14-Day Cultural Journey Through Central Japan Itinerary

Begin your day at Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens. Spend your morning wandering through its meticulously maintained paths, ponds, and tea houses. Allow around 2-3 hours for this visit.

Visit Kanazawa Castle Park next to Kenrokuen Garden. Explore the reconstructed castle buildings and learn about the history of the Maeda Clan who ruled over Kanazawa during the Edo period. Allocate about 1-2 hours for this activity.

Dine at 3023 San Jose del Monte, Philippines to experience a unique fusion of Japanese and Filipino cuisine in a cozy setting.

Explore Takayama Jinya, an Edo-period government building that offers insights into Japan's administrative history. The well-preserved structure includes tatami rooms, courtyards, and historical artifacts. Spend around 1-2 hours here.

Stroll through Sanmachi Suji, Takayama’s old town district filled with traditional wooden houses, sake breweries, and shops selling local crafts. Enjoy lunch at one of the quaint cafes or restaurants along the way (consider visiting one not on your wishlist). Allocate around 2-3 hours for this leisurely activity.

End your day with dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Hida beef, Takayama’s famous delicacy (choose a restaurant not on your wishlist for variety).

Visit Matsumoto Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior. This national treasure is one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. Spend around 2-3 hours exploring its interiors and surrounding park.

Head to Nakamachi Street to see well-preserved merchant houses from the Edo period that now host charming shops and cafes. Enjoy lunch at one of these establishments (select one not on your wishlist). Allocate about 1-2 hours for this activity.

For dinner, explore local cuisine at another highly-rated restaurant (choose one not on your wishlist) to end your day on a delightful note.

Start your day with a visit to the Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are over 250 years old. Spend around 2-3 hours exploring the village and learning about its unique architecture and history.

After exploring the village, head to the Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine. This shrine is known for its beautiful surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. Allocate about 1-2 hours for this visit.

For dinner, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant that offers traditional Japanese cuisine (choose one not on your wishlist).

Begin your day with a visit to Gifu Castle, located atop Mount Kinka. The castle offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. Spend around 2 hours exploring the castle and its museum.

Head to the Nagaragawa Ukai Museum to learn about the ancient practice of cormorant fishing on the Nagara River. Allocate about 1-2 hours for this educational visit.

Dine at a local restaurant specializing in regional cuisine (choose one not on your wishlist) to experience Gifu's culinary delights.

Start your day with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto's most iconic temples. The temple's stunning golden exterior reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond. Spend around 1-2 hours here.

Head to Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its rock garden, which is considered one of Japan's finest examples of Zen landscaping. Allocate about 1-2 hours for this tranquil experience.

For dinner, enjoy an authentic Japanese meal at Japan. This highly-rated restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes that will give you a taste of local flavors.

Begin your day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its thousands of red torii gates that create stunning pathways through the forested mountain. Spend around 2-3 hours exploring this iconic site.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple next, another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering breathtaking views of Kyoto. Allocate about 1-2 hours for this activity.

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Start your day with a visit to Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. Spend around 2-3 hours exploring the temple and its beautiful grounds.

Head to Nara Park, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely. The park is also home to several other historical sites, including Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Allocate about 2 hours for this activity.

For dinner, enjoy an authentic Japanese meal at a local restaurant (choose one not on your wishlist) to experience Nara's culinary offerings.

Osaka Castle is a must-visit landmark in Osaka. Start your day by exploring this iconic castle and its surrounding park. The castle offers insights into Japan's history and provides stunning views of the city from its observation deck. Spend around 2-3 hours here.

Dotonbori is one of Osaka's most famous entertainment districts. Head here for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring its vibrant streets filled with shops, restaurants, and neon lights. Allocate about 2-3 hours for this activity.

Japan offers an excellent dining experience in Osaka. Enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese dishes at this highly-rated restaurant.

Himeji Castle is one of Japan's most spectacular castles and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start your day by exploring this well-preserved fortress, known for its elegant white exterior and intricate design. Spend around 2-3 hours here.

Koko-en Garden is located next to Himeji Castle and offers beautifully landscaped gardens that reflect traditional Japanese aesthetics. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the garden paths for about 1-2 hours.

3023 San Jose del Monte, Philippines provides a unique dining experience with its fusion of Japanese and Filipino cuisine.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a poignant site dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb. Start your day by exploring the park, which includes the Peace Memorial Museum and the iconic A-Bomb Dome. Spend around 2-3 hours here to fully appreciate its historical significance.

Miyajima Island is a short ferry ride from Hiroshima and is famous for its floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon exploring the island's scenic beauty and cultural sites. Allocate about 2-3 hours for this visit.

Japan offers an excellent dining experience in Hiroshima. Enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese dishes at this highly-rated restaurant.

Korakuen Garden is one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens. Start your day with a leisurely stroll through its meticulously maintained paths, ponds, and tea houses. Spend around 2-3 hours here.

Okayama Castle is located near Korakuen Garden and offers insights into Japan's feudal history with its reconstructed buildings and exhibits. Allocate about 1-2 hours for this visit.

3023 San Jose del Monte, Philippines provides a unique dining experience with its fusion of Japanese and Filipino cuisine.