Central Japan — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Central Japan Tour Highlights
- Any central Japan tour should include Osaka. Here you can visit the magnificent Osaka castle, shop in the hedonistic Dotonbori area, eat Takoyaki (ball shaped fried octopus dumplings) from a street stall and party till the sun comes up in the hundreds of bars and restaurants Osaka is famous for.
- Sleep up in the mountains of the sacred monastery town, Koya-San. There are a variety of monasteries to stay at, each with their own unique style and all serving amazing vegan kaiseki cuisine. Stroll around the peaceful town but be back before dark, there are bears in the local woods!
- Visit the ancient city of Nara and see the Todai-Ji temple complex and the giant bronze Buddha statue. This temple park has sacred deer roaming free; buy some rice crackers and they will happily follow you around while you feed them.
- No central Japan trip would be complete without a visit to the old Imperial capital of Kyoto. Visit the magnificent Imperial Palace, walk the geisha-lined streets of the historic Gion, eat fire ramen and visit some temples. Impressive temples can be found everywhere in Kyoto, including the vermillion gates of Fushimi Inari shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and the five Blood Ceiling Temples.
- Head to Kobe for a traditional Japanese port town and eat some world-famous Kobe Wagyu beef and one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, Arima Onsen.
Central Japan Travel Highlights
- Base yourself in Osaka. The excellent public transport system means you are never more than an hour or two from the main cities.
- The touristy city sites can get crowded and hot in summer and so can the public transport. Keep water with you to stay hydrated..
- Japanese people are very restrained; try not to raise your voice in public and if you shake hands, do it gently.
- Weather can be unpredictable, so bring an umbrella to keep the sun off your back the heat and fend off sudden rains.
- Try to learn a few words of Japanese. English is common in central Japan but the locals will appreciate it. This little effort will make your central Japan tour all the more memorable.
