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Sumo in Osaka, Tastes of Kobe & Highlights from Himeji & Okayama
On this part of my trip, I squeezed in a little bit of everything—from the spectacle of sumo wrestling in Osaka to tasting melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef, and day trips to Himeji and Okayama. It was a quick itinerary, but full of great food, history, and a few surprises. Here’s a look at the highlights.







Osaka was my next destination on my 20-day journey through Japan 🌸, covering days 12 to 14.
This was after ‘My stay at a Buddhist Temple in Koyasan‘.

But, before we jump into the itinerary and map for my 3-day Osaka and beyond adventure, I recommend checking out my Osaka Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go. It includes essential tips, cultural insights, and practical advice that will help you navigate your first visit.
Additionally, if you require some practical information about the country, please read my post, Japan Tourist Information.
Here is the list of everything you will find in this article:
✨ Get the free Japan Travel Planner:
- Organise a multi-city Japan trip with ease
- Perfect for cherry blossom season planning
- Comes with a 9-email itinerary series
A. MAP – Sumo in Osaka, Tastes of Kobe & Highlights from Himeji & Okayama
Here is the map of my three-day itinerary for visiting Osaka, Kobe, Himeji and Okayama.
Each day is colour-coded and numbered to indicate the order in which the sites are to be visited.
For accommodation, I picked the Smile Hotel Shin-Osaka because it’s very close to the Shin-Osaka Station, the departure point of the bullet train (Shinkansen). It made hopping over to nearby cities a breeze and saved a ton of time!

B. ITINERARY – Sumo in Osaka, Tastes of Kobe & Highlights from Himeji & Okayama
This part of my trip began in Osaka, but it was much more than just a city break. Between watching sumo, exploring Osaka Castle, and indulging in Kobe’s culinary delights, I also made time for trips to Himeji and Okayama.
Here’s a glimpse into my adventure covering the must-see sights and experiences.
DAY 1 – Sumo in Osaka + Highlights

I arrived in Osaka (大阪) on the morning of the 12th day of my trip around Japan, following a night spent at a Buddhist temple in Koyasan. What an incredible experience that was! If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out my post titled Koyasan: My Stay at a Buddhist Temple in Japan.
With a population of over 2.7 million (as of 2024), Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and one of the most vibrant in the country. It is also one of the country’s most important ports and industrial centres.
Known for its modern attractions and rich history, Osaka is often referred to as the Kitchen of Japan, and it has a unique food culture.
⭐ Osaka Highlights I


⏩ My first stop was the Gate Tower Building, just a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station.
1.1 Gate Tower Building

The Gate Tower Building (ゲートタワービル) is a unique spot because it has a highway running directly through it!
It’s situated between Osaka Station and Fukushima Station. The design is awe-inspiring, showcasing some remarkable engineering, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in architecture.
Even with its unusual setup, the building features offices and shops within, reflecting the city’s innovative approach to urban development.
1.2 Umeda Sky Building

Next, a 12-minute walk took me to the Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル), which offers spectacular 360-degree views of the city from its Floating Garden Observatory.
🕤 Open daily: 09:30–22:30 (last entry at 22:00).
The building’s design is a sight to behold, and the underground Takimi Koji Alley offers a nostalgic glimpse into the Showa era, featuring a fantastic selection of gourmet restaurants.



Perfect place to stop for LUNCH 😋
✳️ Recommendation to eat / drink:

I stopped at Katsudon—cosy spot with a retro vibe and seriously good tonkatsu. A must if you’re craving classic Japanese comfort food in Osaka!

After picking up my luggage from Osaka Station, I checked into my hotel before heading out to explore the historic Shitennoji Temple.
Note: In my previous post, Koyasan: My Stay at a Buddhist Temple in Japan, I explained that I left my heavy suitcase in one of the lockers at the station and travelled light, just with a small backpack, for my one-night stay at the temple.
1.3 Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple (住吉三神), one of Japan’s oldest temples, was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who introduced Buddhism to Japan.
The temple, despite multiple reconstructions over the centuries, maintains its original 6th-century design.
🕣 Open: 08:30–16:00h
1.4 Shinsekai


A short walk took me to Shinsekai (新世界), which translates to “New World” in English, a district that mixes Western and Japanese elements, founded in 1912. It’s a place full of restaurants, bars, and traditional eateries.
The 103-metre-tall Tsutenkaku Tower (modelled after the Eiffel Tower) offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It has been a symbol of Osaka since its completion in 1956, although it was initially built in 1912.

It’s also home to Spa World, a large bath complex featuring several pools and floors with distinct European and Asian themes.
1.5 Namba Yasaka

My next stop was Namba Yasaka Shrine (難波八阪神社), a hidden gem renowned for its gigantic lion-shaped stage, which is said to “swallow evil spirits” and bring good luck, particularly in business and academic endeavours.
Whether you believe in it or not, the shrine’s uniqueness makes it worth a quick visit.
It is open from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free.
⭐ SUMO Show

My evening reached its peak with a thrilling Sumo Show at THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA, located in Namba Parks, an extensive shopping and entertainment complex with a unique architectural design, including rooftop gardens.


Sumo is Japan’s national sport, and no trip to the country would be complete without experiencing it firsthand. With six major tournaments held annually across Japan, it’s always worth checking the schedule on the official Japan Sumo Association website to plan your visit.
I had just missed the Osaka tournament by a few days, but I wasn’t about to leave Japan without seeing some live sumo. Instead of attending a tournament, I decided to experience a live performance featuring former sumo wrestlers, and I’m so glad I did. The show was not only incredibly entertaining but also educational, with explanations about the rules and history of the sport.


Now, I’ll admit: these performances are clearly designed for tourists, and typically, I’d shy away from things like this. But getting the chance to see sumo up close and even interact with the wrestlers added a layer of authenticity that made the experience truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a die-hard sumo fan or just curious, it’s a fun and unique way to immerse yourself in one of Japan’s most iconic traditions.
Here, there is a glimpse:
You can book yours through Viator:
⭐ Osaka Highlights II

After the show, it’s time for a stroll around the well-known districts nearby:
1.6 Minami (Namba)


First, I wandered through the vibrant Namba (難波) district, one of Osaka’s most famous and exciting districts, packed with shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment.
1.7 Nipponbashi Denden Town

Nipponbashi Denden Town (でんでんタウン). It’s Osaka’s Akihabara, a place full of anime, manga, gaming, and electronics.
1.8 Kuromon Ichiba

Kuromon Ichiba, or Kuromon Market (黒門市場), is a market specialised in fresh and street food. It features over 150 stalls selling local specialities.
1.9 Dotonbori

Dotonbori (道頓堀) is a district named after the Dotonbori Canal, which runs through it, adding to its distinct atmosphere.
Famous for neon lights and street food, it’s a must-see area for food lovers. The famous Glico Running Man and Kani Doraku Crab are must-see landmarks.


It was the perfect place to have dinner. You can indulge in Osaka’s signature street food like Takoyaki (octopus balls) and Okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes).

Two other significant landmarks in Dotonbori are:
- Ebisu Bridge (戎橋). The bridge connects the Shinsaibashi area to Dotonbori, offering a great view of the canal and its vibrant surroundings.

- Shinsaibashi Shopping Street (心斎橋筋). It’s Osaka’s most famous shopping street, with a mix of modern and traditional retail. It spans 600m and is fully covered.

After such an action-packed day, it’s time to head back to the hotel and unwind with a well-deserved rest. 🛌
DAY 2 – Highlights from Himeji & Tastes of Kobe

As usual, I woke up early to make the most of the new day.

I took the Sanyo Shinkansen, fully covered by my JR Regional Pass, and 34 minutes later, I arrived in Himeji. Located near Osaka and Kyoto, it’s a popular stopover on the Sanyo Shinkansen line.

⭐ Himeji


Himeji (姫路市), with a population of half a million, is the second-largest city in Hyōgo Prefecture after Kobe. It’s a city known for its iconic Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japan’s largest castle.
Instead of starting my day with a visit to the castle, I opted to head straight to Engyoji Temple, located about 8 km from Himeji Station. In hindsight, it might not have been the best choice. While the temple offered a peaceful, crowd-free experience, the crowds that followed at Himeji Castle were a different story (I’ll explain more about that later).
After a short bus ride and a scenic ropeway trip, I arrived at Engyoji Temple, situated beautifully on Mount Shosha.


🤑 Pro tip: You can save a bit by purchasing a combined bus + ropeway ticket, the Shosha Ropeway Set Ticket, for ¥1,700 at the Shinki Bus Himeji Station Information Centre.
2.1 Engyoji Temple

Perched on the serene slopes of Mount Shosha (371 metres), Engyoji Temple (書写山円教寺) offers breathtaking views of both the surrounding countryside and the city of Himeji.
Founded in 966, it belongs to the Tendai Buddhist sect and has a rich history. The temple is also recognised as a filming location for the 2003 movie The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise.
The temple complex itself is large, with multiple buildings and a serene courtyard.
✴️ Highlights:
- Niomon Gate: The main entrance, flanked by two fierce Nio guardian statues that protect the temple grounds.

- Maniden: The most famous temple hall, made of wood and elegantly constructed on pillars atop a steep slope.


- Mitsunodo: A set of three large temple halls: the Daikodo (main hall), the Jikido (originally a dormitory, now housing Buddhist statues and exhibits), and the Jogyodo (a gymnasium).



- Okunoin (Inner Sanctuary): Located on the western side of the mountain, it comprises several buildings, including Fudōdō, Gohōdō, Kaizandō, and Haiden. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Himeji.

🕣 Open: 08:30 – 17:00.
⏩ After my visit, I took the ropeway and bus back down to the city centre for a well-deserved lunch.
🥢 LUNCH: Himeji’s local specialities include Himeji Oden (a hot pot served with ginger soy sauce) and Anago (saltwater eel).


2.2 Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle (姫路城), Japan’s largest and one of its most stunning castles, is a hirayama-jiro type, located on a hill surrounded by sprawling plains.
Originally constructed as a fort in 1333, Toyotomi Hideyoshi expanded the structure into a formidable three-story castle in 1581.


By the Edo period, it had become a key centre of feudal governance, and in the Meiji period, it briefly served as the headquarters of the Imperial army, surviving a proposed demolition due to its historical significance.
Today, Himeji Castle stands as one of only 12 original castles in Japan to have been preserved, surviving the WWII bombings, earthquakes, and fires.
Known as “White Heron Castle” for its striking white exterior, the castle is both a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1993).
The top floor offers panoramic views of the city, and during cherry blossom season, the castle’s interior gardens—home to over 1,000 cherry trees—transform into a breathtaking visual spectacle.


However, as I mentioned earlier in the day, I regret visiting Engyoji Temple before the castle. By the time I reached Himeji Castle in the afternoon, it was incredibly crowded. The halls were so packed that moving from one room to another required waiting for people to clear out before proceeding. Climbing all six floors was challenging, and after standing still for what felt like an eternity on one of the higher levels, I decided to leave. It was disappointing, as I had hoped to fully experience the beauty of this historic site.


🕘 Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
2.3 Kokoen Garden

After escaping the crowds within Himeji Castle, I found a peaceful retreat next door at Kokoen Garden (好古園), a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden opened in 1992 to commemorate the centenary of Himeji City.
Kokoen is composed of nine distinct walled gardens, each thoughtfully designed in a different style reminiscent of the Edo period. From the Garden with a Hill and Pond to the Tea Ceremony Garden, the Garden of Pine Trees, the Bamboo Garden, and the Garden of Flowers, each garden beautifully represents Japan’s four seasons.




⏩ From Himeji, I headed to Kobe (神戸) to experience the city’s famous Kobe Beef.
I just hopped again onto the Sanyo Shinkansen from Himeji Station to Shin-Kobe Station. My JR Regional Pass allowed me to be there in only 23 minutes. Honestly, it takes me longer to choose a Netflix show. Japan’s trains? Unbeatable.

⭐ Kobe


Kobe (神戸) is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan’s ten largest cities. It’s tucked between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, giving it a really unique atmosphere — both urban and laid-back.
As Japan’s third-largest port city (after Tokyo and Yokohama), Kobe has long been a gateway for international influences.

Sadly, it’s also remembered for the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, a 7.3 magnitude disaster that claimed over 6,400 lives. The city has since rebuilt and redefined itself — it’s resilient and full of character.
2.4 Kobe Harboland

My first stop was Kobe Harborland (神戸ハーバーランド). It is one of the most scenic spots in the city, right along the waterfront. It’s perfect for strolling, shopping, grabbing a bite, or just relaxing with a view — especially at sunset, when the lights start reflecting off the water.
Don’t miss The Mosaic, where you’ll find cafés, souvenir shops, and a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the bay.

2.5 Nankinmachi (Kobe’s Chinatown)



About a 22-minute walk from Harboland is Nankinmachi. Kobe’s Chinatown is compact but bursting with life — and flavour.
This is one of the three main Chinatowns in Japan, and it’s filled with street food stalls, bold red lanterns, and a fun mix of Chinese and Japanese culture.
Look out for the three colourful gates that mark its entrances: Kaieimon (south), Seianmon (west), and Choanmon (east). If you’re a street food fan, you’ll want to snack your way through here.
2.6 Sake Time: Nada District

If you’re into sake — or just curious — this area is a must. Nada district (灘) is Japan’s top sake-producing region, stretching about 3 km across the city. Many breweries in the area offer tastings, and some even feature on-site museums. A couple of good ones:
- Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum (est. 1743): Great English explanations and free tastings. Open 09:30–16:30.
- Sakuramasamune Museum Sakuraen (founded in 1625): One of the oldest in the area. Open 10:00–19:00, but English information is limited.
2.7 The Main Event: Kobe Beef Dinner

Honestly, I’m not a big meat-eater, but no visit to Japan is complete without trying Kobe beef in its hometown. Known as one of the most expensive meats, it’s best enjoyed where it originated. Kobe beef in Kobe — a bucket-list meal.
🍽️ That’s why I booked Kobe Steak Restaurant Royal Mouriya. Mouriya is one of the oldest Kobe beef restaurants in town, and it did not disappoint.


Perfectly marbled, melt-in-your-mouth beef grilled right in front of you — it’s pricey, but absolutely worth it. And, they also have other things on the menu.



If you’re into food, this is the kind of experience that stays with you.
🥩✨ Difference between Kobe beef and Wagyu


Here’s a quick rundown:
- Wagyu simply means “Japanese cow” and includes four specific breeds.
- Kobe beef comes exclusively from Tajima-breasted cows, which are raised in the Hyogo region by certified farmers. To be labelled as Kobe, the meat must have a marbling score of at least 6 and be graded A or B.
Basically, all Kobe beef is Wagyu, but not all Wagyu is Kobe.
What sets Kobe beef apart is its marbling—the streaks of fat throughout the meat. To qualify, the fat percentage must be over 72% (grade A) or between 69% and 72% (grade B). Kobe beef typically scores between 4 and 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 for quality.
⏩ After dinner, it’s time to go back to Osaka. To do so, I took the Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Kobe Station to Shin-Osaka Station (all covered by my JR Pass). And less than 30 minutes later, I was checking into my hotel. A smooth ride, a calm evening, and a well-earned rest after a full day of exploring. 😌🛌

DAY 3 – Osaka & Okayama Highlights

⭐ Osaka Highlights III

I saved the biggest Osaka sight for last: Osaka Castle. Not because I’m building suspense (okay, maybe a little), but because I wanted to go first thing in the morning — not to avoid crowds (this is Japan, good luck with that), but at least to catch it while it’s less overcrowded. Baby steps.
3.1 Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle (大阪城), also known as Osakajo, is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, offering a beautiful park, a museum, and an observation deck on the 8th floor with panoramic city views.
Built in 1583, destroyed in 1615 (ouch), and rebuilt in 1931, Osaka Castle has been through it. These days, it houses a museum and an observation deck with great views of the city skyline.
- The surrounding Osakajō Kōen (park) covers around 2 square kilometres and includes sports facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osakajo Hall) and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.


It’s especially magical during cherry blossom season — and this time, finally, I hit the jackpot. The trees were actually blooming. After seeing so many almost-sakura elsewhere, this garden felt like spring had thrown a glitter bomb. 🥳



- Nishinomaru Garden, surrounding the former “western citadel,” is a lawn garden with 600 cherry trees, a tea house, and views of the castle tower. Unlike other areas of the castle grounds, admission is required.

🕘 Open: 09:00 – 17:00. In cherry blossom, Nishinomaru Garden is open until 21h.
⏩ After soaking in the cherry blossoms, I hopped on the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okayama (covered by my JR Regional Pass, as always — bless). In just a short ride, I was in a whole new city, and yes, still on my castle tour!


⭐ Okayama
Okayama (岡山) is the second-largest city in the Chūgoku region (after Hiroshima), and it started as a castle town in the Edo period. Today, it’s known for three things: its lush gardens, juicy peaches, and a famous folklore tale involving a baby in a floating fruit.
🍑 The Legend of Momotaro: Peach Boy, Demon Slayer, National Hero
Here’s the short version:
An old couple finds a giant peach floating down the river (as you do), and when they slice it open — boom, baby. Literally. A kid pops out. They name him Momotaro (桃太郎), or Peach Boy.

He grows up to be the kind of guy you’d want as your roommate — strong, kind, and into justice. He eventually sets off to defeat a gang of demons (Oni) on Onigashima (Ogre Island), armed only with kibi dango (millet dumplings) and meets three animals along the way: a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, all eager to join him.

Together, they defeat the demons and return home as heroes with the stolen treasure. Classic hero adventure. Pixar, take notes.
⏩ Quick Lunch Break 🍜. Before exploring further, I grabbed a bowl of ramen, one of the most popular Japanese dishes, near the station. It was simple and exactly what I needed to keep me going.

Food to try in Okayama:
- Kibi Dango きび団子. Traditional peach-flavoured rice cakes (linked to the Momotaro legend).
- Okayama Barazushi ばら寿司. A local seafood-topped sushi dish.
- Momo (Peach) Sweets. In the summer, try fresh Okayama peaches.
3.2 Okayama Castle

Known as U-jō (“Crow Castle“) thanks to its dramatic black exterior, Okayama Castle (岡山城) is one of Japan’s biggest fortresses — and it definitely knows how to strike a pose, especially with nearby Korakuen Garden as its backdrop.
- Originally built in 1597
- Flattened in WWII
- Rebuilt in 1966
- Home to a small but interesting museum and a sweet observation deck.
There’s also a Bizen-yaki pottery studio nearby, in case you’re feeling creative (or need an excuse to make a slightly wonky souvenir).
🕘 Open: 09:00–17:30
3.3 Koraku-en Garden

Just a 5-minute walk from the castle, Koraku-en Garden (後楽園) is one of Japan’s top three gardens (along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito), and for a good reason. What a beautiful place!!
Built in 1700 by the local daimyo (feudal lord), it’s filled with ponds, walking paths, teahouses, and the kind of scenic views that make you question every bad decision you’ve ever made.
The place is so astonishing that I couldn’t decide which pictures to show, so here is a slideshow:
✴️ Garden Highlights:
- Enyo-tei House: The lord’s residence with views so good they should charge extra.
- Sawa-no-ike Pond: Complete with koi fish, cranes, and turtles. Bonus points if you spot all three.
- Yuishinzan Hill: A small artificial hill you can climb for a panoramic view of the garden.
- Rice fields & tea plantations: Because even daimyo had to think about dinner.
- Teahouses & stalls: Treat yourself to matcha and seasonal sweets. In summer, try Okayama’s famous white peaches.
🕢 Open: 07:30–18:00
3.4 Omotecho Shopping Street


My last stop in Okayama was Omotecho, a covered shopping arcade perfect for strolling, snacking, and accidentally spending more money than planned. It’s full of local shops, casual cafés, and cosy restaurants — a great spot to wind down the day.



🥢 Some recommended places if you’re in town for the night:
- Torisei (鳥せい) – Grilled chicken skewers and local sake.
- Shoka (食家) – Seafood and seasonal dishes in a homey setting.
- Okabe (岡べ) – Famous for barazushi, Okayama’s signature vinegared rice topped with fish, veggies, and other bits.
With a satisfied stomach and a camera full of flower pics, I made my way back to Osaka for the night — one last sleep before heading to my next destination: Hiroshima & Miyajima. Trust me, you won’t want to miss that post 😜
🧭 Got More Time in Osaka?
If you have more time in Osaka, other things to do here are:
- Ningyo Johruri Bunraku. Ningyo Johruri Bunraku is a traditional performing art from Osaka, dating back to the early Edo period (17th century) and recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The term “bunraku” comes from the company “Bunrakuza,” which helped popularise it. Experiencing a bunraku performance in Osaka is akin to attending an opera or musical in Europe.
- Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (住吉大社). Located in the south of Osaka, it’s one of the oldest spiritual sites in Japan, established in 211 AD, before Buddhism arrived from China. As a result, it is one of the few shrines in Japan constructed before that cultural influence. The main attraction begins at the entrance, where the canal lies beneath the stunning vermilion Sorihashi bridge, renowned for its steep slope and distinctive shape.
I hope you enjoyed this post about Osaka, Kobe, Himeji and Okayama. 😊
Don’t miss the next part of this fantastic trip: Hiroshima & Miyajima: Top Attractions.
👉 Or, go back to Japan’s full itinerary: 🌸Japan: 20-Day Itinerary with Cherry Blossoms & Top Cities.
C. Ready to Book your Trip?
To help you organise your adventure, I’ve gathered the best tools I use and recommend for booking flights, hotels, local transport and more. These links support this site at no extra cost to you.
🧳 Book Your Trip Here
- ✈️ Flights: Compare the best prices on flights using Kayak.
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Find hotels and unique stays at great prices worldwide with Booking.com.
- 🚐 Transfers: Pre-book your airport or city transfers to avoid stress on arrival with Welcome Pickups.
- 🚗 Car Rentals: Explore destinations at your own pace by using Discover Cars or Auto Europe to compare reliable car rental providers. You can also compare car rental prices on Kayak.
- 💺Transport: Travel smart with a JR Pass or Regional pass—book through my link and start exploring Japan with ease and savings!
- 📷 Tours & Activities: Book fun experiences, guided tours, and skip-the-line tickets in advance with GetYourGuide or Viator.
- 🌐 Internet Connection: Stay connected abroad with Airalo eSIMs.
- 🔐 For safe and reliable internet access wherever you roam, I always recommend using a VPN—NordVPN is my go-to.
- 🛡️ Don’t forget travel insurance — a small step that saves big headaches! I use Just Travel Cover for comprehensive protection, including coverage for pre-existing conditions. 🌍 Not based in the UK? VisitorsCoverage has you covered—easy, affordable, ready to go!
Safe travels! 🌏✈️
D. More About Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? Here are some of my top posts to help you make the most of your journey – from detailed itineraries and cultural insights to city guides and unique experiences across the country.
⭐ Itineraries & City Guides
🗾🌸 Japan in 20 Days: Cherry Blossom Itinerary & Top Cities. Plan the perfect spring getaway with this 20-day itinerary covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, cherry blossoms, and essential travel tips.
🗼 Tokyo 4-Day Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See. Explore Tokyo’s must-visit attractions, neighbourhoods, street food, and cultural highlights in just four unforgettable days.
🚉 Kamakura & Yokohama: Day Trip from Tokyo. A perfect day trip from Tokyo to explore Kamakura’s temples and Yokohama’s scenic bayside – history, food, and coastal charm.
🏯 Odawara, Hakone, Fujiyoshida & Nagoya: Castles, Fuji, and Onsen. Visit historic castles, soak in hot springs, and admire iconic views of Mount Fuji on this scenic multi-stop adventure.
⛩️ The Best of Kyoto in 3 Days. Discover Kyoto’s top temples, gardens, and cultural sites in just three days – includes a downloadable map to guide you.
📍 Hiroshima & Miyajima: Top Attractions. A must-read for first-timers – explore Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and the stunning Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.
🏝️ Okinawa: What to See & Do. Planning a beach escape? Discover what to see, do, and know before visiting Okinawa, Japan’s tropical paradise.
⭐ Culture, Religion & Traditions
🧘 Koyasan: My Stay at a Buddhist Temple. Experience the peaceful world of Japanese Buddhism with a temple stay in Koyasan – meditation, monks, and morning prayers.
🙏 Temple Etiquette in Japan: What to Know Before You Visit. Visiting temples and shrines? Learn the dos and don’ts of temple etiquette to show respect during your spiritual visits.
☸️ Japanese Buddhism Made Simple. New to Buddhism? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down key beliefs and traditions in Japanese Buddhist culture.
🍀 Guide to Japanese Lucky Charms & Amulets. Curious about omamori, daruma, or maneki neko? Learn the meanings and traditions behind Japan’s most iconic charms.
⭐ Travel Tips & Cultural Insights
📌 Japan Tourist Information: What You Need to Know. Practical info every traveller should know – transport, money, customs, etiquette, and more to prepare you for your trip.
🚇 Practical Tokyo Guide for First-Time Visitors. Navigate Tokyo like a pro with this beginner-friendly guide to public transport, safety tips, and local etiquette.
📖 Kyoto Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go. Everything you need for a smooth trip to Kyoto – from the best seasons to visit, how to get around, and local customs.
🌆 Osaka Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go. When to go, how to get around, what to eat, and more – your go-to guide for Japan’s most vibrant foodie city.
Additional Information
You can also check my itineraries in Itineraries. Here, you’ll find them classified in City Guides and Country Guides.
Alternatively, in the section Destinations, they are classified based on the type of trip:
- Amazing Experiences. It covers the most extensive and complete trips.
- Beach and Sea. For those who prefer quieter activities by the sea.
- City Breaks. Short trips with a single destination.
Remember to check Cook up Your Trip. There, you will find everything you need to organise your trip from start to finish.
If you require any clarification, please feel free to leave a comment or complete the contact form. I will be happy to help you. 😊


































