*πππππ π πππππ ππππππ πππππππ ππ₯°* My name is Maria and I am looking for fun and easy-going trip mates to join me on this unique trip covering the most modern and most historic parts of Japan π! You can find more about me by checking out my JMT profile: https://www.joinmytrip.com/en/t/tripleader/mariaschoenfeld Let`s explore beautiful Japan together during the exclusive Cherry Blossom Season, also known as "Sakura" in Japanese. The trip starts with a meet-up in Osaka and ends in Tokyo with many amazing cultural and historical stops in between. I have left room for you to stay in Tokyo longer and explore the city on your own, which is a tourist-friendly city with plenty of affordable accommodation and can be done on your own or additionally on guided tours. I am certain other trip mates will want to stay in Tokyo after our trip ends and you can go on sightseeing tours together π₯°. So let`s make the most of our limited time in Japan and see as many other more remote places of the island nation as possible! πΈπΈπΈWe will travel from south to north, it means having the best chances to go with the bloom of the cherry trees and witnessing the full bloom at the end in Tokyo. *ππππ πππππ ππππ ππππ ππ πππππππ?* πVisit the most famous megacities and lesser known UNESCO World Heritage Sites πWitness the Cherry Blossom - celebrations & special festive foods πWe stay in Osaka at a temple lodging of a functioning Buddhist temple πNO capsule hotels or hostels! All accommodation centrally located and rooms shared by either two trip mates or in few cases a Japanese-style tatami room shared by the whole group (see detailed descriptions below) πEnjoy thermal onsen and sento baths, scroll hidden streets and learn about this fantastic country on the road PLEASE NOTE: Traveling in Japan during the Sakura season is more expensive than other times of the year. Check the hotel prices yourself. I would just like to point out how important and special this season is for the Japanese people and tourists alike and that we surely will have a very special time in Japan 2026! Although this trip is fully packed with activities and cool sightseeing, we will also have one free day in order for everyone to enjoy some time on their own, relax or visit places that might be of personal interest and that my program does not cover. This trip is really for everyone: We have some very active days where we go on city walks and hikes, and other days, we spend mostly on the train marveling at the beauty of Japan from our comfortable seats! For a foodie like myself, my personal highlights will be the Japanese food, of course! I have already plenty of restaurant recommendations on hand :-D! Also, I can`t wait to see the beautifully arranged traditional Zen gardens, experience the Japanse sento and onsen (public baths) culture, stroll the historic streets of Kyoto and climb up an active volcano! Of course, there will be soooo many more things and sites to explore during our 12 days in Japan and I have - as always - some cool suggestions and surprises awaiting us. So let`s embark on this journey together! *ππππ π ππππππ π πππ πππ* β‘οΈ Physical rating of the trip: 3 / 5 (mostly city walks, but some longer hikes in Fuji region and Kumamoto volcanic peninsula) β‘οΈ Group size: min. 3 max. 5 trip mates (trip confirmed once we are 3 trip mates and I) β‘οΈ Trip language: German & English β‘οΈ In accordance with the principle of neutrality, i.e., religion or politics are not discussed during trips β‘οΈ Please read the whole itinerary carefully before you book - a lot might be answered in the description *πππππππππ* β Accommodation during the entire trip (two trip mates per room, no capsule hostels) β Shukubo - Temple stay in Osaka with breakfast & tea ceremony β Sakura SeasonπΈπΈπΈ! β Visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Himeiji Castle, Kyoto Old Town, Nara Todaiji Temple β Entry tickets to the temples and museums as mentioned in the description β Pocket / Travel WIFI with unlimited data, if we are more than 4 people in the group β WhatsApp-Group and group call with all trip mates few months before the trip β List of packing tips for Japan, help with flight search and visa / entry β And fun and great trip mates guaranteed! (I have a personal video call with everyone before I accept a trip mate to ensure the best fit) I can assist you with booking your international flights, your stay in Tokyo (if required) and arrange airport transfers. More information like detailed plans, packing list, entry and visa requirements and more will be shared with the group about 1 -2 months before the tripπ.
You can chat with Maria π once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1
Osaka
Day 1-2
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka Welcome to Osaka, Japan! Not quite yet in the capital, but wait! We start in the south (or putting it correctly center) of Japan in order to travel "with the cherry blossom"! This way we have the best chances to spot the beauty of this season! You are free to arrive few days earlier and spend some time in Osaka to do some extra sightseeing on your own. On our first day, we meet in the afternoon in Osaka and check-in into our temple accommodation for the first night, where we get to know our travel buddies. Day 2: Osaka City In the morning, we take some time to visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park. We will also explore Kuromon Market for local delicacies and, if time allows, shop at big shopping arcades for souvenirs. Around early afternoon we get on a scenic scenic 4-hour train ride southward to Kumamoto. Kumamoto is located on the volcanic island Kyushu, that up to this day experiences many earthquakes and active volcanic activity. Most tourists and trips do not make it that far south anymore, but I think it is a very interesting area to explore and shows a different side of Japan, which is not to be missed! We will spend the following two nights in Kumamoto. INCLUDED β 1 night in Temple Stay (tatami room shared by our group) in Osaka incl. vegetarian breakfast β 60 min. Tea Ceremony β Sightseeing walk in Osaka as mentioned β Train Osaka - Kumamoto OPTIONAL βAirport transfer in Osaka & local city transport βMeals and beverages throughout the trip, if not stated otherwise βCalligraphy or Pottery Class at the Temple Stay βOsaka Castle entry (~ 4β¬)
Day 4: Kumamoto - Hiroshima Today is our last day in Kumamoto. After breakfast, we can go on to explore Kumamoto Castle and Park, which has been largely damaged in the 2016 earthquake and now has been mostly rebuilt. Up to this day, Kumamoto Castle is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle (which we visited as well) and Matsumoto Castle. Those who wish to go inside the castle, can do so and view the small museum attached. Also it is possible to climb to the top of the castle for a view of Kumamoto city and the castle grounds. After a few hours here in Kumamoto, we continue to Hiroshima. INCLUDED β City walk in Kumamoto β Train Kumamoto - Hiroshima OPTIONAL βKumamoto Castle & museum entry (~5β¬ per person)
4
Hiroshima
Day 4-5
Day 5: Hiroshima - Himeiji Emerging from the Hiroshima station, I am sure we will be struck by the vibrant, rebuilt metropolis that gives few immediate hints of its tragic past. It is in stark contrast to cities like Kyoto or Himeji. Modern buildings and busy shopping streets speak to Hiroshima's successful rebirth. The first nuclear weapon ever used in a war fell on Hiroshima about 80 years ago. On our city walk, the Bomb Dome appears first β the skeletal remains of what was once the Industrial Promotion Hall, one of the few structures left standing near the atomic blast in 1945. Crossing the river into Peace Memorial Park, we will walk paths lined with monuments, each telling a different aspect of the bombing and its aftermath. The Children's Peace Monument and the museum are especially touching, telling the stories those who lost their innocent lives and have become a symbol of peace now. If we have time in the afternoon and are eager to explore more, we can take the "Heritage River Cruise" to Miyajima that lies on a tranquil islands about 45 min. from Hiroshima and offers great further opportunities to explore Japanese heritage (e.g. Itsukushima Jinja Shrine and more). In the late evening we take the train to Himeiji. Upon arrival in Himeji, we surely will be struck by how the UNESCO World Heritage castle dominates the city β its white walls and soaring rooflines visible from the station. A short walk through the modern city center brings you from our accomodation to the castle and as night falls, Himeji Castle is illuminated in beautiful lights! INCLUDED β 1 night in Hiroshima in shared double bed room / separate beds β Entry and visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park β Train Hiroshima - Himeiji OPTIONAL β"Heritage River Cruise" (~ 30β¬ per person return journey)
5
Himeji
Day 5-6
Day 6: Himeji - Nara In the morning we have time to explore the Himeji castle grounds, where the full magnificence of the complex reveals itself. Himeji Castle stands as Japan's finest surviving feudal castle. Unlike many Japanese castles rebuilt in concrete during the 20th century, Himeji remains authentic β a wooden structure that has survived wars and earthquakes. The elegant Koko-en Gardens adjacent to the castle provide a tranquil counterpoint to the military architecture, with their carefully arranged ponds, streams, and seasonal plantings. In the afternoon, we take the local bus to Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, founded in 966, and one of the largest Buddhist temple sites in Japan. It is also well-known to be the movie location of Hollywood`s the "Last Samurai" (make sure to watch the movie before this trip ;-)). Today`s evening journey from Himeji to Nara takes about 90 minutes, offering views of the Japanese countryside and occasional glimpses of the Inland Sea. INCLUDED β 1 night in Himeiji in shared double bed room / separate beds β Entry and sightseeing of Himeiji Castle and Koko-en Gardens (UNESCO site) β Entry and sightseeing of Shoshazan Engyoji Temple (excluding the cable car), film location of the famous Hollywood movie "The Last Samurai" β Train Himeiji - Nara OPTIONAL βLocal bus / metro transport
6
Nara
Day 6-7
Day 7: Nara After breakfast we start with the exploration of Nara, the city which is famous for its hundreds of deer roaming freely through the town. It was also Japan's first permanent capital. The deer are considered divine messengers in Shinto belief and have become the symbol of Nara. They approach visitors with practiced politeness, bowing their heads to request sembei crackers sold by vendors throughout the park. Around noon we make our way toward UNESCO Heritage Site Todai-ji Temple. Passing through its massive doors, we enter a soaring interior space dominated by the 15-meter bronze Buddha figure seated in serene meditation. We will walk the grounds and temple and climb up the lantern-lined path to Nigatsu-do Hall, perched on the hillside east of Todai-ji. We will leave Nara to Kyoto in the afternoon. INCLUDED β 1 night in Nara in shared double bed room / separate beds with breakfast β Entry and sightseeing of Todaiji Temple (UNESCO site) incl. seeing the tame deer β Train Nara - Kyoto OPTIONAL βLocal bus / metro transport
7
Kyoto
Day 7-10
Day 7: Kyoto Upon arrival at Kyoto Station in the late evening β an ultramodern steel and glass structure that stands in stark contrast to the ancient city it serves β you feel the shift in energy immediately. After dropping bags at our accommodation for the next three nights, we waste no time in beginning our night out in Kyoto. As it gets darker, we make our way to Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. The evening atmosphere turns magical as lanterns illuminate the traditional wooden facades. We might glimpse a geiko (Kyoto's term for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) hurrying down the streets! We can also participate in a guided evening walk through the district and learn about geisha's life from a local (~ 20β¬ per person). Day 8: Kyoto After breakfast and before the touristy masses, we make our way to the Kyoto`s probably most photographed place: the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Arriving early we can beat the mass to experience the famous torii gate tunnels, each donated by a business hoping for prosperity and soak in the serenity of this place. The densely packed torii create corridors of orange-red that frame the stone path winding up the sacred mountain. As we climb higher a panoramic view of Kyoto opens up (the way up will not be easy though, so be prepared!) We can grab some lunch in the bustling Nishiki Market, where we can taste the "Kyoto Kitchen." This narrow, covered shopping street stretches for five blocks, each stall more enticing than the last. With a satisfied appetite and perhaps a few culinary souvenirs tucked away, we continue the sightseeing to UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle. Inside the Palace, we will experience the famous "nightingale floors" β wooden corridors engineered to squeak when walked upon, an ancient security system to detect intruders. By afternoon, we make our way to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan's emperors before the capital moved to Tokyo. The expansive grounds offer a peaceful retreat from the city. The simple elegance of the imperial buildings contrasts with the more "rich" shogun style we observed at Nijo Castle. I plan to have a group dinner in one of Pontocho's streets atmospheric izakayas, where we can sit at a counter watching the chef grill seasonal specialties. The narrow Pontocho alley outside glows with lantern light, and through the restaurant's windows, we can glimpse the Kamogawa River. Day 9: Kyoto / free day for activities and sightseeing Today you will have a whole day free to relax or book some extra activities that you always wanted to try and that might not be in part of this trip. It could really be anything from going on a guided day trip or trying on a kimono to exploring more historical sites or just stroll through Kyoto town and take in the historic atmosphere. I will have a program at hand and whoever wants is invited to follow "my free day" itinerary. :) INCLUDED β 3 nights in Kyoto β Visit modern & historic monuments of Kyoto (some of which are UNESCO sites like the Nijo-jo Castle) β Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion district (known as Geisha district) β Train Kyoto - Hakone OPTIONAL βAdditional activities or tours (Samurai Experience ~35β¬, Geisha guided tour ~ 20β¬ ...) βLocal bus / metro transport
8
Hakone
Day 10-12
Day 10: Kyoto - Hakone Early morning we depart Kyoto on a bullet train that winds through forested hills until reaching our destination, the Hakone / Mount Fuji region. For this afternoon a special experience awaits - the Ashinoto Lake cruise (about an hour) down to the world-famous Hakone Shrine with views on Mt. Fuji and the famous torii gate! By early afternoon, we check in at our ryokan β a traditional Japanese stlype inn where tatami mats, and the promise of thermal waters (onsen) and some time to relax are on the plan. We will share a room altogether among our group and sleep in Japan-style on futons. Day 11: Mount Fuji After a traditional Japanese breakfast in town, we set out for the Fuji "Five Lake region". The Fuji Five Lake region lies at the northern part of Mount Fuji about 1000 meters above sea level and include the lakes Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko, with lake Kawaguchiko one of the best places to view Mount Fuji from (and this is where our sightseeing will begin). The morning air is crisp with autumn's first breath as we begin our day with a shorter hike up the probably most instagramable and famous of all scenic spots in the Fuji area, the viewing platform Arakurayama Sengen Park Observatory of Chureito Pagoda (see photo). The trail winds through forests of Japanese maple just beginning to hint at their coming crimson transformation with increasingly spectacular views. Among other locations we will visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, which in old days used to be the starting point of Mount Fuji climbs. We can also make a stop at the Fujisan Museum with exhibits exploring the significance and history of Mt. Fuji. We take a lunch break at a local restaurant in the Oshino Hakkai area - Eight Seas- where you can sample regional specialties paired with locally brewed sake. Descending by early afternoon back to Hakone region, we venture by a scenic ropeway to Owakudani, a geothermal valley created by Mount Hakone's ancient eruption. The landscape here feels otherworldly - sulfurous plumes that spiral into the sky and a vast moon-like landscape! Local tradition holds that eating the valley's famous black eggs, boiled in the hot springs, adds seven years to your life (of course, we won`t miss on that). But whether you believe the legend or not, the uniquely sulfuric taste makes for a memorable snack. If we have enough time in the evening, we can take the scenic lake cruise either today evening or tomorrow morning. Back at our ryokan, we surrender once more to the healing waters of the onsen, reflecting on a day that delivered both natural wonders and cultural treasures. Tomorrow brings more of Hakone region and Tokyo, but tonight the tranquility of our place embraces. INCLUDED β 2 nights in Hakone in a Japanese-style room with thermal onsen bath at the house (room shared by 2 trip mates, bathroom is shared) β Mount Fuji - Hakone Pass (enables to free transport in the Fuji-Harone area for the duration of our stay) β Scenic vistas on Mt. Fuji, trying traditional black eggs and venturing into the Owakudani volcano region β Scenic sightseeing cruise in Hakone with Mount Fuji vistas β Train Hakone - Tokyo OPTIONAL βAdditional activities and tickets like hot springs etc.
9
Tokyo
Day 12
Day 12: Departure from Tokyo It`s our final day and time to say "farewell" to our new found travel buddies. Our amazing Japan journey comes to an end and if your flight is later that day or maybe even the next day, enjoy breakfast in the Hakone with the group at ease. By noon, we whisk away on the sleek Shinkansen bullet train toward Tokyo. After a seamless transfer at Odawara Station, we finally reach the city and saying "see you again" to your newly found friends. Sounds good? Then what are you waiting for :D! Hope to see you soon on this wonderful Japan trip! EXCLUDED βAirport transfer
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel & Apartments & Bed & Breakfast
12 days trip
Osaka, Mount Aso & 7 more
Transportation
Train
What's excluded?
International Flights & Visa
Taxi or local bus/metro
Personal expenses & other tours
Health and travel insurance
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See Mt. Fuji - Japan's tallest mountain 
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