Japan Adventure: From Castles to Temples

valentina calipa

7 Mar 2024

Embark on a thrilling 16-day journey through Japan, exploring ancient castles, vibrant markets, and serene temples. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Ōsaka-jō, Kōya, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Tokyo. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems of this captivating country.

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Underwater Wonders and Culinary Delights in Ōsaka-jō

$125

$ 18

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda-eki Tower

Depart from your stay 🏨

24 - 29 min

Directions

One of the world's biggest aquariums, with exhibits ranging from Arctic to tropical marine life.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$125

33 - 40 min

Directions

Spacious market with vendors selling street food, fresh produce & shellfish, plus souvenirs.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Wildlife Encounters and Majestic Castle in Osaka

$100

$ 24

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda-eki Tower

Depart from your stay 🏨

15 - 18 min

Directions

Mainstay in Tennōji Park housing 200-plus species in varied habitats, from savanna to rainforest.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$50

27 - 33 min

Directions

Revered castle dating to 1597 & since rebuilt, featuring gardens & a museum with varied exhibits.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$50

17 - 21 min

Directions

Intimate Buddhist temple along a quaint alley, with a moss-covered statue of the deity Fudomyoo.

No time set

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

Pedestrian bridge connecting bustling shopping areas & offering views of the famous Glico Man sign.

No time set

•

Free

Day 3Sky-High Views and Serenity in Osaka

$125

$ 24

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda-eki Tower

Depart from your stay 🏨

15 - 18 min

Directions

Osaka's tallest building features an observation deck, a department store, an art museum & a hotel.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$100

27 - 33 min

Directions

Vast green space offering gardens with cherry blossoms, athletic fields, open-air theaters & more.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$25

12 - 15 min

Directions

A wide variety of traditional food stalls, cafes & taverns line this narrow, stone-paved alleyway.

No time set

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $924 In total

Activities & Food:$692

Transport:$232

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Trip to Kyoto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Underwater Wonders and Culinary Delights in Ōsaka-jō

$50

$ 23

Hotel Anteroom Kyoto

Depart from your stay 🏨

19 - 23 min

Directions

Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$50

15 - 18 min

Directions

400-year-old iconic market studded with stalls offering all manner of Japanese edibles.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

Historic district with traditional buildings, kimono shops, restaurants & geisha.

No time set

•

Free

Day 2Wildlife Encounters and Majestic Castle in Osaka

$25

$ 23

Hotel Anteroom Kyoto

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 11 min

Directions

Mountainside Shinto shrine dating from 711 A.D. featuring a path with hundreds of traditional gates.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

37 - 45 min

Directions

Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$25

Budget breakdown: $924 In total

Activities & Food:$692

Transport:$232

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Trip to Takayama

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Underwater Wonders and Culinary Delights in Ōsaka-jō

$25

$ 12

Mercure Hida Takayama

Depart from your stay 🏨

8 - 11 min

Directions

Tours are offered of this historical, restored government building with a Japanese garden.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$25

6 - 8 min

Directions

Circa-5th-century shrine in a serene, wooded locale, known for its festivals & colorful floats.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 2Wildlife Encounters and Majestic Castle in Osaka

$40

$ 29

Mercure Hida Takayama

Depart from your stay 🏨

6 - 8 min

Directions

Tall trees including a sacred cedar frame this centuries-old shrine known for its spring festival.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

6 - 8 min

Directions

Food market held near the river with stalls selling vegetables, fruits & other local farm products.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

Open-air museum featuring Edo-period farmhouses, known for their thatched roofs & wood construction.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$40

10 - 12 min

Directions

Historic ruins of Takayama Castle, circa 1608, in a peaceful section of a wooded area.

No time set

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $924 In total

Activities & Food:$692

Transport:$232

Trip to Tokyo

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Underwater Wonders and Culinary Delights in Ōsaka-jō

$40

$ 18

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda-eki Tower

Depart from your stay 🏨

383 - 460 min

Directions

19th-century zoo with 400+ animal species, including pandas, a petting area & a 5-story pagoda.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$40

11 - 14 min

Directions

Venerable Shinto shrine moved to its current locale in 1616, with vibrant vermilion & gold coloring.

No time set

•

Free

Day 2Wildlife Encounters and Majestic Castle in Osaka

$152

$ 30

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda-eki Tower

Depart from your stay 🏨

382 - 459 min

Directions

World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower with an observation deck boasting 360-degree views.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$76

25 - 30 min

Directions

Reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, this landmark features observation areas & other attractions.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$76

10 - 12 min

Directions

Renowned venue for traditional performing arts, featuring elaborate sets, costumes & makeup.

No time set

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Western-style city park featuring flower beds, outdoor music venues & public halls.

No time set

•

Free

Day 3Sky-High Views and Serenity in Osaka

$ 18

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda-eki Tower

Depart from your stay 🏨

367 - 441 min

Directions

Complex housing offices, restaurants & art museum, plus a skyscraper with a roof observation deck.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

Large landscaped gardens in the grounds of a palace first built in 1888, with some Edo castle ruins.

No time set

•

Free

Day 4Spiritual Retreat in Kōya

$10

$ 18

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda-eki Tower

Depart from your stay 🏨

370 - 444 min

Directions

This former estate is now a 144-acre park with diverse garden areas, grassy expanses & a greenhouse.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$10

14 - 17 min

Directions

Surrounded by forest, this venerable Shinto shrine features a seasonal iris garden.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $924 In total

Activities & Food:$692

Transport:$232