Spirit of Japan (Reverse Route)

Welcome to Osaka! 🇯🇵 After we land at KIX airport, we'll take a private transfer to the hotel to drop off our bags before venturing out into this vibrant city. 🛄 This day is yours to explore as you wish - I've compiled a list of can't-miss activities like visiting The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living 🏘️ and Osaka Museum of History 🏛️, eating takoyaki in Dotonbori 🍢, and shopping on Shinsaibashi-suji Street 🛍️. But if you prefer, stick with me as we wander the arcades, alleyways, and markets where I came to know this energetic town during my studies. 🎓 I'll share my favorite hangouts and hidden gems from my time living here as a student. We can grab street food for lunch 🍜 and stop into quirky shops along the way. 🛒 To wrap up an epic first day, we have dinner reservations at a cozy izakaya 🍻 where we can toast to new friends over yakitori. Osaka is a foodie's delight, so come hungry and ready for lots of tasty discoveries! 🍢🍣 This friendly city has so much to offer - let's make some memories exploring it together! 🤝🌆 The next morning after breakfast 🍳, we'll start our journey back in time at Osaka Castle 🏯, gazing up in awe at the towering granite walls and glittering gold leaf trim of this 16th-century fortress. As we walk through the castle grounds 🚶‍♂️, surrounded by stone walls, we'll learn about Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the larger-than-life leader who built this magnificent monument. 🗺️🏰

Departure to Himeji - Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, and Engyo-ji Temple 🏯🌸🏞️ Next, we'll depart for Himeji to take in the soaring white walls and graceful beauty of the majestic White Heron Castle. Wandering this pristine complex feels like traveling back to Japan's feudal era. 🏰 After exploring the castle, we'll immerse ourselves in old Japan at Koko-en Garden's nine Edo-style landscapes representing each season. 🌺🌼🌳 Later, we'll take a bus up Mount Shosha to visit the atmospheric Engyo-ji Temple, where we can see precious ancient scriptures and art before taking in panoramic views over Himeji. The temple's surrounding cedar forest exudes a profound sense of spirituality and tranquility. 🏞️🌲 After this full day of exploring Himeji's heights, we'll return refreshed and inspired. 🚍🌟

Heading to Kurashiki to enjoy the historic district 🏛️🚶 From Himeji, we'll continue on to the charming town of Kurashiki to immerse ourselves in old Japan. We'll stroll along ancient canals lined with weeping willows 🌳🌸 and historic white-walled warehouses 🏚️. Exploring the stone-paved streets, we'll pop into little shops 🛍️ and museums 🏛️ housed in Meiji-era buildings. In the afternoon, we can savor traditional treats 🍡🍵 from local shops before spending the night in this perfectly preserved historic gem. 🌙 Accommodation in Kurashiki 🏨 After an afternoon discovering Kurashiki's many treasures, we'll check into our hotel located right in the historic heart of town. In the evening, we can enjoy a meal featuring regional specialties 🍣🍱 at a restaurant along the old canals. It's the perfect way to end the day after exploring historic Kurashiki's scenic streets and timeless beauty. We'll wake up ready for another day of adventures. 🌄🌟

Free morning in Kurashiki ☀️ After breakfast, we've got the whole morning to explore more of peaceful Kurashiki however we want. Let's meander along the willow-lined canals 🚶‍♂️, poke into the old warehouses-turned-shops 🏚️, and soak up the chill historic vibe. It's a nice relaxing start before we hit the road again. 🛤️ Departure to Hiroshima 🚌 Around 10 am we'll head to Hiroshima. When we get there, we'll visit the heavy but meaningful Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome and Museum - solemn reminders of the city's devastating history. We can pay respects at the Peace Memorial Hall 🕊️. A somber experience for sure, but one that inspires hope too. 🙏 Then we'll swing by Okonomimura, aka "Hiroshima's Kitchen", to try the city's famous okonomiyaki - savory pancakes packed with noodles and cabbage 🥞🍜. At this cool village of tiny okonomiyaki bars, we can chat with the owners while they whip up those tasty creations right at our table. Just the fuel we need before crashing in resilient Hiroshima for the night. 🌃🍽️

Ferry crossing along the Shimanami Kaido route to Takamatsu 🚢🌉 We'll take a scenic ferry ride along the Shimanami Kaido route, cruising between Honshu and Shikoku islands across crystal blue waters and under soaring suspension bridges. We'll pass epic ocean vistas 🌊🏞️ and tiny fishing villages 🎣 along this incredible island-hopping journey to Takamatsu. Free afternoon in Takamatsu ☀️ After docking in Takamatsu, we'll have the afternoon free to wander this laidback castle town at our own pace. We can stroll through Ritsurin Garden's serene landscape of ponds, teahouses, and pine groves 🌲🍵 before browsing the local shops 🛍️. Don't miss the chance to try Takamatsu's famous udon noodles! 🍜 Accommodation in Takamatsu 🏨 To rest up after our active day, we'll overnight right in the heart of Takamatsu. We can cap off the evening by watching the sun set over the Seto Inland Sea from the city's scenic waterfront 🌅 before turning in for the night. 🌌😴

Departure to Naruto 🌊 We’ll depart for Naruto to see one of Japan’s most iconic suspension bridges. We’ll walk across the towering Naruto Bridge 🌉 and marvel at the vortex swirling in the waters below, created by the mingling tides of the Seto Inland Sea. 🌪️ Visit the Naruto Suspension Bridge and Uzu-no-Michi Park 🏞️ After crossing the thrilling Naruto Bridge, we’ll stroll through Uzu-no-Michi Park right under the bridge’s orange steel beams. Here we can gaze down at the giant whirlpools 🌪️ and admire sweeping sea views from observatory decks extending over the water. It’s the perfect vantage point to appreciate this engineering wonder. 🌅 Accommodation in Naruto 🏨 We’ll spend the night locally in Naruto, where we can dine on fresh seafood 🦞🍣 caught right from the waters we explored today. It’s the ideal place to recap an exhilarating day admiring Naruto’s landmark bridge. 🌃🍽️

Departure to Mount Koya 🏔️ We’ll travel to Mount Koya, the holy mountain home to over 100 Buddhist temples. We’ll ascend through a forest of towering cedars 🌲 on the funicular up to this peaceful sanctuary in the clouds. ☁️ Accommodation at a Buddhist temple 🏯 Upon arriving, we’ll check into our Shukubo temple lodging to experience the Buddhist monk lifestyle. We’ll sleep on futons in simple tatami rooms 🛏️ and eat shojin ryori - Buddhist vegetarian cuisine full of flavor. 🍱 Vegetarian dinner 🥢 In the evening, monks will serve our traditional temple kaiseki dinner 🍽️ that we'll mindfully enjoy sitting cross-legged on tatami floors. We'll savor seasonal vegan dishes featuring tofu, mushrooms, and veggies from the temple's gardens. 🍄🥦 Breakfast 🍳 In the morning, we'll watch the sunrise over the mountains 🌄 before partaking in a hearty yet healthy breakfast. The monks will bring out an array of savory pickled vegetables, steamed mountain greens, creamy tofu, rice porridge, and potently refreshing matcha tea 🍵. It's the ideal energizing and spiritual start to the day. 🌿🌅

Departure to Kumano 🌲 We’ll head to the sacred Kumano region, home to some of Japan's most venerated Shinto shrines and historic pilgrimage trails. We’ll take in panoramas of forested mountains 🏞️, surging waterfalls 💦, and picturesque ravines. 🏞️ Stops at Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, and other shrines ⛩️ In Kumano, we'll visit the imposing vermilion Nachi Taisha shrine 🏯 dramatically situated above 133-meter Nachi Falls. We'll also see the ancient carved Buddha at Seigantoji 🗿, overlooking the thundering cataracts. At Kumano's other grand shrines, we can walk contemplatively along old stone paths trodden by pilgrims for centuries. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Accommodation in Kumano: business hotel 🏨 For accommodations, we'll stay at a comfortable business hotel in Kumano rather than a traditional ryokan. It's the perfect way to rest up after a long day exploring Kumano's spiritual sites. We can look forward to a refreshing sleep before heading out for more adventures. 😴🌟

Departure to Ise ⛩️ We'll travel to Ise, home of the legendary Ise Jingu - Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine. We'll stroll the old approach paths lined with towering cryptomeria trees 🌲 leading to this revered site. 🌳 Visit the inner and outer sanctuaries of Ise Jingu 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ At Ise Jingu, we'll first visit the inner shrine, which is off-limits to the public and rebuilt every 20 years per Shinto tradition. Then we'll explore the outer shrine with its simple yet elegant architecture in harmony with nature. Walking the grounds, we'll soak up the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere of this hallowed place. 🙏🍃 Accommodation in Ise: hotel 🏨 For accommodations in Ise, we'll stay at a comfortable hotel located close to Ise Jingu and other attractions rather than a traditional ryokan inn. It's the perfect spot to relax after a day immersed in the sacred sights of Ise. We'll wake refreshed, ready to continue our adventures. 😴🌟

Departure to Nara 🦌 We’ll travel to historic Nara. At Nara Park, we’ll feed the friendly wild deer 🦌 before seeing the enormous Todai-ji Temple and its Great Buddha statue. 🏯 Visit the Sacred Deer Park and Todai-ji 🌳 At Sacred Deer Park, we can feed and pet the docile sika deer, considered divine in the Shinto faith. 🦌✨ At magnificent 8th-century Todai-ji, we'll stand awestruck before the 15-meter tall Great Buddha housed in the colossal wooden main hall. 🙌🏛️

Heading to Kyoto and staying at a hostel 🏯 After soaking up Nara’s heritage, we’ll take the train to Kyoto. We'll stay at a modern hostel near the city centre, close to top sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine. After checking in, we can stroll through the atmospheric Geisha District and find a cool izakaya restaurant or eatery for dinner. We'll fuel up on tasty food before heading back to our hostel bunks, eager for Kyoto adventures. 🍜🏨 The next day: We'll start by visiting Kyoto's most famous attractions like the Imperial Palace, the golden Kinkakuji Temple, and the tranquil Shoren-in Temple with its stunning garden landscapes. At each, we'll soak up not just the beauty but also the deeper meaning behind these incredible sites. 🏯🌸 Discover hidden gems off the tourist trail 🗺️ But we'll also go beyond the classic tourist spots to find Kyoto's hidden treasures. We can wander quiet backstreets lined with traditional machiya townhouses, explore peaceful temples tucked in hills outside the city 🏞️, and peruse the antique kimonos at little-known textile shops. 🛍️👘 Experience local life at Nishiki Market 🍣 While seeing the icons, we'll also experience local Kyoto life. We can wander Nishiki Market trying unique bites like Japanese sweets and pickled vegetables. By visiting both famous sights and local favorites, we'll discover Kyoto's full essence and character. 🍡🥢

Bullet train trip to Kanazawa 🚅 We'll ride the sleek bullet train from Kyoto to Kanazawa, arriving in under 3 hours in this scenic castle town. 🏯 Kanazawa highlights: Kenrokuen Gardens, Higashi Chaya district, Ninja Temple 🌸🏮🥋 In Kanazawa, we'll wander the sprawling Kenrokuen - one of Japan's "three great gardens". We'll explore the traditional teahouses and winding lanes of the Higashi Chaya geisha district. And we'll visit the Ninja Temple with its secret doors and hidden rooms. 🍵🏯🌿 More top sites: Oyama Shrine, Nomura House, 21st Century Museum ⛩️🏠🎨 We'll also see the elaborate Oyama Shrine, set at the base of gently rolling hills. The restored Nomura Samurai House provides a glimpse into samurai life. And the contemporary 21st Century Museum of Art contrasts old and new. 🏞️🗾🖼️

We'll make our way to Shirakawa-go as we set the stage for a remarkable New Year's Eve experience. 🏞️🌟 In this picturesque remote mountain village, immerse yourself in the age-old traditions of Japanese New Year's Eve celebrations. Our journey will include delightful soba noodle ceremonies 🍜, the spectacle of fireworks casting a radiant glow over the charming thatched roof houses 🎆, and so much more. We'll also have the unique opportunity to stay at a charming guest house 🏡 and participate in the time-honoured tradition of visiting a temple on New Year's Eve 🏛️, allowing you to embrace the essence of a true Japanese celebration. It's a New Year's Eve unlike any other, a memory to cherish forever. 🎉🇯🇵

On New Year's Day, we'll begin our journey with a departure to Takayama, where we'll step back in time and explore the ancient village of Kamisannomachi. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in cherished New Year's Day traditions, experiencing the local culture firsthand. 🎉🏯🌅

Following this enriching experience, our adventure continues as we head to Matsumoto. In this historical city, we'll marvel at the stunning Matsumoto Castle 🏯, explore temples steeped in history ⛩️, and discover other captivating sightseeing spots. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the famous New Year's Day amazake 🍶, a delightful local tradition that will add a flavorful touch to our exploration. It's a day filled with culture, history, and delightful surprises. 🗺️🏰🎊

Our journey will take us to the iconic Mount Fuji 🗻 and the picturesque Lake Ashi 🌅 in Hakone, offering breathtaking vistas and unique experiences. Amidst the natural beauty, we'll have the chance to explore Hakone's charms 🏞️ and indulge in the relaxing Onsen (hot spring) baths 🛁, rejuvenating both body and spirit. (Don't Worry it's a tattoo-friendly Onsen for those with tattoos) As the day winds down, we'll make our way to Tokyo 🌃, Japan's bustling capital. By day's end, we'll arrive in this vibrant metropolis 🏙️, ready to embrace the energy and excitement it has to offer. It's the perfect way to transition from serene natural beauty to the lively urban adventure of Tokyo. 🚄🌆🇯🇵

Upon our arrival in Tokyo 🚄, we'll start by checking into our hostel and dropping off our belongings. From there, we'll embark on an exciting adventure in the vibrant city: Day 1: Shibuya Excursion 🚶‍♂️🚦 In the heart of Tokyo, we'll make our way to the famous Shibuya district. Here, you'll witness the iconic Shibuya Crossing in all its bustling glory, joining the throngs of pedestrians as they traverse this bustling intersection. Don't miss the chance to snap some photos with the Hachiko Statue 🐕, a touching tribute to Japan's most faithful dog, which stood vigil for nine years after its owner's passing. Day 2: Tokyo's Treasures 🏯🍣 After a satisfying breakfast, we'll head to Sensō-ji, Tokyo's most colourful temple, boasting Japan's largest paper lantern 🏮. As we explore this historical site, we'll stroll through Nakamise Market, an Edo-style shopping street beyond the "thunder gate" (Kaminarimon), where you'll find a delightful array of traditional souvenirs and snacks. Our next destination is Ueno Park 🌳, a picturesque urban oasis with much to offer. Later in the day, prepare for a hands-on sushi experience led by a skilled sushi chef 🍣. You'll have the chance to prepare and savor your creations. We'll then explore the lively Tsukiji Outer Market 🦑🍤, teeming with food stalls and shops. We'll continue our journey to the Imperial Palace 🏞️, the present home of Japan's Imperial Family and the former grounds of Edo Castle. This historic site is encircled by formidable stone walls and fortifications, nestled in the heart of Tokyo. Our evening adventure takes us to Tokyo Tower 🗼, towering at 333 meters, surpassing its inspiration, the Eiffel Tower, by 13 meters. Ascend 150 meters to the main observatory deck for a panoramic view of the city. As night descends, we'll also visit the Sky Tree 🌃 to admire the city's illuminated splendor. To cap off our unforgettable journey, we'll gather at a charming izakaya 🍻 for our farewell dinner and a final evening together as a group. Here, we'll have the freedom to decide how we want to make the most of our last night in Tokyo, ensuring it's a fitting conclusion to our Japanese adventure. On our third and final day in Tokyo 🌅, we'll savor our last breakfast together, reminiscing about the incredible journey we've shared. With hearts full of memories and suitcases filled with souvenirs, we'll bid farewell to this vibrant city. Our departure will take us to the airport ✈️, where we'll embark on our journey back home 🏡, bringing with us the experiences, friendships, and the spirit of Japan 🇯🇵 that will remain with us forever. As we board our flight, we'll carry the cherished memories of our adventure in Tokyo and throughout Japan, knowing that the magic of this extraordinary trip will linger in our hearts. Until our paths cross again, Japan awaits your return. Safe travels! 🌟🇯🇵🛫