Japan
Deep Dive into another culture
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Kanazawa
2.5 h by train from Tokyo | 450’000 residents | known as “Little Kyoto” | Well-preserved old town | Must-see on any Japan trip | Districts: Chaya Districts (Teahouse Areas): Traditional, charming, Geisha presence with small shops, teahouses, restaurants | Higashi Chaya: most famous district with cafés, shops, museums | Kazue Machi: riverside, quieter & very scenic | Nishi Chaya: smaller, elegant, many upscale Ryotei restaurants
Kyoto
2.5 h by train from Kanazawa | 1.4 million residents | Former imperial capital | Temples | Shrines | Palaces | Wooden houses | Gardens | Geishas | Rich in tradition & culture | Experience “Old Japan” | Gion District: Historic teahouses, small shops, restaurants, traditional charm, ~2,000 professional Geishas | Must-see on any Japan trip
Nara
1 h by train from Kyoto | 368,000 residents | Former capital in the 8th century | Famous for historic temples | Rich cultural heritage | Worth a visit on any Japan trip
Osaka
1.5 h by train from Nara | 2.6 million residents | Japan’s 3rd largest city | Port city | Temples | Shrines | Osaka Castle – main historic landmark | Neon lights | Giant billboards | Lively nightlife | Endless street food & restaurants | Must-see districts: Dotonbori, Amerikamura, Shinsekai | Get ready – this city is wild!
Kobe
1 h by train from Osaka | 1.4 million residents | 7th largest city in Japan | Located in Osaka Bay | Stunning mountain backdrop | Famous for Kobe beef – world’s most marbled & expensive beef | Must-try culinary experience |
Restaurant Tip: Steak Aoyama approx. €75 menu
Himeji
Approx. 1 h from Osaka (75 km) | ~500,000 residents | Located in Hyōgo Prefecture | Manageable size | Easy to explore on foot or by rental bike | Highlight: Himeji Castle – Japan’s most spectacular & best-preserved feudal castle
UNESCO World Heritage Site, nicknamed “White Heron Castle” for its elegant, bright facade
Hiroshima
Modern city in southwest Japan | ~1.2 million residents
Known for atomic bombing in WWII | Strong symbol of peace & resilience | Peace Memorial Museum: Powerful exhibits on the atomic bombing, photos, survivor stories & historical background
Miyajima Island
~20 km from Hiroshima | 30 km² island | Accessible by ferry (free with JR Pass) | Famous for Itsukushima Shrine – UNESCO World Heritage Site | Iconic floating Torii gate | Built over water, appears to float at high tide | Stunning nature | Home to friendly deer & monkeys