Kyoto to Osaka; the long way 'round

The fastest and most direct way to Kyoto station is the JR Haruka Limited Express train, taking about 80 minutes.

Home of the great bamboo forest - if you do have the chance and would like to flip the itinerary, it's also very beautiful when it's lit up at night. Also, this is a great area for snacks and souvenirs ! Tip for sore feet - try to find the hot foot bath facing the river with a view of Togetsukyo bridge !

A temple of the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism.

Well worth the extra trip deeper into the area north of Arashiyama, pictured are the 1200 Rakan statues represeting the Buddha's disciples. Check out the buses that go directly to this temple.

Just look at those fall colours ! The area is beautiful in any season but you won't believe your eyes if you visit in fall.

One of the many hidden temples in the area. If you have the time the walk up to the temple is so nice, and the views from the wooden platform are stunning !

One of the things Kyoto is famous for is broth, and this place takes it to a new level. Highly recommended for a lunch menu that brings out dish after dish of fresh delicacies, ending in a round plate with small treats to be enjoyed clockwise. A true foodie's heaven.

Next up we're making our way to Teramachi in Kawaramachi. Take some time to wander around and shop some great Kyoto souvenirs.

A great vegan restaurant above an amazing shop with home items, vintage clothing and more.

Putting this in for all the matcha lovers - please do not miss out on their matcha roll cake set.

A taste of old Kyoto, feel free to get lost for a bit.

We're moving right on over Kamo river into Gion, this is the most beautiful bridge in the city if you ask me...

So pretty in the evening. Use the rest of the day for a nice dinner in the area and getting lost in the streets of Gion. Let's be respectful of the artists if we are lucky enough to spot them.

We recommend a tour of the grounds so you won't miss out on any details or explanation on this iconic site. The full hike up and down the mountain should take around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how long you stop to take in the views.

Great variety of dishes for a hearty lunch after the hike.

Scenic former railway track, especially beautiful in spring !

Roman-style aqueducts that make for a great photo spot, make sure to explore the top as well but as always, look out for monkeys.

This whole area is full of Japanese gardens and temples, make sure to explore as many as you can !

You do not want to miss this whole area in the autumn, the gardens, the temples, it's an experience. The grounds are pretty in every season though, and make for a great stroll.

Finally, we make our way to the Philosopher's path, which you absolutely don't want to miss out on when the Sakura are in bloom. Stroll along the river and make a stop at Ginkakuji if you have the time.

We're starting off by exploring the folk craft of the area, housed in a renovated rice storehouse from the late Edo period. Although you won't be able to go in for a while, I'm sure the canal and old stone houses have you reaching for your camera...

You'd be surprised how they fit all those toys in this small house.

A small, surprisingly charming museum with a beautiful garden.

The first collection of Western art to be permanently exhibited in Japan !

If you're staying at the hotel located here, you're already very familiar with this place.

Time to give the museums a break and fuel up for some more exploring.

Why not take a leisurely boat ride down the canal?

You can spend hours exploring the bridges, houses, flora, fauna and details waiting for you in this stunning garden.

For all you sweets lovers out there, it's time for a coffee break.

Where you can pick up a brand new pair of jeans. Welcome to the birthplace of domestically produced jeans !

We start off by exploring Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's many world Heritage sites. Check tide times if possible, high tide offers the classic floating view, while low tide allows you to walk close to the torii in the water.

A Buddhist temple on a hill with great views, surrounded by a lush forest - be prepared for lots of walking and many steps !

You can also stop by at a local restaurant and taste the delicious eel and oysters, truly a local delicacy.

Stroll around for some souvenirs and enjoy the free roaming deer, but don't forget to try the grilled oysters !

Worth the trip up the mountain if only for the view from the ropeway !

This temple hosts the "eternal flame", lit by the great Buddhist teacher Kobo daishi - it was used to light the Peace Flame of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Legend has it the flame has been burning for 1200 years...

A peace park dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945.

The building found itself closest to the hypocenter of the atomic bomb, but miraculously survived the blast. It now stands as a symbol of nuclear devastation and a plea for world peace.

Established in 1955, the museum displays artifacts from the atomic bombing, eyewitness accounts, personal belongings of victims and other information related to that fateful day. Documenting the horror of that fateful day in the hope that the world will never see a similar event again.

While in Hiroshima, do try their soul food, the Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki, and compare it to other regions.

It has the friendly nickname of "Carp Castle" (Rijo) due to the carp in its moats, see if you can spot them.

Try the tea ceremony held in the garden teahouse between 9am and 5pm.

Today's all about settling in and exploring the city at a leisurely pace. Here we have a city within a city with hundreds of restaurants, shops complete with its own canal.

I bet you're hungry after all that shopping, I hope you took a café break somewhere in the complex - why not try tonkotsu ramen for a taste of the local flavours?

A site in Fukuoka many visitors miss, but try to make your way to this temple that invites you to experience a rare blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions.

Before making our way to the local art museum, have a stroll through the beautiful park nearby.

Perfect for a rainy day, or simply for museum lovers, expect a mix of Western and Asian art.

Start the day bright and early with a ferry ride to Nokonoshima Island and bask in the glow of the seasonal flowers and views over Hakata bay. For families, the island offers a Mini-Zoo where you can pet and feed rabbits and goats, an athletic Course with wooden equipment and even Nokonoko Ball.

For all you bike lovers out there, try renting a bike and exploring this beautiful area at your own pace.

If you do have some time left, you can always go to Nanzo-in temple to visit one of the world’s largest bronze reclining Buddhas.

No better way to start the day than in beautiful Glover Garden. Built by Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover, the space is beautifully designed where you walk around exceptionally well preserved Western houses, in a large area with beautiful squares, statues, and nature. You really get a sense of the time in Japan's history where the country is starting to open up to foreign influence after its isolationist policy, and it serves as a nice introductory course to this era of the city.

Considered the oldest standing Christian church in Japan, the admission is a bit steep but it includes admission to the incredibly informative museum about the history of Christianity in Japan.

You can get great souvenirs on Glover street, but no matter what you do - you have to try this pudding!

Where we continue to learn about the history of the city and its role in connecting Japan to the world while it was closed off and isolated.

A delicacy of Nagasaki, and these are the masters.

Take a stroll around the area and make sure to stop and take in Spectacles bridge, I'm sure you can see where this famous landmark gets its name.

I can't think of anything better than Matcha Tiramisu... if you're anything like me, you must stop by here.

Huge Buddhist temple you can visit to marvel at the architecture and escape the crowds for a while.

A small museum dedicated to the Nagasaki native Sakamoto Ryoma.

We're starting the day at the Hypocenter Monument, where you will be able to see the remnants of a concrete wall of Urakami Cathedral on the right hand side. Notice the bricks laid around the moment in a circle growing outwards, representing the ripple effect of the blast. Go down to the river to see rubber and melted artifacts from the time of the bombing, conserved behind a glass window.

Don't skip this part of the route a few minutes walk away from the epicenter, where you can find a museum dedicated to the pupils and staff of this elementary school closest to the atomic blast.

The Peace Statue is one of the most emotive pieces in the area - you see how the figure has its eyes closed in prayer, with one hand pointing at the sky from where the bomb suddenly dropped on the unsuspecting inhabitants below, and the other arm stretches out in a gesture of peace. Reminiscent of the Buddha in a half meditative pose with one leg on the ground as if to signify motion and a call to action and rebuild.

The original building was destroyed in the blast, the only remainder the wall you saw on the right hand side of the epicenter monument. The new building houses many monuments from the original church, including a toppled over former belfry on the left hand side.

If you still have time before lunch, check out this museum dedicated to Dr. Takashi Nagai, a Roman Catholic who, although exposed to the bombing and seriously injured, dedicated his life to assist the victims and study diseases from the aftermath of the atomic bombing.

Delicious home made Japanese curry, it's a small place so make sure to get here before the noon rush !

You should plan for around 2-3 hours for exploring the vast grounds of the museum and taking in information about the atomic blast and its effects on the city and its inhabitants. The hyper realistic wax figure display has been removed but the items on display and first hand stories are bound to impact you for life.

You can take the tram to the closest station and walk over to witness the one legged Torii, damaged in the atomic blast.

For those who have the time to visit a rather interesting temple on their march across town, I present to you - Fukusaiji....

A last piece of atomic bomb history, do try to make your way to this old air-raid shelter preserved from since the days of the war.

As an alternative, start the day in Iojima island to explore nature, cycle, lay on the beach or take a dip in the onsen.

If you didn't manage to book your guided trip to Gunkanjima island, or would like even more information on this fascinating place, visit the Digital Museum.

The grounds themselves are so aesthetically pleasing and the museum makes for a nice stop through this area.

Amazing cafe for a quick stop and a rest before or after visiting the museum.

We're winding down and making our way to higher ground, but you have an option of a cable car or ropeway up to the highest point of Mt. Inasa where you will have incredible views of the city.

End the day soaking in the lights of Nagasaki chinatown. This is a great spot for souvenirs and tasty bites!

There's a lot to take in, so why not join a guided tour to learn more?

Don't let the name fool you, "Sea Hell" or Umi Jigoku is just one of the breathtaking onsen in the area. As the name does suggest though, there's no dipping your toes in...

I know you didn't come to Japan for the crocodiles but go ahead, it's quite something...

Steep yourself in knowledge and history before taking on the hot springs!

Steam your own lunch adventure !

Traditional onsen with a long history, where you can even take a sand bath...

Don't forget to hydrate between dips !

Maybe try a rotenburo, an open air onsen !

Or a mud bath !

We're putting this at the top to make sure we make time for this gem of a landscape garden - they even have a teahouse that accepts reservations for breakfast and lunch (via phone, japanese only).

Do make sure to visit the Castle Park, but keep in mind that most of the original structures are lost to time...

Did you know that Takamatsu is famous for their Udon? They use a specific type of wheat, which has been traditionally grown in Kagawa Prefecture...

If you do have the time, or are tired of castles by now, make your way over to Shikoku Village - an open air museum filled with ancient buildings that were moved here and reassembled for preservation.

Take the ferry from Takamatsu Port, making sure to get a copy of the ferry schedule as you don't want to miss the last ferry back (usually at 17:00 PM).

For those of you in need of breakfast, look no further.

Explore the many, many art museum and exhibitions at will - you can rent a bike to ride around the island, or take the bus to get around.

Tasty izakaya style Japanese bites.

Picture time! Note that from here you have to get off the island bus and wait for a designated shuttle bus that takes you beyond this point.

Museum/hotel designed by Tadao Ando.

A personal favorite !

Today's main event - don't forget to schedule your visit on the official website before you go!

One of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, where you can find high fashion, gourmet restaurants, traditional crafts and more!

See what the cool kids are into these days with a trip to America-mura, discover trendy fashion, music, cafes, street art, and visit the central Sankaku Koen.

When in Osaka, you have to taste their Okonomiyaki!

Hard to find a more emblematic backstage for Osaka city

Might we suggest a nice river cruise in the heart of the city?

Pay your respects to the green moss covered Buddha, and relax away from the bustle of the city

Traveler tip: this is different from Nara station so make sure to have a strong cup of coffee/matcha before departing from Osaka Namba station

Buy some Deer crackers and don't forget to bow before feeding the deer, and do keep in mind these are wild animals so look after your small children if you have them!

Home of the Great Buddha of Nara.

If you are able to visit after dark, there are lanterns that light up the area creating a beautiful atmosphere.

I bet you've worked this out by now but maguro = tuna :)

A personal favorite for smaller groups

There can never be too many stone lanters, and this Shrine proves it....

Don't miss the Nara Craft Museum, especially the gift shop!

Try your hand at Mochi pounding, I mean, when else will you get the chance?

For local delicacies!

Do visit if you're ok with crowds and want to try to grab some fresh street food from tuna to wagyu beef

The highest skyscraper in Japan!

While you're here, feel free to stop by at the art musem, or do some shopping in the complex.

Stroll around the park and work up an appetite before dinner

Why not end on a high note and ride the Ferris wheel to soak in the city one last time...

Where you'll find the Tsutenkaku Tower. If you have the time before your flight, the night vibe is amazing.

Look no further if you want to get a good bargain at over 250 international outlet stores.