Where we are going...

Plane flight from San Francisco to Osaka, Japan is nonstop, departing at 10:50 am September 25th and landing in Osaka, September 26th at 2:15 pm (local time). Osaka, Japan is 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. So, the 11 hour flight that leaves San Francisco at 10:50 AM arrives in Osaka, Japan, at 9:50 PM (PDT); however it is actually 2:15 PM, the NEXT day in Japan! So, while our bodies may be saying it is bedtime, it is far better to go out, explore, and wait to crash around 10 pm, Osaka time, and hopefully the body catches on quickly to it's new sleep patterns.
PDT is behind JST by 16 hours

Japan has 27 identified UNESCO World Heritage sites on the World Heritage list and we hope to visit quite a few. Here are the names of 27, found in Japan:
       Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
       Himeji-jo
       Shirakami-Sanchi
       Yakushima
       Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)
       Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
       Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
       Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
       Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
       Shrines and Temples of Nikko
       Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
       Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
       Shiretoko
       Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape
       Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
       Ogasawara Islands
       Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration
       Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
       Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining
       The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement *
       Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region
       Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region
       Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan
       Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
       Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
       Sado Island Gold Mines
       Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara
How knowing about 'Shikinai-sha' makes visiting shrines 10 times more interesting and will have to check out maybe start collecting goshuin (shrine seals)!

Things to do:

*** Saturday, Sept 26th ***in the morning, exploration of Osaka
    

and then at... 6:30 PM ... Osaka Street Food Tour: 17 Delicious Dishes at 4 Local Eateries

Meeting point: MEGA Don Quijote Shinsekai, Osaka, Japan. We will meet in front of MEGA Don Quijote Shinsekai. Your guide will be holding a sign that says “Osaka Food Walking Tour”. You’ll see a big penguin sign on the building, so it’s easy to find. There is also a FamilyMart right next to the entrance.

       Shinsekai – Retro Streets & Local Atmosphere
Step into the nostalgic streets of Shinsekai, one of Osaka’s most iconic neighborhoods. Known for its neon lights, giant lanterns, and lively atmosphere, this area offers a glimpse into the city’s past. As we walk through its vibrant streets, you’ll discover hidden spots, local stories, and the unique charm that makes Shinsekai a favorite among locals.

       Tsutenkaku – Osaka’s Iconic Tower & Food Origins
We will pass by this towering symbol of Shinsekai and a beloved landmark of Osaka. As we explore the surrounding streets, hear the story of how this district was shaped over a century ago as a lively entertainment area inspired by Western influences. This neighborhood is also widely known as the birthplace of kushikatsu, where Osaka’s deep-fried food culture first took root.


*** Sunday, Sept 27th @ 10:00 AM        

Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour: Castle, Dotonbori, Gems & Lunch

Meeting point: Ōsakajōkōen Station, Osaka, Osaka, Japan Please meet in front of the 7-11 kiosk inside of Osakajokoen station on the JR Osaka Loop Line. This is different from JR Osaka station.

Osaka Castle - played an important role in the unification of Japan during the samurai era of the sixteenth century. The castle grounds, which cover approximately 61,000 square metres (15 acres), contain the following thirteen structures that were denoted as "important cultural assets" by the Japanese government:
Ote-mon Gate; Sakura-mon Gate; Ichiban-yagura Turret; Inui-yagura Turret; Rokuban-yagura Turret; Sengan Turret; Tamon Turret; Kinmeisui Well; Kinzo Storehouse; Enshogura Gunpowder Magazine; Three sections of 'dobei' mud-and-plaster wall, all located around the Otemon Gate.
America Mura or Amerika-mura - or Amemura to the locals - is a warren of narrow streets. Originally called Sumiyamachi in the 1960s, the area was filled with warehouses and lumber yards. In the 1970s, these spaces were converted into shops selling used clothes, records, and imported goods from the U.S., giving rise to the “American Village” name
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street - A covered shopping street which has been Osaka’s most important shopping area for 400 years with hundreds of shops lining this 600-metre long street.
Dotonbori Tsuribori - One of the main tourist destinations in Osaka, it is located along the Dōtonbori canal, offering a mix of neon-lit streets, street food, and lively nightlife..
Hozenji Yokocho - A hard to find, narrow alleyway that has preserved the atmosphere of old Japan with its traditional lanterns and cobblestone paths.
Hozen-ji Temple - A small Buddhist temple located just off Dotonbori. Built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Fudo Myoo, one of the five wisdom kings in Buddhism.
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street - Osaka’s famous kitchenware street, where chefs and food lovers shop for everything from handcrafted knives to restaurant tools and unique cooking items.
Nipponbashi Denden Town - a vibrant area filled with anime, manga, gaming, collectibles, and unique shops that showcase the city’s modern otaku culture and hidden treasures.
Kuromon Market - It is also known as the “Gastronome” or “Osaka’s Kitchen” and has been around for over 200 years. The market is known for its fresh seafood, meat, and produce. See some of the finest seafood in Japan both prepped and eaten.

      ***In the evening, possibly finding someplace special for dinner.

More things to do:

*** Monday, Sept 28th
       • 9:00 AM

Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour

Meeting point: Statue of Gyoki-bosatsu, Nara, Nara, Japan and Kintetsu Nara Station

In front of the Gyoki Bosatsu statue near Exit 2 or East Exit of Kintetsu Nara Station. Please don’t go JR Nara station, you need to be at Kintetsu Nara Station. It takes 10 minutes to get to Kintetsu Nara station from JR Nara station. The following is a list of places to see.

Kofuku-ji Temple - We will be in the iconic Kofuku-ji Temple , renowned for its stunning five-story pagoda. This ornately carved pagoda was built by the Fujiwara clan in 730. Today it is an iconic historical landmark of Nara.
Todai-ji Temple - Explore Todai-ji Temple Main Hall and Nandaimon. You will be greeted by two imposing guardian statues called Kongorikishi. Beyond them is the Great Buddha, a sight that never ceases to fascinate visitors. During this tour, your local guide will share fascinating stories and interesting insights into Japanese Buddhism and the significance of historical temples!
107 Zōshichō - Some lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant in an old Japanese town!
Kasuga Grand Shrine - Explore Kasugayama Primeval Forest and Kasuga Taisha. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is located in Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It is one of the 22 shrines in the Shikinai Shrines and one of the 22 Shinto shrines. Formerly a kanpeitai-sha, it is now an annexed shrine of the Jinja Honcho (Agency for the Promotion of Shinto Religion). The former name of the shrine was Kasuga Shrine, and the crest of the shrine is a “falling wisteria”. It is the head shrine of approximately 1,000 Kasuga shrines throughout Japan. It is registered as one of the “Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara” on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Nara Park - Walk inside Nara Park where you can see cute wild deers. Explore the beautiful red shrine housing hundreds of lanterns!
Naramachi - head for Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie - We will check out an old Japanese townscape that is quite different from the Tokyo we know. We will walk among historical buildings and enter merchant houses to see how people used to live in this area.

*** Tuesday, Sep 29th
       • 9:00 AM

Kyoto Private Car Tour with English Guide Driver (Amanohashidate)

Meeting point: Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Oh goody, this is where we are staying in Kyoto. Perfect. Our guide will come to the hotel lobby or wait for us outside of the hotel. The following is a list of the agenda for the day of places to see.

Amanohashidate - often ranked among Japan’s three most scenic views, is a natural sandbar stretching about 3.6 km across Miyazu Bay, lined with nearly 5,000 pine trees. The name means “bridge to heaven,” and from the surrounding hills, the sandbar looks like a path connecting the sky and earth. Visitors can walk, cycle, or even take a boat ride to enjoy its beauty, and the unique custom of viewing it “upside down” through your legs offers a fun and memorable perspective.

Ine no Funaya - Ine Bay and Funaya Houses are picturesque fishing village famous for its unique funaya, or boathouses. These traditional wooden houses are built directly on the water, with the first floor serving as a garage for boats and fishing equipment, and the second floor used as living quarters. The sight of over 200 funaya lined up along the bay creates a landscape unlike anywhere else in Japan. Visitors can explore the town on foot, enjoy fresh seafood, or take a boat tour for a closer look at these charming waterfront homes and the tranquil bay.

Chion-in Temple - the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, is one of Kyoto’s grandest temple complexes. It is known for its massive Sanmon Gate, the largest wooden gate in Japan, and its impressive temple grounds filled with historic halls and tranquil gardens. Chion-in offers visitors a chance to experience both the scale and spiritual depth of Japanese Buddhist culture.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, best known for the breathtaking Senbon Torii, or “thousands of torii gates,” that form bright red tunnels winding through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, prosperity, and good fortune, the shrine has long been a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance. Visitors can stroll beneath the endless rows of gates, discover smaller shrines along the paths, and admire fox statues, believed to be Inari’s messengers. Whether you visit in the daytime, when the vermilion gates shine vividly in the sun, or at night, when the pathways take on a serene and mysterious atmosphere, Fushimi Inari offers an unforgettable experience.

Arashiyama - in western Kyoto, is a scenic district known for its natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Highlights include the enchanting Bamboo Forest, the UNESCO World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple, and the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, which is especially stunning during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage. Visitors can also explore the Iwatayama Monkey Park for views over Kyoto and encounters with wild monkeys, and stroll through the illuminated Kimono Forest near Arashiyama Station. With its blend of traditional shops, tea houses, and breathtaking scenery, Arashiyama is a must-visit destination in Kyoto.

        Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - The Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama is a serene and magical walkway where tall bamboo stalks tower overhead, creating a peaceful and otherworldly atmosphere. It’s one of Kyoto’s most photographed and iconic natural spots.

       < Tenryu-ji Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage site in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is famous for its beautifully landscaped gardens and traditional architecture. Surrounded by lush greenery and views of the nearby mountains, it offers a peaceful and culturally rich experience, reflecting the elegance of Japanese Zen temples.

        Togetsukyo Bridge - spanning the Katsura River in Arashiyama, is a scenic landmark famous for its stunning views. Visitors enjoy photographing the bridge framed by cherry blossoms in spring or vibrant autumn foliage, making it one of Kyoto’s most picturesque spots.

        Arashiyama Kimono Forest - located near Arashiyama Station, features hundreds of illuminated pillars wrapped in colorful kimono fabrics. This modern art installation creates a magical and photogenic walkway, especially enchanting in the evening.

Sagano Romantic Train (affectionately called the Torokko) Enjoy a scenic ride through the beautiful Hozugawa Gorge on this charming vintage train. It’s a relaxing way to experience Kyoto’s seasonal landscapes, especially stunning during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Monkey Park Iwatayama - Climb a short mountain trail to meet wild Japanese macaques and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto from the top. A fun and unique experience where you can observe monkeys up close in a natural setting.

Gion - Located in the heart of Kyoto, Gion is the city’s most famous traditional district, known for its geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) culture. Stroll along Hanami-koji Street or the Shirakawa Canal to enjoy wooden teahouses, lantern-lit streets, and the timeless beauty of old Japan. You might even glimpse a maiko gracefully walking to an evening appointment.

Kinkakuji Temple - or the Golden Pavilion, was originally built in the 14th century as the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and later became a Zen temple. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. The pavilion is covered in brilliant gold leaf and is especially stunning when reflected in the calm waters of the surrounding pond. Visitors can stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy a timeless view that perfectly captures the elegance of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Nishiki Market Shopping District - Discover the vibrant flavors of Kyoto at Nishiki Market, a bustling street lined with over 100 shops and stalls. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this historic market has been serving locals and visitors for centuries. Explore a colorful array of fresh seafood, local produce, traditional sweets, pickles, and unique Kyoto specialties. Stroll through the lively aisles, sample local delicacies, and watch skilled vendors at work. Whether you’re a foodie looking for authentic tastes or simply want to experience the local culture, Nishiki Market offers a sensory journey through Kyoto’s culinary heritage.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples, founded in the 8th century. It is best known for the grand wooden stage known as “Kiyomizu no Butai”, which extends from the main hall and was built without the use of nails. This stage offers sweeping views of Kyoto and is especially breathtaking during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage. Visitors can also explore the temple’s historic grounds, including the Otowa Waterfall, where drinking from its streams is believed to bring health, longevity, and success.

Ginkakuji Temple - or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple built in the late 15th century by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. Although never covered in silver, it is admired for its refined simplicity, beautiful moss gardens, and the meticulously designed sand garden known as the “Sea of Silver Sand.” The temple embodies the elegance of Japanese aesthetics and the spirit of wabi-sabi.

Yasaka Shrine - Located between Kyoto’s Gion and Higashiyama districts, Yasaka Shrine is one of the city’s most famous and lively Shinto shrines. Known for its vibrant Gion Matsuri festival and beautiful lanterns that light up at night, it offers visitors a glimpse of Kyoto’s spiritual and cultural heart.

Sanjusangen-do Temple - officially known as Rengeo-in, is a Buddhist temple famous for its long wooden hall stretching 120 meters, the longest of its kind in Japan. Inside, visitors are awed by the sight of 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, arranged in magnificent rows. The temple offers a powerful and unforgettable cultural experience.

Nijo Castle - a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was built in the early 17th century as the Kyoto residence of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle is renowned for its elegant palace buildings, beautiful gardens, and the famous “nightingale floors”, which chirp when walked upon as a security measure. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the power and artistry of Japan’s samurai era.

Here is a table for the upcoming itinerary.

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Meet your guides and fellow guests in the afternoon at the hotel in Onomichi, close to the station. Afternoon briefing and bike setup after which you’ll have some free time to explore fascinating Onomichi city, famous for its narrow alley ways and lanes connecting temples built into the hill-side. Later we head out for an evening meal together, where we get to know each other and eat some local specialties.

After breakfast together, we hop on our bikes and set off straight from our accommodation. A short ferry ride takes us to the start of the Shimanami Kaidō, where we begin a stunning ride along one of the world's best cycling routes! As we explore the islands, we’ll venture off the beaten path to visit a local shrine, pay our respects, and wish for a safe journey ahead. We will finish today’s ride at our beautiful accommodation in the small town of Setoda. You'll have time to explore the town and unwind in the hotel's spa before we come together for a delicious dinner.

Another fantastic day of cycling as we complete the Shimanami Kaidō route! Today, after breakfast together, we venture off the main path to explore some of the islands in greater depth. Along the way, we visit one of the region’s oldest and most prestigious shrines, renowned for its ancient camphor trees. We will also ride across the Kurushima Bridge, a spectacular 4-kilometre suspension bridge that leads us onto Shikoku Island. From there, it’s a short ride to our hotel in Imabari, where you can relax in the spa before we head into town to enjoy some delicious local cuisine and celebrate completing the Shimanami Kaidō.

After breakfast together, we begin the day with a beautiful morning loop ride in Imabari, taking in the impressive Imabari Port and one of Shikoku’s picturesque 88 temples. As we leave the coast behind, the scenery transforms, revealing the rolling hills of rural Shikoku. After returning to Imabari for lunch, we take a short transfer to Matsuyama, arriving with plenty of time to explore. You'll have a range of great options, from visiting the iconic Matsuyama Castle to enjoying a relaxing soak in Japan’s oldest hot spring, Dōgo Onsen, conveniently located right next to our hotel. Dinner together is planned

After breakfast, we start the day with a short drive from Matsuyama into the mountains. Cycling along beautiful rural roads, we visit one of Shikoku’s most impressive temples. After exploring the temple grounds, we continue our ride to a small village nestled beside an emerald-green river, where we’ll stop for lunch. From there, we follow the river on a scenic route through the quintessential Shikoku countryside. Uchiko is a charming town in a picturesque setting. Here, we stay in a collection of traditional houses within the historic district, thoughtfully refurbished into modern Japanese-style accommodation. It’s a place where you can feel at home away from home, soaking up the local atmosphere and exploring this beautiful area including dinner.

Once breakfast is taken care of, we have some great optional activities for you to choose from today including some excellent ride options, a visit and hands on experience at a Japanese washi paper factory and a Kimono fitting experience. These activities are selected to provide a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and offer some very unique experiences. Whether you choose to relax and unwind or partake in one or more of the optional activities, we guarantee you'll have a great day. In the evening we will re-group for our evening meal at a local ‘Izakaya’ – a Japanese style pub.

After a short drive south to the town of Uwa(Seiyo), our Shikoku journey continues as we make our way to the port town of Uwajima. Today's ride is challenging but very rewarding with incredible views of the Uwa sea and surrounding mountains, adorned with terraced orange orchards. The scenery here is some of the best in Shikoku and with very few foreign tourists visiting, you’ll be sure to get a few surprised smiles from the locals! Breakfast and dinner will be provided today.

We start the day with a scenic train journey, after breakfast together, that takes us from Uwajima to the beautiful Shimanto river in Kochi prefecture. The ‘Yodo line’ covers around 75km of gorgeous Shikoku scenery, crossing over dramatic bridges, through river valleys, passing by rice fields and stopping in at some adorably retro local train stations. We alight the train at Kubokawa, where we meet our support van and jump on the bikes for an afternoon of fantastic cycling along one of Japan’s most beautiful rivers, the mighty Shimanto. Meals included today are breakfast and dinner.

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Our final ride of the tour is a great one, after a good breakfast together. Pacific coast cycling at its best as we make our way north towards Kochi city. Today's ride is a challenging one with a few climbs and a real adventure, with a mixture of coastal shrines, a beautiful temple, and an old forgotten highway that takes us through a wonderful bamboo forest. Our goal, Kochi city, where we’ll check-in to our riverside hotel and hit the town for a fantastic meal and, if you feel like, a sake bar to finish off a truly epic day.

After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we’ll have time to visit Kochi Castle. As one of the twelve original castles in Japan, meaning it was built before the Edo period (1603-1868), Kochi-jo has retained much of its original structure, making it fascinating to explore. After this, we will drive directly to Matsuyama city (approximately 2 hours), where you will be dropped off either at the airport, or at the central train station.
And then, ferry time to Hiroshima and hotel.

Things to do:

*** Saturday, October 10 @ 10:00 AM
       

Peaceful Hiroshima & Miyajima UNESCO 1 Day Bus Tour

Meeting point: Shinkansen Ticket Gate, Hiroshima, Japan. In front of Shinkansen Ticket Gate on 2F At Hiroshima station (North Gate) the address is: 2-37 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, HIroshima-shi. ※※※Please check-in with our staff having a green and white flag says Japan Panoramic Tours.
        Hiroshima Castle. - This castle was originally built in 1589
        Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. - commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. The park houses significant monuments, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Peace Memorial Museum, which educates visitors about the bombing’s impact. The park promotes peace and global awareness, with events such as the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony. It stands as a symbol of hope for a world free of nuclear weapons.
        Atomic Bomb Dome. - located in Hiroshima, Japan, is a preserved ruin of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which was near the epicenter of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. The building’s skeletal structure, with its distinctive dome, remains as a poignant symbol of the devastation caused by nuclear warfare. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, serving as a reminder of the horrors of war and a call for global peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
        Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. - It was opened to the public since 1954, there are over 50 pieces peaceful monuments. The museum features exhibits with personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that depict the horrors experienced by survivors. It also emphasizes the importance of peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. The museum serves as a powerful reminder of the need for global peace and the prevention of future nuclear conflict.

        ...some information about Miyajima.

*** Sunday, October 11        ...tentative plans, nothing written in stone, yet!

*** Sunday, October 12,
Time to get ready to return home. Plans include bullet train back to Osaka (not sure what we will be doing on the way) before catching our flight, which leaves Osaka at 4:55 PM today. Eleven hours (more or less) later, we will be landing in San Francisco at 11:00, TODAY! Catching up on lost time from flight to Japan.