Highlights
Japan is a delight. A safe country with something new to ponder around every corner. If you think you have seen everything, go to Japan.
Itinerary
After 4 weeks of studying Japanese in Tokyo in September of 2017 we traveled for 2 1/2 weeks by train and car in Central Honshu, the Kyoto area, and the Hakone area, ending in Tokyo. For more information on studying Japanese in Tokyo see the Tokyo, Japan Page.
red line – train
blue line – car
green line – Alpine Route
Kyoto
LP Walking Tour of Southern Higashiyama
Lonely Planet’s walking tour is a great introduction to the temples and shrines of Kyoto.
Top Sights of Kyoto
Post includes tips for visiting the Fushimi inari shrine, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kinkaku-ji – the Golden Temple.
Nishiki Market
On a rainy day this vibrant market is the place to be. Everyone else thinks so too.
Day trip to Nara
An easy train ride from Kyoto, Nara’s giant Buddha housed in Japan’s largest wooden structure is worth a stop.
Seikoro Ryokan
A review of one of Kyoto’s top ryokans.
Tawaraya Ryokan
A review of another one of Kyoto’s top ryokans.
An Evening at Tempura Endo
High-end tempura at its best.
Other Kyoto Sleeping and Dining Options
Koyasan
Sights of Koyasan
This quaint mountain temple town is home to Okuno-in, one of the most stunning cemeteries in the world.
Staying at Hongaku-in
Staying overnight at a temple and attending morning prayers is a highlight of a trip to Koyasan.
Getting to Koyasan
Although a little complicated it’s a fun route ending with a mountain train and a cable car.
Central Honshu
Don’s Arrival: An Introduction to the Japanese Transportation System
The Japanese train system is amazingly efficient but don’t underestimate the size of the train stations.
Inuyama
Cormorant Fishing and Other Sights
This small town outside of Nagoya is home to one of Japan’s oldest castles as well as cormorant fishing, one of Japan’s oldest traditions.
Hotel Meitetsu
A large onsen type hotel popular with the Japanese.
Tsumago
Sights of Tsumago
A quaint traditional village along the old post road. Post includes walking the “road” between Magome and Tsumago.
Fujioto Ryokan
A delightful English-friendly ryokan experience.
Matsumoto
Sights of Matsumoto
Post includes a visit to the famous castle.
Sleeping and Dining in Matsumoto
Alpine Route – Omachi to Tateyama
Omachi Onsenkyo, Gateway to the Alpine Route
Post includes information on an overnight stay in this onsen town at the start of the Alpine Route.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
A series of 8 different legs of transportation that takes you through the scenic Hida Mountains.
Gassho-zukuri Villages
Gassho-zukuri Villages – Ainokura, Suganuma and Ogimachi
A visit to the picturesque traditional thatched roofed villages.
Sleeping in Ainokura
A night in one of the quaint thatched roof villages completes the experience.
Kamikochi
Boasting a postcard setting this popular mountain town is a great place to experience some of Japan’s mountain hiking.
Takayama
Sights of Takayama
A mountain town with quaint traditional streets and temples.
Honjin Hiranoya Annex, Takayama, Central Honshu, Japan
A classy English-friendly ryokan.
Kanazawa
Sights of Kanazawa
This mid-sized city boasts one of Japan’s top botanical gardens, a fish market and the quaint Geisha Tea House District.
Sleeping and Dining in Kanazawa
Hakone
Sights and Activities in Hakone
This pretty, mountainous volcanic region boasting Mt. Fuji views and great onsen is a popular weekend destination outside of Tokyo.
Sleeping and Dining in Hakone
Castle and Sushi in Odawara
This bullet train stop near Hakone is worth a visit for its fresh fish and wedding cake castle.
Tokyo
Sights of Tokyo
Tokyo, a tantalizing taste of modern living in a decidedly Asian environment, is unlike any city I have ever visited.
Kabuki and Sumo
Two of Japan’s must experience cultural events.
Kamakura
An easy day trip from Tokyo, this former feudal capital is a great place to experience Japan’s temples and shrines.
Sleeping and Dining in Tokyo