Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Japan (March 2024)

  1. Day 1: Tokyo
    1 hour (20 miles) from Narita International Airport

    Start your cultural immersion journey at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple. Take a stroll down the Nakamise Shopping Street for some traditional Japanese souvenirs. Head to Ginza next to explore the high-end shopping district and indulge in some sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro, known for its three Michelin-starred sushi.

  2. Day 2: Kyoto
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    2 hours and 15 minutes (320 miles) from Tokyo

    Immerse yourself in Kyoto's rich cultural scene. Start at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its wooden stage overlooking the city. Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine next, famous for its thousands of torii gates. End your day at the Gion district, Kyoto's famous geisha district, and enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner.

  3. Day 3: Nara
    1 hour (25 miles) from Kyoto

    Explore the ancient capital of Japan, Nara, and visit the Todaiji Temple, which houses the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. Head to the Nara Park next, where you can feed the friendly wild deer that roam around the park. End your day at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, one of Japan's most celebrated shrines.

  4. Day 4: Hiroshima
    2 hours and 45 minutes (200 miles) from Nara

    Visit Hiroshima and pay homage to the victims of the atomic bomb at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic floating torii gate. End your day with some delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura.

  5. Day 5: Kanazawa
    4 hours and 15 minutes (230 miles) from Hiroshima

    Experience the traditional side of Japan in Kanazawa. Start at the Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens, and visit the nearby Kanazawa Castle. Head to the Higashi Chaya District next and enjoy some matcha and wagashi at a traditional teahouse. End your day at the Nagamachi Samurai District, where you can explore the old Samurai residences.

  6. Day 6: Tokyo
    4 hours (250 miles) from Kanazawa

    End your cultural immersion journey back in Tokyo. Visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and take a stroll through the nearby Harajuku district, famous for its quirky fashion and street food. Head to the Tsukiji Fish Market, the world's largest fish market, and enjoy some fresh sushi for lunch. End your day at the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan, for a panoramic view of the city.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Sensoji Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sukiyabashi Jiro (2-3 hours, ¥40,000+)
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple (1-2 hours, ¥400)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (2-3 hours, free)
  • Gion Kaiseki dinner (2-3 hours, ¥10,000+)
  • Todaiji Temple (1-2 hours, ¥600)
  • Nara Park (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kasuga Taisha Shrine (1-2 hours, free)
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum (2-3 hours, ¥200)
  • Itsukushima Shrine (1-2 hours, ¥300)
  • Okonomimura (1 hour, ¥1000+)
  • Kenrokuen Garden (1-2 hours, ¥310)
  • Kanazawa Castle (1-2 hours, ¥310)
  • Higashi Chaya District tea house (1-2 hours, ¥1000+)
  • Nagamachi Samurai District (1-2 hours, ¥500)
  • Meiji Shrine (1-2 hours, free)
  • Tsukiji Fish Market (1-2 hours, free + cost of food)
  • Tokyo Skytree (1-2 hours, ¥3000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ¥54,120+
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