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Japan: From Ancient to Tomorrow

Japan: From Ancient to Tomorrow

Look inside. A little of the journey.

Land at Kansai and settle into Kyoto for five nights. Keep it to a meal and a short Kamo River walk; a late arrival can wait until tomorrow.

Haruka to Kyoto, then your own neighborhood
afternoon

Haruka to Kyoto, then your own neighborhood

Kansai International Airport; Haruka to Kyoto Station

Allow for immigration and bags, then roughly 75 minutes on Haruka to Kyoto plus your hotel transfer. Save the hotel address in Japanese and ask about early bag storage.

Haruka has luggage racks; Tokaido/Sanyo oversized-baggage seats follow a different rule. Keep valuables and medication with you; the pin marks Kansai International Airport.

Book this airport train ticketPaid link: the person who made this guide may earn a commission if you book, buy or sign up through it.Official Haruka information
evening

A short Kamo River loop

Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, Kamo River, Kyoto

Start at Sanjo Ohashi and walk a comfortable stretch near Sanjo or Shijo. Find tomorrow’s station exit, then call it a day.

Official information
evening

Ramen near Kyoto Station, if it fits your arrival

Honke Daiichi Asahi Honten, Kyoto

Honke Daiichi Asahi serves Kyoto pork-and-soy ramen with Kujo green onions. Check dietary needs directly; if the queue is long, eat near your room.

Official information

Day 1: ANCIENT · Arrive beside the Kamo

Land at Kansai and settle into Kyoto for five nights. Keep it to a meal and a short Kamo River walk; a late arrival can wait until tomorrow.

Haruka to Kyoto, then your own neighborhood
afternoon

Haruka to Kyoto, then your own neighborhood

Kansai International Airport; Haruka to Kyoto Station

Allow for immigration and bags, then roughly 75 minutes on Haruka to Kyoto plus your hotel transfer. Save the hotel address in Japanese and ask about early bag storage.

Haruka has luggage racks; Tokaido/Sanyo oversized-baggage seats follow a different rule. Keep valuables and medication with you; the pin marks Kansai International Airport.

Book this airport train ticketPaid link: the person who made this guide may earn a commission if you book, buy or sign up through it.Official Haruka information
evening

A short Kamo River loop

Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, Kamo River, Kyoto

Start at Sanjo Ohashi and walk a comfortable stretch near Sanjo or Shijo. Find tomorrow’s station exit, then call it a day.

Official information
evening

Ramen near Kyoto Station, if it fits your arrival

Honke Daiichi Asahi Honten, Kyoto

Honke Daiichi Asahi serves Kyoto pork-and-soy ramen with Kujo green onions. Check dietary needs directly; if the queue is long, eat near your room.

Official information

Day 2: Nara · Before Kyoto was the capital

Day 2 is part of the full guide.

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Day 3: Kyoto · Wood, clay and the hillside

Day 3 is part of the full guide.

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Day 4: Uji · Tea deserves its own day

Day 4 is part of the full guide.

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Day 5: Kyoto · Torii at dawn, making before lunch

Day 5 is part of the full guide.

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Day 6: Osaka · The city by the water

Day 6 is part of the full guide.

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Day 7: Osaka · Household stories, then the neon

Day 7 is part of the full guide.

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Day 8: Kanazawa · A garden after the train

Day 8 is part of the full guide.

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Day 9: Kanazawa · Gold leaf and the work behind it

Day 9 is part of the full guide.

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Day 10: Tokyo · Arrive in the modern capital

Day 10 is part of the full guide.

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Day 11: Tokyo · The old city around Sensō-ji

Day 11 is part of the full guide.

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Day 12: Tokyo · Yanaka and Nezu at walking pace

Day 12 is part of the full guide.

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Day 13: Tokyo · Design from the garden to the street

Day 13 is part of the full guide.

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Day 14: FUTURISTIC · An artwork without edges

Day 14 is part of the full guide.

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Read the open preview
The Meridian

FOURTEEN DAYS THROUGH JAPAN

Japan: From Ancient to Tomorrow

Ancient Kyoto to futuristic Tokyo. Get close to the culture.

Best time to go: Planned for late autumn, mid to late November: Kyoto’s leaves and temple light-ups, Kanazawa’s gardens and Tokyo walks.
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JB Rogers
JB Rogers

JB Rogers

Independent travel advisor

You already paid for this trip, so actually take it. I handle the logistics, the curveballs, and the thing nobody warned you about.