Japan Itinerary

Feb. 22: Travel From Tri Cities to Kobe

• Take the airport limousine bus from stop 3 to Kobe Sannomiya Station (buy tickets at station, ¥1070).
• Pick up the complimentary hotel shuttle outside Mint Kobe building stop 8.
  

Feb. 23: Conference in Kobe

• Register for conference in the morning.
• Explore Kobe - Chinatown (Nankinmachi): One of only three Chinatowns in Japan! It was established by Chinese merchants who settled after the Port of Kobe opened. It’s small but lively, packed with street food.
• Lunch at Wakkoqu (12-1:30 PM): You’re about to eat real Kobe beef — one of the world's finest, known for its marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Wakkoqu is a famous spot!
• Travel to Osaka:
  • Plum Blossom Grove near Osaka Castle: Plum blossoms (ume) bloom earlier than cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle itself is iconic — built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century. The plum grove has about 1,250 trees and is stunning.
  • Shinsekai: "New World" area built in the early 1900s with Tsutenkaku Tower inspired by the Eiffel Tower. Expect retro vibes.
  • Denden Town: Osaka's version of Akihabara — electronics, anime, games, and nerd culture.
  • Tower Knives (closes 6 PM): Japanese knives are legendary for their craftsmanship.
  • Dinner - Daiko Sushi?: Solid Osaka-style sushi sounds perfect after a busy day.

Feb. 24: Conference in Kobe / Osaka Dinner

• Dad stays around Kobe:
  • Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden: Accessible by ropeway, beautiful gardens and a panoramic view of Kobe.
  • Sorakuen Garden: A traditional Japanese garden from the Meiji period, peaceful and beautiful.
  • Kobe Harborland: Modern shopping/entertainment waterfront. Great night views!
  • Kobe City Hall Observation Deck: Free city views!
• You explore Osaka:
  • Dotonbori: Neon lights, giant signboards like the Glico Man, crazy energy. Street food paradise.
  • Okonomiyaki at Okaru or Ajinoya Honten: Try Osaka’s famous savory pancake!
  • Hozenji Yokocho: A preserved old alley with lanterns and stone paths.
  • Hozenji Temple: Tiny temple famous for its moss-covered statue.
  • Don Quijote: Massive discount store — perfect for souvenirs or quirky snacks.

Feb. 25: Conference in Kobe

• Conference dinner in evening.
• Dad goes to Hiroshima:
  • Shukkeien Garden: A classic Japanese garden from the Edo Period.
  • Hiroshima Castle: Originally from the 16th century, rebuilt after the atomic bomb.
  • Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome: Deeply moving area. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Miyajima: Famous for Itsukushima Shrine and its "floating" torii gate — one of Japan's most photographed spots.
  • Daishoin Temple and Henjo Cave: Important Buddhist temple; Henjo Cave is a spiritual (and slightly spooky) spot.
  • Mount Misen Ropeway: Epic views if you want a little adventure.

Feb. 26: Conference in Kobe

• Stay extra night in Kobe.
• Probably back to Dotonbori for more Osaka eats!
• Look into shipping bags ahead to Kyoto — takkyubin services are super convenient in Japan.
• Dad in Himeji:
  • Himeji Castle: Japan’s most spectacular original castle — nicknamed White Heron Castle. UNESCO site.
  • Koko-en Garden: Beautiful landscaped gardens next to the castle.
  • Mount Shosha and Engyoji Temple: The ancient temple used in the movie The Last Samurai.

Feb. 27: Day Trip to Nara

• Nara Park: Friendly deer roam around — they’re sacred, considered messengers of the gods.
• Yoshikien Garden: Free admission for foreigners! If ume blossoms are blooming, it’ll be magical.
• Nakatanidou: Watch them live-pound mochi in seconds!
• Tonkatsu Ganko for lunch — can't go wrong.
• Salon Naramachi for tea and sweets.
• Travel to Kyoto:
  • Fushimi Sake Village for dinner: Micro-sake tastings + food pairings!

Feb. 28: Kyoto

• Starbucks Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya: Historic-style Starbucks in an old teahouse!
• Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka: Old preserved streets, amazing for traditional Kyoto atmosphere.
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple: UNESCO site, one of Kyoto's most famous temples.
• Tempura Endo Yasaka for lunch.
• Higashiyama District: Wander pretty streets; visit:
  • Yasaka Shrine
  • Kodaiji Temple (cool bamboo grove!)
  • Kenninji: Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple.
• Honke Owariya (soba) or street food in Pontocho.
• IMO Pipi for cute sweet potato desserts (closes at 7 PM).

Mar. 1: Kyoto

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early (best with less crowds).
• Arashiyama Park & Okochi Sanso Garden.
• Tenryu-ji Temple: UNESCO Zen temple with a beautiful garden.
• Takara Sushi: Refuel.
• Daihikaku Senkōji Temple: Hidden gem with great river views.
• Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street.
• Bamboo grove near Adashino Nenbutsuji.
• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple: Over 1,200 quirky stone statues!
• Cab to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Absolute must-see. The gold leaf exterior is stunning.

Mar. 2: Kifune/Kurama

• Coffee at Weekenders Coffee or Fuku Coffee.
• Kuramadera: Mountain temple with mystical vibes.
• Kifune Shrine: Especially beautiful if it snows.
• Hirobun Lunch at 11:30 — famous in summer for nagashi somen (noodles flowing down bamboo chutes).

Mar. 3: Kyoto ➔ Tokyo

• Breakfast at Vermillion Cafe or Nishiki Market.
• Fushimi Inari Taisha: Thousands of iconic red torii gates.
• Maybe Tofuku-ji Temple for Zen gardens.
• Stay flexible.
• Tairikitei Udon if near Nanzen-ji.
• Stay in Ginza.
• NTV Tower Clock Show at 8 PM — cool mini light show.

Mar. 4: Tokyo ➔ Takaragawa Onsen

• Chill morning in Ginza.
• Rooftop coffee at Tokyu Plaza Ginza.
• Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomokogen Station; shuttle bus to onsen.
• Takaragawa Onsen: One of the largest and most beautiful outdoor hot spring baths in Japan.

Mar. 5: Takaragawa ➔ Tokyo (Shibuya)

• Head back to Shibuya:
  • Shibuya Scramble
  • Hachiko Statue
  • Center-Gai shopping streets
  • Nonbei Yokocho (tiny alley bars)
  • Shibuya Parco (newer mall with cool stores)
  • Shibuya Sky at 5:20 PM — skyline view!

Mar. 6: Tokyo

• Benitsuru (famous for pancakes!) maybe.
• Shinjuku exploration:
  • Kabukicho (lively entertainment/red-light district).
  • Golden Gai (tiny atmospheric bars).
• If time, Meiji Shrine: Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrine.
• Akihabara: Nerd heaven.
• Chabara: Artisan foods market.
• BookOff: Huge secondhand bookstore.
• Sushi Kanesho Dinner at 8 PM.

Mar. 7: Day Trip to Nikko

• Toshogu Shrine: Extravagant UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Futarasan Shrine
• Taiyuin Mausoleum
• Rinnoji Temple
• Shinkyo Bridge
• Optional: Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Tamozawa Villa, or ropeway to Kegon Falls.
• Train back.
• Asahi Sky Room drink, Ichiran Ramen if dinner needed.

Mar. 8: Tokyo ➔ Fly Home

• Asakusa:
  • Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo's oldest temple.
  • Nakamise-dori: Souvenir shopping street.
  • Kappabashi Street: Best kitchenware shopping in Japan!
• Head to airport.

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