5 Days of Japanese Wonders Itinerary

Begin your day in Kawagoe by visiting the serene Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja). This shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Café Matilda, which offers delicious pastries and coffee.

In the afternoon, take a stroll down Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street, also known as 'Little Edo.' This street is lined with traditional warehouses that have been converted into shops selling local crafts and sweets. For lunch, try some local delicacies at Koedo Kurari, a popular spot among locals.

End your day with a visit to the historic Kurazukuri no Machinami area, where you can see well-preserved merchant houses from the Edo period. Enjoy dinner at Ristorante Il Pirata, an Italian restaurant known for its cozy ambiance and delicious dishes.

Start your day early with a visit to the stunning Hakone Open-Air Museum. This museum features an impressive collection of sculptures set against the backdrop of Hakone's natural beauty. Enjoy breakfast at Vient et Vent, located within the museum grounds.

In the afternoon, take part in the highly recommended activity: One Day Private Tour of Mount Fuji. This tour will give you breathtaking views of Japan's iconic mountain and includes stops at scenic spots around Hakone. For lunch, savor traditional Japanese cuisine at Narukawa Art Museum Café, which offers panoramic views of Lake Ashi.

Conclude your day with a relaxing soak in one of Hakone's famous hot springs (onsen). Head to Tenzan Onsen for an authentic onsen experience surrounded by nature. Finish off with dinner at Gora Brewery & Grill, where you can enjoy locally brewed beer and delicious grilled dishes.

Begin your day in Kyoto with a visit to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The towering bamboo stalks create a mystical atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful morning stroll. Afterward, head to Arashiyama Yoshimura for a traditional Japanese breakfast with views of the Togetsukyo Bridge.

In the afternoon, explore the historic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates that create a mesmerizing pathway up the mountain. Participate in the Kyoto near FushimiinariCooking Class＆Explorer Grocery Store to learn about Japanese cuisine and try your hand at cooking some local dishes. For lunch, enjoy your culinary creations or dine at Kichi Kichi Omurice, known for its delicious omelets.

As evening falls, take part in the Kyoto Small Group Tea Ceremony at Local House. This intimate experience allows you to learn about and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. End your day with dinner at Gion Karyo, an elegant restaurant offering kaiseki (multi-course) dining in Kyoto's historic Gion district.

Start your day in Osaka with a visit to Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Osaka's past with life-sized replicas of historical buildings. Enjoy breakfast at Granknot Coffee, known for its excellent coffee and pastries.

In the afternoon, explore the bustling district of Minami (Namba). Visit America-Mura (American Village), a trendy area filled with shops, cafes, and street art. Don't miss out on trying some local street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) from one of the many vendors. For lunch, head to Dotonbori Imai Honten, famous for its udon noodles.

Conclude your day with an exciting activity: Osaka Full-Day Sightseeing Tour by Private Vehicle. This tour will take you to various iconic spots around Osaka including Osaka Castle and Umeda Sky Building. Finish off with dinner at Hajime, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative French-Japanese fusion cuisine.