What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Land at Narita Airport and take the train to Tokyo. Rest and recover from your flight (and please do not worry about rushing to your ryokan to be in time for dinner – after sitting in an airplane for 12 hours and eating the entire time the last thing you will want to do is have more to eat. Choose the “breakfast only” or “no meals” option on your first night in Japan).
Visit Nikko and explore its complex of temples and shrines at Toshogu. Transportation: at Tokyo Station, take the JR Shinkansen on the Yamabiko Line to Utsunomiya Station. At this station, change to the Nikko Line and go to Nikko train station.
Visit Hakone in Japan’s famous Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Transportation: Return to Tokyo Station and take the JR Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Odawara train station. At Odawara, you can buy the Hakone Free Pass (3 days for about 4,130 yen) which gives you access to Odakyu railways, cable cars, buses, and boats.
Visit Takayama, a culturally rich and historic scenic mountain town. Also, Shirakawago known for its thatched-roofed houses and is one of the most picturesque villages in Japan. Transportation: take the JR Shinkansen train to Nagoya Station, and then at Nagoya take the Express train to Takayama Station. From Takayama, it is a 2-hour bus ride to Ogimachi (Shirakawa-go) with a bus change in Makido. (If you have a JR Rail Pass, you can use it between Makido and Ogimachi and only buy the ticket between Takayama and Makido).
Visit Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. This city contains hundreds and hundreds of temples, shrines, gardens, as well as the old Imperial Palace. Learn about and meet a real Kyoto Geisha! Time permitting, a one day trip to Nara is also recommended. Transportation: take the Express train from Takayama to Nagoya, and change to the JR Shinkansen at Nagoya and take it to JR Kyoto train station.
Take the JR Shinkansen back to Tokyo train station and take the Express train to Narita Airport.
Land at Kansai International Airport in Osaka and take the train or bus to Kyoto. Rest and recover from your flight (and please do not worry about rushing to your ryokan to be in time for dinner – after sitting in an airplane for 12 hours and eating the entire time the last thing you will want to do is have more to eat. Choose the “breakfast only” or “no meals” option on your first night in Japan).
Explore Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. This city contains hundreds and hundreds of temples, shrines, gardens, as well as the old Imperial Palace. Learn about and meet a real Kyoto Geisha! A one day trip to Nara is also recommended.
Visit Takayama, a culturally rich and historic scenic mountain town. Also, Shirakawago is known for its thatched-roofed houses and is one of the most picturesque villages in Japan. Transportation: take the JR Shinkansen train to Nagoya Station, and then at Nagoya take the Express train to Takayama. From Takayama, it is a 2-hour bus ride to Ogimachi with a bus change in Makido. (If you have a JR Rail Pass, you can use it between Makido and Ogimachi and only buy the ticket between Takayama and Makido).
Visit Hiroshima and the world-famous Peace Memorial Park. Spend a relaxing day on Miyajima Island and see the red shrine gate which guards Itsukushima Shrine. Transportation: take the Express train from Takayama to Nagoya, and change to the JR Shinkansen at Nagoya and take it to JR Hiroshima train station.
Take the JR Shinkansen train from Hiroshima to JR Shin-Osaka train station. Take the train to Kansai International Airport.
