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Osaka, Japan
**Day 1 - Exploring Namba and Dotonbori**
Morning: Start your day in Namba by visiting the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market, where you can sample fresh seafood and local delicacies. Don’t miss trying takoyaki and grilled seafood for breakfast.
Afternoon: Head to Dotonbori to admire its iconic neon lights and vibrant atmosphere. Stroll along the canal, taking pictures with the Glico Man sign. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many izakayas or streetside vendors.
Evening: As night falls, experience Dotonbori’s lively nightlife. Try the local okonomiyaki at a popular restaurant, then enjoy a river cruise to admire the illuminated cityscape.
**Day 2 - Cultural Heritage and Modern Marvels**
Morning: Visit Osaka Castle to explore its beautiful park and learn about its historical significance. Take your time walking around the grounds and admiring the architecture.
Afternoon: Head over to the Osaka Museum of History for an engaging look at the city’s past. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby café, trying some traditional kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewers).
Evening: Conclude your day in the Umeda district. Take in the views from the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory. Finish the night with dinner at a local ramen shop, indulging in a hearty bowl of tonkotsu ramen.
**Day 3 - Day trip to Kyoto**
Morning: Take a short train ride to Kyoto and start your exploration at Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), admiring its stunning reflection on the surrounding pond.
Afternoon: Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and enjoy a peaceful walk amidst the towering trees. For lunch, try yudofu (tofu hot pot) at a nearby restaurant and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Evening: Return to Osaka and explore Shinsekai, a retro district. Savor kushikatsu for dinner at one of the local spots, then end your trip with a visit to Tsutenkaku Tower for a final panoramic view of the city.
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Nara, Japan
Daytrip from Osaka
1h train ride
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Kyoto, Japan
Foods to try
• Matcha Ice cream
• tofu donuts at Nishiki Market
• Wagashi
• Kyo-yasai
• Tako-tamago
• obanzai-ryori
TEA CEREMONY
• Maikoya Kyoto
• Nagomi
• Ran Hotei
GEISHA DISTRICT
Hanamachi
Spot Plum Blossoms
Kitano Tenman-gū
Public transport
Kansai Thru Pass
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Koyasan, Japan
Temple (Shukubo) stay
Reserve through Koyasan Shukubo Association
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Takijiri-oji, Japan
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Nakahechicho Chikatsuyu, Japan
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Hongucho Yunomine, Japan
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Himeji, Japan
Eat Anago (conger eel) at Yamayoshi near the station
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Okayama, Japan
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Hiroshima, Japan
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Miyajimacho, Japan
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Ōkunoshima Island, Japan
Rabbit island
Daytrip from Hiroshima
Take the bus and ferry.
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Onomichi, Japan
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Tokyo, Japan
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Kawaguchi, Japan
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Nagoya, Japan
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Takayama, Japan
Base of operations for going to Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
Nice woodworking shops.
• Karakuri puppet Museum
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Magome, Japan
Start of Nakasendo trail!
Hike to Tsumago!
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Tsumago Castle, Japan
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Shirakawa-go, Japan
Sleep in a thatched roof-hut (gassho-zukuri)
Food:
River-fish shioyaki
Goheimochi
Hoba-miso
Hida beef