Day 1:
KANSAI/ITAMI AIRPORT » OSAKA
Arrive at Kansai or Itami Airport and transfer to your hotel in Osaka. Settle in and take a moment to enjoy the energetic atmosphere of the city, known for its neon lights, vibrant street life, and food culture. Stay overnight in Osaka city.
Day 2:
OSAKA
Start your Osaka adventure at the Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory for breathtaking city views. Visit Osaka Castle, surrounded by lush parks. Explore Kuromon Market’s bustling food stalls and fresh seafood. End your day at Dotonbori, famous for its neon lights, shops, and lively nightlife. Stay overnight in Osaka city.
Day 3:
OSAKA » SHIGA
Visit Mt. Hiei and Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 1,200 years of history and tradition, to explore the rich cultural heritage of Shiga. Next, visit Shigaraki Pottery Village, famous for its traditional pottery. Walk the old road from Shigaraki Station, discovering climbing
kilns, old braziers, and scattered workshops. End your day by admiring Hachimanbori Moat in Omihachiman, lined with traditional wooden residences and white-walled storehouses. Stay overnight near Lake Biwa.
Day 4:
SHIGA
Begin your day at Hikone Castle, featuring the beautiful Genkyuen Garden with its strolling pond and spring cherry blossoms. Next, explore Kurokabe Square, housed in a reused historical building with shops and dining that reflect local culture. Finish your day at Manyo Blacksmith Hut, where you can learn and experience ancient blacksmithing techniques. Stay overnight near Lake Biwa.
Day 5:
SHIGA » FUKUI
Start your journey in Fukui by visiting the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum to learn about Japan’s immigration history. Next, head to the Tsuruga Railway Museum to discover the city’s role in modern transportation. While you’re there, visit the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, which houses shops and galleries. Conclude your day with a visit to Echizen Washi Village to try your hand at traditional washi paper making. Stay overnight at Awara Onsen, a popular hot spring resort area.
Day 6:
FUKUI
Start your day by visiting Eiheiji Temple is a significant Zen Buddhist temple. Afterward, head to Yokokan Garden, a classic Japanese garden, where you can enjoy the seasonal beauty of ponds, flowers, and meticulously arranged landscapes. Conclude your day with a visit to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, one of the leading dinosaur museums in the world, known as the treasure trove of dinosaur fossils in Japan. Stay overnight at Awara Onsen.
Day 7:
FUKUI » ISHIKAWA
Head to Kaga region in Ishikawa and explore Kakusenkei Gorge in Yamanaka, with its scenic trails along the Daishoji River. Visit Yamanaka Onsen, a hot spring resort in Kaga City. Enjoy traditional performances at Yamanakaza, stroll down Yuge Kaido Street with its charming cafes and shops, and stay overnight in the Kaga area to discover more hidden gems and local hospitality.
Day 8:
ISHIKAWA
Travel to Ishikawa and start with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, featuring ponds, bridges, teahouses, and seasonal plants. Next, visit the Higashi Chaya District, a well-preserved geisha district with traditional wooden teahouses. Try the Gold Leaf Pasting experience in Kanazawa to create your own gold-leaf artwork. Finally, explore the Nagamachi Samurai Residence Site, where preserved samurai houses offer a glimpse into Edo-period life. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 9:
ISHIKAWA » TOKYO
Extend your journey by venturing further into the Hokuriku area or taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tokyo, where new adventures await.