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Japan Adventure: From Castles to Cherry Blossoms

Natalia Bermudez

Natalia Bermudez

10 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling 14-day journey through Ōsaka-jō, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hiroshima. Discover the rich history of ancient castles, immerse yourself in vibrant city life, and pay homage to the resilience of Hiroshima. Join us as we explore the wonders of Japan!

Day 1Sky-high Views and Neon Lights in Ōsaka-jō
+

$25

·

$ 2

Abeno Harukas
Osaka's tallest building features an observation deck, a department store, an art museum & a hotel.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$25
24 - 29 min

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Directions

Dotonbori
Lively entertainment district known for its soaring illuminated billboards, restaurants & theaters.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
Day 2Aquatic Wonders and Majestic Fortresses in Osaka
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$44

·

$ 2

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
One of the world's biggest aquariums, with exhibits ranging from Arctic to tropical marine life.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$31
21 - 26 min

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Directions

Osaka Castle
Revered castle dating to 1597 & since rebuilt, featuring gardens & a museum with varied exhibits.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$13
Day 3Thrills and Magic at Universal Studios Japan
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$100

Universal Studios Japan
This sprawling theme park dedicated to popular American movies features rides & live entertainment.
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
$100

Budget breakdown: $330 In total

Activities & Food:$316
Transport:$15
Day 1Sky-high Views and Neon Lights in Ōsaka-jō
+

$7

·

$ 2

Nishiki Market
400-year-old iconic market studded with stalls offering all manner of Japanese edibles.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
36 - 44 min

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Directions

Kinkaku-ji
Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
$6
Day 2Aquatic Wonders and Majestic Fortresses in Osaka
+

$10

Nijō Castle
Built in 1603, this cypress-wood castle with extensive gardens was a home for the shogun Ieyasu.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$10
Day 3Thrills and Magic at Universal Studios Japan
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$13

·

$ 2

Kyoto Gion YASAKA SHRINE
This Shinto shrine was erected in 656 A.D. & is home to one of the most famous festivals in Japan.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Kiyomizu-dera
Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$13
Day 4Culinary Delights and Golden Temples in Kyoto
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$7

·

$ 2

Byōdō-in Temple
Tours are offered of this iconic temple with a scenic pond & garden, plus a building with artifacts.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$6
34 - 41 min

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Directions

Fushimi Inari Taisha
Mountainside Shinto shrine dating from 711 A.D. featuring a path with hundreds of traditional gates.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $330 In total

Activities & Food:$316
Transport:$15
Day 1Sky-high Views and Neon Lights in Ōsaka-jō
+

$19

·

$ 3

Tokyo Skytree
World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower with an observation deck boasting 360-degree views.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$19
9 - 11 min

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Directions

Sensō-ji
Completed in 645, this temple, Tokyo's oldest, was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
30 - 36 min

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Directions

Meiji Jingu
Surrounded by forest, this venerable Shinto shrine features a seasonal iris garden.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
Day 2Aquatic Wonders and Majestic Fortresses in Osaka
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$0

Ueno Park
Popular city park featuring ample walking paths, a lake with boat rentals, a zoo & several museums.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
Day 3Thrills and Magic at Universal Studios Japan
+

$60

Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo offshoot of the iconic theme park known for its rides, live shows & costumed characters.
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
$60

Budget breakdown: $330 In total

Activities & Food:$316
Transport:$15
Day 1Sky-high Views and Neon Lights in Ōsaka-jō
+

$12

·

$ 2

Shukkeien Garden
Serene city garden dating to the 16th century, with a koi pond, a tea shop & flowering trees.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$5
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Atomic Bomb Dome
Iconic remains of the Industrial Promotion Hall which was destroyed by the atomic bomb during WWII.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$6
Day 2Aquatic Wonders and Majestic Fortresses in Osaka
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$4

·

$ 2

Itsukushima Jinja Otorii (Grand Torii Gate)
One of Japan's most revered sites, this ancient Shinto shrine seems to float on water at high tide.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
$4
47 - 57 min

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Directions

Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima
Memorial park dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb & advocating for world peace since 1954.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
Day 3Thrills and Magic at Universal Studios Japan
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$8

Hiroshima Castle
Contemporary recreation of a destroyed 16th-century castle offering a history museum & city views.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$8
Day 4Culinary Delights and Golden Temples in Kyoto
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$10

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Popular museum documenting the WWII atomic-bomb blast in Hiroshima via exhibits, artifacts & talks.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$10

Budget breakdown: $330 In total

Activities & Food:$316
Transport:$15