Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek

Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights.

Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path.

Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat.

Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream.

Kyoto, Japan awaits!

Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights.

Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path.

Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat.

Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream.

Kyoto, Japan awaits!

Just south of Kyoto, Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and a cultural hub known for its spectacular culinary scene. Highlights of this sprawling and lively city include majestic Osaka Castle, whose tiers of white and green tower over Nishinomaru Garden’s blooming pink cherry trees, as well as the Shitennoji Buddhist temple, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and ever-popular Universal Studios Japan. Be sure to visit the Tsutenkaku Tower, illuminated by vivid neon, and take advantage of nearby souvenir shops, or venture into the Dōtonbori district for the city’s best restaurants! Kuromon Market is a must for an authentic taste of Osaka’s fresh seafood and gastronomic staples; sample anything from Takoyaki dumplings to the infamous fugu fish. Savor in the sights and sounds of vibrant Osaka on your next trip to Japan!

Just south of Kyoto, Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and a cultural hub known for its spectacular culinary scene. Highlights of this sprawling and lively city include majestic Osaka Castle, whose tiers of white and green tower over Nishinomaru Garden’s blooming pink cherry trees, as well as the Shitennoji Buddhist temple, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and ever-popular Universal Studios Japan. Be sure to visit the Tsutenkaku Tower, illuminated by vivid neon, and take advantage of nearby souvenir shops, or venture into the Dōtonbori district for the city’s best restaurants! Kuromon Market is a must for an authentic taste of Osaka’s fresh seafood and gastronomic staples; sample anything from Takoyaki dumplings to the infamous fugu fish. Savor in the sights and sounds of vibrant Osaka on your next trip to Japan!