12-Day Interactive Japan Nature and Culture Immersion Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Local Flavors

Osaka, Japan

11:30AM

Check-in to Hotel

Settle into your accommodation in Osaka and freshen up after your flight.
Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel in central Osaka.
JP¥12000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Savor the famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki at Dotonbori while conversing with friendly street food vendors.
Walk or take the subway to Dotonbori.
JP¥1500, 2 hours

3:00PM

Cooking Class

Join a local cooking class to learn how to make traditional Japanese dishes from enthusiastic local chefs.
Attend a morning cooking class arranged in the local area.
JP¥6000, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Enjoy a hearty dinner at a local izakaya where you can practice your language skills with locals.
Walk to a nearby izakaya.
JP¥4000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Connections

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nara

Catch an early train to Nara to maximize your day.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka.
JP¥560, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha and engage with local visitors and monks at Todai-ji Temple.
Walk from Nara Station.
JP¥600, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Nara Park

Stroll through Nara Park, striking up conversations with friendly deer and fellow tourists.
Walk through the park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Interact with locals while enjoying a traditional meal such as kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi).
Walk to a local restaurant nearby.
JP¥1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Guided Temple Tour with a Local

Join a local guide for a detailed tour of Kasuga-taisha Shrine, learning about its history and mythology firsthand.
Walk to Kasuga-taisha.
JP¥1000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka, ready for your next journey.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line back to Osaka.
JP¥560, 45 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Shinsekai

Try the local dish kushikatsu, discussing cooking secrets with restaurant staff.
Take a subway to Shinsekai.
JP¥3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Lakeside Interactions

Kawaguchiko, Japan

7:00AM

Travel to Kawaguchiko

Take the Shinkansen and local train to reach the beautiful lake area.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Otsuki, transfer to Fujikyu Railway.
JP¥7000, 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Check into Hotel

Arrive and settle into a lakeside hotel with optional guided tours available.
Walk to your selected hotel nearby the lake.
JP¥15000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Lake Kawaguchi

Take a leisurely walk by Lake Kawaguchi and take photos with locals to capture memories.
Walk to the lakeshore.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kawaguchiko Restaurant

Savor a delicious meal featuring fresh fish from the lake and engage with the owners to learn about local fishing traditions.
Dine at a lakeside restaurant.
JP¥2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Cultural Experience at Fuji-Q Highland Park

Enjoy thrilling rides and engage with international tourists while soaking in stunning views of Mt. Fuji.
Catch a bus from the lake to Fuji-Q Highland.
JP¥6500, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner with Locals

Dine at a community-themed restaurant where you can join local families for a meal.
Walk back to the restaurant.
JP¥3500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Natural Wonders

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Board a local train to reach Hakone, famous for its hot springs.
Take the local train from Kawaguchiko to Hakone.
JP¥1500, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Admire art installations while chatting with local artists and other visitors.
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway and walk to the museum.
JP¥1600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Hakone

Enjoy a meal featuring black eggs cooked in the volcanic hot springs while speaking with locals about the area’s unique geography.
Dine at a local restaurant nearby.
JP¥2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax in Onsen

Unwind in traditional onsen hot springs, meeting locals who visit regularly.
Book a session at a nearby onsen.
JP¥3000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner with Locals

Feast on fresh seafood and tempura while enjoying friendly conversations among diners at a local izakaya.
Visit a lakeside restaurant.
JP¥4000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Urban Explorations

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Tokyo

Catch the Shinkansen to Tokyo and be prepared for a day of exploration and interaction.
Take the Shinkansen from Hakone to Tokyo.
JP¥3000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Start your day at Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, taking time to share your culture with fellow visitors.
Take the subway to Asakusa Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Nakamise Shopping Street

Shop for traditional snacks and souvenirs, engaging with shop owners and fellow tourists.
Walk down Nakamise.
Variable, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch in Akihabara

Indulge in themed cafés or delicious sushi while mingling with locals and tourists alike.
Take the subway to Akihabara.
JP¥3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Stroll through the peaceful forest to the shrine, exchanging greetings with other visitors.
Take the subway to Harajuku.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping in Shibuya

Experience the bustling atmosphere of Shibuya and engage with shopkeepers as you peruse unique goods.
Take the subway to Shibuya.
Variable, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner in Shinjuku

Enjoy a vibrant izakaya experience, sharing small dishes and drinks with new friends you make at the bar.
Take the subway to Shinjuku.
JP¥4000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Mountain Adventures

Nagano, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nagano

Catch the Shinkansen to Nagano, known for its beautiful mountain landscapes.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano.
JP¥5000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Zenko-ji Temple

Explore the historical Zenko-ji Temple and interact with local monks and worshippers.
Walk from Nagano Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch in Nagano

Enjoy local soba noodles while conversing with the friendly staff at a noodle shop.
Dine at a traditional soba restaurant.
JP¥1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Matsumoto Castle

Travel to Matsumoto Castle and engage with local guides sharing their stories of this historic site.
Take a local train to Matsumoto.
JP¥1000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Nagano

Head back to Nagano and check in for your overnight stay.
Take the train back to Nagano.
JP¥1000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner in Nagano

Experience regional cuisine while discussing local culture with new acquaintances at a Japanese restaurant.
Visit a nearby restaurant.
JP¥3500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Art and Tradition

Kanazawa, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Board the limited express train for a scenic ride to Kanazawa, known for its arts and crafts.
Take the express train from Nagano to Kanazawa.
JP¥5000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Explore one of Japan's most beautiful gardens and chat with local gardeners about seasonal activities.
Walk from Kanazawa Station.
JP¥310, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kanazawa Castle

Admire the beautiful architecture and engage with local guides explaining its significance.
Walk to Kanazawa Castle.
JP¥500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Higashi Chaya District

Savor traditional sweets and matcha while talking to tea house owners about Kanazawa's tea culture.
Walk to Higashi Chaya.
JP¥2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit 21st Century Museum

Discover contemporary art and speak with artists showcasing their work at this renowned museum.
Walk to the museum.
JP¥1000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Kanazawa Station

Prepare for your next leg as you interact with locals making their daily commute.
Walk back to Kanazawa Station.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Indulge in Kanazawa's seafood specialties, chatting with chefs to learn about the day's fresh catch.
Visit a nearby izakaya.
JP¥4000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Historical Interactions

Shirakawa-go, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Shirakawa-go

Venture by bus to the UNESCO-protected village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses.
Catch the bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go.
JP¥3500, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Shirakawa-go

Wander through the village and chat with the locals about their unique lifestyle and traditions.
Walk around the village.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Savor hida beef or soba while sharing a table with friendly locals, exchanging stories.
Dine at a village eatery.
JP¥2000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Wada House

Explore the historical Wada House, learning from the caretaker about its architecture and history.
Walk to the house.
JP¥500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Travel to Takayama

Travel by bus to Takayama, known for its well-preserved old towns.
Catch the bus to Takayama.
JP¥2000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check into your Ryokan

Experience a traditional ryokan stay, enjoying hospitality and local customs.
Walk to your ryokan.
JP¥18000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Ryokan

Indulge in a kaiseki dinner with seasonal ingredients while engaging with the ryokan owners.
Dine at the ryokan.
JP¥8000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cultural Heritage

Takayama, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Takayama Jinya

Discover Takayama's historical government building, engaging with local historians about its significance.
Walk to Takayama Jinya.
JP¥300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Old Town

Wander through the well-preserved streets of Takayama, chatting with shop owners and locals.
Explore by foot.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Local Soba Restaurant

Enjoy soba noodles at a renowned soba restaurant while discussing local culinary traditions.
Dine in the old town.
JP¥1800, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Hida Folk Village

Step into the past by exploring this open-air museum and chatting with demonstrators about traditional crafts.
Take a bus to the folk village.
JP¥600, 2 hours

3:30PM

Travel to Takashima

Take local transport towards Takashima, stopping to chat with locals for recommendations.
Catch a bus to Takashima.
JP¥1500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Check-in to your Hotel

Settle into your coastal hotel, perhaps exchanging pleasantries with the staff.
Walk to your hotel in Takashima.
JP¥12000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner with Ocean View

Enjoy fresh seafood while talking with locals about life by the sea.
Dine at the hotel restaurant.
JP¥5000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Coastal Encounters

Takashima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel, interacting with other guests over fresh local produce.
Have breakfast in the hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax on the Beach

Spend the morning exploring beautiful beaches while meeting locals enjoying leisurely activities.
Walk to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Cafe

Indulge in fresh seafood or light sandwiches while chatting with cafe owners about local fishing practices.
Dine at a local beach café.
JP¥2000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Local Markets

Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs while engaging with vendors about their crafts.
Walk to the market area.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Travel to Kyoto

Take a local train to Kyoto, using this travel time to converse with your fellow passengers.
Catch a train from Takashima to Kyoto.
JP¥3000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gion

Experience traditional kaiseki cuisine in the historic Gion district, discussing local history with your host.
Walk to Gion district.
JP¥8000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Cultural Wonders

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the Golden Pavilion and connect with other visitors regarding the beauty and history of the site.
Take a bus or taxi to Kinkaku-ji.
JP¥400, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through towering bamboo groves, sharing experiences with fellow visitors about their journeys.
Take a train or taxi to Arashiyama.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch by the River

Enjoy yudofu (tofu hot pot) while speaking with local diners about Kyoto's culinary traditions.
Dine at a riverside restaurant.
JP¥2500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike the trails with their thousands of red torii gates, chatting with other hikers about personal experiences.
Take the train to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Philosopher's Path

Stroll along this picturesque canal path while having conversations with fellow walkers about the cherry blossoms.
Take a bus or walk to the path.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Enjoy vibrant street food while actively chatting with the local vendors about their culinary creations.
Walk to Nishiki Market.
JP¥3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Historical Reflections

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Board the Shinkansen towards Hiroshima, a city rich with history.
Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima.
JP¥10500, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, connecting with visitors to discuss the park's impact.
Take a bus or walk to the park.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a famous food court while interacting with the chefs about their specialties.
Walk to Okonomimura.
JP¥1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Discover Hiroshima Castle and its beautiful gardens while chatting with local guides about its history.
Take a bus or walk to the castle.
JP¥600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Free Time for Shopping

Enjoy some last-minute shopping while exchanging final goodbyes with friendly shop owners.
Explore through central Hiroshima.
Variable, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner

Savor your last meal in Japan with a special celebratory dinner, discussing your trip with fellow diners.
Select a local restaurant for your final dinner.
JP¥5000, 2 hours

10:00PM

Return to Hotel

Prepare for departure in the morning, reflecting on the connections made with the locals.
Walk back to the hotel.
Free, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability