from Kamakura Station, this strip of shops has many great places to buy souvenirs and a number of good places to buy some snacks from nuts and crackers, to cute little cakes and sweets.

Hasedera Temple, situated high on a hill, the main temple has a fine view of the coastal city. The temple is home to a wooden statue of Kannon, the 11-headed goddess of mercy that stands at 9m high.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, This iconic Shinto shrine is Kamakura?s geographical and cultural centre and attracts many visitors with its beautiful peony gardens and two museums, the Museum of Modern Art and the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures.

Hokoku-ji Temple, this Zen temple is a must-see attraction in Kamakura. Behind the temple is a magnificent bamboo garden which is tranquil escape. Towards the back of the bamboo garden is a small tea house where you can enjoy a special cup of green tea while taking in the beauty of the serene surroundings.

Return to Tokyo in the late afternoon and head to Piss Alley – Ovoid Yokocho – Memory Lane. There’s a collection of bars, yakitori grilled chicken restaurants and street food stalls.

Stay: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo – 3/4