4DAYS Starting from Osaka ~The Golden Course~

One of Osaka's downtowns, the Minami (South) district?—centered around the areas of Namba, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi?—is a spectacular neon-lit center of food, shopping, and nightlife. Feast on delicacies such as Takoyaki from Osaka street vendors, shop till you drop at modern shopping malls and old-school shops, then go izakaya-hopping for a distinctly Osaka experience.

Stroll around and treat your tastebuds to freshly caught fruits of the sea and a host of other Osaka delicacies at one of the city's most lively markets. A true center of Osaka food culture, Kuromon Market boasts 150 shops catering to professional chefs and gourmet travelers alike!

Travel back in time and see how the people of Osaka lived during olden times at this delightful museum that features a recreation of townscapes from the Edo period (around 1830) and beyond. Hands-on exhibits allow visitors to experience traditional Japanese life today.

A striking symbol of Osaka's history and culture, Osaka Castle rises majestically above the city center, set in a beautiful park that is a true urban oasis, and one of the city's most popular cherry blossom-viewing spots in spring. Marvel at the impressive tower, stone walls, moat, and Japanese gardens, then step inside to learn all about the castle's role in Osaka history.

At Ise Jingu, it is traditional for visitors to visit Geku first, before Naiku. Built over 1,500 years ago, this jinja (shrine) is dedicated to Toyouke-no-Omikami, guardian of food, shelter, and clothing. Both Naiku and Geku are rebuilt every twenty years in accordance with an ancient Shinto tradition.

Cross the Uji Bridge, said to separate the daily and sacred realm, to Naiku. Purportedly home to the Holy Mirror, one of the Three Imperial Regalia, this jinja (shrine) is considered to be one of the most sacred in Japan. It is dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami, the ancestral kami (Shinto deity) of the Imperial family and the guardian of Japan.

Before Ise Jingu's Naiku lies the flourishing town of Oharai-machi. Within it, you'll find the district known as Okage Yokocho, where you can enjoy historical Iseji Route streetscapes featuring Edo and Meiji period architecture. With nearly fifty chaming shops, Okage Yokocho is a great place to savor Mie's many culinary delights, as well as traditional Ise culture, including taiko drum and picture-card play performances. Don't forget to try akafuku, Ise's signature confection, before you say farewell!

2-2-29 Jinkyu, Ise-shi, Mie

The Ise-Shima region of Mie is known for its fresh seafood, and fittingly it's one of the best places to enjoy two true Japanese delicacies fit for the gods. Enjoy spiny lobster (Ise-ebi) packed with sweet, firm meat that's delicious raw, grilled, or simmered. In the summer, feast on freshly awabi (abalone), including those caught by traditional ama divers.

Marvel at the castle walls, often used in dramas and movies as they are some of the highest in Japan, as you make your way in. The castle keep was destroyed by a natural disaster while being constructed and remained unrepaired for years, but was finally completed by a local political representative in 1935.

Authentic ninja and kunoichi (female ninja) will guide you through a traditional ninja house filled with tricks and traps designed by the ninja to protect their secrets from being stolen. After that, you can view an exhibition featuring a variety of ninja tools and weapons, as well as look into ninja techniques and the life of a ninja. Don't miss the ninja show featuring actual ninja weapons! (A separate fee is required and please check the home page for show times)

Located just beyond Nara Park, this World Heritage site boasts Japan's second-tallest five-story pagoda and a host of other National Treasures, including a world-renowned lacquer statue of Ashura. Its Southern Round Hall (designated an Important Cultural Property) is particularly striking at sunset.

One of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples, Todaiji houses the majestic Great Buddha, said to be one of the world's largest gilt bronze Buddha statues, along with a host of other National Treasures from mighty gates to striking guardian statues. Explore the temple's vast grounds and transport yourself back to the days when Nara was Japan's ancient capital.

Located in Nara City, Nara Park is a must-see tourist spot and takes pride in its many historical and cultural national treasures. The deer are said to be the gods’ messengers and roam freely around the city. This remarkable and charming sight awaits you.

A World Heritage site, this venerable shrine will enchant visitors with its striking vermilion columns and stone lanterns set amidst a primeval forest as old as time. Thanks to a traditional rebuilding ceremony that takes place every twenty years, the buildings are in pristine condition over a millenia after the shrine's inception. A divine site that will truly take your breath away.

Off the beaten path halfway atop sacred Mount Ikoma lies Hozanji, a serene place of worship that welcomes the reflective traveler. Take a cable car to the top, or walk the stone stairway lined with shops and guesthouses, taking in striking views of the valley along your way. Visit in September during the yearly lantern festival for a truly otherworldly experience.

Set atop Mount Ikoma with sweeping views of the Nara Basin and Osaka Plain, this amusement park is home to a host of rides and games sure to please small children. On days when it's open after sundown, it's also a romantic date spot that boasts stunning 360-degree night views.

Located away from central Nara on a flower-lined mountainside, this historic temple offers stunning scenery, particularly in the spring cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons. Stroll leisurely about the charming temple town, then climb a covered stairway to the main attraction, a 12m-tall statue of the 11-faced Kannon deity.

Escape the hustle and bustle of modern cities and surround yourself in the natural beauty of the 48 waterfalls of Akame. Nestled in the mountains on the border of Mie and Nara Prefectures, these waterfalls are found all along a gorgeous trail with a rich history steeped in ancient legend. Visitors can enjoy the splendor of nature in all seasons, but will be particularly awed by the autumn foliage, or in winter when you may see the otherworldly sight of the waterfalls frozen over.

Home to a unique 13-story pagoda—the only one of its kind in Japan—and famed for its gorgeous autumn foliage, Tanzan-Jinja enshrines Fujiwara Kamatani, an influential statesman in the Asuka period. Climb the 130-step staircase beyond the torii gate to the main hall, and gaze out from the prayer hall with its traditional tōrō hanging lanterns for a stunning sight.