15-Day Journey Through Chubu and Kansai Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Atsuta Shrine, one of Shinto's most important shrines. The shrine is set in a peaceful forested area and is home to over 4,000 relics including the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.

After visiting Atsuta Shrine, make your way to Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. This museum offers fascinating insights into Japan's industrial advancements with interactive exhibits on textile machinery and automobile manufacturing.

Conclude your day with a visit to Sakae District, Nagoya's downtown area known for its vibrant nightlife. Enjoy panoramic views from the Nagoya TV Tower before heading for dinner at Miso Nikomi Udon Yamamotoya Honten, where you can savor traditional Nagoya-style udon noodles.

Travel from Chubu to Kansai region early in the morning via Shinkansen (bullet train), which takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Upon arrival in Wakayama Prefecture, start your day with Wakayama: Mt. Koya Private Walking Tour with Local Guide. This tour provides an immersive experience into the spiritual heart of Japan as you explore ancient temples and serene landscapes.

After the tour, visit Kongobu-ji Temple on Mount Koya. This temple serves as the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism and features stunning rock gardens and beautifully painted sliding doors depicting Japanese folklore.

In the evening, experience shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at Hanakirin, located within one of Mount Koya’s temple lodgings (shukubo). This unique dining experience offers insight into traditional Buddhist dietary practices while providing deliciously prepared meals.

Start your day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a path up the sacred Mount Inari, this shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. The hike up the mountain offers stunning views and numerous smaller shrines along the way.

After exploring Fushimi Inari, head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering breathtaking views of cherry and maple trees below and the city of Kyoto in the distance. Don't forget to drink from the Otowa Waterfall, which is said to grant wishes.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Gion District, Kyoto's famous geisha district. Wander through Hanami-koji Street and Shirakawa Area where you might catch a glimpse of geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) heading to their appointments. For dinner, enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine at Gion Karyo, known for its exquisite multi-course meals.

Danjo Garan Temple: Begin your day with a visit to this significant temple complex in Nara. It is one of Japan's oldest temples and offers a deep dive into Buddhist history and architecture.

After visiting Danjo Garan Temple, make your way to Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), which houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha. The temple grounds are also home to friendly deer that roam freely and are considered messengers of the gods.

Conclude your day with a visit to Nara Park where you can interact with more deer and enjoy peaceful strolls through scenic landscapes. For dinner, head over to Kamakura Pasta, known for its delicious Japanese-style pasta dishes.

Chubu Airport (NGO): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Suzuka: Start your day by arranging this private transfer if you plan on visiting Suzuka Circuit or other attractions in Suzuka later in your trip.

Wakayama: Mt. Koya Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: If you missed this tour earlier or wish for another immersive experience into Wakayama’s spiritual sites, take this private walking tour again.

In Osaka city center explore Dotonbori district known for its vibrant nightlife and neon lights. Enjoy street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). For dinner visit Izakaya Toyo, famous for its grilled seafood dishes.

Start your day with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens. Stroll through the meticulously maintained grounds, featuring ponds, streams, and a variety of seasonal flowers. The garden offers a peaceful retreat and a perfect start to your day.

After exploring Kenrokuen Garden, head to Kanazawa Castle. This historic castle offers insights into the region's feudal past and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Don't miss the Ishikawa Gate and the Gojukken Nagaya Storehouse.

In the evening, explore Higashi Chaya District, known for its well-preserved teahouses and traditional architecture. Enjoy a cup of matcha tea at one of the local teahouses and soak in the historical ambiance. For dinner, visit Kappo Takano, renowned for its exquisite kaiseki cuisine.

Nagoya (NGO): Chubu Centrair International Airport Lounge: If you are traveling back through Nagoya or need some relaxation time, spend your morning at this comfortable lounge.

Chubu Airport (NGO): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Suzuka: Arrange this private transfer if you plan on visiting Suzuka Circuit or other attractions in Suzuka later in your trip.

Wakayama: Mt. Koya Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: If you missed this tour earlier or wish for another immersive experience into Wakayama’s spiritual sites, take this private walking tour again.

Danjo Garan Temple: Begin your day with a visit to this significant temple complex in Nara. It is one of Japan's oldest temples and offers a deep dive into Buddhist history and architecture.

After visiting Danjo Garan Temple, make your way to Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), which houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha. The temple grounds are also home to friendly deer that roam freely and are considered messengers of the gods.

Conclude your day with a visit to Nara Park where you can interact with more deer and enjoy peaceful strolls through scenic landscapes. For dinner, head over to Kamakura Pasta, known for its delicious Japanese-style pasta dishes.

Start your day with a visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This iconic bamboo forest offers a serene and almost otherworldly experience as you walk through towering bamboo stalks. Nearby, you can also visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens.

After exploring the bamboo grove, head to Nijo Castle. This historic castle was the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. The castle is famous for its 'nightingale floors' that chirp when walked upon, designed to alert against intruders.

In the evening, explore Pontocho Alley, known for its traditional wooden buildings and atmospheric lantern-lit streets. Enjoy dinner at Pontocho Kappa Zushi, which offers delicious sushi in an intimate setting.

Chubu Airport (NGO): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Suzuka: Start your day by arranging this private transfer if you plan on visiting Suzuka Circuit or other attractions in Suzuka later in your trip.

Wakayama: Mt. Koya Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: If you missed this tour earlier or wish for another immersive experience into Wakayama’s spiritual sites, take this private walking tour again.

Danjo Garan Temple: End your day with a visit to this significant temple complex in Nara. It is one of Japan's oldest temples and offers a deep dive into Buddhist history and architecture.

Nagoya (NGO): Chubu Centrair International Airport Lounge: Spend your morning at this comfortable lounge if you are traveling back through Nagoya or need some relaxation time.

Chubu Airport (NGO): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Suzuka: Arrange this private transfer if you plan on visiting Suzuka Circuit or other attractions in Suzuka later in your trip.

Wakayama: Mt. Koya Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: If you missed this tour earlier or wish for another immersive experience into Wakayama’s spiritual sites, take this private walking tour again.

Start your day with a visit to the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya. This museum houses an impressive collection of samurai artifacts, including swords, armor, and tea ceremony utensils. The adjacent Tokugawaen Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden that offers a peaceful stroll among ponds and seasonal flowers.

Nagoya (NGO): Chubu Centrair International Airport Lounge: Spend your afternoon at this comfortable lounge if you are traveling back through Nagoya or need some relaxation time.

Chubu Airport (NGO): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Suzuka: Arrange this private transfer if you plan on visiting Suzuka Circuit or other attractions in Suzuka later in your trip.

Danjo Garan Temple: Begin your day with a visit to this significant temple complex in Nara. It is one of Japan's oldest temples and offers a deep dive into Buddhist history and architecture.

Wakayama: Mt. Koya Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: If you missed this tour earlier or wish for another immersive experience into Wakayama’s spiritual sites, take this private walking tour again.

Nagoya (NGO): Chubu Centrair International Airport Lounge: Spend your evening at this comfortable lounge if you are traveling back through Nagoya or need some relaxation time.

Chubu Airport (NGO): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Suzuka: Start your day by arranging this private transfer if you plan on visiting Suzuka Circuit or other attractions in Suzuka later in your trip.

Wakayama: Mt. Koya Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: If you missed this tour earlier or wish for another immersive experience into Wakayama’s spiritual sites, take this private walking tour again.

Danjo Garan Temple: End your day with a visit to this significant temple complex in Nara. It is one of Japan's oldest temples and offers a deep dive into Buddhist history and architecture.