4 days in Japan

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

The Amanohashidate Viewpoint offers one of Japan's most famous and breathtaking landscapes. Located atop a hill, this scenic spot provides a panoramic view of Amanohashidate, a natural sandbar covered in lush pine trees stretching across Miyazu Bay.

From this elevated vantage point, the sandbar looks like a “bridge to heaven,” especially when viewed upside down, a popular tradition for visitors.

Accessible by chairlift or cable car, the viewpoint is also home to a small café and shop where you can relax and take in the view. It’s a must-see destination for those visiting the area.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

Ine no Funaya is the heart of the quaint fishing village, nestled between the hills and the sea, lined with preserved funaya boathouses, small local shops, and family-run restaurants serving fresh seafood.

Strolling through the streets provides you a chance to experience the village’s timeless atmosphere, enjoy views of the scenic bay, and interact with friendly locals who still embrace their seafaring traditions.

The narrow streets, often quiet and peaceful, invite leisurely exploration on foot or by bicycle.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

The Ine Viewpoint (Funaya-no-Sato) offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the village and its iconic Funaya boathouses nestled along the coastline. It's an ideal spot for relaxing and appreciating Ine's unique beauty.

You can take a 5-minute car, taxi, or bus ride to reach the viewpoint, but we recommend walking — it's a 20-minute scenic stroll from the center of Ine with a moderate uphill climb at the end. The walking option offers a few more beautiful views along the route.

In addition to the stunning views, there is a cozy restaurant where you can enjoy local seafood dishes, as well as a souvenir shop offering locally made crafts and gifts.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

The Ine Bay Cruise offers a tranquil and scenic boat ride through the calm waters of Ine Bay, allowing you to experience the unique charm of the traditional funaya boathouses from the water.

As you glide past these historic wooden homes, built directly on the shoreline with boat garages on the first floor, you'll get a close-up view of this picturesque fishing village.

The cruise provides a peaceful way to take in the stunning coastal scenery, observe local fishermen at work, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds this idyllic village.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

Strolling through Ine is a serene and immersive way to explore this picturesque fishing village at your own pace. It’s a perfect way to experience the authentic charm and timeless beauty of Ine.

As you wander through the narrow streets lined with traditional Funaya boathouses, you’ll feel transported to a simpler time, where the village’s deep connection to the sea is evident in every detail.

The peaceful atmosphere, with fishing boats gently bobbing in the bay and the sound of water lapping against the shore, creates a sense of tranquility.

Along the way, you can stop at small shops, interact with friendly locals, and enjoy stunning views of the coastline.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a breathtaking natural wonder and a must-visit destination if you are seeking tranquility amidst towering bamboo groves. This enchanting bamboo forest is a testament to the beauty of nature and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The centerpiece of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is the mesmerizing bamboo grove, where towering bamboo stalks form a surreal and serene pathway. As you walk through this enchanting corridor, you'll be surrounded by the gentle rustling of bamboo leaves, creating a soothing and otherworldly atmosphere.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also home to various attractions, including the iconic Nonomiya Shrine and the enchanting bamboo-lined paths of Sagano Bamboo Forest.

Whether you're seeking a tranquil stroll, a cultural adventure, or a serene natural retreat, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest offers a captivating and unforgettable experience that continues to captivate travelers from around the world.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

Fushimi Inari Shrine is an iconic and spiritually significant Shinto shrine that holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. Known for its striking thousands of vermilion torii gates that create a mesmerizing tunnel-like path through the forested Mount Inari, this shrine is a captivating and sacred destination.

The main attraction is the Senbon Torii, a seemingly endless path of vivid red gates that leads to the summit of Mount Inari. Each torii gate is donated by individuals and businesses as an offering and bears inscriptions of their names and wishes.

As you ascend the mountain, you'll encounter serene forested trails, sub-shrines, stone fox statues (guardians of Inari shrines), and captivating viewpoints that provide panoramic vistas of Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is not only a place of spiritual reverence but also a nature lover's paradise and a photographer's dream, offering an enchanting blend of culture and natural beauty that makes it one of Kyoto's most beloved and enduring treasures.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

Gion Geisha District, nestled in the heart of Kyoto, is a timeless enclave where tradition and elegance come to life. Its iconic cobbled streets, lined with beautifully preserved machiya houses, transport visitors to a bygone era.

Gion is renowned for preserving the geisha culture. While strolling through its narrow alleys, you may spot geisha and maiko in their exquisite kimono attire, adding an air of enchantment to the district.

The geisha culture thrives in Gion, with geisha and maiko honing their skills in traditional arts like dance, music, and conversation. Some teahouses offer cultural performances and dining experiences, allowing you to partake in this rich heritage.

Gion is not just about tradition; it also offers charming boutiques, traditional shops, and exceptional dining opportunities. Yasaka Shrine, located at the district's eastern edge, adds to the district's allure with its vibrant festivals and lantern-lit paths.

Exploring Gion is a journey into Japan's cultural soul, where the past and present harmoniously coexist.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

Kiyomizu-dera, a majestic Buddhist temple situated in the eastern hills of Kyoto, is an architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Translating to "Pure Water Temple," Kiyomizu-dera is renowned for its awe-inspiring wooden terrace, which extends from the main hall and offers panoramic views of Kyoto's lush landscape.

The temple's main hall, constructed without the use of nails, stands as a testament to traditional Japanese craftsmanship. It is home to the Kannon Bodhisattva, a revered deity known for compassion and mercy. You can explore the inner sanctum of the temple, offering a spiritual and peaceful experience.

Kiyomizu-dera's picturesque setting is particularly enchanting during the cherry blossom season, with cherry trees surrounding the temple and the terrace. These blossoms create a breathtaking vista, making it a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics.

Kiyomizu-dera stands as an embodiment of Japanese cultural and architectural heritage, offering a serene space for reflection, appreciation of nature, and an exploration of Buddhism's profound influence on Japanese spirituality.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

To travel between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko (central hub of Mt Fuji region), there are three convenient options besides a rental car, depending on whether you'd like a direct route, scenic views, or flexibility:

Our favorite way to get there is on a JR Limited Express Fuji Excursion train as it is a direct route from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station, taking about 2 hours with a cost of around 4,000 yen each way. The Fuji Excursion train has large windows for mountain views along the way, making it a scenic and comfortable choice.

Another option is starting with Tokaido Shinkansen and then Fujikyu Railway. Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station (about 45 minutes on the Kodama or Hikari trains). From Mishima, transfer to a local bus heading toward Kawaguchiko Station near Mount Fuji. The whole journey takes about 2-3 hours and provides great flexibility if you have a Japan Rail Pass.

And finally, you can take a budget-friendly and direct Highway Bus from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station. The bus ride takes about 2-2.5 hours and costs around 2,000 yen each way. Some buses also go to the Fuji 5th Station, the popular starting point for climbing, but this service is typically seasonal.

If you don't want to spend time on figuring out the logistics of getting to and around Mt Fuji — we recommend a full-day guided tour from Tokyo that takes all the guesswork out of the equation. Check our activites in Tokyo region for a list of vetted Mt Fuji tours.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

Japan’s iconic Shinkansen is the best way to travel between Tokyo to Kyoto. With high-speed service that can get you there in just over two hours, it combines speed, convenience, and comfort in a way that air or car travel simply can’t match.

The fastest and most popular line is the Tokaido Shinkansen, which offers three types of trains: the Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. The Nozomi is the quickest, covering the distance in about 2h 15m with limited stops. The Hikari is slightly slower at around 2h 40m, while the Kodama takes about 4 hours due to its numerous stops.

Once onboard, you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride with spacious seating, large windows, and a clean environment. Food and drinks can be purchased from onboard vendors, or you can bring along your own ekiben, a boxed meal available at train stations.

If you are traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto, and other cities via bullet train, and also use subway and ferrys, it's totally worth it to buy a 7-day JR Pass. It brings hundreds of dollars in savings for all of Fyno's multi-city Japan itineraries.

We recommend booking your ticket in advance, especially if you're traveling during busy seasons like spring’s cherry blossom season or the autumn leaf-viewing period. Tickets are available from automated machines at the station, where English language options are provided, or at staffed counters for extra assistance.

As you depart from Tokyo, keep an eye out for Mount Fuji on the right side of the train if weather permits.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

The most efficient way to get from Mount Fuji region to Kyoto is by taking Direct Highway Bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Mishima (1.5h), then Shinkansen to Kyoto (2h). The full trip will cost around 10,000 yen.

This is usually a relatively stress-free journey since the buses depart every 10 to 15 minutes, there are 1-2 bullet trains from Mishima to Kyoto every hour, and all the transportation is on time pretty much always.

Alternatively, you can take Fujikyu Railway to Tokyo and then Shinkansen to Kyoto, but it's more expensive and time consuming.

The bus to Mishima is reservation-only, and bullet trains are usually sold out during peak season, so we recommend booking your seats in advance.

If you primarily use trains, buses, and subway on your trip to Japan, we recommend buying Japan Rail Pass. It brings hundreds of dollars in savings for all of Fyno's multi-city Japan itineraries.

Word from curator

Sandra, Japan expert

To get from Kyoto to Nara Park, you have several convenient options. Each one has it's own pros and cons.

Kintetsu Railway option is our favorite because you arrive much closer to Nara Park. Take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station. This takes around 40 minutes, with an express ticket costing about 1,200 yen. And then just a 5-minute walk from the station to the park entrance. If you prefer guaranteed seating during busy travel times — follow the link to Kintetsu website.

You can also take a JR Line which is more popular because it's covered with Japan Rail Pass if you have it. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to JR Nara Station. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs around 720 yen. Once at JR Nara Station, it’s about a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride to Nara Park.

Another option is a scenic bus. Take a highway bus from Kyoto Station to Nara. The bus takes about 1.5 hours, and tickets are typically around 1,000 yen. The bus will drop you near central Nara, from which you can reach Nara Park by walking or taking a local bus.