From Traditional Walks to Contemporary Streets: Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Kyoto, Osaka

Japan is well known for its beautiful and lively megacity lights but their traditional areas are definitely what they pride the most.

This itinerary brings you to one of the world heritage sites of japan, gold-covered softserves, breath-taking bamboo forests, and the best aquarium in Japan.

DAY 1: Travelling Day!

Dedicate one day for the traveling, trust me, it will be worth it. By going to the furthest place first, you won't have to spend a lot of time rushing to the airport on your departure day.

12p.m. Kansai Airport

After touching down at the airport take the Jr Kansai Airport Rapid Service train to Osaka which takes around an hour. From there take the Japan Railways Limited Express to Kanazawa, this train ride will take around 3 hours so get some food from a convenience store before boarding.

5p.m. Kanazawa Station

Finally, you've reached Kanazawa! After a tiring day of commute, treat yourself to some amazing Japanese cuisine in the station itself. Kanazawa Station is combined with a mall and there's a floor which is solely packed with restaurants.

I recommend Cafe Pomme for their huge array of hearty Omurice.

7p.m. Check-in hotel

DAY 2: Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

9a.m. Shirakawa-go

This historic little town with thatched farmhouse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I have to say it has one of the best sceneries I have ever seen. The village is surrounded by greens and many farmhouses are now restaurants, mini-museums, and even homestays if you want to stay the night.

It is 1 hour away from Kanazawa by bus and you can book your tickets using this website.

2p.m. Higashichaya Old Town

After coming back from Shirakawa-go, board a Kanazawa Flatbus to Higashichaya Old Town of Kanazawa which is 10 minutes away. This historical district is one of the most preserved areas of the town where you can experience traditional teahouses with geishas.

Must try: Gold Leaf Soft Serve!! Kanazawa prides itself on their gold leaves, not only you can get souvenirs decorated with their gold leaf - they like to put gold leaf on various food!

4p.m. Kanazawa Castle

Make your way to the beautiful Kanazawa Castle which is a 20-minute walk away from Higashichaya Old Town, or you could take the West JR Bus there. Admission to the castle is free, so it's definitely a spot to stop by where you can know more about the history of Kanazawa and take pictures of the beautiful gardens inside.

6p.m. Dinner and go back to the hotel

DAY 3: Kyoto

9a.m. Kanazawa Station to Kyoto Station

After checking out, make your way to the Kanazawa Station and take a Thunderbird Limited Express to Kyoto Station. The train ride is about 3 hours, so have some snacks prepared before boarding.

1p.m. Kiyomizu-dera

Check into your hotel and make your way back to Kyoto Station where you can buy the Kyoto Two-Day Pass. This pass allows you to take buses and trains to the tourists' spots for free so take the bus no. 100 or 206 to gojo-zaka bus stop or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop.

Walk uphill along gojo-zaka and you'll be at the most famous temple in Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera in 5 minutes. Admission is 400yen.

3p.m. Yasaka Pagoda

Walk downhill along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. These are old, preserved streets that bring about the taste of Japan. Wooden houses and shops are lined along the streets, selling a variety of souvenirs and delicious food.

Must Try: Kiyomizu Kyoami is a store that sells one of the best green tea cream puffs. Green tea lovers shouldn't miss out!!

You will spot a pagoda structure as you walk a further distance, this is the signature, Yasaka Pagoda. The building is inaccessible but its scenery is certainly something you don't want to miss.

6p.m. Kamo River

If you'd like to stay longer in that area and stroll around, Kamo River is just along the area. A popular walking spot for tourists and locals, there are restaurants beside the river as well.

DAY 4: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley

11a.m. Fushimi Inari Taisha

From the Kyoto Station, use the pass and take the Kyoto City Bus 5 to Inari Taisha Mae Bus Stop. Walk uphill and you'll reach Fushimi Inari Taisha. This shrine is one of the most beautiful shrines in Kyoto with its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up to the pious Mount Inari. There are different routes you can pick depending on how much you wanna walk. As you walked near half the torii gates you can either choose to proceed to see a scenic view at its peak or to stop and take a stroll in the garden

As you're walking down from the shrine, you'll find rows of food stalls and carts selling various appealing local delicacies such as Takoyaki, Korroke, and BBQ meat that you will want to try

3p.m. Nishiki Market

Walk to the Fushimi Inari Train Station and take the train to Shijo Station, Nishiki Market is just a 5-minute walk from there. You'll pass by a mini shrine called Shinto Shrine that lies within the market and admission is free if you want to pop in and take a look.

Nishiki Market is not your typical market, it sells more than just vegetables and meat, there are way TOO many different and interesting things to see, e.g. Snoopy Cha-ya, etc

Must try: Hanamaru はなまる Restaurant, their udon is one of the best in town.

5p.m. Pontocho Alley

Walk to Pontocho Alley with the aid of Google Map. It is a narrow alley next to the Kamogawa River, filled with restaurants offering a wide variety of dining choices on both sides. Stroll around and enjoy the taste of Japan that the street has to offer.

There's a playground in the middle of the alley, where the best view of the river is found.

DAY 5: Arashiyama, Osaka, Dotonbori

10a.m. Arashiyama

Arashiyama is known as the Place of Scenic Beauty, located at the north of Kyoto it is well known for its world-renowned bamboo forest. I suggest you reserve half a day to truly explore this region.

Take the train to Karasuma Oike Station. Change line to Tozai line and proceed to the end station: Uzumasa- Tenjingawa Station. Take Kyoto Bus 71, 72, or 74, or take bus 11 and get off at Nonomiya bus stop. There you will see a pathway leading you into the Forest of bamboo.

In the bamboo forest, there lies a mini shrine as well as a shop selling craftworks made of bamboo. Bicycle rental is available as well.

After walking through the bamboo grove, visit other places in the Arashiyama area such as the Monkey Park, Togetsukyo Bridge, The Observation Deck, and A LOT more. There are also temples (Tenryuji Temple, Daikakuji Temple), and gardens (Okochi Sanso Garden) within the area but was somewhat costly to access. Besides, there are a variety of activities as well- take the Saga Scenic Railway that shows you the beautiful sceneries of Arashiyama with a ride, or take the Hozugawa River Cruise on a boat for 4100 yen.

3p.m. Kyoto Station to Osaka Station

Take the Japan Railways Limited Express to Osaka Station, the commute is around 30 minutes. Check in to your hotel in Osaka once you reach.

5p.m. Dotonbori

Now is the best time to visit Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka, this place is the main spot for entertainment, food, and shopping.

Must try: Ichhiran Ramen, this is the most popular ramen store worldwide, you might have tried it back in your country but nothing beat the authentic one in Japan.

DAY 6: Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN

10a.m. Osaka Castle

From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop to Osakajokoen Station. Osaka Castle is located in the middle of a huge park which is very popular among tourists and locals during the cherry blossom seasons! The castle not only serves as a museum but also a viewpoint for Osaka, the admission fee is 600yen.

1p.m. Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN

Take the train to Osakako Station and proceed to walk for 10 minutes. Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN is one of the largest aquariums in the world with their infamous whale sharks, this place is suitable for all ages and there are 17 different exhibits! Admission per adult is 2300yen.

Must-Try: Stop by its cafe to try out their Whale Shark Ice Cream! (It's not make out of real whale sharks, don't worry haha!)

DAY 7: Kuromon Market, Free & Easy Day ~

10a.m. Kuromon Market

Since it is your last day, shopping is essential! Take the subway to the Namba Station to the infamous Kuromon Market, this place sells everything - from fresh seafood to souvenirs - so this is the ideal place for you to do some shopping before going home!