The Essentials of Japan

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• dal giorno 1 al giorno 4

  Tokyo

  

  Visit the Sensō-ji temple and the Kaminarimon gate. Then head to Shibuya. As you leave the station, walk past the statue of Hachikō, Japan’s most famous dog. Experience the hustle and bustle of Shibuya Crossing, one of the most iconic intersections in the world. Then stroll through Yoyogi-kōen park, where the Meiji-jingū temple and shrine are located. Head to the Sumida district and, in the morning, attend a sumo wrestling training session, Japan’s national sport. Then take to the skies at Tokyo Skytree, the 2nd tallest tower in the world. Then wander through Ueno Park, one of the most popular places among Tokyoites. Finally, make your way to the Akihabara district and lose yourself in this temple of video games and manga, which lights up at the end of the day and adds an even more unique dimension.

• dal giorno 4 al giorno 6

  Hakone/Mount Fuji

  

  Take the train towards Hakone, a natural gem offering spectacular views of the majestic Mount Fuji. Your journey should last about 1h30. Finally, make room for gastronomy in one of the traditional restaurants and for relaxation, if you wish, in one of the many onsens accessible in town.

• dal giorno 6 al giorno 10

  Kyoto

  

  Start your discovery of Kyoto with the neighborhoods around your hotel. Right next door, at the Nishiki Market, you will find a multitude of stalls offering food products from the region. Several merchants even offer tastings. Stop by the very famous Gion district: it is here that you might have the chance to come across a geisha. Set off to discover the fabulous Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion). Then visit the charming Maruyama Park, which contains several temples, where the people of Kyoto still come to meditate in traditional clothing. At the end of the day, treat yourself to discovering several traditional arts at Gion Corner. Start the day with a visit to the Arashiyama bamboo forest, before moving on to the mythical Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Then head to the Tō-ji temple and don’t forget to walk through the multitude of torii at the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine. Finally, experience the tea ceremony and end your day in an authentic restaurant in the city.

• dal giorno 10 al giorno 11

  Nara and Himeji

  

  From Kyoto, you can spend a half-day discovering Nara and Himeji: Nara: Discover the Todai-ji temple, home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world, as well as the Great Buddha Hall. Throughout your day, you will be surrounded and accompanied by deer roaming freely in the city. Himeji: In the morning, take the train to Himeji and discover its castle, also called the “White Heron”. Then take a bus and a cable car to reach the Enkyoji temple, one of the largest in southern Japan, located on Mount Shosha. Stroll through the alleys of Himeji and taste the local specialties. Don’t miss the morning markets to discover fresh and authentic products.

• dal giorno 11 al giorno 13

  Hiroshima

  

  Take the train to Hiroshima. Once there, stop at the foot of the many peace memorials, such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Genbaku Dome (Atomic Bomb Dome). Stroll through the traditional Shukkei-en garden, a haven of peace and beauty. Then explore Hondori Street and take the time to enjoy a local meal, such as Hiroshima okonomiyaki, a specialty of the region.

• dal giorno 13 al giorno 14

  Miyajima

  

  Then take the ferry and, upon your arrival on the island of Miyajima, take advantage of low tide to head toward the famous floating torii of the Itsukushima Shrine. Explore Daisho-in Temple and walk along the Jizo statues and stone lanterns. Take the cable car to the top of Mount Misen, then continue on to the Reikado Pavilion. On the way back, enjoy local specialties (such as okonomiyaki or grilled oysters) in one of the island’s restaurants, before passing by the Itsukushima Shrine again at high tide.

• dal giorno 14 al giorno 16

  Osaka

  

  

  Take the train towards Osaka and set out to conquer its majestic castle. Explore its gardens and admire the panoramic view from its ramparts. Then dive into the city’s history and discover its evolutions through the centuries at the Osaka Museum of History. Stroll through the lively district of Kita (Umeda), get a ticket for the Umeda Sky Building and enjoy a breathtaking view over Osaka. Go stock up on souvenir shopping on Pink Street, try again a few local flavors, relax or, on the contrary, spend the day in the Universal Studios Japan park. Spend your end of day in Dotonbori, famous for its bright signs, its restaurants and its street food stalls. Don’t miss Shinsekai at sunset and enjoy the surroundings again once night has fallen.