by Charlie
Day6
Shirakawa-go
On your way from Kyoto to Takayama City, you’ll get to experience another incredible World Heritage Site: Shirakawa-go! The Ogimachi area of Shirakawa-go is world-famous for its incredible kotatsu-zukuri. Hodamatsu-zukuri is the name given to the traditional way of constructing houses in the Japanese countryside, where the roofs are made of wood, without a single nail, and thatched in the shape of hands clasped together. Shirakawa-go was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, and it’s easy to see why!
Day7-8
Mt. Fuji, Japan
When you go to Japan, you absolutely have to see Mount Fuji! We’ll be passing through Takayama Prefecture on our way north from Shirakawa-go, so we’ll have the chance to admire this incredible natural wonder. Takayama Prefecture is a place like Kyoto Prefecture, but even better! It has been called ‘Little Kyoto’ and has a shadow of the Edo period, with temples, shrines, rivers and bridges that have the same charm as Kyoto. The temples, shrines, rivers and bridges all have a Kyoto feel to them, not to mention the famous Beef Hijiki, which is unforgettable in one bite, and is a place where even the taste buds are in awe!
The incredible Takayama Jinya is a remnant of a Jinya, which was a representative office of the Edo period. There used to be more than 60 daikanyas in Japan, but only one survives here in Takayama – and it’s a stunner! Mimachisuji has preserved a lot of characteristic buildings of the Edo period. For those who want to take photos in the Edo style, we highly recommend you come to Mimachi-Old Town in Takayama, where there are fewer people in the morning and the scenery is absolutely gorgeous!
Shinkurayama Asama Park is the absolute best place to photograph Mount Fuji! It’s been named one of the ’21 places photographers around the world must visit before they die’ by Michelin Magazine. The park is famous for its incredible views of Mount Fuji, and when you add in the stunning Five Storied Pagoda and Mount Fuji, you get one of the most iconic views of classic Japan!
Oshino Hakkai is a truly magical place located in the stunning Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Surrounded by the breathtaking Lake Yamanaka and Lake Kawaguchi, this village is world-renowned for its magnificent gushing springs. The name ‘Oshino Hakkai’ is derived from the fact that there are eight incredible, clear springs in the area! The water in Oshino Hakkai is a delightfully warm 13°C, and it’s so clear and sweet that it’s known as ‘Japan’s Jiuzhaigou’! In summer, Oshino Hakkai is a picture-perfect paradise! Lush green mountains surround the area, and the clear water sparkles in the sunlight, making your heart flutter with joy.
Day9-10
Tokyo
Asakusa Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and the central landmark of the Asakusa area, a truly magnificent sight to behold! The temple’s magnificent symbol, the Thunder Gate, is renowned for its incredible giant two-straw shoes! And in the southwest corner, you’ll find the incredible five-storey pagoda, the second tallest tower in Japan! Asakusa Temple is a truly magical place where many people come to seek blessings and pray for good luck sticks! Nakamise-dori, the street in front of the temple, is an absolute delight! It’s a vibrant shopping street lined with a fantastic range of souvenir shops and small gourmet restaurants, perfect for exploring.
If you’re short on time for shopping during your upcoming trip to Japan, don’t worry! You can simply head straight to Ginza. A fantastic collection of luxury goods, trendy brands, niche brands and affordable fast fashion, etc., large shopping malls, brand goods, like Ginza SIX, Mitsukoshi Department Store, Matsuya Ginza Department Store, Ginza Tokyu Department Store, etc. to choose from! We highly recommend that you go directly to the first two large department stores, which will be able to satisfy all of your needs. When you’re shopping, make sure you’re ready to go! Most places open at 10:00-11:00 in the morning and close at 20:00 in the evening.
It all begins and ends with market shopping! And now for the grand finale: the world-famous Tsukiji Market in Tokyo! Tsukiji Market is the perfect place to start your day! It’s a well-known fact that there are no breakfast shops in Japan, but this amazing market can satisfy all your early morning shopping and eating needs. The market opens at 6am, so you’ve got plenty of time to fit it into your day! Tsukiji Market is divided into off-site and on-site markets, and the Tsukiji Market is generally referred to as the Tsukiji Off-Site Market. You can buy fresh ingredients in small portions, and there are many restaurants where you can eat authentic Tsukiji food! In addition, you can also see a chef cutting up a fish on the spot, which is a very special experience.
This is the end of the 10-day Japan itinerary planning, I hope it can help you!
