Comprehensive 15-Day Cultural and Nature Exploration in Japan: From Osaka to Hakuba Village

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Osaka, Japan on June 29, 2025

10:30am

Check-in at hotel in Osaka

Settle in and refresh after arrival at Kansai International Airport, preparing for your cultural journey across Japan.
JPY0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and local street food at this vibrant market open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, perfect for tasting Osaka’s culinary delights.
JPY1500-2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Janjan-Yokocho Shopping Arcade

Explore this nostalgic shopping street, soaking in local atmosphere and traditional shops open till early evening.
JPY0, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kubota Itchicu Art Museum

Explore the exquisite collection of ceramics and art pieces by Kubota Itchicu, open 10:00am-5:00pm, a must-see for art lovers.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Street

Relish local Osaka specialities like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in this lively district, restaurants usually open until 10:00pm.
JPY2000-3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kyoto Cultural Sites

Kyoto, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Kyoto & Breakfast at Your Hotel

Take a 15-minute Shinkansen from Osaka to Kyoto. Have a traditional Japanese breakfast to fuel the day.
JPY1500 (train), 1h

9:30am

Visit Katsuoji Temple

Wander the grounds of this historic temple known for its takarabune boat-shaped objects and beautiful gardens, open 6:30am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

11:00am

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste various local Kyoto snacks and delicacies in the 'Kitchen of Kyoto' open 9:00am-6:00pm.
JPY1500-2500, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Kimono Kodo Pilgrimage route

Discover this cultural pilgrimage route famous for its historical kimono workshops and artisan shops open midday.
JPY0, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Janjan-Yokocho again for local crafts

If missed on Day 1, explore artisan shops and cultural souvenir stores open until early evening.
JPY0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion District

Dine on traditional Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in a historic geisha district; reservations recommended for restaurants open until 9:00pm.
JPY5000-8000, 2h
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Day 3: Art & Tradition

Kyoto, Japan on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Veg Out Cafe Kyoto

Enjoy fresh, healthy breakfast options beside the Kamogawa River, open from 8:00am.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Visit Traditional Silk Production Workshop

Take a guided tour to see how silk is traditionally made in the Kyoto region. Pre-booking is recommended.
JPY2000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Restaurant Kyoto

Savour Kyoto-style udon noodles at this well-regarded restaurant open 11:00am-2:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Abe Family Residence, Hiroshima (travel afternoon)

Travel in the afternoon by Shinkansen to Hiroshima (approx 2h). Check in to hotel and rest.
JPY15000 (train), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner near hotel in Hiroshima

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a local eatery open until 9:00pm.
JPY2000-3000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hiroshima History & Culture

Hiroshima, Japan on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day of exploration.
Included with accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Visit Abe Family Residence (Sunin Hiroshima)

Tour this historical family residence featuring traditional architecture and rich cultural history, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Explore poignant exhibitions commemorating the atomic bombing, open 8:30am-6:00pm.
JPY200, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nagataya Hiroshima

Enjoy local Hiroshima okonomiyaki specialties, popular with both locals and tourists.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Travel to Kanazawa

Set off for Kanazawa by train (4-5 hours). Unwind upon arrival.
JPY15000 (train), 4h30m

7:30pm

Dinner in Kanazawa

Dine at a local izakaya to experience Kanazawa’s fresh seafood, many open until 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kanazawa & Traditional Experiences

Kanazawa, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast to energise before exploring Kanazawa.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Stroll one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, open 7:00am-6:00pm in summer.
JPY320, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Omicho Market

Savour fresh seafood and local delicacies in this vibrant market open daily until 5:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:00pm

Traditional Silk Production Experience

Engage with artisans for a hands-on silk making tour, pre-booking recommended.
JPY2500, 2h

3:30pm

Visit Pichhio Wildlife Research Centre

Explore nature and regional wildlife, ideal for enthusiasts, open until 5:00pm.
JPY800, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at local Kanazawa restaurant

Enjoy kaiseki cuisine focusing on seasonal local ingredients.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 6: Takayama Heritage Tour

Takayama, Japan on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early start with breakfast included to prepare for Takayama journey.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Takayama

Train trip from Kanazawa to Takayama (~2.5 hours) offering scenic views.
JPY5000, 2h30m

11:00am

Explore Takayama Old Town

Wander the preserved streets with historic merchant houses open during daytime.
JPY0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Heianraku Hida Restaurant

Sample local Hida beef from a well-known establishment in Takayama.
JPY2500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Takayama Jinya

Tour this former government building open 8:45am-5:00pm to learn local history.
JPY430, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at a local izakaya

Enjoy local cuisine in a relaxed setting to end the day, many open until 9:00pm.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Yamagata Yamabushi Experience

Yamagata, Japan on July 5, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a full day with a nutritious breakfast.
Included, 1h

7:00am

Travel to Yamagata

Morning journey by train to Yamagata (approx 5 hours including transfers).
JPY15000, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch in Yamagata city

Taste local Yamagata dishes such as imoni stew at a city restaurant open mid-day.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Yamabushi Mountain Priests Cultural Tour

Experience the spiritual practices of Yamabushi mountain priests, tours often run till late afternoon and require advance booking.
JPY4000, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at local Yamagata izakaya

Relax with regional cuisine and sake to conclude the cultural immersion.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Koyasan Spiritual Stay

Koyasan, Japan on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before the journey to Koyasan, traditional Japanese style.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Koyasan

Shinkansen and local trains to Koyasan (approx 4 hours).
JPY9000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch in Koyasan town

Try shojin ryori (vegetarian monk cuisine) at a local restaurant open until 2:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Check-in at Koyasan Shukubo Temple lodging

Experience traditional monastic lodging with rituals, meditation and vegetarian meals included.
JPY15000, Overnight

5:00pm

Participate in evening temple meditation

Join guided meditation with monks, a unique spiritual experience generally starting at 5:00pm.
Included with stay, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at temple

Enjoy shojin ryori prepared by monks, vegetarian and seasonally inspired.
Included with stay, 1h
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Day 9: Onsen & Tradition

Kinosaki Onsen, Japan on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Morning temple service

Participate in early morning prayers with monks at the temple.
Included with stay, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at temple

Enjoy traditional healthy breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Kinosaki Onsen

Train ride to famous hot spring town (~2 hours).
JPY3000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Onsen town

Sample kaiseki-style lunch in one of the many ryokan restaurants open for lunch.
JPY3000, 1h

1:30pm

Enjoy public onsens and stroll the town

Visit different public outdoor hot springs open 7:00am-10:00pm, and walk the historic streets.
JPY800 (onsen pass), 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at local seafood restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood specialties before resting in ryokan or hotel.
JPY4000, 1.5h
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Day 10: Ozu, Ehime Tradition

Ozu, Ehime, Japan on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast to start the day.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ozu

Journey by train to Ozu in Ehime Prefecture (~4 hours).
JPY10000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at local cafe in Ozu

Try local dishes featuring Ehime's fresh ingredients in a quaint cafe.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit historic Abe Family Residence and Ozu Castle

Explore traditional architecture of the Abe family house and Ozu Castle grounds, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY800, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Enjoy Ehime specialties and sake in a welcoming atmosphere.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 11: Miyoshi & Tokushima Vine Bridge

Miyoshi, Tokushima, Japan on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast before journey to Miyoshi.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Miyoshi

Train transfer to Miyoshi, Tokushima Prefecture (~3 hours).
JPY8000, 3h

11:30am

Walk the Miyoshi Vine Bridge (Iya Kazurabashi)

Cross this famous vine suspension bridge, a spectacular sight and a thrilling experience open year-round.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Sample Tokushima’s regional cuisine including sudachi citrus dishes.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Visit local craft shops

Experience traditional craftsmanship unique to the region.
Free entry, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner and rest in Miyoshi

Dine on regional dishes to relax after a day of walking.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 12: Ise Shima Coastal Culture

Ise Shima, Japan on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a fulfilling breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ise Shima

Journey by train towards Ise Shima (~3.5 hours).
JPY8000, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at local seafood restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood catch from Ise Bay.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ise Grand Shrine

Explore Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine, open from sunrise to sunset.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Okage Yokocho

Wander this traditional street filled with shops and eateries, open till early evening.
JPY0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at local ryokan

Try traditional kaiseki dishes in a serene setting.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 13: Hakuba Village Farm Stay

Hakuba Village, Japan on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for travel and a day of rural experiences.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Hakuba Village

Train and bus journey to Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture (~5 hours).
JPY12000, 5h

1:00pm

Farmhouse check-in & lunch

Experience home-cooked farm meal and settle into farm stay accommodations.
Included with stay, 1h

2:30pm

Farm activities

Participate in seasonal farming experiences such as vegetable picking or rice planting.
Included, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at farmhouse

Enjoy fresh ingredients and local flavours in a homely setting.
Included, 1.5h
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Day 14: Hakuba Village & Nature

Hakuba Village, Japan on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at farmhouse

Start the day nourished with fresh farm products.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Nature walk and rice terrace cafe visit

Explore nearby rice terraces and enjoy refreshments at a local cafe, such as Rice Terrace Cafe Isumi Chiba styled but locally available alternatives in Hakuba.
JPY800, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at farmhouse

Relax with a light yet satisfying meal prepared at the farm stay.
Included, 1h

1:30pm

Optional visit to nearby Omori Village

Explore nearby Omori Village known for traditional crafts and rural Japanese life, accessible by local transport.
JPY500, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner and relaxation at farmhouse

Enjoy a comfortable meal and evening in a peaceful farmhouse setting.
Included, 1.5h
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Day 15: Return & Departure

Osaka, Japan on July 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at farmhouse

Final farm breakfast to energise for travel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Osaka

Return trip by train to Osaka (~5 hours) for final night before departure.
JPY12000, 5h

1:00pm

Check-in and lunch near hotel

Settle into Osaka hotel and enjoy lunch at a local eatery serving Osaka specialities.
JPY2000, 1h

3:00pm

Last minute shopping or sightseeing in Osaka

Explore shopping around Shinsaibashi or visit Osaka Castle if time allows (castle open 9:00am-5:00pm).
JPY600 (castle entry), 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Celebrate your final night sampling delicious Osakan cuisine.
JPY3000, 2h
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