Japan Itinerary: Western Japan Adventure

Itinerary

Welcome to an intense 5-day itinerary called "Western Japan Adventure." In this itinerary, you will see the most fascinating Japanese culture and history features, from going to temples, shrines, and museums. Here, you will appreciate the stunningly intricate details of architecture for which Japan is widely known for. You will also immerse yourself in the Japanese way of life when you visit the historical quarter with traditional white-walled Japanese houses and Kinosaki-onsen to try a traditional hot spring bath. Visit Europe while in Japan when you visit the Mediterranean theme park in Marina City. In this itinerary, you will be able to try the best things that western Japan has to offer.

Today you will embark on a Japanese Castle, garden, a historical quarter, and the energetic Umeda adventures. You will have a close peek at what it was like during the old ages in Japan and what is now. Visit Okayama Castle, a beautiful black castle that was built 1597. It is located just across a river which gives it a picturesque scene. This six-story castle has exhibits, pottery, restaurants, and a place to dress up in kimono. Then head to Korakuen, Okayama's main attraction. It is a beautiful landscape garden full of greens with large ponds, streams, hills, and walking paths. Visit Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. It is a beautiful townscape of white-walled traditional Japanese houses called "kominka." This historical quarter features a lot of cultural facilities with Western and Japanese influence. Head to Osaka, rest, then go shopping in Umeda. This place is home to 6 unique shopping malls.

Okayama city

Okayama castle

Korakuen Garden

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Osaka Shopping

Umeda Shopping

Go to Wakayama Marina City. This island resort has a Mediterranean theme park that offers gorgeous views of the ocean and a complete reproduction image of Europe. Visit Wakayama Castle. This intense castle offers spectacular architecture with surrounding lush gardens and a nearby historical center and museum. Go to Rinku Premium Outlet, the largest outlet shopping center in western Japan. Here you can experience reasonable shopping in a spacious setting. Head to Namba, an entertainment district full of East Asian restaurants and boutiques. Walk to Dotombori, a lively entertainment area known for its neon lights full of restaurants and shops. End the night with a shopping spree at Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street.

Wakayama Railway

Wakayama Marina city

Wakayama Castle

Rinku Premium outlet

Minami Namba famous street

Dotonbori

Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street

Today you will get to know a small onsen town and experience a truly unique public bathing experience. Then head to the "deep Japan" and feel like you are back in the old years. Visit Kinosaki-onsen, a beautiful hot spring town with cherry blossom and weeping willow trees line along the canal. Walk around the small town for a different Japanese experience. Then walk to the Hot Spring Baths. Go for a unique hot spring bath experience in one of their seven public bathhouses believed to have healing waters. Head to Shin-Sekai, an area full of restaurants, shops, and amusement attractions. This area remains untouched and will make you will like you are back in the old years of Japan. Visit this place to experience "deep Osaka." Finally, walk to Tsutenkaku Tower, a classic steel tower modeled after the Eiffel Tower. At the top, you will get a pleasant view of the city, artifacts, and exhibits showing the area's rich history.

Kinosaki-onsen

A store in Kinosaki-onsen

Heated Spring Bath

Shinsekai

Tsutenkaku Tower

Visit Osaka Castle. It is a beautiful five-story castle with visually appealing architecture and rich history. The surrounding parks are worth exploring, especially during cherry blossom season and fall, which gives the place a magical feel. In addition, you can go inside the museum to see historical artifacts and understand Japan's history or the top floor to see panoramic views of the park. Then head for a day of fun in Universal Studios Japan, the first-ever Universal Studio theme park in Asia. In this theme park, you'll never run out of activities with attractions such as theater shows and street parades. In addition, many rides are available, from child-friendly carousels to adrenaline-packed roller coasters.

Osaka Castle

Universal Studios Japan

Hogwarts castle at Universal Studio Japan

Visit Kohfukuji Temple, one of Japan's most famous and oldest Buddhist temples. This temple features 7 historically important buildings. Visit Todaiji Temple. It houses the Big Buddha Hall, the world's largest wooden building holding the largest bronze statue in the world. Then head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a unique highly worshipped shrine with 3000 auxiliary shrines and 3000 donated lanterns. Visit Byodoin Temple, a striking Buddhist Pure Land (Jodo) architecture. Here, check the famous Phoenix Hall and see the striking Amida Buddha Statue. Then head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, probably the most Instagrammable shrine in Kyoto because of the thousands of vermilion torii gates. Finally, head to Tofukuji Temple. This is a large zen temple, most famous to tourists during autumn because of the valley of maple trees with their autumn colors.