If you want to experience the ancient culture and customs of Japan, this 5 day itinerary is a great place to start! Want a fully customized itinerary for your next trip to Japan? We can help!
Day 1: Kyoto
Start off your first morning in Kyoto with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for the thousands of red torii gates winding up the hillside in southern Kyoto. We recommend getting an early start to avoid the crowds. The most famous spots are near the bottom of the hill, but there are so many smaller shrines, stairways, and pathways that you could easily spend all morning here!
The Fushimi district of Kyoto is also famous for its sake distilleries. The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is a great place to start learning more about the sake making process. After that, you'll meet your private guide who will take you on a tour of some of the region's best distilleries (with tastings too, of course!).
Day 2: Day Trip to Nara
Today, you'll take a local train 40 minutes south to Nara, which was the first permanent capital of Japan from 710-794, before the capital was moved to Kyoto. Boasting 8 World Heritage Sites, there is plenty to see and do in Nara, all within a relatively small area.
First up is a visit to Todai-ji, home of The Great Buddha. On your way through Nara Park to the temple, you'll stroll past a number of tame deer, who may come up to you hoping for a snack!
Though there are many free gardens and parks in Nara, we recommend paying the entrance fee for Isuien Japanese garden. The grounds are beautiful and well-kept, and generally much less crowded than other areas in Nara.
On your way back to the train station, stop at Kofuku-ji temple complex, home to an iconic 5 storey pagoda and amazing history.
Day 3: Kanazawa
This morning, you'll take a 2.5 hour train journey northwards to Kanazawa. First up is a Kaga Yuzen silk dyeing lesson, where you'll learn the traditional techniques used for centuries to dye kimono fabric. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to don a traditional kimono.
No visit to Kanazawa would be complete without a stroll around Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top 3 traditional gardens.
Day 4: Takayama
Today, you'll take a bus into the mountains to explore the well-preserved traditional village of Shirakawa-go. Your guide will explain the significance of the gassho thatched farmhouses, as well as the regional handicrafts.
In the evening, you'll make your way to your ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn. Here, you will have a chance to soak in the natural hot spring baths before enjoying a multi-course dinner prepared with seasonal ingredients.
Day 5: Kyoto
Today you'll make your way back to Kyoto for your last night in Japan. Your guide this afternoon will help you get the most of your remaining time to do some final sightseeing. Some options include seeing Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavillion, or visiting the Arashiyama district to see the bamboo groves and some more off-the-beaten-path temples.
Happy Trails!