Japan in 2 Weeks: Cities, Temples & the Real Japan

Welcome to Japan!

After your long flight, you finally arrive! Collect your luggage, and just beyond the gates of Fukuoka's cozy airport, you immediately spot your Japaventura tour conductor with a welcoming smile and a "Japaventura" sign.

Being close to the city, you head to your hotel by taxi. Settle in, freshen up, and get ready for your very first adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun!

Fukuoka, located on Kyushu Island, offers a gentle start to your journey. In this city, less sprawling and chaotic than other parts of the archipelago, you effortlessly dive into Japanese life alongside your guide during a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Naka River.

This morning, you head to the port of Miyajima-guchi, where you set sail with the group to Miyajima Island. Upon arrival, you're greeted by the island’s friendly deer, unfazed by visitors. Feel free to pet them, but be wary of your snacks. These curious, but hungry creatures won't hesitate to snatch any food items you might have. Keep a close eye on your biscuits!

You start your excursion with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate. Much like many Japanese pilgrims, you embark on the mystical ascent of Mount Misen… by cable car! Enjoy the panoramic views from this peak in the land of deer.

As the day winds down, you take the ferry back to Hiroshima for a well-deserved meal in an izakaya, a typical Japanese pub. In this lively setting, observe the businesspeople unwinding after a long day. If you enjoy beer, now is the time! Too typical, you say? Perhaps a little shochu, then?

Your luggage will be transferred from the Hiroshima hotel to Kyoto, allowing you to freely enjoy your two days in Shigisan and with your host family. Keep essentials in your backpack for these two days.

This morning, you set off for Mount Shigi, a place brimming with spirituality and mystery just an hour from the heart of Nara. After a brief climb, you reach Chogosonshi-ji Temple, perched majestically amid lush nature. Dedicated to Bishamonten, the protective god of warriors, it's impressive with its grand architecture and vibrant statues.

Nearby lies Gyokuzo-in, your unique accommodation for the night. Here, you have the rare chance to stay overnight at the temple, fully immersed in the tranquil life of Buddhist monks.

This is not a typical hotel, but a place of retreat and reflection. You will be welcomed by the monks who run the guesthouse as part of their monastery. The experience is characterized by conscious simplicity and clarity: You'll enjoy the renowned shojin ryori – an artful, vegan Zen cuisine – and sleep in traditional style on comfortable futons on tatami mats. The absence of modern luxuries allows you to connect deeply with the mystical atmosphere of this pilgrimage site.

This renunciation of modern luxuries allows you to experience a profound connection with the mystical atmosphere of this pilgrimage site.

What to expect during this authentic monastery stay:

• Atmosphere instead of hotel service: The monks will respectfully accompany you during your stay as part of their daily monastic life; however, they are not typical hotel staff.

• Sanitary facilities: Bathrooms and toilets are shared. The facilities are simple and clean; the hot water supply may be basic and inconsistent, in keeping with the historical setting.

• Traditional construction: The temple buildings are not centrally heated. As such, it can get noticeably cool at night (especially in spring and autumn). We recommend supplementing the provided yukatas with your own warm clothing (e.g., thermal underwear/socks).

Today begins with the sacred ritual of Gomaji, a fire purification ceremony surrounded by a solemn atmosphere. Monks chant mantras and toss pieces of wood into the flames, creating an intense moment charged with energy that immerses you in the heart of Japanese spiritual traditions.

After this mystical interlude, you descend into the lively streets of Nara. If you missed the deer of Miyajima, you'll find their curious… and hungry cousins here. But the main highlight awaits further on: the majestic Todaiji, an 8th-century temple and historical gem of the city.

As the day winds down, you journey to a lesser-known rural area in the Kansai region, where a few local families open their doors to you. Tonight, you share their daily life in a tranquil village far from the beaten path. This unique immersion brings the essence of omotenashi, Japanese hospitality, to life.

In return, you'll just need to share a bit of your own culture - and remember not to forget yourself!

Accommodation with host families is arranged by our local contact based on the families' hosting capacities, availability, and your dietary preferences. Therefore, we cannot inform you beforehand which family you will stay with. The location of the homestay may also vary; due to its very original nature, we adapt to the availability of host families.

The day begins with a gentle breeze and a warm breakfast shared with your hosts, setting the tone for a morning steeped in local hospitality. These past days have felt like a venture into a world untouched by time, with the village's tea culture and the tranquil life of monks offering you glimpses into the intimate heart of Japan. Yet, this afternoon, you return to what is undeniably one of the country's most iconic stops: the city of Kyoto.

To gain an initial overview, you start your visit at the Kyoto Station Skyway, a glass walkway suspended 45 meters above the station's main hall. From up there, the city unfolds peacefully: grey-tiled roofs, hidden temples, and wooded hills on the horizon. It's the perfect introduction to this ancient imperial capital.

The afternoon leads you through the narrow lanes of the Gion district, renowned across Japan for its Geishas, or Geiko as the locals call them. With a dash of luck, you might spot one of these cultural icons among Kyoto’s 250 Geiko. The tranquility of traditional machiya townhouses and the district's historical architecture offer a glimpse into the serenity of a bygone era.

As evening descends, you settle into a quaint restaurant, chosen for its local ambiance and seasonal cuisine. Here, you savor the flavors of Kyoto, a delightful end to a day filled with tradition, discovery, and a gentle first step into the everyday life of Kyoto.

Perhaps starting a little later than the previous day, yet eager to uncover the beating heart of ancient Japan, you set off for a marvel of heritage: the renowned Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji. You could gaze at its splendor for hours, but soon, the call of Ryoan-ji and its rock garden beckons. This zen masterpiece invites contemplation: fifteen stones placed on perfectly raked gravel, with one stone always eluding sight—an enigmatic puzzle centuries old, meant for silent reflection.

After this suspended moment, freedom awaits: explore the ancient capital at your own pace, as the afternoon is yours to claim. Whether it's taking a closer look at that pagoda you glimpsed earlier, or slipping into that shop you wanted to visit yesterday, now is the time!

Perhaps your curiosity draws you to learn traditional arts from Kyoto specialists in Kimono, or maybe you wish to partake in a Japanese tea ceremony. Your chosen activities unfold this afternoon!

Note: Please select up to two optional activities at least 45 days before departure.

Waking up in Kyoto, there's a serene calmness in the air. The gentle rustle of the nearby trees greets you as the first light of the day filters through the curtains. Your morning begins with an unforgettable visit to Nijo-jo Castle, its majestic presence leaving you in awe of its ancient grandeur.

Hunger soon beckons, and you're off to Kaori's Guesthouse nestled in the heart of Kyoto. Here, Kaori herself guides you in creating one of Japan’s signature dishes: sushi. Her warm encouragement and infectious passion turn this culinary lesson into a delightful exploration of flavors and techniques.

Satisfied and eager for more, you set your sights on Arashiyama. The sprawling vistas of the Okochi Sanso Villa await, offering a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. Stroll through its meticulously crafted landscapes before settling down to enjoy a steaming cup of matcha tea with the garden in full view.

As the day winds down, you find yourself amidst the towering green stalks of the bamboo grove, an iconic sight that offers a perfect escape into tranquility. Walking through this verdant tunnel, you bask in the gentle embrace of nature before easing back into the vibrant pulse of Kyoto's life.

Almost as soon as you rise, the day begins with a tranquil stop at Higashi Hongan-ji, one of Japan's largest wooden Buddhist temples. Lesser known to visitors, its immense scale leaves a profound impression and offers a serene moment of reflection before the day's excitement unfolds.

Next, you venture towards Fushimi Inari. You simply can't leave Kyoto without seeing the 10,000 torii gates! Rising early this morning allows you to experience the enchantment of this place without the usual throngs of tourists. For about two hours, you'll wander through the mystical gates surrounded by trees and woodland creatures.

Back on the road, you leave the former capital behind and immerse yourself in the neighboring mountains via a rustic train ride. As the landscapes unfold outside your window, you catch a glimpse of why nature holds such a central place in Japanese imagination.

Suddenly, your daydreams are interrupted as you arrive at the quaint town of Takayama. You're charmed by its picturesque streets and immediately drawn to explore them before dinner.

NOTE: Your luggage will be transferred from Kyoto to the hotel in Tokyo by private courier, allowing you to enjoy Takayama unburdened! Keep essentials for the next two days in your backpack.

After a Japanese breakfast at your traditional inn, you finally have the chance to explore the alleys that were only a mysterious glimpse in the evening light. Arriving at Sanmachi-suji, the historic center, feels like stepping into a Kurosawa film. This impression intensifies as you reach the Miyagawa Morning Market with its vibrant array of artisan goods.

This morning, you head to Hida no Sato, a quaint village just outside the town. Here, you're enveloped in an open-air museum, surrounded by merchant houses constructed in the distinctive gasshozukuri style. If you opt to try the Hida beef, famed for its quality even surpassing Kobe, each bite melts effortlessly on your tongue.

In the afternoon, you leave Takayama and make your way to Fujikawaguchiko, setting your sights on an iconic emblem of Japanese culture…

Today, like Hokusai and many others, you feel small. Today, you admire Mount Fuji.

As you make your way to the Koyodai Observatory, a 30-minute walk, you enjoy a panoramic view of the mountain. Let's hope for good weather!

You'll then take a detour to Oishi Park, where you can admire Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi amidst the plants and, if you wish, have a snack.

Note: Despite appearances, Mount Fuji is a humble and shy mountain. Tired of being the center of attention, it sometimes hides behind clouds. We haven't mastered the weather yet, but in the meantime, we wish you all the luck necessary for Mr. Fuji to reveal himself to you!

You've seen the quiet charm of Japan's smaller towns, the countryside, its traditional elegance, but as you step onto Tokyo's bustling streets, you immediately know this place is something else. Tokyo, a sprawling metropolis of nearly 14 million people, welcomes you with open arms, immersing you in the hum of its countless streets.

From the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, you search in vain for the city's limits, an endless sea of concrete stretching before you. Yet, as you arrive in Shibuya, despite the dizzying density, there's a surprising calmness, easing you into the city's rhythm seamlessly.

This feeling is reinforced as you wander through Yoyogi Park. Yes, this is also Tokyo: wide green spaces amidst the urban jungle. Your path leads you to the Meiji Jingu, a shrine dedicated to the modern Japan's first emperor.

No visit would be complete without a trip to another iconic area: Harajuku, renowned for its vibrant street art. Here, Tokyo's eclectic spirit is vibrant and contagious, leaving you eager for what tomorrow holds.

Last day in Japan… Time flies so quickly!

You wander through the tranquil streets of Asakusa, an ancient district in the east capital. The shrines and wooden houses might almost remind you of Kyoto.

A few subway stops later, you take time to visit the famous Tokyo National Museum in the heart of Ueno Park. Japanese art treasures are elegantly presented: samurai armor, delicate prints, millennium-old ceramics. After leaving, a stroll in the park lets you savor the last moments of this unique atmosphere, amidst temples, street artists, and street food stalls.

Because this journey is yours and these last moments are unique, you enjoy an afternoon at leisure in the capital. You grab a rice ball from the local konbini to eat on the go or settle quietly in that little restaurant you spotted yesterday. Once satisfied, you have ample choice: the Edo-Tokyo Museum, quirky bars featuring cats, owls, or even snakes, or the city's Korean district open up as possibilities. If this isn't quite your cup of tea, maybe a little shopping in the Ginza district?

As the journey comes to an end, after a farewell dinner, you celebrate the beauty, strangeness, serenity, and eccentricity of the country with a karaoke night!

Today begins with a gentle sunrise at Tokyo, as you prepare for your journey home. The air is crisp, and the city's energy seems to whisper a soft farewell. The drive to the airport aboard a private shuttle offers a final glimpse of Japan's unique blend of tradition and modernity.

During the flight, a series of in-flight meals sustain you as you travel, the flavors reminding you of the delightful culinary experiences you've indulged in over the past weeks. Peering through the airplane window, the vast blue sky stretches endlessly, offering a serene backdrop to reflect on your adventure.

With each mile covered, the memories grow stronger. The vibrant streets of Kyoto, the serene gardens of Nara, the bustling markets, and the tranquility experienced in moments of quiet contemplation all blend in a beautiful mosaic of travel experiences. These moments will fuel countless stories shared with friends and family, keeping the spirit of exploration alive even after you return.

The journey may be ending, but the adventure remains vividly etched in your mind, leaving a lingering desire to discover more of the world's wonders. It's not a goodbye, but rather a see you later, as you dream of your next adventure.