ENCHANTING JAPAN

• Morning: Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple:
  • After breakfast today visit Asakusa, home to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Walk down Nakamise Street for souvenirs and street food.
• Afternoon: Meiji Shrine and Harajuku:
  • Head to Meiji Shrine, one of Japan’s most significant Shinto shrines, and walk through its forested grounds.
  • Explore Harajuku for trendy boutiques and Takeshita Street for unique and fun shopping.
• Evening: Tokyo Skytree or Odaiba:
  • Visit the Tokyo Skytree for a panoramic view of the city, especially stunning at sunset.
  • Alternatively, you can head to Odaiba, a futuristic island with shopping malls, museums, and attractions like teamLab Borderless (digital art museum) and the Gundam statue.

• Morning: Travel to Mt. Fuji / Hakone (Approx. 2 hours from Tokyo):
  • Breakfast at hotel. Start your day by taking Romancecar or Shinkansen to Hakone, a hot spring resort area offering views of Mt. Fuji.
  • Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum with its blend of art and nature, and enjoy scenic views.
  • Ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley to see active sulfur vents and sample the famous black eggs boiled in the hot springs.
• Afternoon: Lake Ashi and the Mt. Fuji View:
  • Take a cruise on Lake Ashi, where you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
  • Visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of the lake, famous for its torii gate that stands in the water.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo for overnight stay.

• Morning: Travel to Osaka (Approx. 2.5-3 hours by Shinkansen):
  • Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka. On arrival check into your hotel in Namba or Umeda.
• Afternoon: Osaka Castle:
  • Visit Osaka Castle, a historic landmark with a beautiful surrounding park and a museum inside.
• Evening: Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi:
  • Head to Dotonbori, Osaka’s entertainment district known for its neon lights, giant signs, and food stalls. Don’t miss trying takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake).
  • Walk around Shinsaibashi and Amerikamura for shopping and nightlife.

• Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (Approx. 2.5 hours by Shinkansen):
  • Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
• Afternoon: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park:
  • Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Museum, and the Children's Peace Monument.
• Evening: Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki:
  • For dinner, try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with noodles, egg, and other fillings.

• Morning: Travel to Nagasaki (Approx. 3.5-4 hours by train):
  • Take a Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Nagasaki.
  • After arrival, check into your hotel and relax.
• Afternoon: Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum:
  • Visit Nagasaki Peace Park, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing, and the Atomic Bomb Museum for a moving account of the city’s history.
• Evening: Explore the Dutch Slope and Chinatown:
  • Stroll through Chinatown, one of Japan’s oldest, for food and souvenirs.
  • Visit the Dutch Slope, a historical area showcasing Western-style architecture.

• Morning: Glover Garden and Oura Church:
  • Visit Glover Garden, a beautifully preserved area with Western-style mansions overlooking Nagasaki Harbor.
  • Check out Oura Catholic Church, Japan’s oldest church, and learn about the foreign influence in Nagasaki during the 19th century.
• Afternoon: Take the cable car to Mount Inasa:
  • Ride the cable car up Mount Inasa for panoramic views of Nagasaki, particularly beautiful at sunset.
• Evening: Travel back to Osaka (Approx. 4 hours by train or flight).

• Morning: Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Museum of History:
  • Spend a full day at Universal Studios Japan, especially if you enjoy theme parks, with attractions based on Hollywood blockbusters such as Harry Potter and Jurassic Park.
  • Alternatively, visit the Osaka Museum of History for exhibits on Osaka's past, and then head to the Umeda Sky Building for a stunning view of the city from the rooftop observatory.
• Afternoon: Osaka Aquarium or Tennoji District:
  • Visit the Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, located in the Osaka Bay area.
  • Alternatively, explore Tennoji for its temple Shitenno-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, and Tsutenkaku Tower.
• Evening: Namba & Shinsaibashi:
  • Explore the shopping district of Namba and Shinsaibashi for last-minute souvenirs or enjoy the lively nightlife.

• Morning: Final Shopping & Depart for Kansai Airport:
  • Depending on your flight time, spend your last hours in Osaka for some last-minute shopping in Shinsaibashi or Umeda.
• Transfer to Kansai International Airport for your flight home.

Additional Tips:

• Rail Pass: Since you’ll be traveling a lot by train, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass for travel between Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki. This can save you a significant amount on the Shinkansen, though you’ll need to purchase it before arriving in Japan.
• Luggage: Japan’s efficient luggage delivery service (Takuhaibin) allows you to send your luggage ahead to your next destination, making travel more comfortable.
• Weather: Be mindful of the weather. If traveling in the summer (June-August), it can be hot and humid. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are typically the best times to visit Japan for moderate temperatures and beautiful seasonal scenery.

This itinerary offers a great mix of traditional culture, history, and modern experiences across some of Japan's most iconic locations. Enjoy your trip!