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Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Our favourite places we visited were:
Dotonbori – the entertainment district famous for its billboards.
Osaka Castle - a historic site with large grounds that you can explore for free.
Hep Five - a large shopping mall with Japanese shops.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine - a small, active place of worship in Umeda.
Hankyu - Japanese Harrods with an amazing food hall.
mipig cafe 大阪店 - the best place in Osaka to hang out with micro pigs.
Animal Cafe Fairy Room - a cat cafe with lots of different breeds, as well as two dogs, a genet, and a fennec fox!
Shin Sekai - a vintage entertainment district in central
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g294232-i525-k14726497-Luggage_forward_service-Japan.html
https://www.osakastation.com/traveling-from-osaka-to-kyoto/
ACCOM: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/osaka-nekohauseu-nanbajeom.en-gb.html?label=gen173nr-1BCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaFCIAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQHoAQGIAgGoAgO4AsX9qMAGwAIB0gIkODQyMzAwNzktOWFjOC00ODc4LWE5MzMtNDY3MWNiYzQwOTMw2AIF4AIB&sid=c1282c3e11689c7581c2b17c28d8aea6&aid=304142&ucfs=1&checkin=2025-05-10&checkout=2025-05-12&dest_id=-240905&dest_type=city&group_adults=2&no_rooms=1&group_children=0&sr_order=price&nflt=review_score%3D80%3Broomfacility%3D38&srpvid=e5255feb7e9f075e&srepoch=1745502085&matching_block_id=1127383205_403820342_2_0_0&atlas_src=sr_iw_title
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Hiroshima, Japan
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Kobe, Japan
https://thenavigatio.com/himeji-day-trip-itinerary/
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Kyoto, Japan
Our favourite things to do in Kyoto were:
Nishiki Market
Kiyomizu-dera temple
Walking along the Kamo river
Kōdai-ji Temple and bamboo grove
Glanta ring workshop
Giōji Temple
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
Fushimi Inari
Nara deer park
Day trip to Nara or the bamboo forest depending on which is most expensice
https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/kansai-area-pass-itinerary
KYOTO MANGA MUSEUM - GET ARTIST TO DRAW YOU
outage nembutsu-ji
higashiyama - eve or sunrise
ashiyama bamboo walk ( walk further 20 mins for no people)
https://www.kyotostation.com/the-sagano-romantic-train/
rent a bike
visit the fushimi Inari Shrine at night
Dig-ji
Nara - allow 6-8 hours
Start at Kinetsu Nara - Nobody -oji
Issue-en garden
todai-ji temple
nigatsu-do-hall
lunch
Kasuga- Taishi Shrine
Kofuku-ji temple
back to Kintetsu or Nara
If time - naramachi, Nishinokyo via district Nara bus 97 to yakushi-ji temple and toshodai-ji temple
Kirana, takao, Lake Biwa, Ohara if want another trip out
Kabuki In Kyoto
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Nakatsugawa, Japan
walk to nagiso
Walking the Nakasendo trail from Nakatsugawa to Nagiso typically takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the pace and the route taken. The distance is roughly 11.3 km, with an elevation gain of about 1,354 feet. Some sections can be uneven, so it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of the terrain.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Nakatsugawa to Magome:
This section, a common starting point, takes about 2 hours to walk, covering approximately 10 km.
Magome to Tsumago:
The walk between Magome and Tsumago is a popular section, taking around 2-2.5 hours to complete.
Tsumago to Nagiso:
The final stretch from Tsumago to Nagiso is about 3.5 km and takes approximately 1 hour.
Important Considerations:
Pace:
The walking time can vary depending on your speed and whether you stop to take in the scenery or explore the villages along the way.
Terrain:
The trail includes cobblestones, dirt tracks, and stone steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Weather:
The best times to walk the Nakasendo trail are during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) when the weather is pleasant.
Bears:
Be aware of bears, especially during the warmer months, and consider carrying bear spray if needed.
Tips for planning your walk:
Check the weather forecast before you go.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers of clothing.
Pack snacks and water, especially during the warmer months.
Consider taking a bus or taxi to the starting point if you're arriving by train.
Enjoy the scenery and the traditional Japanese villages along the way!
train back to nagatasugawa overnight then train to nagiso to start next leg
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Kiso-Fukushima, Japan
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Matsumoto, Japan
These were our highlights from our time in Nagano.
Shibu Onsen
Snow monkey park
Joshinetsu Kogen National Park
Hokusai Museum
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Narai-juku 中山道 奈良井宿
Castle and Miso Brewery
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Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa has more to offer than just the Higashi Chaya district, Kenrokuen Garden, and Omicho Market. With more time, you can explore the Nagamachi Samurai District, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, or even visit the Myoryuji (Ninja Temple).
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Tokyo, Japan
harajaku and kabuki (Ginza) - single act
sumo - can see stables
A day hiking mount Mitake
rikugien gardens - need to book
Kobe gorge - onsen
kolshikau botanical gardens
https://thenavigatio.com/3-week-japan-itinerary/
visit either rikugien gardens or koishikaw botanical garden
pm – Create your own journal at Kakimori.
8 pm – Dine with a view at Café Meursault.
End your day in Kuramae with a visit to Kakimori, where you can design your own customizable notebook. Choose from a variety of covers, paper types, and bindings to create a journal that’s uniquely yours. Nearby Inkstand by Kakimori offers the chance to create your own personalized ink—a perfect souvenir for any literature lover. Please note that reservations are required at Inkstand at all times, and at Kakimori on weekends and holidays. GOOD GIFT FOR G?
kabuki za in Ginza - single act ticket
aste: The gooey delight of monjayaki at Daruma Tsukishima Main Store. Located in Tsukishima, the birthplace of monjayaki and home to over 50 restaurants specializing in the dish, this iconic spot serves up Tokyo’s beloved savory pancake filled with seafood, vegetables, and meat. It’s a flavor-packed experience that captures the down-to-earth culinary spirit of the city.
matinee 11 or 430
June tickets from 14/5
sumo 11-25 may not sure if Nagoya or Tokyo
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Ishigaki, Japan
car hire circa 200 all covered. They drive on left
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Tokyo, Japan
Go to see a sumo tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena.
Watch the iconic Shibuya Crossing from above.
Check out the bright lights of Shinjuku.
Go shopping in Harajuku.
Wander through Akihabara Electric Town.
Take in the view from the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Explore a suburb like Meguro City.
Visit the French area of Kagurazaka.
Experience the blend of modern and traditional Japanese culture in Asakusa.
Relax at the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Shop at the flagship Uniqlo and Muji stores in Ginza.
Go to a gig at O-East or one of Tokyo’s other famous clubs.
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Mt. Fuji, Japan
During our visit in May, Mount Fuji wasn’t yet open for hiking. But we stayed on the lake in the beautiful Fujikawaguchiko and spent two days exploring the Five Lakes area. These were our highlights:
Oshino Hakkai
Aokigahara Forest
Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and Chureito Pagoda
Lake Kawaguchi
Oishi Park
Fujikawaguchiko
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Hakone, Japan
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Daiganji Temple, Japan